Can Pugs Breathe Through Their Nose Properly? What’s Normal and How It Works
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.
Last Updated: December 2025
Many pug owners wonder whether their dog can really breathe through their nose like other breeds. With all the snorting, snuffling, and noisy breathing, it’s an understandable concern—especially if you’re new to living with a pug.
👉 To see how nasal breathing fits into overall respiratory health, this guide to common pug health problems explains why airway concerns are so common in the breed.
The short answer is yes—most pugs can breathe through their nose, but it often takes more effort than it does for other dogs.
🔍 Why Nose Breathing Is Harder for Pugs
Pugs have a short skull and flattened face, which gives them their signature look but also compresses the airway. This brachycephalic structure leaves less room for air to move through the nose.
Many pugs have narrow nostrils, shortened nasal passages, and extra soft tissue inside the airway. Because of this, nasal airflow isn’t always smooth, especially during activity or excitement.
🔍 Can Pugs Breathe Through Their Nose at All?
Yes. When calm or resting, most pugs do breathe through their nose. That’s their natural default, even if airflow is limited.
It’s common to see pugs switch between nose breathing and mouth breathing throughout the day. This usually depends on temperature, activity level, and how comfortable their airway feels at the moment.
🔍 Why Pugs Often Breathe Through Their Mouth Instead
When nasal airflow isn’t enough, pugs instinctively switch to mouth breathing. This often happens during play, exercise, warm weather, or moments of excitement.
Mouth breathing helps move more air quickly, but it’s also a sign that the nasal passages alone can’t always keep up with the body’s needs.
🔍 Are Noisy or Snorting Sounds Normal?
Some noise is completely normal for pugs. Snorting, snuffling, or brief reverse sneezing episodes happen because air is moving through narrow nasal openings.
What’s not normal is breathing that looks like a struggle. Constant open-mouth breathing at rest, visible effort to inhale, or breathing that steadily worsens should always be taken seriously.
🔍 How Nasal Breathing Affects Daily Life
Limited nasal airflow affects how much activity a pug can comfortably handle. Many tire quickly on walks or need frequent breaks during play.
Heat makes nasal breathing even harder. Warm or humid conditions can increase airway swelling, further restricting airflow and raising the risk of overheating.
That’s why maintaining a cool home environment matters. Understanding do pugs need air conditioning can help owners support breathing comfort, especially in warmer months.
🔍 Can Nose Breathing Get Worse With Age?
Yes. As pugs age, changes in muscle tone, weight, and airway tissue can reduce airflow even more. Senior pugs often rely on mouth breathing sooner and tolerate heat or exertion less well than when they were younger.
Watching how your pug’s breathing changes over time is an important part of long-term care.
🔍 When Nasal Breathing Becomes a Concern
You should contact a vet if your pug shows constant mouth breathing at rest, blue or pale gums, collapse, extreme fatigue after light activity, or breathing that doesn’t improve with rest.
In some cases, medical treatment or corrective airway surgery may be recommended to improve airflow and comfort.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Most pugs can breathe through their nose, but airflow is often restricted
- Narrow nostrils and short nasal passages make nasal breathing harder
- Mouth breathing is a common way pugs compensate
- Heat and activity increase breathing difficulty
- Weight control and a cool environment improve comfort
🟢 FAQs
Q: Can pugs breathe through their nose normally?
They can breathe through their nose, but not as efficiently as longer-snouted breeds.
Q: Is mouth breathing always a problem in pugs?
Occasional mouth breathing is normal, but constant mouth breathing at rest is not.
Q: Can surgery help pugs breathe better through their nose?
In some cases, corrective surgery can improve airflow and quality of life.
✅ Conclusion
Pugs are able to breathe through their nose, but their flat facial structure makes nasal airflow less efficient than in other dogs. Occasional snorting or mouth breathing is common, especially during activity or warm weather. Knowing what’s normal—and recognizing signs of struggle early—helps owners make better daily care choices and keep their pugs comfortable long term.
