We come to recognize every little sound our pets make—from a playful bark to a soothing purr. But when those sounds shift into coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing, it’s natural to feel concerned. Respiratory issues in pets can range from harmless quirks to signs of more serious medical conditions. The key is knowing how to interpret these sounds and when to take action.

At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, we’re here to help you navigate those moments with clarity and care. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common respiratory sounds in pets, what they might mean, and when it’s time to call your veterinarian.

Understanding Respiratory Symptoms in Pets

Just like in humans, respiratory symptoms in pets can stem from allergies, infections, structural issues, or chronic disease. While an occasional sneeze or snore is often no big deal, recurring or worsening symptoms may require professional attention.

Coughing: More Than Just a Throat-Clearing

A cough is one of the most noticeable respiratory symptoms in both dogs and cats. It can sound dry and hacking or moist and phlegmy—and each type tells a different story.

Common Causes of Coughing Include:

When to Contact Your Vet:

  • If the cough persists for more than a few days
  • If it’s accompanied by difficulty breathing, gagging, or loss of appetite
  • If your pet seems lethargic or uninterested in eating or playing

Sneezing: Normal Reflex or Sign of Trouble?

A random sneeze or two is usually no cause for concern. But repeated or intense sneezing—especially when combined with discharge—may indicate a deeper issue.

Possible Causes:

  • Upper Respiratory Infections: Common in cats, especially those from shelters or multi-cat households. Often caused by viruses like herpesvirus or calicivirus.
    Learn about Feline URIs – ASPCA Pro
  • Allergic Reactions: Seasonal allergies, dust mites, or mold can all contribute to sneezing.
  • Dental Disease: Believe it or not, dental infections—especially in the upper jaw—can extend into the nasal cavity, causing sneezing and nasal discharge.
  • Foreign Objects: Grass, seeds, or dust can irritate the nasal passages.

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Frequent sneezing episodes
  • Thick, yellow, or green nasal discharge
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose or open-mouth breathing

Wheezing and Labored Breathing: Serious Signals

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that typically signals narrowing or inflammation of the airways. If you notice your pet wheezing—or working hard just to breathe—this warrants immediate attention.

Possible Causes:

  • Feline Asthma: A chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Common signs include wheezing, coughing, and rapid breathing.
    Feline Asthma Resource – Cornell Feline Health Center
  • Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats often struggle with restricted airways due to their anatomy.
    Understanding BOAS – Cornell Vet
  • Respiratory Infections or Pneumonia: Bacterial or viral infections in the lungs can lead to wheezing, fatigue, and reduced oxygen levels.

Seek Immediate Care If:

  • Your pet is wheezing constantly or severely
  • Breathing appears labored or shallow
  • You notice blue or gray gums (a sign of oxygen deprivation)
  • Symptoms appear suddenly or worsen rapidly

Reverse Sneezing: Scary But Often Harmless

If you’ve ever witnessed a dog suddenly make loud snorting or gasping sounds, you’ve probably seen reverse sneezing. It’s common in small or brachycephalic dogs and typically looks more alarming than it actually is.

Triggers Can Include:

  • Pulling on a leash
  • Excitement or exercise
  • Airborne irritants like perfume or dust
  • Mild viral infections

Episodes usually last a few seconds to a minute and resolve on their own. However:

Call Your Vet If:

  • The episodes increase in frequency or severity
  • Reverse sneezing is paired with coughing or nasal discharge
  • Your pet seems distressed afterward

Snoring: Cute Quirk or Health Concern?

Some pets naturally snore—especially short-nosed breeds—but a sudden onset of snoring in an older pet may signal a respiratory issue.

Potential Causes:

  • Breed anatomy: Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Persians are prone to snoring due to their shortened airways
  • Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the throat and lungs
  • Allergies or infections: These can cause inflammation and congestion

Veterinary Evaluation May Be Needed If:

  • Snoring becomes louder or more frequent
  • Your pet snores while awake or appears to struggle to breathe
  • Snoring is accompanied by coughing, choking, or fatigue

How Respiratory Issues Are Diagnosed

At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, we use a combination of clinical expertise and diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of your pet’s respiratory symptoms. This may include:

  • Physical exam: Listening to lung sounds, checking gum color, assessing breathing patterns
  • Chest X-rays: To evaluate the heart, lungs, and airway structures
  • Bloodwork: To check for infections, inflammation, or heartworm disease
  • Heartworm Testing: Especially important in endemic areas
    Check local heartworm trends – CAPC Map

Preventing Respiratory Illnesses in Pets

The best treatment is prevention. Here are some ways to keep your pet’s respiratory system healthy:

Vaccinations

  • Dogs: Vaccines for Bordetella, canine influenza, and parainfluenza help prevent common respiratory infections
    Kennel Cough Prevention – AVMA
  • Cats: Core vaccines protect against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus—two leading causes of feline upper respiratory infections.

Environmental Management

  • Keep your home clean and free of smoke, strong chemicals, or allergens
  • Use air purifiers for pets with allergies or sensitivities
  • Wash bedding frequently and vacuum regularly to reduce airborne particles
  • Use low-dust cat litter

Regular Vet Visits

Routine checkups are essential for catching subtle signs of respiratory issues before they become serious. Early intervention can make all the difference.

Book an exam with our team today or learn more about our approach to comprehensive pet care by visiting our services page.

Listening to Your Pet’s Breathing

Whether it’s a soft snore or a concerning cough, your pet’s respiratory sounds can offer important clues about their health. Don’t ignore persistent or unusual changes—trust your instincts and reach out to your veterinarian.

At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, we’re here to help you tune into your pet’s health, one breath at a time.