Dog runny nose that’s accompanied by yellow nasal discharge is often an indicator of a respiratory infection. Canines are susceptible to several respiratory infections like the parainfluenza virus, Bordetella or streptococci. While some respiratory infections are easily controlled with medications, others are more severe in nature and often excessively debilitate the pet.
If you find that your pet is suffering from a runny nose, watch him closely to make note of any other symptoms he is exhibiting. Also conduct a vet check at the earliest if the discharge is yellowish or greenish in color.
Some Common Symptoms to Watch For:
- Sneezing
- Blood in the nasal discharge
- Cough
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Halitosis
- Lack of appetite
Causes of Runny Nose with Yellow Discharge
Since the symptoms like runny nose and yellow nasal discharge are common to several other illnesses, it’s important to find out the real cause of the symptoms exhibited. Most often than not, yellow nasal discharge is associated with a respiratory infection and rhinitis.
Rhinitis develops when the pet’s nasal passage becomes inflamed. This condition generally develops when the dog is suffering from a viral infection like adenovirus, canine distemper or parainfluenza. Dogs suffering from rhinitis will also exhibit additional symptoms that are similar to those mentioned above. Apart from this, if the dog is suffering from a tooth abscess or any periodontal disease, he may show signs of a runny nose with thick nasal discharge.
Diagnosis of the Yellow Nasal Discharge
In order to find out the underlying cause of the symptoms, the vet will perform a thorough physical exam and find out if the pet has been recently boarded at a pet boarding facility. The vet will also take a sample of the nasal discharge and send it for laboratory analysis to identify the presence of bacteria or viruses.
Blood tests will be performed to rule out other health concerns and to detect any abnormalities. The vet will then examine the dog’s nasal passage to look for inflammation or tumors. In most cases, the oral cavity will also be checked for signs of dental problems.
Treatment of Yellow Nasal Discharge
If the pet is suffering from an underlying bacterial infection, the vet will prescribe a course of antibiotic medications. The dog will also require bronchodilators if he is suffering from a respiratory infection in the lungs. Besides this, the pet will have to be kept in a comfortable environment, free from any stress.
If the yellow mucus causes difficult breathing, the vet may ask you to wipe the dog’s nose periodically with a soft clean cloth. Used towels or cloths should be discarded appropriately.
If the dog is suffering from a respiratory infection, prevent him from coming in contact with other pets living in the same household. While most pets suffer from respiratory infections at some point or the other, pets that haven’t been vaccinated are at greatest risk of contracting life-threatening infections. It’s therefore important to administer all core vaccines on time to reduce the pet’s risk of contracting viruses.