My Dog Have a Runny Nose?
Wondering why does my dog have a runny nose? Learn which safe human foods can soothe or worsen nasal discharge, plus serving sizes and vet guidance.
Why Does My Dog Have a Runny Nose — And Can Food Help?
If you've noticed clear, yellow, or green discharge dripping from your dog's nose, you're likely asking: why does my dog have a runny nose? Nasal discharge in dogs can stem from allergies, infections, dental disease, foreign bodies, or even food sensitivities. While diet alone rarely causes a runny nose, certain human foods can either support your dog's immune system or trigger allergic responses that worsen nasal symptoms.
This guide focuses on bone broth — one of the safest, most beneficial human foods you can offer a dog with nasal congestion — along with a look at foods that may contribute to nasal inflammation. We'll cover exact serving sizes, preparation methods, and when a runny nose signals something serious enough for a vet visit.
Plain, homemade bone broth (no onions, garlic, or excess sodium) is safe and beneficial for most dogs, including those with mild nasal discharge from colds or allergies. However, if your dog's runny nose is caused by a food allergy, introducing new foods — even healthy ones — requires careful monitoring. Always rule out serious underlying conditions with your veterinarian first.
Understanding the Link Between Diet and Canine Nasal Discharge
Before reaching for any home remedy, it's critical to understand why your dog's nose is running. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, nasal discharge in dogs falls into several categories:
- Serous (clear, watery): Often allergies, mild viral infections, or environmental irritants
- Mucoid (thick, white/gray): Chronic inflammation or early infection
- Mucopurulent (yellow/green): Bacterial or fungal infection
- Sanguineous (bloody): Trauma, clotting disorders, or nasal tumors
Food allergies account for roughly 10-15% of all canine allergic skin disease cases, and while nasal symptoms are less common than itching or ear infections, some dogs do exhibit upper respiratory signs in response to allergens like beef, dairy, chicken, or wheat. If your dog has a chronic runny nose that worsens after meals, a food elimination trial under veterinary supervision may be warranted.
Bone Broth: A Safe, Soothing Food for Dogs With Nasal Congestion
When your dog has a runny nose from a mild upper respiratory issue, warm bone broth can provide hydration, loosen nasal mucus, and deliver easily digestible nutrients. The steam from warmed broth acts as a gentle decongestant, similar to how chicken soup helps humans with colds.
Nutritional Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs
| Nutrient | Per 1 Cup (240 mL) Homemade Beef Bone Broth | Benefit for Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 6-9 g | Supports immune function and tissue repair |
| Collagen/Gelatin | 2-4 g | Supports joint health and gut lining integrity |
| Calcium | 20-40 mg | Bone and muscle function |
| Magnesium | 10-15 mg | Nerve and muscle support |
| Phosphorus | 30-50 mg | Energy metabolism |
| Glycine | 1-2 g | Anti-inflammatory amino acid; supports liver detoxification |
| Glucosamine (natural) | Trace amounts | Joint cartilage support |
Bone broth is especially valuable for dogs with nasal discharge because it encourages fluid intake. Dehydration thickens mucus, making congestion worse. A dog that won't drink plain water will often lap up warm broth eagerly.
Safe Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
| Dog Weight Class | Weight Range | Daily Bone Broth Serving | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy/Small | 5-20 lb (2-9 kg) | 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 mL) | Once or twice daily |
| Medium | 21-50 lb (10-23 kg) | ¼ cup (60 mL) | Once or twice daily |
| Large | 51-90 lb (23-41 kg) | ½ cup (120 mL) | Once or twice daily |
| Giant | 91+ lb (41+ kg) | ¾ - 1 cup (180-240 mL) | Once or twice daily |
These servings are supplemental — they should not replace more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Bone broth is low in calories (roughly 15-25 kcal per cup), so it's unlikely to cause weight gain, but overfeeding any liquid can dilute stomach acids and cause loose stools.
