How Animals Sneeze: Why It Happens and What It Means

When you see a dog sneeze in the yard or a cat sneeze on the couch, you might think it’s just a cold. But how animals sneeze, a reflexive expulsion of air through the nose and mouth to clear irritants from the nasal passages. Also known as nasal reflex, it’s not always about illness—it’s often a natural cleaning mechanism. Unlike humans, many animals sneeze to remove dust, pollen, or even to signal social cues. A group of meerkats might sneeze in unison to coordinate group movement. A parrot might sneeze after preening to shake loose feather dust. This isn’t just biology—it’s behavior shaped by evolution.

The nasal reflex, a protective response triggered by irritants in the nasal cavity works the same way across species: nerves in the nose send a signal to the brain, which tells the lungs to force air out fast. But what triggers it? In dogs, it’s often sniffing around grass or dirt—tiny particles get stuck. In elephants, sneezing can be a way to blow out water after bathing. Even snakes, which don’t have noses like mammals, can expel air through their glottis to clear debris. Cats sneeze more often than you think, especially if they’re in a dusty room or exposed to strong perfumes. And birds? Their sneezes are quiet but frequent, often linked to dry air or moldy seed.

Not every sneeze is harmless. Repeated sneezing in rabbits can point to respiratory infections. Parrots that sneeze with discharge may have aspergillosis. Dogs with nasal mucus, coughing, or loss of appetite could have kennel cough or even a foreign object lodged in their nose. If your pet sneezes once after a walk, it’s fine. If they sneeze ten times a day for a week, it’s time to check in with a vet. The sneezing triggers, factors that cause the reflex, including allergens, infections, and environmental irritants vary by species, habitat, and even breed. Brachycephalic dogs like bulldogs sneeze more because their short noses trap irritants easily. Older animals with weakened immune systems are more prone to sneezing from infections.

What’s surprising is how much animals use sneezing as communication. Some primates sneeze to get attention from their group. Dolphins have been observed sneezing to signal playfulness or excitement. Even horses sneeze when they’re relaxed or happy—sometimes right after being scratched behind the ears. It’s not always a symptom. Sometimes, it’s a sentence. And when you watch your pet sneeze, you’re not just seeing a bodily function—you’re seeing a piece of their world.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how sneezing connects to medications, allergies, and animal health. From how certain drugs affect nasal passages to why some pets sneeze after being exposed to new environments, these posts give you the facts—not just the myths. Whether you’re a pet owner, vet student, or just curious, what you’re about to read will change how you hear that little sneeze.