My old chihuahua snores loudly. Is this normal or a concern?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Jackie doesn't have loud nasal noises or discharge when awake I think her snoring while sleeping is normal. It could be allergies or she could be overweight (obesity in dogs can cause snoring and/or breathing problems). If there are no symptoms while she is awake I don't think any treatment is needed. I hope this helps and have a great day!

If this abnormal for Maggie, then I would recommend taking her to the vet ASAP for evaluation. Since Shih Tzus have short noses, they aren't able to move air like a more normal shaped nose. Any decrease in the air flow (such as something stuck in the nose/mouth/throat, inflammation from allergies or infection, mass, etc) can be very severe. The vet will do an exam and may recommend emergency treatment. Or if it doesn't seem life-threatening, they can prescribe something to help with the abnormal breathing.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If the wheezing noise is new then I would have Cherry examined. It could be a upper respiratory infection or kennel cough. If Cherry is overweight then that can affect the loudness of her breathing as well. If this has been going on for a while, Cherry could have an overlong soft palate or everted saccules that just vibrate when she is sleeping and snoring. I would take a video to show your Vet if you take her in. I hope this helps and I wish Cherry a speedy recovery!

I would get her in to see your vet. Since the snoring and breathing noise is a recent development, it could mean she has a tumor or polyp somewhere in her upper respiratory tract that is causing the problem. Catching it early is the best for a good outcome.

If there are no other signs (like coughing retching or sneezing and others) this is not usually a very clinically significant symptom. In case other signs are present as well, an upper respiratory tract infection/inflammation could be present.

I wouldn't be super concerned about it if it is only when she is sniffing the ground, but I would discuss it with Emma's vet the next time she goes in. If you can get a video of what is going on, that may help the vet see what you are seeing. I couldn't guess what could cause it right now, though!

Sometimes after dental extractions they can develop a connection between the nasal and oral cavities called a fistula. This can allow oral cavity food, bacteria, saliva, etc. to enter the nose which can sometimes lead to these signs. Often times there may be nasal discharge as well. As well there are other post anesthesia problems that can occur less frequently. Since this sounds like a notable change post dental i would have it evaluated by your family vet. They can look at the extraction sites and do a thorough oral exam (sedation likely required) as well as check for normal airflow via the nose and normal airway function. If you think the sleeping a lot is new as well then this could be related or some other issue. Rechecking some bloodwork will likely be recommended as he is an older pet that underwent anesthesia. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!