One of the sounds that dogs usually make is definitely barking or whining while they are dreaming.
Some dog breeds can also snore and thus blow through their noses.
But is it really normal when you realize: Is my dog wheezing through his nose? Find out in the guide below!
In a nutshell: Why is my dog wheezing loudly through its nose?
If your dog blows his nose loudly, this is a sign of the following causes: an allergy, physical overload or reverse sneezing.
Your dog may also be wheezing through his nose because he has asthma or is one of the breeds with a shortened nose and windpipe.
Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and a mite infestation can also be reasons why your dog is wheezing through its nose.
Dog is wheezing through its nose – possible causes
Let’s take a closer look at the possible causes. These include allergies, stress, but also more serious illnesses!
allergies
Whether pollen, dirt, fine dust or cat hair – dog noses are extremely allergic to these things.
When you try to get rid of this invader, you start panting – through your nose, of course.
Physical exertion
It doesn’t even have to be the case that your dog has overexerted itself. Even a long walk and romping around are enough to accelerate breathing.
And you probably know the result from yourself: if you are out of breath, you puff like a steam engine.
So why not your dog who is trying to catch his breath?
asthma
Dogs can also suffer from asthma. This can be both congenital and a consequence of, for example, mold growth in the apartment or house.
diseases of the upper respiratory tract
A cold, bronchitis, pneumonia – just three examples of diseases of the upper respiratory tract that can also affect a dog.
Numbers 2 and 3 in particular are not to be trifled with, because these diseases can be life-threatening for the dog!
The upper respiratory tract can also be attacked by canine influenza, rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa) and the dangerous canine distemper.
Important!
Comprehensive vaccination protection, which begins with the basic immunization of the puppy, is mandatory so that distemper and other dangerous diseases don’t stand a chance.
stress & anxiety
Has your dog become stressed because something scared him? Then it can also happen that he often and loudly breathes through his nose.
It’s kind of a form of hyperventilation, your dog is in a state of panic.
poisoning
Poisoning is another reason why a dog starts wheezing through its nose.
As with a disease of the upper respiratory tract, you will also recognize other symptoms here.
This includes the dog’s mucous membranes discoloring – usually in the direction of dark red and black.
Breathing as such is also no longer normal. It is flat and very fast – and here every second counts!
reverse sneeze
Back sneezing — also known as reverse sneezing — is another reason your dog wheezes through his nose.
As a rule, this is a harmless phenomenon that can occur, among other things, after eating or physical exertion.
However, an inflammation can also hide behind it, for example tonsillitis, i.e. tonsillitis.
overweight
Obesity is really dangerous for dogs and can reduce their life expectancy by up to 2 years.
The consequences of the extra grams or even kilos include diabetes mellitus, joint problems and heart disease.
And since the heart plays a key role in transporting oxygen to the blood, overweight dogs tend to wheeze and suffer from shortness of breath.
What can I do for my dog if he is blowing his nose loudly?
First you should keep calm and relax your dog. Panic, on the other hand, will make your dog’s wheezing worse.
Is this actually implemented? Then please pay attention to the circumstances that led to your dog wheezing and see if you can identify other symptoms.
- Does your dog seem exhausted?
- Has his oral mucosa discolored?
- Does your dog withdraw, does he seem stressed?
If you can answer these questions with a «yes», you should immediately move on to the next step and read the following section.
When to the vet?
Do you notice any of the above symptoms? Then please go straight to your veterinarian or the nearest veterinary clinic.
Because these signs are not to be trifled with – they not only indicate dangerous bronchitis or pneumonia, but can also be the cause of poisoning.
Which breeds are more likely to blow through their nose?
There are some dog breeds that are sort of, sadly, destined to blow through their noses.
So here these sounds and this activity are more common. Why? Because these breeds are breed-related, they have extremely short muzzles and shortened airways.
Here are some examples of such dog breeds:
Important
Some of these breeds have been classified as spoiled breeds for many years. Strictly speaking, you should stay away from these – for the sake of the dog.
Conclusion
Is your dog wheezing (loudly) through its nose? Then you can get behind it, among other things hide these causes: stress, allergies, respiratory diseases and obesity.
In almost all cases, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian to find out what’s causing the wheezing.
It’s also possible that your dog is panting because it’s part of their breed profile, due to an extremely short muzzle and flat nose.
Do you have any other stories and helpful tips to share about dog blowing through its nose? Then we would be happy if you do so in our comments.