This is your dog’s nostrils and the hollow space behind the nostrils where the airflow is directed. Problems here can be:

• Neoplasia. This can be new, uncontrolled tissue growth. Also covers tumors and cancer.
• Foreign bodies that may have got stuck inside your dog’s nose somehow.
• Collapsed nostrils (stenotic nares). A narrowing of the nostrils, especially prevalent in dogs with ‘squashed up faces’.
• Chronic nasal disease, such as rhinitis.

This is the uppermost part of the throat, a tube located behind the nose and above the soft palate that connects the nasal cavity to the rest of the pharynx. Neoplasia and foreign bodies can also be causes of this, as well as:

• Nasopharyngeal stenosis. A narrowing of the nasal passage that results in poor airflow when the mouth is closed.
• Polyps. These are pink growths in a dog’s nose, some of which are benign and some of which can be cancerous.

These are the walls of your dog’s throat. Pharyngitis is the result of swelling in this area of the throat.

• Abscess. Often the result of an infection – look out for areas of redness.
• Tonsillar prolapse. An uncommon tonsillitis-like condition in dogs.
• Retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy. This is an enlargement at the back of a dog’s throat.
• Soft palate elongation. These are abnormalities in the soft tissues at the back of your pooch’s mouth.

The main role of the larynx is to block off the lungs when your dog is eating or drinking, and to open their windpipe wider when they need to take a deep breath.

• Laryngeal paralysis. Breeds congenitally prone to this condition include Bouvier des Flandres, Dalmatian, Siberian Husky, Bulldog and Bull Terrier, while  breeds prone to acquire the paralysis are Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter and Great Dane.
• Laryngeal collapse. This happens when the muscles in your dog’s voice box weaken or become paralyzed, either due to genetics or something they’ve developed over time. As a result, the cartilage that those muscles support collapses inward, making it harder for them to breathe properly.
• Everted laryngeal saccules. The laryngeal saccules are small, soft tissue masses that extend from the laryngeal ventricles in your dog’s larynx. They play a role in keeping the vocal cords lubricated and enhancing the sound of vocalization. But when things go wrong, these saccules can contribute to airway disease or even lead to obstruction, making it harder for your pup to breathe properly.

The trachea (or windpipe) is the tube that connects a dog’s throat to their lungs.

• Tracheal stenosis. This can happen if your dog’s windpipe becomes narrow or constricted.
• Tracheal collapse (tracheal loss of rigidity and prevention of airflow to the lungs, often seen in Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles and Pomeranians)
• Foreign objects. This refers to anything that can accidentally get stuck inside your dog’s nose

This condition is caused by deformities in your dogs’ upper airway and is common among dog breeds with short noses. Breeds more prone to noisy breathing are the Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Chow Chow, Pug, Lhasa Apso, Boxer, Shar Pei, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, and the Boston Terrier.
 

Your vet will start by using a stethoscope to tune in to your dog’s breathing. Certain sounds can hint at whether there’s an obstruction or an abnormality affecting their airways.X-rays of the head, neck, lungs, and chest can reveal a lot. Sometimes, an elongated palate or a polyp on the windpipe will show up, helping to pinpoint the issue.If needed, the vet may turn to ultrasounds or CT scans for a clearer picture of what’s causing those snore-like sounds in your pup’s breathing.A full blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis can provide more clues about any underlying conditions affecting your dog’s respiratory system.In more complex cases, if necessary, the vet may consider a pharyngoscopy or laryngoscopy. They will only do so if the risk of complications, like airway collapse, is low.

Avoid over-exerting your dog, especially in warm or humid weather. During the summer, stick to early morning or evening walks, and build up their stamina gradually to keep them fit without stressing their respiratory system.If your vet has given you tips or warnings about your dog’s health, make sure to follow through. Addressing any underlying conditions early can prevent your dog’s breathing issues from worsening.For breeds prone to tracheal collapse using a harness can reduce pressure on the windpipe and make breathing easier.Regular visits to the vet can help identify and address potential respiratory issues early. The sooner any issues are caught, the better.Keep your pup cool and hydrated – especially in hot weather or after exercise. Overheating can make breathing issues much worse.Use air purifiers and change filters regularly. If your dog has tracheal issues, adjusting their sleeping position can make a difference in how easily they breathe at rest.Try to keep their home calm to help minimize stress triggers.