Dog Snorting Like A Pig
Written By: Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA | Professional Services Veterinarian, Wild Earth
Dogs aren’t pigs, so it can be alarming when they snort like one. There are many causes of snorting in dogs, ranging from mild allergies to something more severe such as congestive heart failure. In this article we will discuss some of the most common causes of snorting, and what you should do to address them.
Something is Stuck in the Dog's Nose
A dog’s snout is one of the main ways that dogs gather information from the world around them. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell which allows them to not only know if a dog peed on a post before them but also allows them to even identify cancer in humans! But having their snouts so close to the ground all the time can cause issues - something can get stuck in there!
Try Wild Earth Dog Food 30% Off Today!Whether it be a piece of mulch or a grass awn, foreign material that is inhaled can cause discomfort and inflammation, causing your dog to snort and sneeze usually coupled with nasal discharge. Other symptoms can include labored breathing, snuffling noises, wheezing, drooling or panting.
Your Dog Could Have Allergies
Environmental allergens can cause irritation and subsequent inflammation of the airways in dogs, which can lead to snorting. You may notice that the snorting occurs more during a certain time of the year.
Other symptoms of doggy allergies are red eyes, itchy skin rashes including hives, itchiness around mouth or nose from licking their paws excessively with no known cause, etc. If you believe your dog is suffering from allergies, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Improve Your Dog's Nutrition With Wild EarthIf you believe your dog is suffering from an acute allergic reaction such as an insect sting or bite and is having difficulty breathing, potentially snorting, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
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The Breed of the Dog
Snorting like a pig is not an unusual sound for some dog breeds, more specifically brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Pekingese. This usually occurs more in brachycephalic breeds because they typically have shortened airways, narrow nostrils, and elongated soft palates all of which make it more difficult for them to breathe. Some dogs will have to have surgery to get this corrected, while others can do well without intervention. Most brachycephalic breeds will snort especially if they are excited or anxious. If you have a brachycephalic dog that snorts often, it is recommended you speak to your veterinarian to make sure your dog is able to breathe comfortably.
Obesity
Overweight and obese dogs have excess fat that pushes against the airways, often causing snorting or snoring. If your dog is displaying one of these signs it is important to make sure they are at an optimal weight.
Something more Serious
While snorting can be “normal” for some dogs, it can be a sign of a respiratory problem. If your dog snorts frequently it is best to consult your vet sooner rather than later to prevent more serious complications such as complete airway obstruction.
Wrapping up
Some dog snort sounds are just adorable, but when it happens over and over again you may wonder if it is affecting the quality of life of your dog. If your dog snorts or snores often it is best to have them examined by a veterinarian.
