Why does a dog snore: how not to miss an alarming symptom

Dogs don't make a wide range of sounds - barking, growling, whining - but sometimes they make a grunt that sounds like a pig. And this sound can be both a completely normal phenomenon and a rather alarming symptom. But how to distinguish one from the other?

OBOZREVATEL has studied the recommendations of veterinarians on this matter. We'll tell you when dogs grunt because it's nature's way, and when it's time to take the animal to the vet. In general, there are six causes of dog grunting. Let's take a look at each of them.

A natural feature

Brachycephalic dogs make grunting sounds. These are representatives of breeds that have short and flat muzzles, such as pugs, Pekingese, Bordeaux dogs, bulldogs, boxers, and others. In the process of breeding, people selected those animals that have an unnatural skull shape - the dog's ancestor had an elongated skull. This affected the health of such pets. The area of their nasal cavity has decreased, and foreign sounds appear when they breathe.

Such a structure of the nasopharynx distorted the process of air thermoregulation during breathing. Hot air is not sufficiently cooled when inhaled, and a brachycephalic dog becomes more prone to heat strokes. Also, with age, the palate of such animals may begin to sag. This defect requires surgical treatment. In any case, an airway examination should be included in the annual checkup program for a brachycephalic dog.

Foreign objects 

Dogs love to smell everything around them. Sometimes they can inhale a foreign object, such as a grain of sand, a small piece of garbage, an insect, etc. They usually come out naturally or by sneezing, but they can also get stuck. Then such an object can cause a grunt. If the sounds are accompanied by symptoms such as pawing at the face as if the dog wants to remove, and vomiting, you should examine the animal's nasal passages with a flashlight and try to get the object out. If you can't get it out on your own, then it's best to seek veterinary help. 

Neoplasms

A similar reaction can be caused by nasal growths such as polyps or tumors. They can block the nasal passages, make breathing difficult, and provoke extraneous sounds. If the dog grunts for a long time and no foreign objects can be detected in the nose, the dog's general health deteriorates, he loses appetite and weight, moves little, nasal discharge appears, especially with blood streaks, this is a clear signal that the animal should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

Parasites

Some worms can settle in the dog's lungs. In this case, they disrupt the respiratory system and this can provoke grunting. Additional symptoms of parasite infestation include profuse mucus discharge, gurgling or whistling while breathing, and wheezing. Such a worm infestation requires immediate treatment. And the drug should be selected by a veterinarian. Conventional broad-spectrum pills from the nearest store may not be effective.

Tracheal collapse

Strange noises made by the dog, such as grunting, duck-like quacking, wheezing, hissing, and shortness of breath can be signs of tracheal collapse. This condition is characterized by a narrowing of the tracheal lumen, which reduces airflow and causes hypoxia. It is also accompanied by blue mucous membranes. This condition requires immediate medical intervention, otherwise the dog may die.

Paroxysmal breathing

This condition is also called reverse sneezing. In this case, the animal abruptly draws in air. The process is accompanied by various atypical sounds - grunting, gurgling, squawking, wheezing, sniffling, etc. At the same time, the animal's eyes turn red, lacrimation begins, and the dog assumes an unnatural position - its paws are wide apart and its back is bent. This condition is not curable, but it can be corrected, so you should seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told you where dog howling comes from and what it can mean.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL's Telegram, Viber, and Threads channels to keep up with the latest developments.