Why Is My Dog Snorting When Breathing? Causes & Advice
Snorting during normal breathing is a sign that something is partially blocking or irritating your dog's nasal passages. It can range from a harmless, occasional habit to a symptom that warrants veterinary attention.
Quick Answer
Snorting while breathing in dogs is most often caused by a narrowed or obstructed nasal passage. Common explanations include allergies, a foreign object such as a grass seed, nasal polyps, or brachycephalic airway syndrome in flat-faced breeds. Occasional snorting that resolves quickly is usually mild, but persistent or worsening snorting should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
Answer a few questions about your dog's signs and receive general guidance on how urgently to seek veterinary care.
This tool does not diagnose conditions or replace a veterinarian.
What Causes Snorting During Normal Breathing
Snorting is the sound your dog makes when air is forced through narrowed nasal passages. Several underlying factors can contribute to this sound.
Foreign Objects in the Nasal Passages
One of the most common culprits is a foreign body lodged in the nasal cavity. Dogs explore the world with their noses, and small objects can become wedged inside.
- Grass awns (foxtails) are a frequent cause
- Small twigs, seeds, or debris may also be inhaled
- The snorting is often sudden in onset and usually affects one nostril
If a foreign object is present, your dog may also paw at the nose, rub their face on the ground, or have nasal discharge from one side.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, have shortened skulls and compressed nasal passages. This anatomy makes snorting a common feature of their daily breathing.
- The soft palate may be elongated and partially block the airway
- Nostrils may be narrowed (stenotic nares)
- Snorting in these breeds is often present from a young age and may worsen with exercise or excitement
While common in these breeds, any significant change in breathing effort should still be discussed with a veterinarian.
Allergies and Irritants
Environmental allergies can cause inflammation inside the nasal passages, leading to snorting.
- Pollen, dust mites, and mould spores are common triggers
- Seasonal patterns may be noticeable
- The snorting may be accompanied by clear nasal discharge, sneezing, or rubbing of the face
Avoidance of known allergens and veterinary-prescribed management may help reduce signs in allergic dogs.
Nasal Polyps or Tumours
Growths inside the nasal cavity can obstruct airflow and produce a snorting sound.
- Polyps are generally benign but can grow large enough to cause persistent signs
- Nasal tumours are less common but tend to occur in older dogs
- These growths often cause progressively worsening snorting over time
A veterinary examination and imaging, such as rhinoscopy or CT scan, may be needed to identify nasal masses.
Respiratory Infections
Bacterial or viral infections of the upper respiratory tract can cause nasal inflammation and snorting.
- Canine influenza and kennel cough are among the infectious agents involved
- Discharge from the nose, coughing, and mild fever may accompany the snorting
- Most infections in otherwise healthy dogs resolve within one to two weeks
If the infection does not improve or your dog appears unwell, veterinary consultation is appropriate.
What You Can Observe at Home
Monitoring your dog closely can help your veterinarian narrow down the cause. Note the following:
- Is the snorting from one nostril or both?
- When did it start, and is it constant or intermittent?
- Are there other signs such as discharge, coughing, or lethargy?
- Does the snorting worsen with exercise, stress, or certain environments?
Recording a short video of the snorting can also be valuable for your veterinary appointment.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Seek veterinary attention promptly if your dog shows:
- Difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, or blue-tinted gums
- Persistent nasal bleeding or bloody discharge
- A sudden onset of snorting with no prior history
- Snorting that worsens rapidly over a short period
- Obvious distress or laboured breathing at rest
Schedule a routine appointment if your dog shows:
- Occasional snorting that is gradually becoming more frequent
- Mild, clear nasal discharge lasting more than a few days
- Face rubbing or pawing at the nose without improvement
- Snorting that began recently and has not resolved
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a human nasal spray on my dog? No. Many human nasal sprays contain ingredients that are not safe for dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before applying any medication to your dog's nose or administering any treatment at home.
Why does my dog snort more after exercise? Exercise increases airflow demand, which can make partial nasal obstructions more noticeable. In brachycephalic breeds, this is common due to their anatomy. If the snorting is new, severe, or accompanied by breathing difficulty, a veterinary check is recommended.
Is reverse sneezing the same as snorting? Reverse sneezing is a distinct event where a dog rapidly pulls air in through the nose with a distinctive honking sound. It is usually brief and self-resolving. Snorting during normal breathing is more continuous and may indicate a nasal obstruction or irritation.
Will changing my dog's diet help with snorting? Diet is not a direct treatment for snorting caused by nasal obstruction or foreign bodies. However, if the snorting is related to allergies, your veterinarian may recommend a dietary trial as part of a broader management plan.
SYMPTOM TRIAGE
If your dog is snorting persistently or the sound is getting worse, use the symptom triage tool to help assess how urgently veterinary care may be needed.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: "Disorders of the Nasal Cavity" and "Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome"
- American Kennel Club (AKC): "Why Is My Dog Snorting?"
- VCA Animal Hospitals: "Brachycephalic Syndrome in Dogs"
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: "Respiratory Problems in Dogs"
Disclaimer
This article and the PawAI Symptom Triage tool provide general educational information only. They cannot examine your pet, make a diagnosis, or replace advice from a licensed veterinarian. Contact a veterinarian promptly if symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent, or accompanied by emergency warning signs.