Why does my dog make noises when he breathes? Noisy breathing in dogs is a sign that something is not working properly in their airway. If you notice your dog making breathing noises, snoring while awake, panting for no apparent reason or seeming to choke, he could be facing a serious respiratory problem. Among the most common sounds are: Strident or labored breathing Snoring while awake Excessive panting ‘Grunting’ sounds when inhaling or exhaling These manifestations are of