Dogs are adorable, and even more so when they’re snoring. But why do dogs snore in the first place?
Everyone seems to have a different answer to that question. In this post, we’ll take a look at eight possible reasons dogs might snore – and how you can help them stop.
Keep reading to find out: Why does my dog snore?
Contents
What is snoring?
Snoring is any noise that comes from the throat when the airways are partially blocked. When your pet sleeps, their muscles relax, and soft tissue in their respiratory tract falls into place.
If it happens to be in a position where there’s restricted breathing, this may cause snoring due to vibrations. This can happen when dogs sleep on their backs, or when they’re suffering from a congested nose and sinuses.
So, what are the reasons for a dog snoring?
8 Possible Reasons: Why Do Dogs Snore
While the reasons why dogs snore vary, there are a few theories as to what makes dogs snore. These include:
1. Allergies
If your dog is congested, it could be because of allergies. As allergens cause the immune system to overreact, it can lead to excess mucus in your pet’s nasal passages.
This can result in inflammation and difficulty breathing through the nose. If you suspect your pet might have seasonal allergies, that may explain why your dog snores so loud you can’t sleep!
How you can help
If your dog tends to snore because of allergies, then your vet may prescribe medication or recommend that you keep them indoors during pollen season. For dogs that snore due to sinus problems, your vet may recommend decongestant or antibiotic medication.
2. Dental Issues
Just like humans, it’s possible for your dog to snore if they have dental problems. This is why it’s important to take them in for regular checkups at the vet.
If your pet has tooth or gum issues, it can lead to palate abnormalities and narrowing of the airways. This may cause your dog to snore as they try to breathe through their mouth.
How you can help
Allergies and dental problems are some of the most prevalent reasons why dogs snore, so why not prevent them? You can do this by brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis and seeing the vet for routine checkups. This will ensure early detection of dental problems and allergies.
3. Overweight or Obese
Snoring can be a sign that your dog is overweight, especially if they’re sleeping on their backs. Just like humans, extra weight puts pressure on the lungs and respiratory system – which may cause them to collapse more easily when breathing in air. This means that your pet won’t be able to get as much oxygen into their lungs, which may lead to snoring.
As well as problems breathing, overweight dogs tend to experience other health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Excess weight can also cause arthritis.
How you can help
Your dog’s weight is ultimately down to you! It’s why it’s important to make sure they don’t have an unhealthy diet and get enough exercise each day. If your pet is overweight, why not try a new high-protein dog food or check out our list of some of the best toys for dogs on the market? Make sure your dog has healthier snacks in between meals so it eats less canned food. Also, get that collar on, and take them out on a refreshing walk!
4. Nasal Congestion
Your dog might snore simply because they have nasal congestion. This is why it’s important to monitor your pet when they’re sleeping. If you notice that they’re snoring in their sleep, you might want to take them in for a checkup with the vet.
The most common reason why dogs experience nasal congestion is because of allergies or an infection . As with humans, mucus can build up in your pet’s sinuses, which makes it difficult for them to breathe.
How you can help
If your dog has nasal congestion, why not try a humidifier at home? This will help keep the air moist and less likely to irritate your pet’s nose. You could also try an antihistamine or decongestant before giving them a nasal rinse.
5. Laryngitis
If your dog snores when they’re awake, it might be due to laryngitis or inflammation of their throat. This condition causes the vocal cords to swell up and makes them more likely to vibrate when breathing in. This can cause your pet’s voice to become hoarse and result in snoring.
How you can help
If your dog is snoring due to laryngitis, why not let them take a hot shower before bedtime? The steam will help keep the throat and vocal cords mobile and reduce swelling. Also, try a humidifier at home. This will help keep the air moist and less likely to irritate your pet’s nose.
6. Breed Specific
Certain dog breeds tend to snore more than others, such as bulldogs and Pugs. These breeds often have short necks and flat faces because of their physical development, which means that they can’t breathe properly. This causes them to snore and makes it harder for them to get enough oxygen into their lungs.
How you can help
There’s not a lot that you can do about it. However, why not try giving them smaller meals throughout the day instead of one big meal? This will help reduce pressure on their lungs and make it easier for them to breathe when resting.
7. Sleeping position
Some dogs snore only when they’re sleeping on their back. This is why you might want to monitor your dog’s sleeping position, especially if they tend to sleep on their backs or sides.
The most common reason why dogs snore when they’re on their backs is because of obstructive sleep apnea. This is why you’ll often find that overweight or obese dogs tend to snore, especially if they’re sleeping on their backs.
How you can help
If your dog is a back sleeper, why not switch to a mattress for dogs ? This will ensure that they have the required support and comfort from their bedding, so it won’t affect their breathing or result in snoring.
8. Stress
Dogs can also snore because of stress – especially during times where there’s been a significant change in their routine.
How you can help
The best way to reduce stress in your dog is by making sure they have a comfortable place to sleep and a healthy diet . If you notice that they’re snoring more than usual or have other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, why not take them to the vet for a checkup?
Final words
We hope that you enjoyed reading our article and learned the answer to the question of “Why does my puppy snore?”
If you have any questions regarding this topic, why not leave us a message in the comment section below? We would love to hear from you!
