Snorting dog... but not snorting breed

Question
I know bull dogs snort and snore, I know pugs snort and snore...

but I have a 6 1/2 month old Shih Tzu/Bichon mix (teddybear)

It started yesterday. He was crying to go potty so I took him out of his playpen (Where he stays for naptimes or when we can't keep a close eye on him.)

When I picked him up... he started this pig like snorting noise. it lasted for only a few seconds... but you could feel it in his chest like he was heaving.

Then today when I came home from work, my mom was laughing and laughing.

When I asked her what was up, she said she was telling him to "speak" which is his new trick, he started snorting like a pig at her.

he did it again tonight when he went out for before bed potties.

it lasts only a few seconds... and it feels like his chest is heaving.

but otherwise he's eating like a pig (which could be why he snorts like one) - I have him on Canidae Lamb and rice, and occassionally give him snausages and these all chicken dental teeth crumble cookies.

he drinks normally (spring water)

he plays hard - rarely cuddles because he's so busy playing

his stools are formed, normal color and numerous (probably the lamb)

and he urinates normally - lots - but it seems normal. (no blood, not straining, ect.)

so....

I don't know if I should call a vet, if he's hacking on dust, if his throat itches... if the bichon or shihtzu in him snort, or if his nighty time room is too cool for him. (its one of our cooler rooms when the air is on.)

i have him away from the register and tonight I shut it all together...

any advice, suggestions, or what not?


thanks in advance.

Answer
I have chuahua's and they snort all the time, especially when they get excited, if you think that he has chest congestion then put his chest up against your ear and see if you hear sounds other then regular breath sounds, crackling, wheezing.  If his chest is congested you can put him in the bathroom when you take a shower that will loosen it up, keep and eye out and if he starts to have any discharge from his nose, or starts to get a cough or fever then take him to the vet for antibiotics.  Good Luck, Sincerely concerned, Angela