Why Does My Dog Snore?

If you’ve ever heard your dog snore, you’ve probably wondered if it’s normal for your furry friend to make such sounds. It turns out that there are lots of factors that might cause a dog to snore.

Some dog breeds are more prone to snoring while they sleep than others. However, there are some situations where excessive snoring may indicate that something could be wrong with your best friend’s health. Let’s break down what causes snoring and what you need to know to identify if your buddy’s breathing habits are a potential concern.

Why Do Some Dogs Snore Regularly?

As with humans, dogs may snore due to disrupted airflow in their nasal passageways. While “disrupted airflow” sounds scary, this process can happen normally with no need to worry. For example, dogs that sleep on their back may snore because their tongues might droop back and partially blocks air flow. If you can get your dog to turn over on its stomach or side, the snoring should stop.

Obesity is another potential cause of snoring in dogs. Dogs who are overweight have more restricted air flow, which can cause them to snore or breathe loudly. If your dog is overweight, you can exercise with your dog or consider changing to a reduced fat formula like Bil-Jac Reduced Fat Dog Food to help your canine companion shed a few pounds. Also talk to your vet about how you can help your best friend safely lose excess weight.

Just like humans, dogs can also get sleep apnea! Dogs who have this condition do not breathe deeply while they sleep and might even stop breathing for a moment. When they breathe again, it might sound like snoring. If you think this is the cause, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your vet.

Are Certain Dog Breeds More Likely to Snore?

If your dog is no stranger to bouts of snoring, you may want to take a look at his face. Certain types of dogs are much more prone to snoring than others. Dogs who have shorter snouts and smooshed, flat faces tend to snore more often than other breeds. Another word for these features is brachycephalic, which literally means “short-headed.”

Common short-headed dog breeds include Pugs, Boxers, and Bulldogs. These adorable critters have short muzzles, which can lead to snoring. If you have a dog with a short head face, there’s a higher likelihood that he will probably make noise when he sleeps.

If your dog always snores because of these reasons, you shouldn’t be too concerned. However, you will want to contact a vet if you notice a change in how your pet breathes or if he seems to be gasping. Otherwise, regular snoring sessions are just par for the course for these adorable companions.

What Does it Mean if My Dog Suddenly Starts Snoring?

If your dog has not snored in the past but has started recently, this new habit might be a warning sign for potential issues. If your dog starts snoring regularly, it could be for one of the following reasons.

Sleeping position

As mentioned before, a quick nap on his back could result in some loud snoring. If your buddy only seems to snore when he sleeps in a certain position, it could simply be a result of the way he lays down for a snooze. Monitor your dog to see if this sleep position results in consistent snoring. If snoring persists through multiple positions, you will want to check to see if there’s a more problematic reason for his snoring sessions.

Dental issues

A sudden increase in snoring might indicate that your dog has some dental problems. One potential cause of snoring is if your furry friend has a tooth abscess or cavity that is bothering him. Tooth pains can make your dog uncomfortable and affect his nasal cavities.

One way to avoid this scenario is to proactively practice doggy dental care. Regular brushing and cleanings can keep your furry friend’s teeth nice and healthy for years to come. A vet can also help identify any dental issues and get your dog the care he needs to feel better.

Sensitivities

Dogs can get a stuffy nose just like their humans. Your furry friend’s sniffer might be sensitive to substances like pollen, cleaning products, dust, and even other pets. In turn, these sensitivities might cause your best friend to snore.

It can be tricky to determine if some form of sensitivity is the cause of your dog’s snoring, but you do have one useful tool for this process: your nose. If your dog suddenly starts snoring, think if you’d recently experienced a stuffy nose, sneezing, or other reactions around the same time. Your dog may be sharing those same issues, which can in turn lead him to snore.

If you haven’t been sniffly, try and eliminate certain factors to see if they help lessen your precious pooch’s penchant for snoring. For example, you could try dusting or vacuuming more to limit the dirt and dander that may affect his snoot. With enough trial and error, you may be able to identify if a certain type of sensitivity was the root cause of the sudden increase in snoring.

Common cold

Another reason for snoring is a stuffy nose. Your pet might have a cold that makes it harder for him to breathe while he sleeps, which leads to snoring.

If you notice that your friend has a runny nose or other common cold symptoms, that could help indicate why it sounds like he’s sawing logs during naptime. If you suspect your dog has a cold, talk to your vet if symptoms continue to persist so that your dog gets the treatment he needs to feel better.

A fungus among us

One lesser-known reason for snoring comes with a rather fancy name: Aspergillosis. This condition is a fungal disease that enters through the soft parts of the dog’s nose. While it sounds dire, aspergillosis is commonly present outdoors and can affect dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Symptoms of aspergillosis include sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and swelling. All these symptoms will affect your dog’s nose and airways and make it more likely that your buddy will start to snore. Fortunately, aspergillosis is easy to treat with proper medication. Make sure to consult your vet if you think that aspergillosis or some other condition is affecting your furry friend.

Don’t Sleep on Your Dog Snoring

There are plenty of reasons as to why your dog is snoring, some of which are perfectly normal. However, it’s always good to double check if your dog suddenly starts snoring at night or during naptime. If you ever have a question about your dog’s health, talk to your veterinarian to make sure your best friend’s snoring situation isn’t due to a more serious concern.

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