It could be a gentle rumble, or it could be a thunderous roar (especially in the middle of the night). Nope, we’re not talking about someone playing Metallica in the adjoining apartment. We’re talking about your dog's snoring!
If you've ever been kept up at night or disturbed from a peaceful sleep by your dog's snoring, you're definitely not alone! Many dog owners are in the same boat and may have wondered why their canine companions snore.
Here, we'll dive into everything you need to know about why your dog is snoring, which dog breeds are most prone to it, if it's okay for your pup, and what you can do to help if there’s a problem. Let's get started!
Why Does My Dog Snore?
There’s more than one reason why your precious pup is serenading you day and night. However, they all basically come down to one thing. Air movement is restricted in some way either through your dog’s throat or nasal passages.
Could your pup be in danger because of his snoring? Is it a sign of medical problems or nothing to worry about at all?
To find out the answer, you have to discover the root cause of dog snoring. Let’s look at several of the most common reasons why your pup might be snoring while they snooze.
The Shape of Their Face
First off, some dogs – like pugs and bulldogs – have shorter noses and smaller throats. This physical construction means it is easier for their airways to become blocked or restricted during rest. This restriction is part of what causes their sleepy symphony known as dog snoring.
Obesity
Another potential cause is obesity. If your pup is overweight or has extra tissue around his throat area, this can also cause him to snore more often than usual. The weight of the extra tissue can constrict his airways plus the extra weight on his ribs means he has to work harder to breathe in general. This is similar to sleep apnea in humans. The resulting sounds can be tremendous. Make sure they are getting enough exercise!
Favorite Sleeping Position
Have you ever had a dog that liked to sleep on its back? They look a little cute and ridiculous with their feet up in the air like that. We have all seen this sleeping position.
While it’s not necessarily a problem that the dog sleeps like this, the position can cause their tongues to fall back and partially block their throats and create a snoring dog. This partial constriction can lead to dog snores that you might rather avoid.
An Obstruction
If your usually noiseless sleeping pup suddenly starts snoring, you should take a close look. They may have an obstruction in their throat causing the ruckus.
There may be something simple like a seed or food stuck in their throat or your dog's nose. Or there could be a more serious issue with polyps, abscesses, or tumors. Regardless, this is a health problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. In some cases, it could be life-threatening.
Dental Issues
Another cause for sudden snoring could lie with their teeth. An abscessed tooth or any growth in the oral cavity can prime the orchestra for song. This is why dental care is an important part of your grooming routine. Clean teeth will help avoid dental reasons for snoring
Allergies
Finally, your dog may be suffering from allergies. Just like humans, some dogs are more susceptible to allergens than others. They may be affected by something in the air such as pollen or smoke. Allergens in their food can also be a problem for some dogs. Read on to find out what other steps you can take if your dog Is experiencing allergies in your home.
Are Certain Dog Breeds More Prone to Snoring?
Yes, there are definitely certain dog breeds that are more prone to snoring than others usually they are flat faced breeds. To throw out a big word at you, brachycephalic breeds all tend to have quite robust breathing habits during sleep.
These breeds have shorter skull bones, which gives their faces a pushed-in appearance. Plus, they usually have smaller throats, which can lead to blockages or restrictions of their airways while they sleep. They also tend to have shorter noses and muzzles, and their eyes are often prominent and set wide apart.
Brachycephalic dogs can experience difficulty breathing due to the shape of their head and face, as the shortened skull can cause narrowing of the airway.
Some common brachycephalic breeds that come to mind include pugs, Pekinese, bulldogs, Shih Tzu, and boxers. Breeds like beagles and basset hounds, who have longer noses, tend to be less affected by this issue.
Is It Okay for My Dog to Snore?
If your dog normally snores, his continued symphony each time he sleeps is no cause for concern. Let him sleep peacefully and you can rest easy as well. If his snores are disruptive to your sleep, try setting up a comfortable place for your furry friend to sleep outside your bedroom.
However, if your dog suddenly starts snoring, or their usual snores suddenly get louder, there may be cause for concern. The cause could be a blockage caused by a foreign object stuck in their throat or a medical issue that is plaguing your pup from the inside. You may also want to check your dog for kennel cough or for any more serious type of condition.
If your dog has always snored and continues in the same pattern, there is little cause for concern. Just make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise every day. This both tires them out and helps to avoid obesity, which could take innocent snores into the danger zone quite quickly.
How to Help Your Dog Snore Less
Is your pup’s snoring keeping you up at night? Or perhaps they don’t seem to be sleeping enough because their own snoring won’t let them sleep peacefully. Fear not — there are a few things you can do to help lessen their snores!
First off, make sure that your pup is getting plenty of exercise throughout the day. This will help keep them fit and healthy which can have an impact on their nighttime breathing habits.
Investing in an orthopedic bed may be beneficial. It may help reduce the amount of time they spend on their back while sleeping if that tends to be the cause.
Finally, what if allergies or upper respiratory infections seem to be causing the issue? Switching to high quality food with natural ingredients might help to avoid pesky allergens in the food.
Using an air purifier can help rid allergens from the air in your home. An air purifier can help reduce allergens in the home by trapping them in its filter. As air is drawn into the purifier, it passes through a filter that is designed to capture certain types of particles, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. The filter traps these particles, which helps to clean the air and remove allergens that can trigger symptoms.
There are different types of filters that can be used in air purifiers, including mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, and HEPA filters. Each type of filter has its own characteristics and is effective at removing different types of particles from the air.
If they don’t seem to be making noticeable progress, then speaking with a vet about potential treatments would be wise too.
The Symphony of Snores at Your House
Overall, it's important to look at why your dog may be snoring and consult with a vet if necessary. For most dogs, snoring is nothing to be worried about and happens naturally for some breeds more than others.
Taking preventative measures at home can help reduce your pup’s snoring. Make sure he gets lots of exercise, avoid using excessively soft bedding materials, and choose nutritious foods that help avoid unnecessary weight gain. All of these can help reduce their chances of continuous snoring during the night.
It’s also important to rule out any underlying medical issues that can actually cause major breathing problems if not addressed sooner than later. Once all that is out of the way, you can rest easy knowing your pup, though loud, is healthy and safe.
Visit the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com for more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips.
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