There’s nothing cuter than a sleeping dog. But what if your adorable dog is snoring loudly? It not only detracts from the cuteness but can also raise concerns if you are unsure of its cause or whether it is normal. Table Of Contents.
In dogs with short noses, snoring isn’t necessarily a sign of trouble. If you own one of these breeds, it’s crucial to control your pet’s weight and watch your dog’s breathing if it develops a cold or another upper respiratory infection. Your veterinarian might suggest surgery to improve airflow if your pet’s snoring is a sign of a serious condition.
Making a few adjustments to your pet’s environment can be helpful when allergies are to blame. Reduce exposure to allergens by wiping your pet with a moist cloth after going outside, and wash your floors and bedding frequently. A humidifier will maintain the moisture in your pet’s nasal passages while air conditioners and air filters will remove allergens from the air your pet breathes. Additionally, your veterinarian might suggest therapeutic shampoos or issue allergy prescription drugs.
Your veterinarian can assist you in determining the cause if there is no apparent cause for your pet’s snoring or if it started suddenly. While prescription medication will enhance your pet’s health and lessen snoring brought on by hypothyroidism, extraction of an abscessed tooth and antibiotic treatment of the infection should relieve tooth-related snoring.
Even though snoring is usually harmless, it can occasionally be a sign of a health issue, so if your dog gives you a symphony of snoring every night, it may be time to get a new dog. Knowing the causes of your dog’s snoring can help you determine when to call the vet.
When your dog snores, the tissues in his mouth, nose, or throat vibrate as the air passes through them. If your pet’s airway narrows as a result of inflammation, an obstruction, congestion, or other problems, the sound effects are more likely to occur.
Some Dog Breeds Are Predisposed to Snoring
Do you own a Pug, Shih Tzu, or English bulldog? These breeds are brachycephalic, meaning that your dog has a broad, short skull and a short snout. e. , a short breathing passage. It also implies that you are most likely a snorer’s pet parent.
“The soft palate in the back of their throats doesn’t change as we breed dogs to have shorter snouts, and that can be a problem,” says Dr. The pets of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Eva Longoria, Magic Johnson, and two of the Jonas brothers (Kevin and Nick), are looked after by Jeff Werber, a veterinarian with a private clinic in Los Angeles.
Dr. According to Werber, a variety of factors, particularly in the case of breeds with smaller snouts, can contribute to your dog snoring. The position of your dog’s body while sleeping, the length of its nose, and the shape of its neck are all aspects that can affect how well your dog breathes. “It can all contribute to the snoring,” Dr. Werber says.
None of this means that if you own a different breed, such as a collie or greyhound, you are exempt from taking your dog to the veterinarian to have his snoring evaluated. For example, if you own a Boston terrier. However, with the smaller breeds, you should be alert for any potential problems.
DR. Werber has six cats and five dogs, two of which are French bulldogs. He claims that as soon as he received them, he knew he would be condemned to hear some intriguing noises. When they get too loud, Dr. According to Werber, he frequently rearranges his dog’s positions to stop the snoring. Some pet experts even advise purchasing a humidifier, which increases air moisture and can improve sleep in both humans and dogs.
What Causes a Dog to Snore? It All Comes Down to Breathing
Similar to humans, dogs typically snore when airflow is restricted in the throat or nasal passages.
Dogs may snore in part because they prefer to sleep on their backs, which results in their tongues partially obstructing some of the airflow in their airways. Another possibility is that your dog has an allergy to dust or secondhand smoke, both of which can cause snoring.
Serious medical conditions like an infected tooth that enters the sinuses or even sleep apnea should be taken into account. Both conditions can, of course, require surgery.
However, a dog with sleep apnea is a very uncommon case, according to Dr. Owner of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center & Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio is Carol Osborne. Dr. Osborne adds that snoring is frequently a sign of hypothyroidism in dogs, which is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of the hormone that regulates metabolism. Although it does necessitate keeping your dog on medication for the rest of its life, it is a relatively inexpensive health fix.
When a dog has hypothyroidism, the vet must take a small blood sample and send it to the lab for analysis. If the thyroid levels are low, the dog is then given a small tablet of medication, and the issue almost immediately disappears. Osborne says.
FAQ
What does it mean when a dog snores?
Snoring is caused by the tissues in your dog’s nose, mouth, or throat vibrating as air passes through them. If your pet’s airway narrows as a result of inflammation, an obstruction, congestion, or other problems, the sound effects are more likely to occur.
Is it normal for dogs to snore when they sleep?
Similar to humans, dogs snore when their throats or nasal passages are congested. Your dog sleeping on his back can be the cause of this, which is completely normal.
Which dog breeds snore the most?
- The Pug. …
- The Bulldog. …
- The Shih Tzu. …
- The French Bulldog. …
- The Boston Terrier.
How do I stop my dog from snoring?
Dogs can sleep in an uncomfortable position that limits their airways. By forcing him to raise his head on a pillow, you can assist him in opening up his airway and reducing snoring. He can open up his airways by sleeping on a curved basked bed, which will lessen the volume of his snoring.