Ha-choo! Sneezing is a form of communication, both involuntarily and voluntarily, and your dog’s body language can help you figure out what they’re trying to say. When it comes to having fun, dogs often sneeze during a hearty play session as an expression of excitement and joy.
Playful sneezes are usually short, light, and shallow. Along with playful sneezes, you might notice other happy behaviors like:
- Butt sniffing
- Tail wagging
- Shaking
- Excited barks
It takes a trained eye to tell the difference between a play sneeze and other sneezes. Luckily we spoke to experts and created a handy chart to help you learn how to read your dog.
Keep reading to learn what your dog is saying when they play sneeze and how to tell when your dog wants to stop playing.
What Does a Play Dogs Sneeze Mean?
“Play sneezing is a common behavior in all dogs, although it is more frequent in active and toy breeds,” says Chinonyerem Ukweni, DVM, a pet researcher and veterinarian with Pet Parking. Here are the five most common reasons:
1. Communication with you or other dogs
Your pup might play sneeze to let another dog know that they mean no harm. In other words, they’re saying “This isn’t a real fight!”
“This signal keeps playtime friendly and safe,” Dr. Ukweni says.
2. Excited greeting
Some dogs sneeze because they’re excited to see their friends. Kids often laugh when they’re playing, and sneezing is the canine equivalent.
Play-sneezing is even “contagious” between dogs like laughter is in people!
3. Desire for attention
Since sneezing during play is a way dogs communicate, Dr. Ukweni says some dogs learn to use it to get attention.
Your dog might play sneeze when they want you or a dog friend to notice them. If this happens, you might see them sneeze while staring at you or doing a cute head tilt.
Dogs can be ticklish, just like humans. But since they can’t laugh, they might sneeze when they’re tickled. This is their way of reacting to that ticklish feeling!
Just pay attention to your dog’s body language to see if they like being tickled or not.
5. Stop play
Dogs sometimes play sneeze to signal they’re ready to stop. If your pup starts sneezing, backing away, or turning their head, it’s their way of saying they need a break.
Paying attention to these signs can help keep playtime fun and stress-free.
How Can You Tell Play Sneezes from Other Sneezes?
Play sneezing is separate from a regular sneeze, but it may look the same to the untrained eye. Luckily, vets say there are ways to tell them apart.
“Usually, playful sneezes are quick, shallow, and associated with other playful behaviors such as wagging tails,” says Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian with Better Pet. “Sneezing due to a medical condition is often associated with more frequent sneezes and greenish nasal discharge.”
Below is a helpful cheat sheet for you to distinguish between specific types of dog sneezes.
| Type of sneezes | Accompanying body language | Meaning, or what your dog is saying |
|---|---|---|
| Play sneezes | Relaxed body, wagging tail, soft or direct eye contact | “I’m having fun and feel safe with you!” |
| Discomfort/stress sneezes | Tense body, tail down or tucked, avoiding eye contact | “I’m uncomfortable or nervous about something.” |
| Allergy/health-related sneezes | Frequent sneezing, possible nose or eye discharge | “Something’s irritating me physically—help me feel better.” |
| Involuntary sneezes | Sudden, uncontrollable sneezes, look of surprise | “That was unexpected! Something surprised or triggered this response.” |
Health-related sneezes are deeper, more frequent, and sometimes come with discharge, making them sound more like snorts. If your dog has health-related sneezes, you might also notice other symptoms like a:
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Coughing
Dog sneezes come in all shapes and sounds. If you notice your dog suddenly sneezing more often or showing these additional symptoms, it’s a good idea to make a vet appointment. Otherwise, if sneezing is quick, light and only happens during play, you’ve likely just got a happy pup on your hands!
