Do your dogs snore? If so, you have probably experienced a wide variety of emotions: depression, anxiety, extreme fatigue.
In most cases, snoring is natural. In some, it is not. Let’s talk about whether it’s okay for your dog to snore.
Sometimes it indicates major health problems.
Technically snoring means there is something obstructing your dog’s airways, so even if it is not dangerous, you should always keep an ear out for abnormalities.
Why do dogs snore?
Snoring in dogs is caused by things that cause snoring in every other mammal. Snoring occurs when airflow is restricted to the nasal passages or throat.
Also Read: How to Train a German Shepherd with a Bark Collar?
As air passes through the nose and mouth it becomes resistant to tissue vibration.
This creates a distinctive snoring sound. Some dogs are more likely to snore than others.
Here are the most common causes of snoring in dogs:
- Brachycephalic, i.e. having a small nose
- Position during sleep
- Environmental allergies
- Overweight
- The underlying medical condition
Usually, You do not have to worry about Dogs Snore:
Has a small nose
Dog Breeds with flat or short faces are more prone to the Snoring Struggle. They are called “brachycephalic”, which means that basically they have a smaller nose than average and they are prone to breathing problems.
Dog Breeds such as Pugs, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, and Chou Chaus all fall into this category and can snore for the rest of their lives without any serious health consequences.
Also Read: Dogs with Pink Noses: why do dogs have pink noses?
However, these dogs often have breathing problems that prevent them from getting enough oxygen, which can usually be corrected by surgery.
If you have a brachycephalic puppy, your vet can tell you if they have major problems with the nose or if everything is going smoothly.
Has an allergy or a cold
Does your puppy only snore in the winter? They probably suffer from seasonal allergies just like us.
The allergy causes him to produce excess mucus, which may be the culprit.
Also Read: When Should You Worry About Your Dog’s Runny Nose
If your puppy has dust, pollen, or other physical allergens, then it is advised to keep your puppy inside, and when they go outside, wash their face and feet whenever they come in.
Sometimes your puppy is sneezing, crowded, and has water in his eyes, he may have a cold, as well as snoring.
In case if your dog is still behaving normally (eating, drinking, playing) it is not necessarily necessary to go to a veterinarian, but it is best to check with him if their symptoms persist or worsen.
Sleeps on his back
Like our humans, the way your dog sleeps restricts his airways and causes snoring. The easiest solution for this is to physically move your puppy, lying on his side instead of on his back.
You can try an Orthopedic and Memory Foam Pet Bed for your puppy is asleep or a bed is built so that he is less likely to turn on his back.
If your dog snores and when do you need to contact your vet.
Your dog has never snored before and has just started
You know your puppy’s “normal” better than anyone, and you’ll notice if he goes from Silent Sleeper to big snores.
If your dog has never snored before in his or her life, it indicates that it is obstructing their breathing somewhere in their nose, in the voice box, in the windpipe, somewhere in their respiratory system.
This blockage can be anything from an enlarged lymph node to a foreign object trapped in the airway, “so it’s best to see a veterinarian right away without waiting too long.
Is overweight
Although this is another health issue, obesity can cause your puppy to snore at night. Basically, if the dog is overweight, the extra fat will block its airways, so snoring is very common.
It is important to have a healthy weight for many reasons, so start a healthy diet with some exercise and eventually, you will be able to enjoy some calm and serenity.
Lives with a chain smoker
Smoking your puppy in the same house can cause respiratory damage and lead to problems such as bronchitis and asthma. To keep your puppy (and you!) Safe and healthy, it should be avoided by all means.
If this causes your dog to snore, and you check with your veterinarian that there is no permanent damage, placing a smoke-free zone will immediately stop the snoring.
There may have been something stuck in his nose recently
Are you digging holes with your puppy leaving? What about gulping the water? Yes. Anytime your puppy sticks his nose in there something may get stuck.
Snoring may occur due to temporary obstruction, it should stop within a few days. In case if it is not, a visit to the vet is your best bet.
In case if the snoring continues unexplained, you run the risk of ignoring it because it could lead to a tumor or cyst.
When the dog’s nasal discharge is slightly green or looks bloody, it indicates an infection or obstruction that the veterinarian should see.
If these problems are detected early, it is good for your puppy’s well-being.
