Your dog happily snuggles next to you, and you lovingly share your bed with your adorable pet. As your furry friend falls into a deep slumber, you hear unusual noisy breathing. You just noticed that your dog is snoring, and it is not just mild but loud snoring!
While some dog owners may find that cute, to others, it can trigger some paranoia, thinking that their pup’s snoring may be associated with some medical problem.
In some cases, some humans get diagnosed with a life-threatening condition known as sleep apnea. Owners might go paranoid about thinking that their dogs might be suffering also from this condition. Luckily, however, sleep apnea is non-occurrent among canines.
Why Does My Dog Snore?
First, let us define what the term means. It is that sound produced when one sleeps due to the vibration of the loose tissue located in your dog’s upper airway, which includes your dog’s nose, the back of their mouth, and throat.
During the process of breathing, when these passages in the upper airways vibrate audibly, snoring occurs. All these happen during deep slumber when the tissues located in the upper airway are relaxed.
Is it normal for a dog to snore?
While it can be so delightful seeing a cute dog sleeping, hearing it snore is another, especially if it is loudly resembling that of an approaching train. This loud sound often becomes a source of worry among dog owners.
The answer to the above question is both affirmative and negative. A dog’s snoring is not harmless at all times. There are times when snoring in dogs is associated with an underlying health problem, for which a veterinarian could help you identify.
Aside from genes, where a parent dog is known to snore, some dog breeds are said to be predisposed to snoring. These breeds have broader and shorter skulls and shorter snouts, although they still have a normal-length soft palate and, therefore, have shorter breathing passages. All these contribute to snoring. Among these snoring breeds are Pugs, Shih Tzus, and English Bulldogs.
Other than these reasons, if your dog is not among the breeds predisposed to snoring and absent any possible genetic inheritance, you should consider getting veterinary advice to pinpoint other underlying health issues.
Should I worry if my dog snores?
Again, dog snoring may sound normal at times, but as a responsible owner, you need to make sure your dog’s snore is not related to any health issue. Hence, taking your dogs to the vet is necessary once you observe that your dog suddenly starts snoring loudly.
You may find a pup snoring cutely. But then again, not all dogs’ snoring is considered normal. It could mean that your pup has some life-threatening conditions.
For older dogs, on the other hand, snoring may be a normal condition as they age. But still, having a snoring dog can mean another thing.
Take note too of some other symptoms that your dog might manifest. Among these symptoms is a change in appetite, coughing, or sneezing. Especially if you find your dog is panting and having difficulty breathing, waste no time. Take your beloved canine companion to the veterinarian immediately.
What are the most common causes of dog snore?
The reasons for canine snoring are varied. Here are some of the most common causes of dog snore:
1. Allergies
Allergens such as perfume, pollen, dust, and even pet hair (from other pets) are some of the most common causes of allergies in dogs. These can irritate your dog’s nasal passages causing them to swell.
Inflammation can result in the narrowing of nasal passages. This swelling, in turn, can block airflow, which may trigger snoring.
2. Canine breeds’ anatomy
To iterate, some breeds like the Boston Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and English Bulldogs are predisposed to snoring. These so-called brachycephalic dogs snore because of their skull’s shape (short and broad), causing them to have shorter breathing passages.
3. Sleep position
Dogs are flexible, and they can sleep in whatever position they want, even the most unbelievable positions. Often, owners find their dog’s sleeping position awkward, and that may cause their canine buddies to snore.
If your dog sleeps on his back just like a human being, this sleeping position can block airflow, causing the snoring sound. Your dog’s sleeping position can affect the air quality in your dog’s throat. Once your canine buddy changes his sleeping position, the snoring stops.
4. Excess weight/obesity
Having overweight dogs mean that your dogs have extra pounds. The extra fat found on their necks can potentially narrow the airway, making them prone to snoring.
Thus, owners should ensure that their pets can burn any extra fat to avoid breathing problems. Aside from excising, your can ask your vet and seek expert advice in preparing your dog’s healthy meal plan to help them shed any excess bodily weight.
5. Dental problems
Any dental issues, infections in your dog’s tooth, or an abscessed tooth can cause pressure on your dog’s nasal cavity, thereby blocking airflow. That can cause snoring in dogs.
6. Second-hand smoke
Do you smoke around your dog? You should be aware that both humans and dogs can suffer from second-hand smoke. It can lead to your dog breathing uncomfortably, as it can cause bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory issues and potentially damage their respiratory system.
Caring for your pet does not only mean giving them food and taking them to the vet for check-ups but ensuring they live in a healthy and safe environment. That means keeping your home smoke-free for your beloved pups to reduce snoring issues if not stopping it.
7. Foreign objects
If the pup snores for the first time, it can also indicate that a mass has been obstructing his breathing. That mass could be a foreign object that has been stuck on his mouth or nasal area.
Veterinary medicine tells us that anything that becomes stuck and blocks the air passageway can cause your canine friend’s snoring issues. Hence, it is your responsibility to regularly check their mouths and noses for the possible presence of foreign objects.
8. Laryngeal paralysis
Other dogs, especially the other ones, suffer from a condition known as laryngeal paralysis. This is a condition wherein the larynx becomes dysfunctional, causing an inability to breathe. Snoring noise is produced as a result of the obstruction of the airway. Often, this is treated with a surgical procedure.
9. Common cold
Dogs can have colds too, just as how we respond to allergies, such as having runny noses. Any inflammation in the nasal cavity can restrict the airflow, causing your beloved pooch to snore.
10. Hypothyroidism
One of the indicators of canine hypothyroidism is snoring as they sleep. This condition happens when the thyroid gland no longer produces the required amount of hormone that controls metabolism.
To get an accurate diagnosis, the vet needs to take blood samples to determine if the thyroid levels fall below normal. Treatment involves some oral medications in most cases.
Reducing snoring in dogs
Catching your pooch snoring as they sleep is not at all times normal. It could mean that your beloved furry friend has some serious respiratory infection, or it could be another severe infection.
While many dogs may have short noses that explain why they snore, or it could be out of excess body weight, there are ways to reduce, if not eliminate, their snoring.
1. Food puzzles and other food dispensing toys
These help them in slowing down their food intake, thereby preventing obesity.
2. Diet plus exercise
This twin requirement goes hand-in-hand. The vet can help you design your fur baby’s activities and food intake plans.
3. Air purifier
Air purifiers can be very effective in minimizing snoring if the reasons behind it are allergens and other respiratory irritants.
Conclusion
Going back to the main question: whether or not snoring is something canine owners should worry about, the short answer would be: “it depends on the situation.”
As repeatedly mentioned above, a dog’s sleeping habits, position, or breed are a few of the many reasons your doggo snores, but one should not worry much about these. All you need should be some ear plugs to save yourself from the loudness.
But in cases where you suspect that their breathing is affected by some of the causes that need vet intervention, get your dog a comprehensive check-up. After all, prevention is, at all times, better than cure.
Related: How to stop a dog from whining?
*photo by sanjagrujic – depositphotos