why does my dog snort like a pig

Why Does My Dog Snort Like a Pig? 5 Valid Reasons

Does Dog snort like a pig due to Some Disease is this something to be worried about? have you ever caught your pooch snorting like a pig? If you notice this more frequently, then you must take it seriously. 

This pig-like noise is called snorting. It is common in dogs but sometimes can be a sign of something serious. Your canine may snort due to different reasons. Some of them could be normal but some could be very serious.

Hence, to help you out with whether your pooch’s snorting is normal or serious, we are here with today’s article.

In this article, we will figure out what are the reasons for dog snorting and how can you take care of it. So, Let’s get started.

What causes dogs to sneeze and snort?

There are different reasons for sneezing and snorting. Some of them include:

#1 Reverse sneezing

In reverse sneezing, the soft palate gets irritated. It also includes the backside of the mouth that controls functions like breathing, swallowing, and voice. 

The irritated soft palate causes the trachea to narrow which causes your pooch to have abnormal breathing. When your canine tries to inhale through his nose, a reverse sneeze occurs. 

What triggers reverse sneezing?

Reverse sneezing triggers due to irritation by foreign bodies in the sinus or nasal passage. Hence, the dog tries to remove those foreign bodies by sneezing. 

The most common examples of getting foreign bodies in the sinus or nasal passage are playing in the grass, sniffing a jar, etc. 

The snorting sound can occur when your pooch is over-excited. He might have been playing for too long and lost his control of breathing. Reverse sneezing is a method to resume normal breathing. 

When to be concerned?

Reverse sneezing must be cleared within a minute. If it stays for too long, take your fido to the vet. Also, if reverse sneezing occurs when the dog is lying down, then something could be wrong. 

What can I do for my dog for reverse sneezing?

  • Massage your pooch’s back or throat. This will help to calm him throughout the process. Do not hold your pooch tightly.
  • Do not put your hand into your fido’s mouth.
  • Close the nostrils for a while. This can encourage your fido to swallow and it will stop the spasms.

#2 Dog Allergies

One of the reasons for snorting is allergies. These allergies may occur due to chronic ear infections, congestive heart failure, and sinus infections. Snorting is also a sign of respiratory problems like wheezing and coughing.

Frequent snorting can lead to difficulty in breathing.  Allergy is the most common reason for snorting but other reasons also include asthma, deviated septum, etc. 

If you see your doggo frequently snorting, he might be having an allergic reaction. Hence, it is better to take your Fido to the vet as soon as possible. It is recommended to treat the allergy in the early stage to avoid any other infections like pneumonia. 

Symptoms of allergies (other than snorting)

  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Scratching ears
  • Sneezing
  • Patchy skin
  • Licking paws
  • Licking poop passage
  • Hair loss

What can I do for my dog for allergies?

  • The best and most recommended way is to take your pooch to the vet immediately. A vet, with his experience, can diagnose the exact problem and recommend medications accordingly.
  • Antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin can be given to the pooch after consulting the vet.
  • Frequent bathing helps when there is moderate allergy

Collapsed trachea

The most serious reason for your dog snorting is collapsed trachea. Also, it is very rare. 

Windpipe consists of c-shaped cartilage rings. When they collapse, this causes collapsed trachea. This condition can occur when you have pulled your fido too hard on the leash, or just because the cartilage rings are very gentle.

Symptoms of collapsed trachea

If the canine is snorting like a pig for no obvious reason, this is one of the common symptoms of a collapsed trachea. You may observe a honking, loud cough that will stay for a while.

This is because of the airway being blocked, as it’s tough for air to go inside. The canine may also have a quite declined interest in matters such as workout or playing. They may have difficulty breathing throughout non-strenuous activities.

What can I do for my dog for collapsed trachea?

This condition can get worse with time if no proper treatment is given. A vet will do the whole examination and let you know the proper treatment. 

During the treatment, you must

  • Use harness instead of a collar
  • Help your pooch lose weight
  • Keep your fido away from irritants

What does a collapsing trachea sound like in a dog?

A collapsed trachea sounds very scary, however, do not panic if that’s what your canine is diagnosed with. Some breeds are certainly extra vulnerable to the circumstance, and there may be not anything you may do about that.

By working along with the vet, you may be capable of controlling the situation and assisting your canine to get back to its normal life.

What does it mean when my dog sounds like a pig?

Snorting like a pig isn’t always an uncommon sound for a few dogs. The snorting sound may be loud, short, long-lasting, or even repeated numerous times. Some breeds snort after they get excited including Pekingese, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, etc.

Dogs snore due to the fact their airways are slender when they sleep. It causes problems in breathing through the nostril ensuing in snoring. This can result in greater troubles if left untreated. It includes upper respiratory distress syndrome (or UARS). This commonly takes place because of obesity.

However, it may additionally come from different factors which include a narrow windpipe between the throat and snout, a big tongue, or an elongated tender palate.

Dog breed can make contributions to snorting like a pig. This snorting comes from the canine’s ability to respire through its nostril and mouth at the same time, that is something that pigs can do as well.

Snorting also can be a signal of trouble to your canine’s nose or respiration system so constantly seek to assist from a veterinarian in case you notice any snorting.

Why is my dog snoring all of sudden?

The reason behind this could be a blockage in the airway. This blockage causes turbulent airflow that makes breathing sounds like snoring. The obstruction can be grass seed, dust, any foreign body, etc. These things can lodge up the nose through benign lums and abscesses. 

Final words

Dogs snort like pigs when excited or sniffing around outside. In some situations though, it could be something critical so always seek advice from a vet in case you are not sure. Altogether, it is not a serious issue in most cases. Reverse sneezing, allergies, and collapsed trachea can be cured without a problem if treated on time. 

Hope you enjoyed the article. Stay connected for some such informative and interesting piece of writing. Thank you.

Frequently asked questions