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Is my Shih Tzu's heavy breathing and snoring normal? When to worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 20 lbs

My dog is heavy breathing every once in a while kind of a snoring sound

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 17th, 2020

If this abnormal for Maggie, then I would recommend taking her to the vet ASAP for evaluation. Since Shih Tzus have short noses, they aren't able to move air like a more normal shaped nose. Any decrease in the air flow (such as something stuck in the nose/mouth/throat, inflammation from allergies or infection, mass, etc) can be very severe. The vet will do an exam and may recommend emergency treatment. Or if it doesn't seem life-threatening, they can prescribe something to help with the abnormal breathing.

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