Some mysteries arouse curiosity, while others leave you scratching your head. Have you ever wondered why French bulldogs snort? It might be a head-scratcher, but there’s an explanation for this.
These adorable creatures have unique breed characteristics that cause them to not only snort and snore when they’re asleep but also take their orchestra of sounds right into their awake hours. Their snorting and snoring make them sound almost musical but can be of concern. Continue reading to learn more.
Getting to Know French Bulldogs’ Snorting
French Bulldogs, also known as Frenchies, are relatively quiet when it comes to barking. However, they more than make up for this in their repertoire of sounds that include the likes of crying, whining, wheezing, snoring, and snorting. It’s almost like having a miniature jungle at home.
Is Snorting Normal for French Bulldogs?
A question that often pops up is: Is snorting normal for French Bulldogs? The answer, in a word, is yes. Thanks to their distinct breed characteristics, these bulldogs have this unique talent of snorting and snoring, be it in their sleep or while they’re wide awake. The medley of noises is part and parcel of owning a Frenchie; it just comes with the territory.
Reasons Why French Bulldogs Snort
If we are to understand why French Bulldogs snort, we need to dive into their anatomical structure and behavior.
Anatomical Explanation for Snorting
Frenchies have what you’d call narrow nostrils. This unique feature can sometimes cause occasional snorting, especially when they’re sniffing around a dusty corner. It’s just their way of clearing their airways.
Now, not all snorting is the same. There’s a difference between an occasional snort and excessive snorting. When your Frenchie starts snorting more than usual, it could be due to weak nostril flaps that close prematurely. And lwhile it might sound funny, it isn’t exactly the best thing for your little buddy’s breathing.
Sometimes, these noises could be due to difficulty breathing caused by an elongated soft palate. That fancy term basically means the tissue at the back of their throat is a little too long, and it can obstruct their airways. So, when you hear your Frenchie snorting, remember it isn’t just for kicks. They could be dealing with some real discomfort.
How to Respond to Your French Bulldog’s Snorting
Alright, now that we have a concrete explanation of the factors that may cause your pup’s snorting, what should you do if your Frenchie suddenly starts snorting more than usual?
This is where a lot of Frenchie owners might feel a bit stumped. You don’t want to ignore it, but you also don’t want to rush to the vet every time your pup makes a funny noise. It’s kind of a tricky balance. Fortunately, there are a few things you can keep an eye out for to know when it’s time to seek help.
Steps to Take If You’re Worried About Snorting
First, don’t panic every time your Frenchie lets out a snort. Remember, occasional snorting is nothing to lose sleep over. However, if that occasional snorting turns into a regular concert, y’know, like your dog is snorting all day, then you’re allowed to feel a bit worried. Now, if that snorting is paired with other worrying signs like difficulty breathing or loss of appetite, it might be a sign of health problems.
You should also keep an eye out for changes in behavior. If your Frenchie is acting differently than usual, it might be worth taking note. And if you’re still feeling unsure, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call a vet. They’d rather you be safe than sorry, and your Frenchie will thank you for it.
Possible Health Implications Connected to French Bulldog Snorting
Now, you might be thinking, “What kind of health issues could snorting be a sign of?” Well, there are a few possibilities. The most common one is Brachycephalic Syndrome – a fancy term for breathing difficulties, often seen in flat-faced breeds like our beloved Frenchies.
This condition can lead to a bunch of issues like swollen and inflamed airways and, you guessed it, excessive snorting. So remember, it’s not always just a silly sound. Sometimes, snorting can be a warning sign. So, it’s always good to stay attentive to the health of your Frenchie companion.
When to Be Concerned
If your little buddy’s gums turn from a healthy pink to a dark, almost black color, a lack of oxygen could be the culprit. This shouldn’t be ignored. So, when you notice a change in your Frenchie’s gums, it might be time to make a trip to the vet’s office.
Techniques to Ease “Reverse Sneezing” Snorting
Reverse sneezing can scare the bejeesus out of some French bulldog owners. One minute, it’s all fun and games; next thing you know, your dog’s pulling quick, involuntary inhalations through the nose.
Frenchies can go through a phase of reverse sneezing because of overexcitement, sinus passages getting irritated, or exposure to allergens. A simple trick to help ease this is gently covering their nostrils with your fingers. Sounds odd, but it helps. This encourages your dog to swallow, which can eliminate the muscle spasm causing the reverse sneeze.
Conclusion
French bulldogs, those beloved, funny-faced, four-legged bundles of energy, are renowned for their unique sounds, from snorts to slurping noises. It’s all thanks to their distinctive anatomy, particularly their loose lips and shortened noses.
These traits, which make them one of the most recognizable dogs in the world, are also why French Bulldogs are prone to snoring, gulp down extra air when eating or drinking, and may let out an audible gas. Therefore, it’d be best to use the information you have read here to know if snorting from your furry friend should be a concern.
