Have you ever noticed your dog sneezing a lot after boarding? If so, you might wonder what is causing this and whether you should be concerned.
Sneezing is a normal reflex that helps dogs clear their nasal passages of dust, pollen, or other irritants.
In my article, we will explore some common reasons dogs sneeze a lot after returning from boarding facilities and what you can do to help them feel better.
Why Is Your Dog Sneezing A Lot After Boarding? – 4 Reasons

I usually see my dog sneezing a lot after being boarded when it has signs of kennel cough.
However, it is not the only reason leading to this health problem. You can check the four main causes of dog sneezing after boarding below:
Upper Respiratory Infection
Just like humans, dogs can catch infections that affect their breathing. Viruses or bacteria can cause these infections and spread easily among dogs.
Some allergy symptoms that your dog has an infection are runny eyes and nose, coughing, sneezing, and tiredness.
If you notice these signs in your dog, especially excessive sneezing, your dog may have infectious tracheobronchitis or kennel cough.
After leaving the shelter and moving into your home, your dog also needs your attention and care. This is a big change for your dog, and they might feel scared or sick.
Check if your dog is eating and drinking well; this is a good sign of their health. If they are not, don’t wait and contact your vet as soon as possible to prevent complications.
Foreign Objects
If you notice that your pet is experiencing swelling, nasal discharge, sneezing, and pawing at the nose, it could indicate that something is stuck in the nasal cavity.
This can be very uncomfortable and dangerous for your pet, so you should seek veterinary attention immediately.
To help your vet diagnose and treat nasal infections, remember if your pet has been playing with or chewing on toys or objects that could have broken off and lodged in their nose.
It would be helpful to look for any missing pieces or signs of damage on the items your pet can access.
Playing
A snort sneeze is a way to express your dog’s joy and excitement while they are playing. They make a cute and funny sound when having fun with you or another furry friend.
You don’t have to worry about this sneeze, as it’s not a sign of an allergy attack or discomfort. It’s just your dog’s special way of saying, “I’m happy, and I love you!”
Illness
When you leave your dog at a boarding facility, you expect them to be well cared for and healthy.
However, sometimes you may notice your dog is not feeling well after you pick them up.
This can give your dog a dry cough and release yellow discharge through sneezing. It isn’t nice for your dog’s health.
Other Health Problems On Dogs After Boarding

Your dogs can get additional symptoms after boarding, such as diarrhea, lethargy, or over requirement of food and drink.
You should notice this form of communication to have the best treatment for your dog. In particular:
Diarrhea
You may be worried that your dog has caught a stomach bug from the kennels if they have diarrhea after you bring them home.
However, this is very rare. A reputable boarding facility will keep everything clean and ensure all the pets have vaccinations.
Your dog’s diarrhea is a normal reaction to the excitement of returning to their home and family.
They love you so much that their tummy gets upset! This should go away in a day or two, but you should take them to the vet if it doesn’t.
Lethargy
Your dog may seem sleepy after you bring them home from the kennels. This is nothing to worry about, as it is quite normal.
The boarding kennels are a fun and stimulating place for your dog, where they have so much to do and see that they may not get enough rest while you are away.
When they return to their familiar and cozy home, they may need to catch up on some sleep to recover from all the excitement.
More Food Or Drink Requirements
When your dog stays at a boarding facility, they may not eat or drink as much as they usually do at home. But don’t worry; this is normal and temporary.
Once they return home, they will be hungry and thirsty and want to replenish their energy. This should last only a few days until they return to their routine.
Can I Vaccinate For My Dog Sneezing And Runny Nose After Boarding?

You love your dog and want to protect them from sneezing, right? Well, there is a vaccine that can help with that.
But not all dog owners know about it or choose to get it for their furry friends.
That’s because it’s not a ‘core’ vaccine, meaning it’s not essential for every dog. And even if you get it, it may not work for every dog or every strain of sneezing.
You can first try Lysol to treat common coughs like kennel ones.
There is always a risk that your dog could catch the uncontrollable sneezing virus from other dogs and have nose bleeds, even if vaccinated.
That’s why you should always be careful and watch out for the signs of sneezing in your dog.
FAQs
If My Dog Is Unwell For Sneezing, What Can You Do?
Sneezing can make your dog feel miserable. But you can help them at home by giving them plenty of water, keeping them warm, and avoiding irritants.
If they don’t get better, take them to the vet for treatment.
What Is Reverse Sneezing On Dogs?
Reverse sneezing is when a dog makes a loud snorting sound while inhaling through the nose. It happens when something irritates the soft palate, the back part of the mouth.
It is not harmful, but it can be scary to watch. It usually stops in a few seconds.
What Should I Do To Treat Cough Due To Sneezing?
If your dog is coughing due to sneezing, you can try some home remedies to ease their discomfort.
You can give them honey, coconut oil, or probiotics to soothe their throat and boost their immunity. You can also use steam therapy or essential oils to reduce coughing.
Conclusion
Your dog sneezing a lot after boarding is not only because of a sign of kennel cough but also due to an unclean environment like airborne droplets.
In some situations, my dog keeps sniffling and sneezing, which indicates that he has fun and excitement.
Therefore, pet owners should take careful notice of their dogs to apply good solutions and save money from expensive tests.