Last Updated on November 23, 2021 by Marco
A dog wheezing when excited isn’t an uncommon occurrence among canines. If you’re wondering why your pet pants from time to time – read on!
Have you noticed your lovable rasping or making strange sounds lately, especially when it’s worked up about something? Before you get too stressed out – relax. Wheezing is pretty common among canines and can happen due to various reasons. Your doggo will generally snort or huff when something’s constricting the airflow either in its windpipe or large bronchi (air passage leading to the lungs).
The term ‘constricted airway’ may sound scary. But, the truth is, it can also be because of conditions like allergies or nasal mites. Non-severe wheezing will typically last a few seconds and will resolve itself. However, if you notice your pet’s wheezing isn’t getting better, a trip to the vet is a must.
We know anxious dog parents can sometimes drive themselves up the wall worrying about their fur baby. And that’s precisely why, in this article, we tackle 4 of the most common reasons for dog wheezing. So, stop Googling things like – dog wheezing through the nose – for a minute and instead, go through this article to quell your doubts and worries.
Why Do Dogs Wheeze?
The internet is full of questions from dog owners saying things like – my Chihuahua is wheezing, should I be worried? The thing is, wheezing in itself isn’t the cause of worry. Think of wheezing as the symptom of an internal condition.
Nonetheless, as far as the science behind why canines wheeze is concerned – it’s because there’s something that is stuck or is creating an obstruction in your furball’s airway passages or trachea. Think about it like, humans puff and pant when we’re suffering from the flu, right? That’s because the infection inflames your airways and nose – making breathing a bit laborious than usual.
That’s precisely why a wheezing dog isn’t always a cause of panic and alarm – specifically if the wheezing isn’t constant and its gums are a normal healthy pinkish color. On the flip side, if you notice your canine’s gums turning blue – rush it to the vet asap without delay.
Top Four Common Causes For Dog Wheezing When Excited
Pet parents asking why does my dog keeps wheezing definitely want to pay attention in this section. We’ve scoured the internet, gathered intel from experts, and put together three of the top reasons behind canine wheezing. Here’s what they are.
1. Dog Wheezing Due To Infections
Yup, you read that right. One of the most prevalent reasons for doggy wheezing is infections, and we’re not just talking about the cold and flu variety.
You see, canines are susceptible to several parasitic infections, where parasites can invade your pet’s system and take up space in its lungs and airways. When that happens, the presence of these parasites irritates your canine’s respiratory system – resulting in wheezing. Parasitic conditions like these can involve organisms like hookworms, heartworms, roundworms, etc.
Viral and bacterial conditions can also cause wheezing in dogs, along with symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or watery eyes.
That’s why, if you’ve noticed your pet wheezing more often than usual – book a trip to the veterinarian to scratch out a parasite infection as the cause.
Learn more about: Why Does My Chihuahua Snort Like A Pig; Explained
2. Wheezing Due To Mites
If you’re not sure about what nasal mites are – they’re exactly what they sound like – unfortunately. Nasal mites are tiny little parasites that reside in your doggo’s nose. These bugs can affect all canines and can exist without causing any symptoms at all.
However, one of the most common signs of nasal mites is reverse sneezing and other symptoms like bleeding from the nose, nasal discharge, noisy breathing, facial itching, etc. Vets often discover nasal mites because they live pretty high your hound’s nose passage. Sometimes, however, you can observe them around your pet’s nostrils or muzzle – if you observe closely.
The vet might opt for rhinoscopy to diagnose the condition, which involves using a flexible scope with a camera to observe the inside of your doggo’s nose. Don’t worry, though; rhinoscopy is generally performed with general anesthesia – so your best bud doesn’t feel any pain.
Treatment for nasal mites can include anti-parasitic drugs or steroids. Your vet may also prescribe antihistamines or medicines to treat any secondary condition like infections.
3. Dog Wheezing Due To Bronchitis
At times, respiratory conditions like Bronchitis can be the reason behind your dog wheezing when excited. Bronchitis is what happens when your pet’s airways become inflamed because of viral or bacterial infections. However, Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. When symptoms of Bronchitis are present for longer than two months – the condition is likely chronic.
Chronic Bronchitis can lead to permanent lung damage and can significantly impact your canine’s life quality. Thankfully, early diagnosis can lead to urgent treatment, which can slow lung damage. This can help your doggo lead a normal life without missing out on anything.
4. Wheezing Because The Presence Of Foreign Bodies
Canines that chew toys or bones that can break or a small to get stuck down their throat can wheeze because of the presence of these foreign bodies. If something’s obstructing your pet’s airways, your might your dog behaving restlessly or panicking. If you notice your doggo’s unease, along with wheezing – take it to the nearest reputable veterinarian clinic without wasting any time.
A foreign object stuck in your pet’s throat isn’t something you want to deal with at home. It’s always best to leave such things to the professionals so that your pet recovers as soon as it can.
Conclusion
If you notice your dog wheezing when excited, the first thing you should do is keep a close watch. Have your canine checked out by the vet if you see your pet wheeze more than two or three times. Wheezing isn’t something to take lightly for dogs, especially when early diagnosis is key to a swift recovery.
Besides, be it a cold, allergies, or any other type of condition – it’s your fur baby’s doctor who’ll decide what kind of treatment it needs. Plus, look at it this way, the sooner you get to the vet, the sooner you can stop stressing about what’s bothering your doggo.
Read more about: Chihuahua Reverse Sneezing vs Collapsed Trachea; The Guide
