Why Does My Chihuahua Snort? 10 Common Reasons

Chihuahuas are small mystical dogs that can amaze you at every step. They have many features that make them very unique and attractive. One of the main features is snorting, if you find a sleeping Chihuahua you will often hear loud snorting. There are a few reasons why your fur baby might snort.

One reason is that their airway is opening up and they are trying to get enough air. Another reason is that they are sneezing. The good news for the owners is that mostly the snorting is normal and there is nothing to be concerned about. However, sometimes there are some issues behind this snorting. Here in this blog, we will discuss why does my Chihuahua snort? What are the causes behind it?

Why Does Chihuahua Snort? 10 Common Reasons

There are different causes behind snorting in Chihuahuas and you should be concerned about that. Most of the time these causes are not serious but some of them have serious consequences. Here is the complete detail of all the mild and serious causes of snorting in Chihuahuas.

1.      Genetics

Some brachycephalic dog breeds snort due to the way they breathe. These dogs suffer from regular bouts of sneezing and snorting. As you know, Chihuahuas are brachycephalic, short-nosed, flat-faced dogs. For this reason, they have a deep and rapid inhalation and exhalation, which makes it difficult for them to breathe through the nose. This can make it very difficult to breathe in and out, which can cause problems like reverse sneezing and snorting.

2.      Reverse sneezing

Reverse sneezing is a common canine behavior that occurs when a dog accidentally inhales something that has been sneezed on. In the reverse sneeze instead of sneezing out, the dog sneezes in. When the dog sneezes backward, you will hear a squawking or snorting sound and it will last for a few seconds.

Dog owners often ask if reverse sneezing is dangerous for their furry friends, but the answer isn't always clear. Some experts say that the reverse sneeze is not as dangerous as most people believe and may be harmless. Some dogs may be more prone to sneezing than others, so it's important to get your dog checked out by a vet if he starts having trouble with sneezing. In general, however, reverse sneezing is considered safe in furr babies and shouldn't cause any problems.

3.      Irritation from Foreign objects

Chihuahuas are sometimes irritated by foreign contaminants due to irritation in the nostrils. It's like in humans when we accidentally inhale smoke, cigarettes, and candles and then sneeze for a short time. In dogs, it results in snorting.

If your Chi snorts once in a blue moon due to these irritants, there is nothing to worry about. But if you feel like your fur baby seems distressed and restless, it's best to consult your vet.

4.      Elongated soft palate

If your Chihuahua has an elongated soft palate or if there is a mass at the end of his nostrils, a reverse sneeze will occur. The soft palate is defined as a flap in the back of the mouth and when an irritant causes irritation it will spasm and your dog will make a snorting sound.

This also happens when your Chihuahua is wearing a collar or leash, when he tugs on it excitedly it will elongate the soft palate and your dog will make a snorting sound.

5.      Tracheal collapse

Tracheal collapse is one of the main problems faced by most small dogs and it opens up resulting in wheezing and snorting. The trachea basically acts like a windpipe and the transfer of air through it from the nose to the lungs and then from the lungs to the nose.

If we look at the anatomy of the trachea, it is made up of c-shaped rings and they can collapse by an external force. When Chihuahuas walk on a leash and pull with extreme force, the trachea will collapse. Dogs with such a condition often elongate their neck to breathe easily and produce a snorting sound as a result. If your sweet little thing is suffering from this problem, it is best to see your vet as soon as possible.

6.      Anxiety and Stress

It is not always the injury sometimes the injury, excitement and stress are the cause of soft palate spasms. This is one of the reasons your baby snort when he greets you in stress or anxiety.

7.      Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation is defined as a condition in which dogs start doing labored breathing with an open mouth and produce snorting sounds. You will also see drooling when this happens.

8.      Allergies

Chihuahuas, like many other dog breeds, can develop allergies to various environmental factors. These allergies might manifest in symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and yes, snorting.

Allergic reactions in Chihuahuas can be triggered by a range of allergens, including pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or certain types of food. When your Chihuahua comes into contact with an allergen they are sensitive to, it can lead to nasal congestion and irritation, causing them to snort as they attempt to clear their airways.

Identifying the specific allergen affecting your Chihuahua can be a bit challenging, but your veterinarian can perform tests to determine the root cause. Allergies are typically managed through lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or medications prescribed by your vet to help alleviate the symptoms and make your Chihuahua more comfortable.

9.      Dental Problems

Dental issues are not uncommon in Chihuahuas and can be a source of snorting. Their tiny jaws sometimes lead to dental problems like overbites, misaligned teeth, or periodontal disease. When these issues occur, they can interfere with your Chihuahua's ability to breathe and eat comfortably.

Overbites, for example, can cause a Chihuahua's lower jaw to protrude farther than the upper jaw, leading to breathing difficulties and potentially snorting. Misaligned teeth may rub against the soft tissues of the mouth or the nose, causing irritation that results in snorting as your Chihuahua tries to alleviate the discomfort. Additionally, periodontal disease, which is common in small breeds, can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation, further exacerbating snorting due to oral discomfort.

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings by your veterinarian are essential to ensure your Chihuahua's oral health and prevent snorting caused by dental issues. It's also crucial to provide them with appropriate chew toys and dental care treats to promote healthy teeth and gums.

10.       Overexxertion

Chihuahuas have a lot of energy packed into their small bodies. Overexertion during play or exercise can cause snorting as they struggle to catch their breath. Be mindful of your Chihuahua's physical limits during activities.

How to Prevent Snorting In Chihuahua?

There are different things that can help you in preventing snorting in your Chihuahua. Here are some

Use Harness

If you often face the problem that your Chihuahua pulls on the leash when you go for a walk, switch to the harness. Harnesses don’t put pressure on the trachea and spread the pressure across the chest. The next time you go for a walk, choose a special harness for your furry friend.

Don’t Let Your Dog Go In High Temperature

High temperature is not good for brachycephalic dogs. If you love taking your Chi for walks with you, then don't do it on hot sunny days. Always take your fur baby out during the coolest part of the day. Overheating in Chihuahua always results in panting, snorting, hyperventilation, and heat stroke. So it's best to keep your fur baby cool when it's hot outside.

Another thing to do is not to let your Chi move in extreme weather, like when it's cold outside and your pup suddenly walks out of the room and will suffer from breathing problems. It is better to wear any type of warm clothing in winter.

No More Allergens

It's always best to keep your pup away from allergens like dust, smoke, and pollution when they're outside. Likewise, keep them away from grass and don't let them eat it. When you're indoors, keep your home clean by using a vacuum and air filters to keep the air clean and allergens at bay. It's also a good idea to talk to your vet about antihistamine medications to prevent allergies.

Conclusion

There are several reasons why your Chihuahua might be snorting. It's important to keep an eye on your Chihuahua when he snorts, as this can be a sign that he's experiencing an allergic reaction. A few ways to prevent him from doing this include: being aware of the warning signs, having a properly-fitted muzzle, providing him with fresh air, and keeping your dog healthy and fit by providing ample exercise and providing him with medicinal treats if necessary.