Why Does My Chihuahua Snort Like A Pig – Explained

Last Updated on September 3, 2021 by admin

Chi parents often ask the question – why does my Chihuahua snort like a pig? If you’re the same, then this article’s definitely for you!

There’s no denying that Chihuahuas make fantastic pets. They may be small in size, but nothing about the Chihuahua’s personality is small. These fantastic creatures are happy, intelligent, and active. And, the best part of having a chihuahua in your life means you will experience a dull moment.

There are going to be times when you will hear your dog snorting and oinking. No, your Chihuahua isn’t trying to do a Porky Pig impression, but it will indeed sound like one. And, you may sit speechless in a corner wondering why does my dog make pig noises?

Well, wonder no more; your Chihuahua hasn’t lost its mind or has plans to make a career for itself in showbiz. If your Chihuahua is making grunting or snorting sounds, these noises are known as reverse sneezing.

What Is Reverse Sneezing?

So, reverse sneezing can happen to any dog, not just chihuahuas. You see, when a dog’s throat spasms and the soft palate is irritated, that’s when reverse sneezing occurs. When your dog sneezes, it blows out air through its nose, but in reverse sneezing, your fur baby inhales too much air through the nose. 

You may see that your dog’s neck is stretched out, its chest will expand, and its trachea will narrow. And, that’s precisely when your Chihuahua will be hacking, wheezing, and coughing. Only, to your ears, it’ll sound like chihuahua snorting.

Reverse sneezing is quite common in dogs with allergies. And, you may be surprised to learn that chihuahuas are very prone to allergies. Anything from dust, pollen, grass, smoke, or pollutants may trigger your fur baby’s allergies. Now, you need not constantly fret about why does my chihuahua snort like a pig.

Also, your poor pups may make grunting noises when suffering from a collapsed trachea. When part of the trachea that allows your dogs to breathe collapses, the air gets trapped by the sagging trachea rings and blocks the airway. And, so it is that your tiny fur babies are left sneezing and coughing away, sounding like a bunch of piggies at play.

Other less common reasons for snorting in Chihuahuas include polyp formation in the nose or throat, nasal mites, or soft palate tissue abnormalities.

Does My Chihuahua Reverse Sneeze Every time It Snorts Like A Pig?

You must know that your adorable companion is brachycephalic. Technically, brachycephalic means’ shortened head.’ So, if you take a good look at your Chihuahua, you’ll realize that that’s exactly what your fur baby is. Chihuahuas are very popular dog breeds famous for their long noses, flathead, and small stature. Other dog breeds such as the Boston Terriers, Pugs, and Shih Tzus are all small dogs that are brachycephalic.

Unfortunately, brachycephalic dog breeds experience reverse sneezing more than common dog breeds. With its unique throat and nose formation, the Chihuahuas tend to be more susceptible to making piggy noises when they reverse sneeze. So, it’s pointless to keep worrying over why do chihuahuas snort? You have to accept that your furry friend’s specific built is what prompts reverse sneezing.

How Long Does A Reverse Sneeze Last In Chihuahuas?

It’s impossible to tell exactly what brings on a sneezing bout in dogs, just like it is impossible to know in humans. But, an episode of reverse sneezing in chihuahuas can last from 5-60 seconds. If you’re lucky, your doggo’s reverse sneezing may be short-lived and go away as suddenly and quickly as it started. 

However, if your Chihuahua does have more frequent episodes of reverse sneezing and ones that last longer, then you need to consult with a vet promptly. You see, reverse sneezing with labored breathing or lack of interest in physical activities may spell out something more serious.

Read more about: Can Dogs Eat Without Teeth? Looking After Your Toothless Canine

How Do I Stop My Chihuahua From Snorting Like A Pig?

If you are aware that your Chihuahua is prone to allergies, the easiest way to prevent reverse sneezing is to keep your dog away from allergy triggers. Prevention is always better than cure. On the other hand, if your doggo has a pollen or grass allergy and loves to play outside, then it will be next to impossible for you to stop your four-legged friend from a couple of achoos. But, you have to resign to the fact that there’s no solution to your obsessing over why does my chihuahua snort like a pig. There are solutions, though, to help out your furry friend.

The best technique to then alley reverse sneezing is to place your hand carefully on your dog’s throat, uplift its face slightly, and blowdown its nostrils. Remember that you must blow down very gently, or you may aggravate the situation.

Another technique is to place a finger on your dog’s nostril gently, only one side though, and at the same time smoothly massage the throat area of your Chihuahua. The massage on the throat helps the airflow smoothly from the nose to the throat. And that prevents your pup from a round of non-stop sneezing.

Can Reverse Sneezing Be Dangerous For Chihuahuas?

Reverse sneezing is relatively common in chihuahuas. So, if your little buddy seems to snort once a week, there’s no need to be concerned. Also, reverse sneezing appears to start and end suddenly too. And that is a good sign. Sounds ridiculous, right? But, it’s true. Chihuahuas do face reverse sneezing, and the more infrequent it is, and the shorter the bout of sneezing, the higher the probability you have of a healthy dog.

You see, if your fur baby has chronic episodes of reverse sneezing or when your pooch has reverse sneezing more frequently, then your doggo may be suffering from underlying health problems. Reverse sneezing can indicate a throat infection, asthma, nasal polyps, or even a tumor. And, in such a scenario, it is wise to head straight to the vet. 

In most circumstances, the sooner the vet detects an underlying health problem in your dog, the faster the treatment can start. And the higher the probability of your doggo coming out healthy and robust.

Conclusion

Chihuahuas don’t fall into the typical dog breeds. If there were to be royals in dogs, chihuahuas would be at the top of the list. They are a favorite with many celebrities like Britney Spears or Paris Hilton; they stood proud by the side of the Egyptian Pharaohs. But, reverse sneezing goes hand in hand with most chihuahuas. So, if you do occasionally hear a grunting coming from your fur baby, don’t freak out about why does my chihuahua snort like a pig. Learn to take it in the stride. However, if the frequency of reverse sneezing increases, a quick trip to the vet will help calm your anxieties.