Dog Sounds Congested: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

If you have ever heard your dog coughing, wheezing, snoring, or making other strange noises while breathing, you might wonder why my dog sounds congested. Congestion in dogs is not uncommon, but it can be a sign of various health problems that need your attention.

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What is Congestion in Dogs?

Congestion in dogs is used when a dog’s nasal part of the respiratory system is overloaded with naturally produced mucus. Mucus is supposed to eliminate any disease-causing pathogens, dust, or other irritants that enter the nose.

Still, when too much of it is produced, and the passages swell, the dog gets a stuffy and blocked nose. It can make breathing difficult and uncomfortable for your dog.

Can Dogs Get Congested?

Yes, dogs can get congested and have many of the same signs of congestion that we experience, such as sneezing and coughing. Congestion in dogs occurs for many reasons, such as respiratory infections or allergies.

Congestion isn’t life-threatening, but it’s reasonable to be concerned if your dog suddenly starts sounding congested and isn’t feeling too well.

Also Read: Signs of a Dog Ear Infection

What Does Congestion in Dogs Look and Sound Like?

Your dog’s nasal and airway congestion will probably be audible to you. They might breathe rapidly, deeply, or inhale forcefully. Sometimes this causes a snoring sound, and at others, a whistling sound.

Other symptoms include:

• Unusual and aggressive behavior (because your poorly puppy doesn’t feel well)
• Refusing to eat or drink, or drink more
• Refusing to get up or move around
• Not interested in usual much-loved activities, such as fetch or walkies
• Sneezing, reverse-sneezing, or snorting
• Runny nose and eyes
• Constantly scratching or touching the face

Signs That Your Pup Is Congested

If you notice any of the following signs in your dog, they may be congested:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Snoring
• Whistling
• Crackling 

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What Causes Dog Congestion?

As well as seasonal allergies and the common cold, other conditions can cause your poor pooch to sound congested.

Here are some of the most common ones:

They Have Something Stuck in Their Nose

A foreign object in their nose may cause abrupt congestion in your pet. It might be anything, including a toy, a bit of food, or a blade of grass. The object can aggravate the nasal mucosa, producing swelling and mucus.

Allergies

You might not be aware that dogs can acquire allergies like humans if you’ve never had a dog with allergies. They can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold spores, food ingredients, or other substances.

Allergies can cause inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to congestion. Your dog may also have itchy skin, red eyes, or ear infections due to allergies.

Respiratory Infections

Dogs can get respiratory infections from viruses or bacteria that affect their upper or lower respiratory tract. Some of the most common ones are kennel cough, canine influenza (dog flu), canine distemper virus (CDV), and canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV).

These infections can cause coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Respiratory diseases in dogs are highly contagious, so it doesn’t take much for dogs in close contact with each other to get sick and start sounding congested.

Obesity

For dogs, obesity is a severe health issue that can impair their breathing and lead to congestion. Being overweight makes it more difficult for the lungs to properly expand and contract because it strains the diaphragm and chest cavity.

Obese dogs may also have fat deposits around their throat that narrow their airway and cause snoring or wheezing.

Age

As dog’s age, their respiratory system may become less efficient and more prone to congestion. Aging can cause changes in the cartilage and muscles that support the airway, making it more collapsible and less elastic.

Older dogs may also have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections and allergies.

Sleeping Position

Sometimes, how your dog sleeps can affect their breathing and cause congestion. If your dog sleeps on their back or with their head tilted back, it may obstruct its airway and snore or wheeze.

If your dog sleeps on their side or with their head down, it may accumulate fluid in its lungs and sound crackly or congested.

Air Quality

The quality of the air your dog breathes can also influence their congestion. Poor air quality can be caused by smoke, pollution, dust, chemicals, or other irritants that can trigger inflammation and mucus production in the nasal passages and lungs.

If your dog is exposed to poor air quality for a long time, it may develop chronic respiratory problems such as bronchitis or asthma.

Sedation

It may sound congested if your dog has recently undergone anesthesia or sedation for a medical procedure. It is because anesthesia can affect the normal function of the respiratory system and cause mucus accumulation, inflammation, or aspiration.

Tumors

In rare cases, dog congestion can be caused by tumors that grow in or near the nose, throat, or lungs. These tumors can be benign or malignant and can cause obstruction, bleeding, infection, or respiratory tract inflammation.

