Is your dog's snoring keeping you awake at night? Snoring in dogs is similar to snoring in humans and can be bothersome. Here are the 5 main causes of dog snoring and ways to reduce it.
Sleeping Position
Just like humans, the way a dog sleeps affects their likelihood of snoring. Dogs that sleep on their back have a higher chance of snoring, as about 5-10% of dogs sleep in this position. Sleeping on their back can cause the base of the tongue to block the airway, making it difficult to breathe and leading to snoring.
Possible Solutions:
Attempt to alter your dog’s sleeping posture or their dog bed or dog bedding. Buy your dog bed online at VetShopAustralia.
- Giving your dog a pillow may help as elevating their head can help to reduce snoring.
Their Breed
Snoring in dogs is more common in certain breeds. Brachycephalic breeds with short noses or flat faces, like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, are more likely to snore due to their narrow air passages. These breeds may snore frequently due to their abnormally short upper respiratory anatomy. If your dog is a brachycephalic breed, monitor their breathing and consult a vet if you notice any changes or difficulty.
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke can harm dogs, causing respiratory issues, including snoring. Irritation of the lungs and airways from secondhand smoke can lead to conditions like asthma, bronchitis.
To protect your furry friend:
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Avoid smoking indoors.
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Keep your dog away when smoking and wash your hands afterwards.
Weight
Obesity can lead to snoring in both humans and dogs. Excess weight can cause extra tissue around the throat and nose, leading to reduced airway and snoring. To help your dog avoid snoring, you can:
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Exercise them regularly to maintain ideal weight
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Follow feeding guidelines and avoid overfeeding
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Provide them with nutritious pet food designed specifically for them.
Allergies
If you have allergies, you know how congested you can get and how hard it is to breathe through your nose. The same is true for dogs; they can have allergies that cause airway restriction and congestion, leading to snoring. Possible solutions include checking with a vet to identify allergens and eliminate them, regularly vacuuming, and timing walks during low traffic or pollen times to prevent flare ups.
Remember: Snoring is a symptom, not a disease! If your dog has trouble sleeping or suddenly starts snoring, take them to the vet for a check-up. It may be due to an underlying medical issue. But if you know your dog is simply a snorer, we hope this information was helpful!
