A sneeze is a biological reflex that involves the forceful expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth. This involuntary action serves to clear irritants from the upper nasal passages. It is a common behavior observed in a vast range of species. While often a simple response to a tickle in the nose, the reasons behind an animal’s sneeze can be diverse, extending beyond simple reflexes to encompass communication and indicators of health.
Common Causes of Animal Sneezing
For many animals, the most frequent cause of sneezing is the inhalation of everyday irritants. Particles like dust, pollen, household cleaners, and strong perfumes can trigger the nasal passages, prompting a sneeze to expel the foreign substance. An occasional sneeze from a pet encountering a dusty corner or a freshly sprayed air freshener is not a cause for alarm.
Some animals, particularly dogs, exhibit a behavior known as “play sneezing.” This is a short, sharp exhalation through the nose that occurs during exciting activities or social play. This type of sneeze is a form of communication, signaling that their boisterous behavior is all in good fun and not a genuine act of aggression. It helps maintain a positive atmosphere during play with other dogs or humans.
Anatomy can also play a part in how often an animal sneezes. Brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persian cats have compressed nasal passages due to their skull structure. This anatomical configuration makes them more susceptible to irritation and obstruction, leading to more frequent sneezing compared to breeds with longer snouts.
Sneezing as a Method of Communication
In some species, sneezing has evolved beyond a simple reflex into a tool for group communication. African wild dogs provide an example of this, using sneezes as a form of democratic voting. Before a hunt, the pack engages in a “rally,” and researchers have observed that the more members that sneeze, the more likely the group is to begin the hunt.
This process functions as a quorum, where a certain threshold of sneezes must be reached before collective action is taken. The pack’s social hierarchy adds another layer to this behavior. If a dominant male or female initiates the rally, fewer sneezes are required to get the pack moving. This suggests that while all members can “vote,” the input of higher-ranking individuals carries more weight.
Another example is found in marine iguanas of the Galapagos Islands. These are the only lizards in the world that forage in the ocean, feeding on seaweed that is high in sodium. To avoid a toxic buildup of salt from their diet, they have specialized glands that extract excess salt from their blood. The iguanas then forcefully expel this concentrated salt solution from their nostrils in a spray that resembles a sneeze, a biological adaptation for survival in their marine environment.
When Sneezing Signals a Health Issue
While often harmless, persistent or severe sneezing can indicate an underlying health problem. One of the signs to watch for is the nature of any nasal discharge. A clear, watery discharge may be related to irritation, but if it becomes thick, yellow, green, or contains blood, it often signals an infection or other serious issue.
The frequency of the sneezing is also telling. An occasional sneeze is normal, but sneezing that becomes chronic, occurs in violent fits, or increases in intensity should be evaluated by a professional. If the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, a decreased appetite, coughing, wheezing, or pawing at the face, a vet visit is necessary.
These signs can point to a range of medical conditions. A persistent sneeze could be caused by a respiratory infection, such as kennel cough in dogs. It might also be due to a foreign object, like a grass seed, lodged in the nasal passage, or a dental problem where an infected tooth root affects the nearby nasal sinuses. A veterinarian can perform an examination to determine the cause and recommend appropriate action.