Hacking, Honking, Wheezing: Why Does Wheezing Happen In The Dog?

Coughing is a normal phenomenon in all animals. Hence, it is also normal for our fur buddies to wheeze, honk, hack, and sneeze.  

However, when it happens suddenly, you definitely worry about it a little. These noises often make you Google things at the most ungodly hour or have the longest conversations with ChatGPT. 

However, let’s be clear: chatting with AI or reading information from Google’s AI overview will not help. You should learn from firsthand, direct information in these situations. 

I have been a dog keeper for the last 25 years. Moreover, this is a legacy we have been carrying forward for generations. 

Hence, in this blog, I will share what I have learned while growing up with canines. I shall also inform you about when to panic about your dog wheezing noise.  

Read this article to learn when to reach out for help and when you can actually ignore the sound made by your dog. 

What Are The Things That You Should Know About Dog Wheezing Noise?

Dog wheezing can often mean many things. Most of the time, it is harmless. However, at times, it can raise various concerns for your dog.

1. What Kind Of Dog Wheezing Noise Is Normal And Which One Is Not? 

Wheezing is something that is really normal in dogs. Moreover, you will have to understand that not all types of noises actually raise flags of concern for the dog’s health.  

Most of the time, the noise is absolutely irrelevant. However, you often see prolonged symptoms in dogs. Hence, these are the times when you should actually be concerned with your dogs. 

Often, the dog coughs for a prolonged period. Furthermore, this is also accompanied by sneezing and a continuous wheezing noise. 

Well, this can mean a lot of things. This can at times be due to simple mucosal thickening or to a larger process, such as infection-related inflammation.  

Thus, you should take your dog to the vet immediately. I have always consulted with my vet to avoid any major issues. 

Reading blogs is fine for acquiring information. However, you should always verify information from authentic sources.  

Read the guide provided by the AAHA on respiratory distress in pets to verify the information that has been provided in this blog.  

2. Did You Know Coughing Can Be A Lot More Than A Simple Ticklish Throat? 

The body generally coughs as a reflex to clear the airways. However, frequent coughing can often mean underlying issues in the dogs. Moreover, the common causes include things like  

• Infections that cause kennel cough in dogs. 

• Allergies are caused by environmental factors like dust, pollens, and other irritants. 

• Foreign objects stuck in the throat due to ingestion. 

• Heat problems like heartworms. 

• Collapsing of the trachea in dogs. (This is very common in the smaller breeds) 

3. When Should You Act On This?  

Coughs often sound very dry, like a honking truck. Moreover, this is generally followed by breathing troubles and a constant whizzing sound. 

You should rush to the veterinary hospital immediately. Over there, the vets often refer for X-rays, blood tests, and tracheal wash. Moreover, this generally solves the issues with the dogs. 

When Teddy, my Labrador, turned 1, he developed a blockage in the trachea and larynx. Hence, this caused a constant whizzing sound. We were very concerned initially.  

However, when we went to the vet, he said it was due to mucosal thickening. Basically, Teddy got a bad cold. 

However, it happened with Teddy several times after that. The wheezing is generally caused by obstructions in the trachea. 

In the case of Teddy, it is mostly due to mucous. However, airflow can be blocked by other factors, such as thickening of the mass, severe inflammation, or a foreign object stuck in the trachea.  

4. What Does Dog Wheezing And Sneezing Mean?  

Sneezing generally helps clear irritants from the nose. However, nasal discharge and other symptoms often accompany sneezing.  

Moreover, this often means allergies or environmental triggers caused by seasonal changes. On the other hand, it can also mean something like upper respiratory infections. 

It can also indicate nasal tumors, which generally irritate the dog’s sinuses.  

5. What Are The Things That The Pet Parents Should Observe Properly? 

A dog wheezing does not always mean there is something to worry about. However, you should be aware of certain symptoms, such as thick, yellow, and bloody nasal discharge. 

People often see facial swelling and then call it cute, unaware of the symptom. Well, it might look cute, but it mostly has several underlying issues in the dogs.  

Additionally, the dogs also suffer from lethargy and decreased appetite. The vets generally conduct nasal examinations, rhinoscopy, and other tests to investigate the root cause of the problem. 

6. When Should You Consider Dog Wheezing To Be Concerning? 

Air generally struggles to pass through the narrowed airways. Moreover, it happens in asthmatic dogs. 

Dogs with chronic bronchitis can also make a wheezing sound while breathing. Other obstructions, such as tumors or other stuck objects, can also cause similar issues in dogs.  

These obstructions can often be caused by dried mucus. Hence, you should always take your dog to the vet when it becomes necessary. 

7. Which Are The Most Concerning Situations? When Should You Immediately Rush To The Hospital? 

You should immediately take your dog to the hospital if you find your dog breathing through an open mouth, notice blue gums, or notice labored breathing. 

Hence, bronchoscopy, radiographs, and other tests can detect the underlying issues in dogs. The vets generally treat your pet with inhalers, steroids, and bronchodilators, among others.  

8. Snoring And Dog Wheezing 

Snoring is common in several flat-faced breeds like pugs or bulldogs. However, worsening snoring can be caused by issues such as obesity, which narrows the airways. 

Furthermore, it can also indicate issues such as nasal congestion, obstruction, or infections. Additionally, elongation of the soft palate and other anatomical issues. 

Things To Keep In Mind About The Dog Wheezing Noise While Breathing

Dogs wheezing is not something that you should be immediately concerned about. Most of the time, it is generally harmless.  

However, you should definitely reach out to the vet, as at times it can be caused by some underlying issues in the dogs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about dogs wheezing.