When air circulation in the nasal airways or throat is limited in dogs, they snore.
You’ve probably wondered what’s causing your dog’s snoring and if it’s entertaining or annoying to you. And if you should be bothered or not. We’ll discuss snoring’s various causes.
What Are the Causes for Dog Snore?
Sleeping Posture
Dogs sleeping on their backs are more likely to snore than dogs sleeping on their sides because lying on their backs can disrupt airflow. If your dog sleeps on its back, its tongue will partially block its throat and airway, which can cause snoring.
Obesity
When a dog is overweight or morbidly obese, excess fat can also build up in the throat, blocking the airway and causing snoring. As excess fat settles in your dog’s airways, snoring may become more normal and more intense. In this case, the likelihood of snoring increases when the tongue returns to the dog’s throat, blocking the passage of air.
Technically speaking, snoring means that something is blocking your dog’s airway, so although it may be harmless, you should always be aware of any abnormalities.
Allergies
Your dog may be allergic to dust or secondhand smoke, which can lead to snoring. If you notice that snoring gets worse at certain times of the year and that your dog is also prone to itching, runny or nose, sore eyes, and sneezing, allergies may play a role in your dog’s snoring.
Some veterinarians test dogs for allergies, but you can see if this could be a risk factor by noticing when your dogs snore at worst.
Specific Breeds
Snoring is more common in some breeds than in others. Brachycephalic dogs, such as pugs, Pekinese, and bulldogs, have flat faces.
They have small noses and flattened faces as a result of this. Even though their faces are shorter, they have the equivalent amount of soft palate i.e, the mushy region between the nose and the throat.
When air is taken inside, these parts of the palate travel to fro, causing a lot of noise. Flat-faced canines even have narrower nostril apertures, putting stronger resilience on the air they take in.
When to Worry?
- If your dog snores suddenly and you think it might be due to a breathing problem, nose or lung infection, or other health problem, you should see your veterinarian.
- Snoring, sleep apnea, and disruptive brachycephalic syndrome are all possible consequences of the above-mentioned breed of dogs’ small face anatomy. French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed and top the list of dogs with all of these physical traits, resulting in snoring problems that are difficult to stop without surgery.
- If your dog is too big or even round, no matter how cute, developing snoring can harm his health and your sanity. If you eat a healthy diet and help her lose weight, snoring will be under control.
- On the other hand, other breeds of dogs may also have breathing problems due to various factors such as sleeping posture or neck shape. Heavy breathing may be related to the physical structure of the dog’s airway, or it may be a sign of brachycephalic airway syndrome, which is common in France and other dogs with short airways and wrinkled noses.
- If your dog has never snored before, you may need to consult your veterinarian to make sure nothing else has happened. Snoring puppies are not always a cause for concern, but dogs snoring suddenly should be a cause for concern.
- Monitor your dog regularly and signs such as irregular snoring, aggressive snoring, or sudden snoring indicate the need to take your loved one to the vet.
- If you notice snoring in addition to wheezing or shortness of breath during sleep, you may consider talking to your veterinarian immediately about sleep apnea or other breathing problems.
- You may be surprised to learn that dogs, like humans, may also suffer from sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. Like humans, sleep apnea can cause sleep deprivation and endanger the dog’s health (both short-term and long-term). This condition can pose serious health risks, so if your dog shows signs of sleep apnea, it is best to see a vet.
- While snoring is sometimes just a harmless night noise, it can also be a warning sign of a deeper problem. Respiratory tract or mouth infections (including dental problems) can be a similar cause of sudden snoring.
How to Deal With Snoring Conditions?
If your dog prefers to sleep on its back, encouraging them to sleep on their side could be beneficial. Noise during nights can also be reduced by supporting their heads with a pillow.
Dogs who suffer from respiratory sensitivities will thrive by living in a smoke-free environment. Air purifiers and incense sticks can also induce problems in sensitive dogs, so these should be avoided.
Washing them up after walks to eliminate pollution, walking at times of day when pollen concentrations are low (including morning hours or evenings), and washing their linens on a routine basis can also benefit.
Regular vacuuming of the house regularly can help to prevent dust and germs that can irritate the airway. Humidifiers can improve the quality of the air you breathe.
The Most Snoring Dog Breeds
Pugs – You’re probably familiar with these snuffling small creatures. Pugs hold the record when it comes to snoring dog breeds because their snouts are almost created for it!
French Bulldogs – They may be small, but their powerful snores and midnight groans can stir the entire place up!
Black Russian Terrier- Apart from snoring, their lengthy beards will touch your feet as they rest at the bottom of the bed.
Pekingese – A traditional toy dog in a small package with shockingly strong snoring, owing to their mushy wee snouts.
Clumber Spaniel – These majestic canines have a loud, rhythmic snore that isn’t for the sensitive sleepers.
Final Words
Dogs snore a lot, and it’s usually not a problem. If you think your pet could need veterinary attention, there are a few things to keep in mind. Snoring can be reduced by making some easy modifications.
