What is Noisy Breathing?
When a dog has a noisy breathing problem, we as pet owners, cannot easily dismiss it. Not only is the sound disturbing, the actions of our pets as they deal with uncomfortable breathing is a concern as well. Noisy breathing is described as stertor and stridor. Stertor is an inspiratory snoring or gasp. Stridor is is a raspy, wheezing, or vibrating sound upon inhalation (most common) and exhalation.
Noisy breathing can be an indication of many different medical issues. When a dog has a breathing abnormality, whether acquired or congenital, this means an indication of a respiratory issue, which should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
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Symptoms of Noisy Breathing in Dogs
Noisy breathing can be displayed in many ways; the causes for why your dog is breathing with a raspy sound can range from mild to serious. Always see your veterinarian for any changes in your pet’s breathing patterns.
- Open mouth breathing
- Exercise intolerance
- Restlessness
- Noise upon inhalation, exhalation or both
- Coughing
- Snorting
- Gagging
- Labored, difficult breathing (dyspnea)
- You may see movement of the chest
- The sounds may be heard even at a distance
- Snoring
- He may be asymptomatic at rest, and only breathe noisily during exertion, or he may make the noises all of the time
- Change or loss of bark
- There may be a nasal discharge
- He may have blue mucus membranes (cyanosis)
Types
Abnormal breathing will result when air passes through areas that may be affected with disease or malformation.
Nares and nasal cavity
- The nose openings, the nasal cavity, and internal nares open to the pharynx
Nasopharynx
- Connects the windpipe with pharynx above the soft palate
Pharynx
- Connects the mouth and the nasal passages with the esophagus
Larynx
- Connects the pharynx to the trachea, and is also known as the voice box
Trachea
- Connects the larynx to the lungs, and is commonly called the windpipe
Causes of Noisy Breathing in Dogs
The causes of stertor and stridor in dogs are many. Some are congenital (present at birth), while others may be acquired due to illness or trauma. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice that your canine family member is having a breathing issue. A few of the causes you may want to have your veterinary care team investigate are listed below.
Nares and nasal cavity
- Neoplasia (new, uncontrolled tissue growth)
- Foreign body
- Collapsed nostrils (stenotic nares)
- Chronic nasal disease like rhinitis
Nasopharynx
- Neoplasia
- Foreign body
- Nasopharyngeal stenosis (results in poor airflow when the mouth is closed)
- Polyps
Pharynx
- Neoplasia
- Abscess
- Tonsillar prolapse
- Retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy (enlargement at the back of the throat)
- Soft palate elongation
Larynx
- Neoplasia
- Laryngeal paralysis (breeds congenitally prone are 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
- Everted laryngeal saccules (masses between the vocal folds)
Trachea
- Tracheal stenosis (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 object
Brachycephalic syndrome is common to breeds with short noses; the complications are a combination of elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and everted laryngeal saccules. Breeds predisposed are the Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Chow Chow, Pug, Lhasa Apso, Boxer, Shar Pei, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, and Boston Terrier.
Diagnosis of Noisy Breathing in Dogs
Sometimes our family pets become very excited when they walk through the veterinary clinic doors. Whether it is the elation about the outing or the stress of the clinical visit, the excitement will perhaps exacerbate the noisy breathing that is already present. While waiting in the reception area of the clinic, try to calm your pet if he is so enthusiastic that the veterinarian will have a difficult time assessing the problem.
Give your veterinarian as much information as possible. Let her know the changes that you have seen in your furry family member, such as a difference in his bark or exercise tolerance. Tell the veterinarian if your pet has had any accidents or trauma of late. As she listens with the stethoscope, your veterinary caregiver might hear sounds that will provide clues as to if there is an obstruction or abnormality.
Radiographs of the head, neck, lungs, and chest may give some insight. Sometimes an elongated palate or a polyp on the windpipe could be evident. Further diagnostic tools, like ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan could be invaluable in assessing noisy breathing.
In addition, a complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis may be needed to add information to the health evaluation of your dog.
If absolutely necessary, a pharyngoscopy or laryngoscopy will be considered. This will clearly show anatomical changes, but will only be done if the risk of complication (such as airway collapse) is low. Rest assured, if the veterinary team feels this must be done in order to fully diagnose the reason for the stertor and stridor, your pet will be carefully monitored, and the team will be prepared for intervention measures if required.
Treatment of Noisy Breathing in Dogs
Treating the cause of noisy breathing is important, especially if there is risk of respiratory collapse or secondary complications like hyperthermia, aspiration pneumonia, or consistent regurgitation.
Surgical measures are sometimes needed to correct noisy breathing problems. Shortening of an elongated palate, removal of obstructive polyps, enlarging of nasal openings, and foreign body removal are all possibilities that can bring dramatic improvement for your beloved pet. Your veterinary specialist and her team will discuss with you the best options, cost, prognosis, and aftercare.
Of course, if when you bring your dog into the clinic the situation has already reached critical stages, emergency measures will be taken to permit your dog to breathe more easily, once he has been stabilized.
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Recovery of Noisy Breathing in Dogs
Once your pet has been released from the hospital, it is essential that you provide a quiet resting place. A soft bed would be a nice feature to offer your recovering pet. There will be pain medication and antibiotics prescribed, and exercise restriction will need to be followed for a period of time. You may notice that your pet still makes noise when he breathes. This is normal, may take time to resolve due to swelling at the surgical site. Your veterinarian will advise you on follow up appointments in which to verify that all is well.
As for the future, it is in the best interest of your dog to remain at a weight healthy for his stature. Over strenuous exercise, stress, and exposure to extreme heat and high temperatures must be avoided.
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Noisy Breathing Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $4,000
Average Cost
$950
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Noisy Breathing Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Yorkshire Terrier
Six Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
She breaths as if she is congested awake and even when sleeping
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 14, 2020
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Black lab mix
Fourteen Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing Like Cough
I been concern about my dog and trying to figure out why she has episodes of a cough like sound as if shes having difficulty in breathing at times. Sometime she seems ok others she worries me.
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Older dogs can develop heart and lung disease, and she may benefit from treatment. Since I cannot see her, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Bull Terrier
Three Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing Cough
My dog sounds like his breathing is raspy at rest, and has a gag sounding cough when he gets too worked up. is this cause for concern? He is only 3
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 23, 2020
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Jack Russell Terrier
Twelve Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
My dog has been making a sound like snoring for several months. Recently it seems to have got worse. She is mildly exercise intolerant. Making more noise breathing in than out. Her bark sometimes changes like she’s lost her voice. She is also quite restless. And now prefers to sleep on her back quite a lot. She was seen by a vet for suspected arthritis and a persistent cough (like a hiccup) about 2 months ago. He only gave her painkillers. The cough has since appeared to be much better. I do have around 7 antirobe 25mg tablets here and I’m wondering if these would be Worth trying?
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I would not give her the Antirobe tablets, as there does not seem to be an infectious problem with what you are describing. Chest xrays would likely be a good idea to rule out any larger problems. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment that might be needed.
Oct. 24, 2020
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Noisy Breathing Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $4,000
Average Cost
$950
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