Depending on the location and size of the cancer, your dog may have difficulty breathing, swallowing, or smelling.

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How to Help a Congested Dog

If your dog sounds congested, you should immediately take them to the vet to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, your vet may prescribe antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, or other medications to help your dog breathe easier.

Your vet may also perform tests such as blood work, x-rays, nasal swabs, or biopsies to rule out any serious conditions.

Home Remedies for Dog Congestion

In addition to following your vet’s advice, you can try some home remedies to help your congested dog feel more comfortable.

Here are some of them:

• Use a saline solution to gently flush out your dog’s nose and clear any debris or irritants.
• Use a warm compress to soothe your dog’s nose and sinuses and reduce inflammation.
• Elevate your dog’s head when they sleep to help them breathe better and prevent fluid accumulation.
• Keep your dog hydrated and offer them soft food if they have trouble eating.
• Avoid exposing your dog to smoke, dust, chemicals, or other allergens that can worsen their congestion.
• Keep your dog indoors and limit their exercise until they recover.

How to Prevent Dog Congestion?

While you can’t prevent all cases of congestion in dogs, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk and frequency of this problem.

Here are some of them:

• Keep your dog updated on their vaccinations and parasite prevention to protect them from common respiratory infections.
• Avoid boarding your dog in crowded or poorly ventilated places where they can catch kennel cough or other contagious diseases.
• Brush your dog regularly and use hypoallergenic products to reduce shedding and dander that can trigger allergies.
• Clean your dog’s bedding and toys frequently, and use natural cleaners that don’t contain harsh chemicals.
• Provide your dog with fresh water and clean air at all times.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Can I Give my Dog for Congestion?

You should never give your dog any human medications for congestion without consulting your vet first. Some human drugs can be toxic or harmful to dogs and cause serious side effects. Your vet will prescribe the best medication for your dog based on their condition and medical history.

When Should I Take a Dog With Chest Congestion Symptoms to the Vet?

It would help to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any signs of chest congestion, such as coughing, wheezing, crackling, difficulty breathing, or blue gums. Chest congestion can indicate a serious problem such as pneumonia, heart failure, or lung cancer that requires immediate medical attention.

Are There High-Risk Congested Dog Breeds?

Some breeds are more prone to congestion than others, especially those with brachycephalic syndrome. These dogs, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers, have short, flat faces and narrow nostrils.

Their facial structure makes it harder for them to breathe normally and can cause chronic congestion, snoring, wheezing, and reverse sneezing. Brachycephalic dogs may also have elongated soft palates, which can obstruct their airway and cause breathing difficulties.

Other breeds at higher risk of congestion are those prone to heart disease or obesity, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, and Dachshunds.

Why Is My Dog Snoring All of a Sudden?

Snoring is a common sound that dogs make when they sleep, but it can also indicate a problem with their breathing. If your dog suddenly starts snoring more than usual or louder, it may have congestion or an obstruction in its nose or throat.

Some possible causes of sudden snoring in dogs are:

• A foreign object stuck in the nose or throat
• Infection or inflammation of the nose, throat, or sinuses
• Polyps or tumors in the nose or throat
• Dental problems or abscesses
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

Why Is My Dog Snoring While Awake?

Snoring while awake is not normal for dogs and can indicate a serious problem with their breathing.

Snoring while awake can be caused by the following:

• Brachycephalic syndrome: As mentioned above, dogs with short, flat faces and narrow nostrils can have trouble breathing normally and may snore even when awake.
• Laryngeal paralysis: This is a condition where the muscles that control the opening and closing of the larynx (voice box) become weak or paralyzed. It can cause the larynx to collapse partially or completely during inhalation, creating a snoring sound.
• Tracheal collapse: This is a condition where the rings of cartilage that support the trachea (windpipe) become weak or damaged and cause the trachea to collapse or narrow during breathing.

Conclusion

Congestion in dogs is not a rare problem, but it can be a sign of various health issues that need your attention. If your dog sounds congested, you should immediately take them to the vet to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment.

You should also monitor your dog’s breathing closely and provide a comfortable and clean environment to help them breathe easier. By doing so, you can ensure your dog’s well-being and happiness.