Expert: Have4Paws - 3/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: I HAVE A 7 YR OLD FEMALE BEAGLE THAT HAS ALWAYS MADE GRUNTING NOISES....LIKE ARNOLD THE PIG ON THE SHOW "GREEN ACRES". I'VE TALKED TO OTHER BEAGLE OWNERS AND THEY SAY THAT THEIRS DOES THE SAME THING.  I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY BEAGLES DO THIS? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

ANSWER: Hi Debra, thanks for writing to me. I can see how this might concern you.

When you refer to "grunting noises" it is not clear what you mean in terms of how frequently it happens or what might be happening just before it happens. I have never heard of beagles being prone to specifically making grunting noises.

There are a couple other possibilities I can think of that you might be describing. The most likely one is called Reverse Sneezing and all dogs do this at one time or another, I will paste some info about it into this answer.

The other would be just plain snoring. As with humans the anatomy of the nose, throat etc determine if the passages are open or if there are obstructions. Allergies can increase the congestion of the muscous membranes and also contribute to snoring. I have a female beagle that snores louder than any of the humans in the house!

The third less likely thing is that it could possibly be kennel cough although you didnt say she coughs at all. Kennel cough sounds like a seal barking. I am thinking it is most likely reverse sneezing, read what I have pasted below and see if that fits. If that is not it then I strongly suggest taking her to the vet because as I said it is NOT normal for a beagle to grunt. Good luck!  :)

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REVERSE SNEEZE SYNDROME
General Information
Reverse sneeze syndrome is characterized by a series of rapid, loud, forced inhalations through the nostrils, lasting anywhere from 10 seconds to 2 minutes. Attacks occur on a sporadic, unpredictable basis.
Dogs usually have the head extended forward and stand still during the episode. Affected dogs appear completely normal before and after the attack. There is no loss of consciousness or collapse, though sometimes the appearance of the dog is upsetting to owners. Many dogs have these attacks throughout their lives.
The exact cause of reverse sneezing is unknown, but it may be associated with sinusitis and other respiratory disorders.
Many believe affected dogs are consciously removing mucus form the nasal passages. In fact, many dogs swallow at the end of the attack. Whatever the cause, the condition is usually not serious.
If the condition appears suddenly in an older dog or if episodes become more severe or frequent, the nasal passages and throat should be examined.
Important points in treatment:
1. Treatment is not necessary when the episodes occur infrequently on a random basis.
2. Home treatments that have been reported to be successful include massaging the throat, blowing in the nose, rapidly and lightly compressing the chest.
3. Sometimes antihistamines will help with frequency or severity of the attacks. You may give your pet _____mg of Benadryl ______ times daily as needed for this. The Benadryl may make your pet sleepy or, rarely, excitable.
Notify the Doctor if any of the following occur:
 The severity or frequency of your pet’s attacks changes.
 Your pet develops a nasal discharge or a cough.
 Your pet’s general health changes.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.



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QUESTION: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ANSWER. I GUESS IT'S HARD TO EXPLAIN THE NOISES SHE MAKES, BUT IT'S KINDA LIKE SHE'S TRYING TO TALK TO ME. SHE'S DONE IT ALL HER LIFE AND OTHER BEAGLE OWNERS SAY THAT THEIR BEAGLES DO THE SAME THING. SHE HAS GOOD CHECK-UPS, SO I GUESS I'M NOT REALLY WORRIED ABOUT IT. I WAS MORE CONCERNED WITH WHY BEAGLES MAKE THAT NOISE. THANKS AGAIN

Answer
Oh I get it, lol. In that case no worries, I actually have a whippet that sort of talks to us too, he'll kind of open his mouth and go awrahararhah (hard to figure out how to spell that!). So maybe it isnt just a beagle thing, maybe some dogs are just more vocal but because beagles have great vocal abilities to allow them to bay they are specially gifted at it!!    :)