How to Prepare Bone Broth Safely for Your Dog
Commercial bone broths made for humans often contain onions, garlic, excessive sodium, or artificial flavorings — all of which are dangerous for dogs. The ASPCA lists onions and garlic as toxic to dogs, causing hemolytic anemia even in small cumulative doses. Always prepare broth at home or purchase a dog-specific product.
Homemade Dog-Safe Bone Broth Recipe
- Select bones: Use 2-3 lb (1-1.5 kg) of raw or roasted beef marrow bones, chicken carcasses, or turkey necks. Avoid cooked bones that can splinter — use raw or slow-cooked only.
- Add water: Cover bones completely in a slow cooker or stockpot with filtered water (approximately 8-12 cups / 2-3 liters).
- Add acid: Include 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals from the bones.
- Cook low and slow: Slow cooker on LOW for 24-48 hours (beef) or 12-24 hours (poultry). Stovetop on the lowest simmer setting works too, but monitor water levels.
- Strain thoroughly: Remove ALL bone fragments using a fine mesh strainer. Discard bones — never feed cooked bones to dogs.
- Cool and skim fat: Refrigerate for 4-6 hours. The fat will solidify on top — skim and discard it. Excess fat can trigger pancreatitis.
- Store: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Each standard ice cube holds approximately 2 tablespoons.
Cost estimate: Homemade broth costs approximately $0.25-$0.50 per cup using leftover bones. Commercial dog-specific broths (brands like Brutus Broth, Native Pet, or Open Farm) range from $8-$18 per 16 oz container ($0.50-$1.13 per oz).
Foods and Ingredients to Avoid — Common Nasal Discharge Triggers
While bone broth is generally safe, certain foods can worsen nasal discharge by triggering allergic reactions or inflammation. If you're investigating why your dog has a runny nose, consider whether any of these are in their diet:
- Beef and dairy: The #1 and #2 most common food allergens in dogs according to a 2019 study published in BMC Veterinary Research. If your dog's runny nose coincides with beef-based meals, a food trial may be needed.
- Wheat and corn: Common grain allergens that can manifest as respiratory and skin symptoms in sensitive dogs.
- Onions and garlic (all forms): Toxic in any amount — powder, cooked, raw, or dehydrated. Causes oxidative damage to red blood cells. If your dog has ingested these, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
- High-sodium processed meats: Deli meats, bacon, and ham can increase thirst and nasal mucous production. Sodium content in deli turkey can exceed 400 mg per slice — far above the AAFCO-recommended daily intake for a small dog.
- Xylitol-sweetened products: Some "sugar-free" broths or health foods contain xylitol, which is acutely toxic to dogs, causing hypoglycemia and liver failure within 30-60 minutes.
If your dog's nasal discharge began after switching to a new food, treats, or table scraps, note the timing. Food allergy symptoms typically appear within 24-72 hours of ingestion in acute cases, though chronic low-grade exposure can build symptoms over weeks.
When NOT to Feed Bone Broth — Dogs at Higher Risk
While bone broth is safe for the majority of dogs, certain populations need extra caution or should avoid it entirely:
- Dogs with kidney disease: Bone broth contains phosphorus and protein that may need restriction in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Your vet will determine if the phosphorus load (approximately 30-50 mg per cup) fits within your dog's renal diet parameters.
- Dogs with pancreatitis: If fat is not fully skimmed, even small amounts can trigger a pancreatic flare. Ensure the broth is completely fat-free (no white layer after refrigeration).
- Puppies under 12 weeks: Their digestive systems are still developing. Stick to mother's milk or puppy formula during weaning; introduce broth only after full transition to solid puppy food.
- Dogs on sodium-restricted diets: Even homemade broth contains naturally occurring sodium (approximately 50-100 mg per cup). Dogs with congestive heart failure or hypertension may need to avoid it.
- Dogs with known beef/poultry allergies: Use a novel protein source (e.g., pork or lamb bones) to make the broth, or skip it entirely.
How to Introduce Bone Broth Safely
If your dog has never had bone broth before, follow this gradual introduction protocol:
- Day 1: Offer 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of cooled, plain broth as a taste test. Watch for 24 hours for any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, or increased nasal discharge.
