TL;DR: Noisy sniffing is typically caused by reverse sneezing or minor irritants and is rarely an emergency if your pet is acting normally. Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice blue gums, lethargy, or difficulty breathing while at rest.
What causes my dog to make a noisy sound when sniffing?
Noisy breathing specifically during sniffing is often related to the movement of air through the nasal passages or the upper airway. In many cases, this can be attributed to 'reverse sneezing,' where a dog rapidly pulls air in through the nose, or minor nasal congestion from allergies or irritants. For certain breeds, especially those with shorter snouts, some degree of noise is expected due to their unique anatomy.
When is noisy sniffing considered a veterinary emergency?
- Urgency Level: Low. If your dog is only making these noises while sniffing and is otherwise acting normal (eating, drinking, and playing), this is typically not an emergency.
- Monitor for red flags: Watch for noisy breathing that persists even while the dog is resting.
- Seek immediate care: Visit a veterinarian immediately if you notice blue-tinged gums, extreme lethargy, or gasping for air.
How can a video or photo of my dog help a veterinarian with triage?
- Capture intermittent behaviors: Respiratory sounds often stop by the time you reach the clinic; a video ensures the vet hears the exact sound.
- Observe body language: Visual evidence allows a veterinarian to see the dog's physical reaction during the episode.
- Improve diagnostic accuracy: Photos and videos help distinguish between harmless reverse sneezing, nasal obstructions, or complex upper respiratory issues.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In dogs presenting with noisy breathing during sniffing, termed stertor, consider that narrowed nasal passages due to inflamed mucosa, glandular elements, and secretions can be a cause. Acute unilateral nasal discharge, possibly accompanied by pawing at the face, suggests a foreign body. Chronic nasal discharge that was initially unilateral but becomes bilateral or changes in character from mucopurulent to serosanguineous or hemorrhagic suggests neoplastic or mycotic disease. Diagnostic techniques should include clinical history, physical examination, and radiographic findings (especially CT), rhinoscopy, nasal biopsy, and deep nasal tissue culture.
Chapter: Respiratory, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1316)