Chihauhua difficulty breathing

by Diane
(Fullerton,Ca)

Hi docter,i have a 5 year old female chihuahua,and is back breathing,kind of sounds like she is snorting when she breaths like a stuffy nose.she has had this for some time and it does not seem to be bothered with it when she runs around.She eats well and seems healthy,except for the breathing thing.Could this be allergys?

Hi Diane,

There could be multiple causes of this breathing pattern. Two possibilities could be allergies, and the other is reverse sneezing. If she is an inside dog you could try keeping house hold allergies down to a minimum. A reverse sneeze is when they appear to be sucking air in. Usually it is not associate with any specific disease and could be just due to allergies.

It you notice the symptoms getting worse I would see your vet, but it doesn't appear it will.

Thanks,

Dr. Chris