There are just some dogs, who even as puppies, snore. If you’re asking yourself “why does my dog snore?” then we’re going to try to answer some of your common dog snoring questions.
Why Do Some Dogs Snore?
Like people, some dogs snore because they have restricted airways in either their nose or their throat. For many dogs, this is completely normal and may vary depending on what position your dog is sleeping. For instance, a dog laying their back might have a hard time breathing. Their tongue might rest backward in their mouths, cutting off airflow. Therefore, they snore.
Other dogs snore because they are overweight. Again, like humans, obesity can lead to snoring. Overweight dogs might carry some fat in their throat. This can block the airway and cause snoring. While less likely, the snoring may also be caused by sleep apnea. Apnea is caused by shallow breathing. Occasionally, the dog may stop breathing and lead to a sharp inhale which sounds like a snore. In this case, you’ll want to get your dog checked by the vet.
Dog Breeds Known for Snoring
There are dogs, known for their shortened heads, more prone to breathing difficulties and snoring. These are known as brachycephalic breeds. According to the AKC, “These brachycephalic breeds have smaller airways, narrow nostrils, multiple folds in their throats, and larger tongues than breeds with long-muzzles. The unique physiology of flat-faced dogs makes it more difficult for them to pant enough to cool off.” Breeds include:
- Bulldogs
- Boxers
- Pugs
- Chow Chows
- Bull Mastiffs
- English Toy Spaniels
- Pekingese
- Shih Tzus
- Chihuahuas
While the flat face of several of these dogs are cute, they can cause airway issues known as brachycephalic airway syndrome. Not only do these breeds exhibit some symptoms of their airway issues such as snoring. They may also breathe loudly, faint during exercise, or tire easily. Symptoms such as these might start off mild, but they can worsen over time.
When to See a Vet
There are other reasons dogs snore. For instance, some dogs suffer from allergies such as hayfever. One good way to combat environmental allergies for dogs is to wash their feet with a damp cloth when they come in from the yard and give frequent baths. That’s a simple solution. For some dogs, there might be more interventions needed such as allergy medications.
In other cases, dental problems, fungal diseases, and rhinitis which acts a lot like the common cold is the culprit. Most of the time, you’ll want to talk to your vet about these issues as you may not be able to treat them effectively yourself.
Can I Stop My Dog from Snoring?
The first thing to do is to identify the possible environmental reasons your dog may be snoring. For this, you need your vet to help you diagnose the underlying issue. Again, if it’s allergies, frequent bathing and clean bedding might be all that’s needed to keep your dog from snoring.
Another good tip is to get a circular dog bed. These encourage the dog to sleep in a natural, curled up position which discourages snoring.
Lastly, if your dog has a dry mouth or throat, they may snore. It’s safe to say if you feel dryness in your sinuses and mouth, your dog probably does too. A humidifier in the room where they sleep will assist in relieving the dryness.
Are you still asking yourself, “why does my dog snore?” Hopefully, we’ve given you some ideas to find the underlying issue. It’s important to remember that some dogs just snore. It’s their nature. If you want to avoid getting a dog that snores, be mindful of the breeds that are prone to this common issue. Your vet is the best resource for any airway problems dogs struggle with. So, if you’re concerned about your dog’s health, make sure you reach out to your vet.