Why Does My Pit Bull Snort? 7 Reasons and Tips to Help It Stop Snorting
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Have you ever been jump scared by hearing snorting sounds without knowing their source? Well, let me tell you, if you have a Pit Bull, it might be the source of that noise.
Still, you’re probably asking yourself, why does my Pit Bull snort?
Your Pit Bull may snort for many reasons, such as communicating, breathing in foreign objects, or infections. They also produce snort-like noise, known as reverse sneezing, which doesn’t require medical attention most of the time, as it is considered a natural response to some external stimuli.
Keep reading to know why your Pit Bull sometimes snorts and how to deal with it.
Do All Dogs Snort?

If you’re a dog parent, you probably heard your dog snort like a pig a couple of times and were very surprised by it. Well, you don’t have to worry much about it because it’s pretty common in most dog breeds.
Dogs who snort are often from the brachycephalic breeds that are characterized by having a short snout or a flat face. These breeds include:
- Bull Mastiffs
- Boxers
- Boston Terriers
- French and English Bulldogs
- Pekinese
- Chow Chows
- Pugs
This term can also be used to describe mixed-breed dogs that have brachycephalic ancestors and have inherited this characteristic.
Why Does My Pit Bull Snort?

Here are some reasons why your four-legged buddy might be imitating a snorting pig.
Snout and Skull Shape
The Pit Bull’s snout and skull shape affect whether it snorts or not. That is because Pit Bulls have short snouts and broad skulls that may cause regular snorting whenever their nasal passages are irritated.
Reverse Sneezing
Some dog owners who have never witnessed reverse sneezing before may find it to be shocking, weird behavior.
Dogs somewhat sneeze “in” instead of sneezing out. When dogs reverse sneeze, they may snort or honk, and they do it for a few seconds at a time.
If you’re worried that your dog is reverse sneezing for the first time, take it to the vet for a check-up. However, you do not have to take your dog to the vet every time they reverse sneeze. If you are aware of it, just keep an eye on the dog to make sure it soon resumes normal breathing.
Communication with Humans or Other Dogs
To interact with other animals, dogs will occasionally snort and snuffle. They do this behavior to convey a variety of emotions to other dogs, including their eagerness to play.
Snorting appears to mean a variety of things to dogs, while its exact meaning is not entirely known. Some dogs will snort to interact with their human family members. They might also snort for attention, vent their frustration, play, or show their hunger.
Pay attention to your dog if it’s snorting because it might need your help with something. It might even fake snort and come near you to ensure that you cannot possibly ignore it.
Sniffing and Exploring
Dogs often use their noses to sniff and explore their environment. One of the most essential parts of a dog’s learning process is its nose, and sometimes your dog may snort to unclog their nasal passages and improve their ability to smell.
This is why your dog might sneeze and snort at the same time. There is typically nothing more to worry about if your dog appears to be exploring their surroundings and snorts as it does so.
Simply said, they are acting as a dog would, and soon they will likely stop snorting after a short period of time.
Nevertheless, you should always remain aware of the things your dog is doing because you never know for sure what it might cause in hindsight.
Irritation from Air Pollutants
Like people, dogs can experience nasal irritation from environmental pollutants or irritants. If you’ve ever sneezed after smelling smoke from a cigarette, fire, or candle, you can see why it makes your dog snort.
You don’t need to be concerned if your dog occasionally snorts in response to air pollutants. Remove the cause and take your dog to the clinic if they feel distressed or have apparent breathing difficulties.
Breathing in a Foreign Thing
Although it is more uncommon than the other reasons for snorting, inhaling a strange object is nonetheless important to note.
Dogs are prone to inhaling strange things, such as pieces of food, toys, or other objects. These objects can become stuck in your dog’s throat or nasal passages, partially or entirely obstructing its airways.
Take your dog to the vet immediately if they have trouble breathing or if you see or even suspect that your dog inhaled a foreign object. This issue requires a surgery object.
Infections
This is one of the more serious problems that snorting could indicate. Snorting could indicate a viral or bacterial respiratory infection.
However, snorting is not the only symptom in this case, as this type of infection is accompanied by coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or even a runny nose.
If your dog is diagnosed with a respiratory infection, then your vet will most likely prescribe medication.
Is There Anything to Help Your Dog Stop Snorting?

Snorting in dogs is very common, and some dogs experience it their whole lives. However, other dogs don’t snort until they age, but it still should raise any serious concerns as it’s only temporary and doesn’t last long.
It might be surprising if you don’t know that dogs make these sounds to express whatever is going on with their bodies, but they should be all alright.
If your dog keeps repeatedly snorting for a long time, then you may try the following:
- Massaging its throat.
- Gently blowing in its face.
- Holding its nostrils for a little bit.
These might help clear your dog’s passageway and hopefully stop his snorting episode.
However, if your dog has a severe snorting episode that won’t stop to the point that your dog can’t properly breathe, you should immediately take it to the emergency vet to treat it.
Bear in mind that sneezing is the dog’s equivalent of snorting. Therefore, it’s often a harmless incident that shouldn’t worry you.
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