- Day 2-3: If no reaction, increase to the minimum serving for your dog's weight class (see table above), offered once daily.
- Day 4-7: Gradually work up to the full recommended serving. You can warm it slightly (to approximately 100°F / 38°C — body temperature) to release aromatic compounds that encourage eating and help open nasal passages.
- Ongoing: Monitor stool quality. If stools become soft, reduce serving by 25% or feed every other day instead of daily.
Serve bone broth in a shallow dish, poured over kibble, or frozen into treat molds. For congested dogs, the warm steam is the therapeutic component — hold the bowl near (not touching) your dog's nose for 2-3 minutes before letting them drink.
When to Call the Vet About Your Dog's Runny Nose
- Discharge that is yellow, green, or bloody
- Discharge from only ONE nostril (unilateral) — may indicate a foreign body, tooth root abscess, or nasal tumor
- Sneezing fits lasting more than 48 hours
- Facial swelling, pawing at the face, or pain when the muzzle is touched
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever (normal canine temperature: 101-102.5°F / 38.3-39.2°C)
- Noisy breathing, open-mouth breathing, or visible respiratory distress
- Discharge that persists beyond 5-7 days despite home supportive care
Diagnostic tests your vet may recommend include: rhinoscopy ($400-$800), nasal radiographs ($150-$350), CT scan ($800-$1,500), or nasal biopsy ($200-$500). According to the VCA, treatment costs vary widely depending on the underlying cause — from $50-$150 for a simple bacterial infection treated with antibiotics, to $2,000-$5,000+ for fungal infections like aspergillosis requiring topical antifungal infusion.
Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes for a dog with ongoing health symptoms. A runny nose that persists beyond a few days warrants professional evaluation — food-based supportive care is complementary, not a replacement for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat bone broth if they have a runny nose?
Yes. Plain, dog-safe bone broth (free from onions, garlic, and excess sodium) is safe and can actually help by providing hydration and warm steam that loosens nasal mucus. It's a supportive measure, not a treatment for the underlying cause.
How much bone broth can I give my dog?
Small dogs (5-20 lb): 2-4 tablespoons daily. Medium dogs (21-50 lb): ¼ cup daily. Large dogs (51-90 lb): ½ cup daily. Giant breeds (91+ lb): up to 1 cup daily. Split into one or two servings and introduce gradually over 3-4 days.
Is bone broth good for dogs nutritionally?
Yes — it provides collagen, glycine, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in an easily digestible liquid form. It's particularly useful for sick dogs who won't eat solid food, senior dogs with reduced appetite, and dogs needing extra hydration.
What happens if my dog eats too much bone broth?
Overconsumption can cause loose stools, bloating, or reduced appetite for regular meals. In dogs with kidney disease, excessive phosphorus intake can accelerate disease progression. If your dog drinks a very large quantity (more than double the recommended serving), monitor for vomiting or diarrhea and contact your vet if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours.
How should I prepare bone broth for my dog?
Simmer raw bones in water with a splash of apple cider vinegar for 12-48 hours (depending on bone type). Strain all bone fragments, cool, and skim all fat. Serve warm (around body temperature, 100°F / 38°C). Never add onions, garlic, salt, or seasonings.
Are there any dogs who should not eat bone broth?
Dogs with advanced kidney disease (phosphorus-restricted diets), active pancreatitis (fat sensitivity), puppies under 12 weeks, dogs on sodium-restricted diets for heart conditions, and dogs with known allergies to the protein source used in the broth should avoid it or use it only under veterinary guidance.
Why does my dog have a runny nose after eating?
Post-meal nasal discharge can result from food allergies (common triggers: beef, dairy, chicken, wheat), excitement-induced salivation that drains through the nasolacrimal duct, or an anatomical issue like an oronasal fistula (a hole between the mouth and nasal cavity, common in older dogs with dental disease). If this happens consistently, schedule a veterinary exam.
Beth Carrasco
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
