Dog breathing problems: noisy breathing, snoring and when to see a vet
Common reasons a dog may breathe noisily or snore while awake, including flat-faced breed problems, allergies, infections, something stuck in the nose and excess weight, and the signs that mean you should contact a vet straight away.
The short answer
Noisy breathing or snoring while awake is not normal, even in flat-faced breeds. It can be caused by the shape of the face and airways (BOAS), allergies, an infection, something stuck in the nose, or being overweight. Ask your vet to check your dog. Contact a vet immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe, has blue, grey or pale gums, collapses, or is breathing very fast at rest.
Key considerations
- 01Snoring or noisy breathing when awake is not normal, even in flat-faced breeds.
- 02Struggling to breathe, blue, grey or pale gums, collapse or very fast breathing at rest are emergencies.
- 03Flat-faced dogs can find exercise, sleep and hot weather harder because of their airways.
- 04Keeping your dog at a healthy weight helps them breathe more easily.
All dogs breathe harder after a run or on a hot day, and some make more noise than others. But loud, snuffly or snoring sounds while your dog is awake and resting can be a sign of a problem. This guide covers the common causes and when to get help.
When to contact a vet immediately
Contact a vet immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe, has blue, grey or pale gums, collapses, or is breathing very fast at rest.
Don't wait to see if these signs settle. If it's out of hours, call your vet's emergency number.
Flat-faced breeds and BOAS
Dogs with short, flat faces are called brachycephalic. Breeds include the French Bulldog, English Bulldog and Pug. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a moderately flat face.
In these dogs, the shorter muzzle can leave less room for the nose and airways, which can make breathing noisy, snuffly or whistling.
Snoring or noisy breathing when awake is not normal, even in flat-faced breeds. It can be a sign of BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome), which can affect exercise, sleep and coping in heat. Ask your vet to check your dog.
Flat-faced dogs can struggle in warm weather. Keep them cool and avoid exercise in the heat. If your dog is panting heavily and seems distressed in the heat, contact a vet straight away.
Allergies
Allergies to things such as pollen or certain foods can affect dogs in different ways, including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy skin and tummy upsets. Allergies can be hard to pin down, so if your dog is breathing noisily and you're not sure why, your vet can help find the cause.
Infections
Like people with a cold, dogs with an infection in their nose or airways may breathe more loudly than usual, cough or sneeze.
Contact your vet if your dog's breathing is noisy or heavy and isn't improving after a day or two, or straight away if they seem unwell, stop eating or have any of the emergency signs above.
Something stuck in the nose
Dogs love to sniff, and sometimes they breathe in things such as grass seeds. If your dog has noisy breathing along with sudden sneezing, pawing at their nose or a discharge from one nostril, something may be stuck. Contact your vet, and don't try to remove it yourself.
Being overweight
Overweight dogs often snore and breathe more loudly than dogs of a healthy weight, whatever their breed. Extra fat around the chest and neck can make breathing harder.
Helping your dog reach a healthy weight can make a big difference to their breathing and overall health. Speak to your vet before starting a weight loss plan.
Before you decide
- Has your dog's breathing changed recently, or is it noisy even when resting?
- Is your dog coping with exercise and warm weather?
- Have you noticed sneezing, pawing at the nose or a nasal discharge?
- Is your dog a healthy weight?
Questions readers ask
Is it normal for my dog to snore when awake?
No. Snoring or noisy breathing when awake is not normal, even in flat-faced breeds. Ask your vet to check your dog.
What is BOAS in dogs?
BOAS stands for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. It affects some flat-faced dogs, whose airways can be narrowed by the shape of their face and head. It can affect exercise, sleep and coping in heat.
When is a dog's breathing an emergency?
Contact a vet immediately if your dog is struggling to breathe, has blue, grey or pale gums, collapses, or is breathing very fast at rest.
Can being overweight affect my dog's breathing?
Yes. Extra weight can make breathing harder and noisier. Ask your vet how to help your dog reach a healthy weight safely.
Sources and further reading
- Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog, UK Brachycephalic Working Group (). Accessed
- Buying a flat-faced puppy, The Kennel Club. Accessed
- Grass seeds in dogs, PDSA. Accessed
- Obesity in dogs, PDSA. Accessed
About this article
- Written by Mypetzilla Editorial Team
- Published
- Updated
This article is general pet advice, not veterinary or legal advice. If your pet is unwell, speak to a vet.
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