Even if you’re not the type to have nightly sleepovers with your pooch, you’ve surely seen him snoozing away during one of his multiple midday naps. After all, dogs spend a large portion of their time sleeping!
If your dog’s snoozing comes with snoring, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re the type that finds the white noise comforting… or maybe you’re the type that keeps earplugs handy at all times. Either way, there’s no denying the fact that many dogs snore—and that snoring can be LOUD.
Is your dog’s snoring a cause for concern, or is it simply one of his many quirks? Read on to find out!
What is Snoring, Exactly?
Perhaps you have a partner who snores, or maybe you’re the one who does the snoring. Whether we’re talking about humans or dogs, snoring isn’t exactly an unfamiliar concept. But do you know what goes on behind the scenes of snoring?
Snoring and breathing go hand in hand. It’s the vibration of tissues in the upper airway, which includes the nose, back of the mouth, and throat. When those tissues are loose and relaxed during sleep, their vibrations can cause snoring.
Snoring can also happen when air movement is restricted in the throat or nasal passageways as a result of blockage.
Why Do Dogs Snore?
As with humans, not all dogs snore. So why do some dogs snore more than others?
There are a few possible explanations for your dog’s snoring. For example:
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He has a short snout. Dogs with flat faces and short snouts, such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, are called brachycephalic breeds. These pups are more prone to breathing issues than their long-faced counterparts and are practically guaranteed to be lifelong snorers.
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He has allergies or a cold. If your dog’s snoring happens on a seasonal basis, he may be struggling with seasonal allergies. It’s also possible that he could have a canine cold, often evidenced by sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes along with snoring while asleep.
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He’s overweight. Excess fat can block the upper airways, leading to snoring. If your dog is packing on some extra pounds, it could be the cause of his snoring (especially if he didn’t snore before gaining weight).
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His sleep position. The way your dog sleeps can affect whether and how much he snores. If he sleeps on his back, for example, his tongue could end up blocking air movement. If Fido’s snoring is unbearable, try getting him to sleep on his side instead of his back, or propping up his head while he sleeps.
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He has dental problems. It may not seem like an obvious connection, but dental issues such as growths within the oral cavity or sinuses can lead to snoring. To be safe, we recommend regular dental checks for your dog.
- He’s been sticking his nose in the wrong places. If your dog loves to sniff and dig, his snout is being exposed to lots of different things. If a foreign object gets stuck in his nose or the back of his mouth, you may notice abnormal snoring.
When to Be Concerned About Dog Snoring
Snoring is perfectly normal for some dogs. If your dog has been a snorer for as long as you can remember and your vet hasn’t expressed any concerns, then you don’t have anything to worry about (other than how you’ll drown out that noise).
That said, there are some cases where snoring can be a sign of a health problem that needs to be addressed. Your dog’s snoring may not be normal if:
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He recently started snoring but never used to.
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His snoring becomes noticeably louder than it used to be.
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He’s overweight.
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Someone in your household is a smoker.
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You suspect a foreign object stuck in your dog’s nose or the back of his mouth.
- His snoring is accompanied by other issues such as coughing, sneezing, and changes in appetite or energy levels.
You know your dog best. As a precaution, it’s always a good idea to contact your vet anytime you notice changes in his behavior or appearance.
Keeping Your Dog’s Snoring Under Control
Whether you like it or not, some dogs are natural snorers and there’s no way around it. For others, there are some steps you can take to minimize your pup’s snoring (depending on the culprit, that is).
For example, air purifiers and allergy medications can help to reduce seasonal snoring. Regular vet visits will also keep your dog’s health in check, addressing potential health issues that could lead to snoring.
If your dog snores as a result of being overweight, you can help him lose weight with a healthy diet, food puzzles to slow down eating, and plenty of exercise.
If your dog has joint issues that contribute to his lack of exercise, try Pet Honesty’s Advanced Hip & Joint Chews. These tasty chews use a blend of natural ingredients including glucosamine, turmeric, and MSM to promote mobility and enhance bone and joint health.
Of course, for dogs who are permanent snorers, there’s always the option of investing in some earplugs!
Sources:
https://blog.myollie.com/why-dogs-snore/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/does-your-dog-have-snoring-problem
https://www.thesprucepets.com/dog-excessively-snoring-4777975
https://www.dreams.co.uk/sleep-matters-club/why-do-some-dogs-snore-so-badly
