What does the presence of nares discharge indicate?

The presence of nasal discharge often indicates an underlying issue, most commonly associated with infection or obstruction. When there is an infection, such as canine infectious respiratory disease, inflammatory changes occur in the nasal passages, leading to the secretion of mucus as the body attempts to clear pathogens. Similarly, obstructions—whether from foreign bodies, tumors, or polyps—can also lead to increased mucus production, resulting in noticeable discharge.

While there might be instances where nasal discharge can occur in normal circumstances—such as in minor irritations or transient responses—the consistent and sustained presence of discharge is more indicative of potential pathology, such as infections or physical obstructions in the nasal cavity. Therefore, recognizing that nasal discharge typically reflects an abnormal condition is crucial for assessing a dog’s health status.