Why Does My Dog Have a Runny Nose, Nosebleeds, or Noisy Breathing?

It can be worrying to notice your dog suddenly sneezing more, developing a runny nose, or even having a nosebleed. While sometimes these signs can be minor, they can also point to more serious conditions. Here’s what you need to know about common nose and airway problems in dogs.

• Nasal fungal infections (aspergillosis): Particularly in long-nosed breeds, this infection causes discharge, nosebleeds, pain, and loss of nose pigment.
• Nasal tumours: Most common in older dogs, tumours can cause persistent discharge, nosebleeds, facial swelling, and noisy breathing.
• Dental disease extending into the nose: Infections in the upper jaw teeth can break into the nasal passages.
• Trauma: Falls or accidents can lead to nosebleeds and swelling.
• BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome): Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs and Frenchies may develop noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, or poor sleep due to multiple airway blockages — sometimes including extra tissue inside the nose.

• Simple causes like allergies or infections may only need medication and supportive care.
• Foreign bodies often require sedation and removal with an endoscope.
• Dental disease will need tooth extraction and clearing of infection.
• Fungal infections are treated with a combination of scoping, plaque removal, and antifungal therapy.
• Nasal tumours can be debulked or treated with advanced options such as rhinoscopy suction, laser, embolisation, or radiation — often improving comfort significantly.

BOAS surgery (including LATE - Laser-Assisted Turbinectomy) can remove obstructive tissue to improve breathing in flat-faced dogs.

• See your local vet first. They can rule out simpler causes, like dental problems, or assist with transient diseases.
• Ask about a referral. If symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by nosebleeds or facial deformity, referral to a specialist centre like VSOS is recommended.

At VSOS, our team is led by Dr Karina Graham, a specialist who has brought some of the most advanced techniques in veterinary nose and airway care to Australia. Using state-of-the-art CT imaging, interventional rhinoscopy, and minimally invasive treatments, we can often both diagnose and treat in a single anaesthetic. 

This approach is a significant step forward compared with traditional methods, which frequently involved multiple procedures, repeated anaesthetics, and delays between diagnosis and treatment. For pets, it means less stress, fewer risks, and faster relief. For owners, it means clear answers and a treatment plan much sooner.

Don’t dismiss a dog’s runny nose or snoring as “normal”. Early investigation gives you the best chance of treating problems before they become serious. Speak with your local vet, and if advanced care is needed, ask for a referral to VSOS.