Understanding Common Pet Breathing Noises and What They Mean for Your Pet’s Health

Why Monitoring Your Pet’s Breathing Matters

Pets make a wide variety of noises beyond their usual barks and meows—some of which can indicate underlying health concerns. Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and snoring can all provide insight into your pet’s respiratory health. While some sounds are harmless, others may signal serious conditions requiring veterinary attention.

At Central Kentucky Veterinary Center in Georgetown, KY, we help pet owners understand and address pet respiratory issues to ensure their furry companions stay healthy and comfortable.

Decoding the Cough: When Should You Be Concerned?

Common Causes of Coughing in Pets

Coughing in pets can result from minor irritations or indicate serious health conditions, such as:

  • Kennel Cough – A harsh, dry cough that sounds like honking, commonly seen in dogs exposed to other pets in boarding facilities or dog parks.
  • Heart Disease – A persistent cough, especially if accompanied by lethargy and difficulty breathing, may suggest an underlying heart condition.
  • Tracheal Collapse – Small breed dogs, such as Yorkies and Pomeranians, are prone to a chronic, honking cough due to weakened tracheal cartilage.

When to Seek Veterinary Care: If your pet’s cough lasts more than a few days, worsens over time, or is accompanied by breathing difficulties or loss of appetite, consult a veterinarian.

For more information on Kennel Cough and its symptoms, visit the AKC’s guide.

Medical Approach to Diagnosing and Treating Coughing

Veterinarians diagnose coughing using:

  • Chest X-rays to check for lung infections or heart disease.
  • Bloodwork to identify infections or inflammatory conditions.
  • Tracheal exams to assess for collapse or irritation.

Treatment may include antibiotics for infections, cough suppressants for chronic conditions, or even surgery for severe tracheal collapse. If your pet has a persistent cough, contact us for an evaluation.

Sneezing in Pets: Allergies or Something More Serious?

What Causes Sneezing in Pets?

  • Allergies – Dust, pollen, or certain foods can trigger sneezing in pets.
  • Upper Respiratory Infections – Bacterial or viral infections can cause frequent sneezing, nasal discharge, and congestion.
  • Foreign Objects – Grass, foxtails, or dust lodged in the nasal passage may cause sneezing fits.

Home Care and When to Visit a Vet

For mild cases, keeping your home clean, using air purifiers, and minimizing exposure to allergens can help. However, if sneezing is accompanied by nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, or eye irritation, veterinary intervention is needed.

Veterinarians may perform:

  • Nasal swabs to test for infections.
  • X-rays or rhinoscopy to check for nasal tumors or foreign objects.
  • Allergy testing to determine triggers.

Wheezing in Pets: A Sign of Asthma or Allergies?

Common Causes of Wheezing

  • Feline Asthma – Cats can develop asthma, which causes wheezing, coughing, and labored breathing, often triggered by allergens.
  • Severe Allergic Reactions – Exposure to mold, pollen, or smoke can inflame the airways, leading to wheezing.
  • Bronchitis or Pneumonia – Infections can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, restricting airflow.

Recognizing an Emergency

Seek immediate veterinary care if your pet:

  • Struggles to breathe or breathes with an open mouth.
  • Has bluish gums (cyanosis), indicating oxygen deprivation.
  • Has frequent wheezing episodes that worsen over time.

Treatment for wheezing may include:

  • Bronchodilators to open airways.
  • Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
  • Oxygen therapy in severe cases.

If your pet experiences wheezing episodes, schedule an exam with us to determine the cause.

The Snoring Dilemma: Normal or Problematic?

When is Snoring a Concern?

While some pets snore due to their sleeping position, excessive snoring can indicate underlying issues such as:

  • Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) – Common in short-nosed breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians) due to narrowed airways.
  • Obesity – Extra tissue around the throat can restrict airflow, leading to increased snoring.
  • Nasal Infections or Polyps – Growths in the nasal passages may obstruct airflow.

What Can You Do?

  • Monitor breathing during wakefulness – If snoring continues while awake, it could indicate BOAS or another airway disorder.
  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight – Excess fat can worsen breathing difficulties.
  • Use humidifiers – Dry air can irritate nasal passages and exacerbate snoring.

For more information on BOAS and its effects on pet breathing, visit Cornell University’s guide.

Preventative Measures to Support Your Pet’s Respiratory Health

Tips for Pet Owners

  1. Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, and strong fragrances to reduce respiratory irritation.
  2. Keep your home clean to minimize allergens that can trigger sneezing and wheezing.
  3. Use air purifiers and humidifiers to maintain healthy air quality indoors.
  4. Maintain a healthy weight to prevent respiratory strain.
  5. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor any developing breathing issues.

Regular preventive care can significantly reduce respiratory problems and improve your pet’s quality of life.

FAQs: Common Concerns About Pet Breathing Issues

Q: When should I be worried about my pet’s breathing?

A: If your pet experiences persistent coughing, wheezing, open-mouth breathing, or cyanosis (blue gums), seek veterinary attention immediately.

Q: Can a humidifier help my pet breathe better?

A: Yes, humidifiers can help relieve dry air irritation, but underlying medical issues should still be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Q: Are certain breeds more prone to breathing problems?

A: Yes, short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Persians are more prone to respiratory issues due to their facial structure.

If your pet is experiencing unusual breathing noises, don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Schedule an exam with Central Kentucky Veterinary Center to ensure their respiratory health.