Before going into the details of it, let me make it clear for you that, yes, it is normal for your dog to make a weird snorting noise.
Hearing your dog make a weird snorting noise can be worrying, especially when it sounds like your dog is choking or struggling to breathe. But, in many cases, dog snorting is harmless and may be caused by simple reasons like excitement, allergies or even reverse sneezing.
However, you should not ignore every unusual breathing sound. In order to judge whether the sound is normal and can be monitored at home or if it needs veterinary attention, it is important for you to first understand why your dog is making the noise.
Why is my Dog Snorting?
There can be several reasons as to why dogs make these types of snorting sounds. It can be caused from irritation in the nose or throat sometimes, while at other times, it can just be related to a condition affecting the upper airway.
The common reasons of dog snorting can be:
- Reverse sneezing
- Allergies or irritants
- Dust or strong smell
- Excitement or anxiety
- Eating or drinking quickly
- Respiratory infection
- Problems affecting the airway
- Something struck in the nose
Occasional snorting is not a serious concern if your dog behaves normally after the episodes of snorting.
Why does my Dog Snort Like a Pig?
The owners term “reverse sneezing” sometimes as why does my dog snort like a pig.
During the episode of reverse sneezing, a dog pulls the air inward through the nose rapidly which in turn creates a loud snorting or pig-like sound. In this situation, your dog may suddenly stretch their neck, stand very still and inhale through their nose repeatedly.
It might look like something dangerous, but the episode lasts for a short span of time and then your dog might just return to its normal state.
Is Dog Choking Noise Always A Sign of Choking?
A dog choking noise may sound harmful to you, but on most occasions, it can be normal for your dog. It does not always mean that your dog is actually choking.
Reverse sneezing, coughing and airway irritation can all produce sounds that can sound like your dog is choking on something.
However, in some cases, when your dog is really choking, it can show signs such as:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Gums become blue or grey in colour
- Distress and weakness
- Not being able to breathe normally
A dog when not being able to breathe properly needs urgent vet attention. You should never take the choking-like sound as harmless when you notice that the breathing of your dog is affected.
Dog Breathing Funny: What Could It Mean?
If you notice your dog breathing funny, pay attention to the sound and the behaviour of your dog during the episodes. A short episode that is followed by a normal behavior immediately afterwards is completely normal, whereas noisy breathing with difficulty in breathing is different and can mean otherwise.
As a parent, you should also be considerate and pay attention to when the sound is occurring, whether it is during walks, exercising, sleeping, or some other activity. This will help you to inform your vet more appropriately.
What is Reverse Sneezing?
A reverse sneeze is an immediate reflex in which a dog takes a sudden series of rapid inhalations through its nose. Instead of pushing the air out like a normal sneeze, the dog pulls the air inwards.
A reverse sneezing can sound like snorting, honking, gasping and even a choking noise. In some cases, the dog may extend their neck and keep their mouths partially closed while making the sound of reverse sneezing.
Any dog can experience reverse sneezing. But this is more common in smaller dogs and the breed of dogs that have shorter noses.
Dog Reverse Cough vs Reverse Sneeze:
Differences between the two can be slightly confusing. Pet parents often confuse reverse sneezing with reverse cough. Both are not the same.
The process of both is very different. While reverse sneezing happens when a dog rapidly inhales air through the nose, reverse cough involves pushing the air out of the lungs in a forceful way.
In order to explain to your vet about the same, you should consider recording a video for your doctor which might help them treat the dog if there is any need for that.
What Triggers Reverse Sneezing?
There can be several reasons as to what can trigger the reverse sneeze, some may include:
- Dust
- Strong perfume
- Cleaning products
- Smoke
- Excitement or anxiety
- Temperature change
- Eating or Drinking quickly
- Irritation in the nose or throat
For some dogs, they can occur in frequent episodes, while for some dogs, it can be less as compared. If excitement or anxiety seems to trigger your dog’s episodes, providing calming activities such as dog anxiety toys may help keep them relaxed.
