My dog is snorting/grunting in smoke. Is it asthma or vet emergency?

Poor Stewie! Since it sounds like he's having some trouble breathing and is very uncomfortable, I would really recommend taking him to an emergency vet tonight. If he has asthma, he may need injectable steroids to help open up his airways and make it easier for him to breathe. If these symptoms are new, it's also possible that he may have some other problem causing him to feel ill and act lethargic. In that case, he may need blood work or x-rays to help determine the problem.

This can be a number of respiratory issues including laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal obstruction, or just a benign condition called reverse sneezing, where it appears he is struggling to breathe but it is actually a tickling of the larynx and completely harmless. See this video for an example of reverse sneezing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IszRBYxsGI The event has to be seen to give you a better idea of if this is something to worry about or not. I would recommend recording the next episode on your phone and then showing the video to your vet for advise on what to do. If at any point your pet's tongue turns blue or he passes out or if you feel that he is in respiratory distress, then I encourage you to go to an ER vet.

If Bruno is unable to breathe, gasping for air, choking, or his gums/tongue or turning blue or pale, this is a medical emergency and care should be sought at your local vet or ER vet ASAP. Some breeds of dog may snore more often, or have trouble breathing. Problems such as asthma, sinus issues, illness, structural problems of the nose or sinuses, etc can all cause difficulty breathing. If this is happening repeatedly, scheduling a veterinary exam is best to rule out any more serious causes and get Bruno some relief.

If he truly has something caught in his trachea then this is an emergency. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Other causes of Cough and snoring type behavior include upper respiratory infection such as kennel cough, tracheal collapse in small breed dogs, And even heart disease. The veterinarian will likely recommend a chest x-ray to help determine the diagnosis and best treatment plan. Best of luck and I hope Chucho improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi and good question! The short answer to this is... yes! Smoke inhalation can also cause health problems for our pets as well. Like humans, dogs can experience compromised lung function due to exposure to smoke. Dogs that have underlying health issues such as COPD, heart disease, lung disease, or who are of the Brachycephalic breeds are more at risk. Please keep Holly away from the smoke!

Please have Lola seen by a vet immediately. Pugs as a breed can be predisposed to respiratory issues, and difficulty breathing in a pet dealing with bronchitis could be extremely dangerous. Please have her seen right away. If your regular vet isn’t open please go to a 24 hour clinic. Call them to let them know you are on your way if possible so they can prepare. Best of luck! Hope Lola feels better soon!

He needs to be examined by a veterinarian right away. Your vet can take an x-ray of his chest to evaluate his lungs and airway. He could have pneumonia, asthma, heart disease, or fluids in his chest. Please call your vet immediately and schedule an appointment.