Why Do French Bulldogs Snort and What to Do About It

Author

Reads 169

A French Bulldog on a Grassy Field
Credit: pexels.com, A French Bulldog on a Grassy Field

French Bulldogs are adorable companions, but their snorting can be quite endearing and also a bit puzzling. Their unique respiratory system makes them prone to breathing difficulties.

Their flat faces and short noses are the main culprits behind their snorting, as they can cause the air to vibrate and produce a snoring sound. This is especially true when they're sleeping or under anesthesia.

French Bulldogs can also snort due to their narrow trachea, which can become easily congested. This can be caused by allergies, respiratory infections, or even obesity.

In fact, studies have shown that up to 40% of French Bulldogs suffer from Brachycephalic Syndrome, a condition that affects their breathing.

What Triggers Sneezing?

French bulldogs can be prone to sneezing due to blocked airways that restrict breathing. This is often the case with reverse sneezing, which can be triggered by various factors.

Allergies to pollen and dust are common culprits that can lead to sneezing in French bulldogs.

Other Triggers

Selective Focus Photography of French Bulldog Puppy
Credit: pexels.com, Selective Focus Photography of French Bulldog Puppy

Pollen and dust are common culprits that can trigger sneezing in dogs. Seasonal changes can exacerbate these allergens, making them a potential trigger for sneezing.

Blocked airways that restrict breathing are a common issue in French bulldogs, which can be caused by various factors.

What Is Sneezing?

Sneezing is a natural reflex that helps clear out irritants from your nose, mouth, and throat.

Sneezing is triggered by the sudden release of air from the lungs, which can be caused by various factors, such as allergies, cold air, or even a tickle in the nose.

Dogs can sneeze too, and it's often a sign of something going on with their health or environment.

In fact, reverse sneezing is a common issue in certain breeds, like French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, due to their short snouts and elongated palates.

These breeds are more prone to reverse sneezing because of their unique anatomy, which can cause air to be sucked into their noses rather than expelled.

Understanding French Bulldog Sneezing

Credit: youtube.com, French Bulldogs -Reverse Sneezing : #FrenchieReverseSneezing #FrenchBulldogHealth #FrenchieBreathing

French bulldog sneezing can be a bit unsettling, but it's actually quite common. Reverse sneezing, also known as inspiratory paroxysm, is a type of spasm that can occur when something irritates a Frenchie's soft palate or throat.

This can happen due to various reasons, such as allergies, environmental factors, or even something as simple as eating or drinking too quickly. The symptoms of reverse sneezing include forcefully sucking air in through the nose, expanding chests, and forcefully breathing in, with the dog extending its neck out.

Here are some key differences between reverse sneezing and other breathing issues:

It's worth noting that while reverse sneezing can be alarming, it's unlikely to develop into a serious condition. However, brachycephalic airway syndrome is a more serious issue that can affect French bulldogs due to their head shape and elongated soft palates.

Nasal Mites

Nasal mites can be a sneezy culprit in French bulldogs, affecting their sinuses and sometimes showing up in mucus or around the nose.

Credit: youtube.com, Allergies in French Bulldogs: What to Look For & Best Foods #frenchbulldog #education #allergies

If you suspect nasal mites, it's essential to rule out other potential triggers first, such as allergies, environmental factors, and even food sensitivities.

Nasal mites can be tricky to diagnose, but visiting your vet is the best next step to determine if they're the underlying cause of your French bulldog's sneezing.

Distinguishing Sneezing from Other Breathing Issues

Reverse sneezing in French Bulldogs can be alarming, but it's often a harmless episode. French Bulldogs are prone to reverse sneezing due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) head shape.

Reverse sneezing is different from other breathing issues, and it's essential to recognize the signs. Episodes of reverse sneezing are short-lived and can affect any breed, including French Bulldogs.

Brachycephalic dog breeds, like French Bulldogs, are more susceptible to chronic breathing issues. These issues are caused by their head shape and elongated soft palates, which can lead to obstructed upper airways.

One condition that commonly affects French Bulldogs is brachycephalic airway syndrome. Symptoms include coughing, gagging, panting, noisy breathing, rapid breathing, struggling to eat, drink, or exercise, and, in severe cases, a dog may collapse or overheat.