Home Remedies for Dog Reverse Sneezing:
There are certain home remedies that you can try if your dog experiences occasional episodes of reverse sneeze and then acts normal:
1. Keep Your Dog Calm:
Excitement or change in mood can sometimes make an episode more bad. You should speak calmly and avoid frightening your dog. Keeping your dog mentally occupied with puzzle toys for dogs can also be useful when boredom or excitement contributes to restlessness.
3. Move Away From Irritants:
You should move your dog away to a place where there is fresh air if you notice that your dog is snorting around possible irritants like perfumes, smoke, dust or cleaning products.
4. Gently Massage The Throat:
Massaging the throat of your dog can be beneficial as it would allow and help in swallowing during the episode. However, you should take care that you are not putting your fingers inside the mouth of your dog or pressing the throat very hard.
5. Reduce Environmental Irritants:
Cleaning the beds of your pet regularly can reduce their exposure to dust and other potential triggers.
These home remedies for dog reverse sneeze can help you with episodes that are mild and often get normal after some time. However, you should always consider checking with your vet if the symptoms are severe and more frequent.
Is Reverse Sneezing Dangerous?
If you encounter a question of is reverse sneezing dangerous in your head, you should analyze if your dog quickly returns to normal afterward. If this happens, it might not be dangerous for your dog. But, if the episodes are becoming frequent and severe, you should not ignore it or consider it normal. That condition deserves an immediate vet visit.
If you are noticing that the episodes are becoming frequent, problems in breathing for your dog, nasal discharge of any kind, your dog is getting weak, has stopped eating or the gums have turned blue, grey or pale, you should consider speaking to your veterinarian as soon as possible as they might be due to some problems that you cannot decipher at home by yourself.
Backwards Sneeze In Cats
If you are someone who is a parent to a cat, or are searching for the term reverse sneezing, backward sneezing in cats can be a phrase that might be accustomed to you. Cats can also suffer from the episodes of reverse sneezing, however, the causes for the same among both can be different.
If you are someone who has both a cat and a dog at home, and you are noticing unusual breathing patterns in either of them, you should visit a vet as the best solution rather than assuming the cause and becoming the expert yourself.
Final Thoughts:
If you are a dog parent, any snorting sound that is strange can make you nervous, but dog snorting is however not always a sign of something serious. Reverse sneezing can be a very big reason for why your dog is making a loud snorting noise or even choking noises. This can be normal and not harmful if the episodes are brief and occasional.
However, it is important for you to know your dog’s normal breathing pattern as a dog parent. This is important as it might help you judge when you should consider visiting a vet and when home remedies can be beneficial for your pet.
When you are confused about what is happening to your dog, or are not understanding what is causing the episodes, consider recording the episode and showing it to your veterinarian to quickly understand the cause and have easier and appropriate remedies.
FAQs:
1. Why does my dog snort like a pig?
Reverse sneezing can be a cause of your dog snorting like a pig. However, the reasons may also include nasal irritation or allergies, excitement or any other airway issues. If your dog returns to normal after a brief episode, reverse sneezing can be the cause of it.
2. Is dog snorting normal?
Dog snorting can be considered normal if it happens during some excitement or reverse sneezing. If your dog is snorting persistantly, consider visiting the vet to know about the cause of it.
3. Is reverse sneezing dangerous?
Reverse sneezing cannot be considered as dangerous if the episode is occurring for a brief moment and then your dog is returning to its normal behaviour. However, if the episodes are frequent and are accompanied by difficulty in breathing, restlessness, or any other symptoms, the pet should be taken to the vet and examined.
4. Why does my dog sound like it is choking?
Reverse sneezing can sound like your dog is choking. Actual choking is a kind of emergency, especially when your dog can’t breathe normally.
5. What can I do during reverse sneezing?
You should keep your dog calm during the episodes. Keep them away from possible irritants. Gently massage the throat of your dog and avoid putting your fingers inside the mouth of your dog. Behave calmly.