Dogs 'snorting'

[abstibus]

Why do dogs snort when they get excited?
I know it's a silly question, but I wondered - one starts and then they're all at it. Sounds like a doctor's waiting room.

[atrollope]

That is so true of mine annemollie :-)..I would like to know why,from a resident
"doggie expert"..

[Robinia]

It's probably reverse sneezing caused by excitement, my little KC spaniel did it. Rubbing his throat helped him stop.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_sneezing

[abstibus]

Robinia
It seems to be copycat behaviour - five of them (four belonging to a friend and one mine), all snort in concert.
Mine starts it - she 's a lab/collie, and the other little ones copy her.
She never does it when she's on her own.

[atrollope]

Might just be the excitement of being in a "gang"

[atrollope]

....or Pack

[LoftyLottie]

Mine snorts and sneezes!!

[Robinia]

ha ha, it must be their way of communicating. Some years ago I had a standard poodle who would copy us if we pretended to make a spluttery sneeze.
:o)

[pastafreak]

My lurcher does it...and when it's just her also.

[heathfield]

Maybe they're just clearing their noses so they can improve their sense of smell and get the best information on what's going on around them?

[SpikeyBush]

That's where my money lies too. My boxer is always snorting when she's not poking her hooter where some other dog has previously been. Keeping her snout clear of greenies. They're not too good with tissues, claws tend to tear holes in them.