6 Causes of Dog Snorting

Does your dog snort a lot? Would you like to find out more about what could be causing this strange behavior in your pet? Snorting is more common in some dogs than in others. If your dog is snorting for the first time, or if the behavior has gotten worse recently, you may want to have him checked by a vet. Many potential causes of snorting are not very serious, but only a veterinarian can tell you for sure what’s going on with your dog.

What is Causing My Dog to Snort?

In the article below, you’ll find a list of 6 of the most common causes of snorting in dogs. Read through this list to see if you can narrow down which one may be contributing to your dog’s snorting.

1. Breed

The breed of your dog can significantly increase the risk of snorting behavior. Dogs who have very short or upturned snouts are naturally more prone to snorting than those who have long, slender snouts. Brachycephalic dogs, like pugs, snort all the time, and also tend to snore a lot when they sleep as well.

Although snorting because of his breed is not a serious risk on its own, it can mean your dog is having trouble breathing most of the time. Some dogs with very flat faces may need to be undergo surgery to help open up their airways and encourage better airflow.

2. Respiratory Infection

Snorting is associated with respiratory infection in many instances. A sudden onset of snorting may mean your dog is dealing with a cold, flu, or other type of respiratory infection that is clogging his airways. He may also have symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or sneezing along with snorting in this situation.

If the infection is bacterial or fungal, your vet can give your dog medication to treat the problem. If it is viral, you’ll need to follow the vet’s directions and make sure your dog gets enough rest and fluids to help him heal.

3. Reverse Sneezing

Reverse sneezing is very common in dogs. It can sound very alarming, but it isn’t anything to worry about, and it is just as normal as regular sneezing for many dogs. This condition causes dogs to sharply take in air, rather than expelling it, when sneezing. The result is a goose honk snort that can be startling.

Although this problem doesn’t cause serious health risks for dogs, it can make your dog anxious to experience a reverse sneezing fit. Pet your dog gently, avoiding his face and mouth, to soothe him during an episode.

4. Collapsing Trachea

Despite the name sounding intimidating and frightening, collapsing trachea isn’t that serious, and it’s very common in dogs. Smaller dogs are more prone to this condition than big dogs, but any dog can experience it. It is mostly associated with dogs who are in their senior years.

This condition basically causes the trachea to flatten, or prevents it from opening properly, when the dog breathes. It is aggravated by physical activity and may cause the dog to snort and wheeze after he has been playing or walking for a little while. Your vet may give your dog steroids to help with severe flare-ups, but otherwise, there is no specific treatment.

5. Inhaled Foreign Object

If your dog is suddenly snorting and seems to be restless or in distress in some way, this may indicate he has inhaled a foreign object into his nasal passages or into the back of his throat. He may be trying to dislodge the object, or he may be trying to breathe properly with something in his airways.

This is an emergency situation and will require a trip to the emergency vet. Rarely, you may be able to remove the object yourself, but you should not try unless you’re very confident. Otherwise, get to the emergency vet for very prompt treatment.

6. Tumors

Tumors, both benign and malignant, may contribute to snorting behavior in dogs. If your dog’s snorting has slowly gotten worse over time, this may indicate a tumor in the nose, throat, or other respiratory passages that is causing him to snort.

In some instances, you may be able to visibly see a tumor, especially if it is in or on your dog’s nose. Otherwise, however, your vet will need to diagnose your pet with this condition.

What To Do If Your Dog Keeps Snorting

Now that you have learned more about the main reasons why your dog is snorting, you know that snorting isn’t always serious in pets. Many times, dogs snort for completely benign or very mild reasons. However, since snorting can sometimes be caused by serious problems, you should have your pet checked by the vet with any new or worsening snorting.

Contact our team at The Village Vets if you are concerned about your dog’s snorting. Our veterinarians will let you know what’s going on and work with you to choose a treatment option that is best for your dog. Schedule an appointment at any of our locations, our team is happy to help!