Japanese Chin With Congestion and Snoring Breathing

Japanese Chins are a flat-faced breed, and snoring breathing that hasn't improved with antibiotics and steroids may be brachycephalic airway syndrome: narrow nostrils, a long soft palate and other narrowing in the airway. These cause noisy breathing that gets worse with heat, excitement and exercise. Infections, polyps or something stuck in the nose are other possibilities.

Ask your vet whether a referral to a surgeon for an airway exam is worthwhile, as surgery can help many dogs breathe more easily. Go urgently if her gums turn blue or gray, she collapses or struggles to breathe.

See dog panting for more on breathing problems in flat-faced dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.