Credit: youtube.com, Common French Bulldog Breathing Issues & Other Health Problems

Here are some key differences between reverse sneezing and other breathing issues in French Bulldogs:

  • Reverse sneezing is a type of spasm that causes a dog to forcefully suck air in through the nose, whereas other breathing issues may be caused by an obstructed upper airway.
  • Reverse sneezing is usually short-lived and harmless, whereas chronic breathing issues can be severe and require medical attention.
  • Reverse sneezing is often triggered by an irritant, such as dust or pollen, whereas other breathing issues may be caused by the dog's head shape and soft palate.

Why Do French Bulldogs Snort?

French bulldogs snort a lot, especially during playtime, and it's completely normal. They snort to clear irritants from their nasal passages.

This snorting sound can be a sign of weak nostril flaps or nostrils that are too narrow, but some snorting is perfectly fine. If you notice excessive snorting, it's worth keeping an eye on.

French bulldogs also snort to regulate their breathing and can do so even when they're not playing. This is especially true if they're in a warm environment.

If your Frenchie is snorting more than usual, it's always a good idea to check in with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

What to Do If Your Pet Is Sneezing

If your pet is sneezing, it's essential to remain calm and assess the situation. Reverse sneezing is a common occurrence in French bulldogs, and it's usually a harmless reflex.

Credit: youtube.com, Is my dog coughing or Reverse sneezing?

If your dog is experiencing a reverse sneezing episode, massage the dog's throat to soothe the irritation and help them breathe normally. This can be done by gently rubbing the throat area with your fingers.

To calm your pet, try taking them outside, talking to them in a soothing voice, and gently stroking them. This may help ease their stress. You can also try briefly covering their nostrils to cause them to swallow, which can shorten the episode.

Here are some common symptoms of reverse sneezing in French bulldogs:

  • Expanding chests and forcefully breathing in
  • Extending their neck out
  • The reverse breathing pulls the trachea inwards and makes it narrower;
  • It's louder than usual sneezing

Remember, reverse sneezing is rarely dangerous, but if it's consistently occurring, you may want to consult with your vet to rule out any other health conditions.

How to Stop Sneezing

If your pet is sneezing, the first thing to do is to remain calm, as this can help calm your pet down. Reverse sneezing is a common occurrence in dogs, especially in brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs.

Credit: youtube.com, Is Your Pet Sneezing Constantly | Here are 7 Natural Remedies to Consider

Reverse sneezing is a type of spasm that occurs when something irritates the dog's soft palate or throat. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, environmental changes, or something else entirely.

To stop your dog's sneezing episode, you can try a few things. Massaging the dog's throat can help soothe the irritation and encourage normal breathing. Covering the nostrils briefly can also cause the dog to swallow, which can shorten the episode.

Taking your dog to a cool or warm place can also help, especially if the sneezing was triggered by a change in temperature. Verbal reassurance and affection can also be helpful in calming your dog down.

If your dog's sneezing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, gagging, or panting, it's possible that they may have a more serious breathing issue. Brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs are prone to chronic breathing issues caused by their head shape and elongated soft palates.

Here are the steps you can take to help stop your dog's sneezing:

  • Massage the dog's throat to soothe the irritation and help him to breathe normally
  • Briefly cover the nostrils to cause your dog to swallow (this will shorten the episode)
  • Taking a dog to a cool or warm place if your dog started to reversely sneeze due to a change of temperature
  • Verbally relax your pooch and show him affection
  • Gently move the dog's head up and down to help him unblock the soft palate
  • Press the dog's tongue (as long as you won’t get bitten) to widen the airway

Remember, if your dog's sneezing persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

What to Do

Credit: youtube.com, Sneezing Dog? Top 5 Remedies

If your pet is sneezing, it's essential to identify the underlying cause.

If you suspect allergies, try to remove your pet from the allergenic environment. Check for common allergens like dust, pollen, or mold, and take steps to reduce exposure.

Keep your home clean and dust-free to minimize allergen exposure. Regular grooming can also help reduce the amount of allergens on your pet's coat.

If your pet is sneezing due to a respiratory infection, monitor their temperature and watch for signs of distress. Consult a veterinarian if your pet's sneezing persists or worsens.

In some cases, sneezing can be a sign of a more serious condition like kennel cough or sinusitis. If your pet's sneezing is accompanied by a persistent cough or nasal discharge, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Provide plenty of fresh water and a balanced diet to help your pet recover from a sneezing episode.

Edwin Grimes

Senior Assigning Editor

Edwin Grimes is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a passion for curating engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, Edwin has established himself as a trusted expert in his field. Edwin's areas of expertise include canine diet and nutrition, where he has successfully overseen the development of numerous articles and series.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.