What are stridor and wheezing in pets?

Stridor and wheezing are abnormal sounds produced during breathing, which may arise from upper airway obstruction, secretions, or inflammation. A vet examination is needed to determine the cause and severity.

How should I record my pet's symptoms at home for the vet?

Record the time, frequency, and duration of each episode, use your phone to capture breathing sounds and a side-view video, and note any changes in appetite and activity level.

What tests will be done at the vet clinic?

The vet will typically perform a physical examination along with chest X-rays or ultrasound, and may arrange a CT scan or airway endoscopy when necessary to clarify the cause and extent of the condition.

When should I seek emergency veterinary care?

If your pet cannot be roused, is continuously breathing with mouth open, or has blue or purple gums, seek emergency veterinary care immediately without delay.

How much do the tests and treatment for this condition usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Pet Stridor & Wheezing: Complete Guide to Respiratory Noises, Imaging & Home Care [2025]

Upper airway obstruction causing snoring and stridor, common in brachycephalic breeds

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/17

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Immediate Emergency Care

•Unresponsive or sustained collapse and unable to be roused
•Obvious open-mouth breathing with no ability to self-recover
•Gums or nose tip turning purple, blue, or ashen

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Noticeably louder snoring during sleep or rest
•Rapid breathing or clearly altered swallowing during meals
•Marked breathlessness after activity accompanied by reduced alertness

01What symptoms indicate a problem?

Stridor or wheezing is often accompanied by changes in breathing pattern and energy levels — monitor the character of respiratory sounds and activity level closely.

Persistent snoring or loud snoring during sleep or rest
High-pitched or wheezing sounds audible during inhalation or exhalation
Increased breathlessness, faster breathing, or laboured breathing after exercise
Decreased energy or activity, reduced appetite, or excessive lethargy
Abnormal discharge from the mouth or nose, or increased coughing

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Unable to rouse or persistently collapsed and unresponsive
⚠️ Obvious open-mouth breathing that the pet cannot settle on their own
⚠️ Gums or nose tip turning purple, blue, or grey

02How to assess an abnormality at home? Key observations and emergency criteria

Specific indicators recorded at home help the vet quickly understand the episode pattern and severity.

Record the onset time, duration, and frequency of each episode
Use your phone to record the breathing sounds and a side-view video for the vet
Note any sudden changes in alertness, energy level, or appetite
Track whether urination, defecation, or water intake has changed
Weigh your pet and compare with the last week's weight records
If symptoms worsen, arrange a respiratory specialist consultation as soon as possible

03How will the vet diagnose the condition? Common examination steps

At the clinic, the vet will use physical and imaging examinations to assess the airway and overall health, arranging advanced diagnostics as needed.

Physical examination

auscultation, laryngeal palpation, and vital signs assessment

Radiography (X-rays)

assessment of thoracic, airway, and pulmonary structural changes

Ultrasound

checking for pleural effusion or soft-tissue abnormalities

CT scan

providing detailed imaging of the airway and thoracic cavity

Blood and biochemistry panels

evaluating infection, inflammation, or systemic metabolic status

Airway endoscopy may be arranged when needed to directly visualise upper airway lesions

Referral to a specialist hospital with imaging and respiratory evaluation capability is recommended

04How to treat and care for your pet after diagnosis? Medication, diet adjustments, and care guide

Treatment depends on the underlying cause; stabilising breathing takes priority in the acute phase, followed by regular check-ups and imaging follow-up.

The acute phase may require supportive therapy to stabilise breathing and oxygenation
Medication will be adjusted according to the underlying cause (e.g. managing inflammation or infection)
Dietary and environmental management to minimise exposure to irritants and allergens
Regular follow-up visits to monitor symptom changes and imaging improvement
Schedule follow-up blood tests or imaging to confirm disease resolution
If episodes recur or are difficult to control, referral to a respiratory or internal medicine specialist is advised

05What to prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help your vet diagnose quickly

Note the symptom start time, frequency, and whether there is a worsening trend

List food intake, water consumption, and elimination records from the past week

Bring the breathing sound recordings and side-view video files recorded at home

Bring recent blood test results, X-rays, or other imaging reports if available

List all current medications or supplements your pet is taking

Consider calling ahead to book a respiratory specialist appointment before your visit

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.

Related Symptoms (You May Also Be Looking For)

Collapse

Sudden weakness

Increased Respiratory Effort

Labored breathing

Open-Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing

Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing