How many times have you heard your pet snorting like a pig? Probably every now and then. Why does my dog snorts like a pig? There are several reasons why this happens. In most cases, there is no need to worry. But, in some situations, you will need to use home remedies or you will have to take your dog to a vet and get treatment. Below we will cover all the reasons, home remedies, and vet options you need to know about.
Why Does My dog Snorts Like A Pig?
Well, reverse sneezing can be the cause. This means that a dog will inhale too much air. The trachea will become narrower and even his neck will extend. All of this will cause snorting sounds. It may sound like an extremely dangerous issue but it is harmless. It will go away within 30 seconds and you don’t have anything to worry about.
You need to know that reverse sneezing is the term used to explain snorting in dogs. Basically, this is the phenomenon we will have to explain. There are a few causes here and each one is a bit special.
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Irritants
Reverse sneezing usually occurs due to irritants in the nose or the throat. These can affect all dog breeds and they are common. In general, a dog will have a piece of grass, mud or a foreign object stuck in the nose or throat. He will use snorting to try and remove it. If you notice watery eyes and constant sneezing, it means that your dog has an allergy. Professional help is needed.
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Brachycephalic and also small dog breeds
Dogs who have pushed faces like pugs and bulldogs are known as Brachycephalic dog breeds. They are more prone to snorting due to the shape of the airways. There is no need to worry about this issue. It is natural and there are no massive complications present. Keep in mind that some small dogs can suffer from this issue as well. The bottom line is that these breeds are prone to reverse sneezing.
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Smell or excitement
A dog who is too excited or senses a strong scent of some kind will show signs of reverse sneezing. This usually happens when he is too excited about playing with you or other dogs. He will probably sneeze a couple of times as well. If he can smell some strong odor that he doesn’t like, reverse sneezing is once again present. AS a dog owner you will need to know about the aromas and scents in general that can make your dog do this.
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Tight collar
If your pet wears a collar and he shows signs of reverse sneezing, you can tell the cause of it. A tight collar will affect the neck and trachea hence snorting will be present. The collar of your dog must be loosely around his neck at all times. New owners need to read a guide about perfectly placed collars around the neck of their dog.
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Excess weight
Excess weight is a common thing these days. A dog suffering from this will have less energy and he will be tired most of the time. He will also snort like a pig because of excess weight. Experts claim that dogs will snort like a pig when they are obese due to the fact, they will exert a lot of energy just moving and playing around.
Possible Solutions
There are two main types of solutions here and we will have to explain both of them. Try with the simplest remedy you can see below and move your way up. There is no need to start with the most complex and professional option if there is no need to use it.
Home Remedies You Can Use
There are a few things you can do at your home to help your dog. The first one is to massage his neck. By doing this you can help him breathe. You can also blow in his nostrils and close them for a couple of seconds. These two options are effective in trying to force the dog to swallow the object or irritant if it is stuck in the nose or throat.
In a nutshell, you have to provide him with the comfort he needs. Remember that your dog has problems breathing and you should help him. This is something you should do if reverse sneezing lasts over 30-40 seconds not instantly.
Vet Help
If you have tried all of the options we have shown you above, and they do not work, you will want to take the dog to a vet. He will examine the pet and diagnose the cause. In brachycephalic breeds and in small dog breeds a vet may perform special procedures to help your dog breathe normally once again. In rare cases, he will perform surgery.
Most of the treatments used in this case scenario will try to remove the foreign object stuck in the throat or nose of the dog. A vet has all kinds of instruments he can use to do this hence this is much easier and more effective than you trying to do it.
If a dog has an allergy, a vet will prescribe medications. These are very useful and they work well. It is important to add that you will need to invest more care into your dog now when you know that he is allergic to a specific thing.
The Final Word
Why does my dog snorts like a pig? He does this because of reverse sneezing. In 99% of situations, it is harmless and nothing bad will come out of it. But, in 1% of cases, there might be a huge problem present. You will have to start with simple tips we have included here and then you will have to take him to a vet. With professional help, your dog will feel fine within days or even minutes.