Strange problem

[islasmum]

One of my labradors (the stupid, thick but very loving one!) has recently taken to digging holes in the garden where there is no lawn laid at present, and stuffing her snout down the hole and then coming in, and coughing and sneezing as she has inhaled earth - we do try to be out with the dogs when they are outside, but obviously can't be with them every minute of the day - what I wondered is - in the old days, when I worked with horses, if one of them sounded a bit rough and coughed a bit, we used to put some hay in a sack , pour friars balsalm and pour boiling water over it. The horse then had the sack over it's nose and inhaled the steam and it almost alway cleared their tubes a bit - does anyone think that this might help my dog? I really don't want her to go to the vet if possible - she really hates it and I'd much rather treat her at home if poss. Any (sensible) suggestions would be gratefully received - thank you.

[Frank97]

I may be wrong but I can't see how that would help a dog with dirt up it's nose. If the dog is only sneezing after it has been digging I wouldn't say there was anything wrong with it so no need to take it to see a vet.

[islasmum]

She sounds a bit blocked up, she is sneezing and coughing a bit as well, which has only happened since she's been digging. Ideally I'd stop her digging! but don't know how.

Thanks D97.

[Chaffinch]

Is she digging for moles, mine (not Labs) do it this time of year! I'd prefere the mole holes.

Let her sneeze she just had gunk up her nose.

[islasmum]

I haven't seen any molehills, but that could be a possibility - she's a very loving dog, but really very stupid!