So, why does your dog snore? Just like people, dogs snore when air moving through their nose and throat vibrates soft tissues as they sleep. This vibration makes the snoring sound you hear. Many things can cause this air flow to get a little blocked or bumpy, leading to snoring. Most times, a little snoring is nothing to worry about, but sometimes it can point to causes of dog snoring that need a closer look.
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What Makes Dogs Snore?
Snoring happens when the path air takes into your dog’s lungs is not smooth. Air moves from the nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the windpipe. If something gets in the way, or if parts of the throat are floppy, the air can make those parts flutter. This flutter is the snore. Think of a flag waving in the wind. The air makes the flag move and make a sound. The same kind of thing happens inside your dog’s head and neck when they snore.
Many things can cause this blockage or flutter. Some are simple, like how your dog is lying down. Others are more complex, involving their body shape or health. Learning the different causes of dog snoring helps you know if your dog’s snores are normal or a sign of dog snoring problems.
How Sleep Position Affects Snoring
Sometimes, snoring is simply about how your dog sleeps.
Sleeping on the Back
- When dogs sleep on their back, their tongue can fall back a little.
- This can partly block the airway in their throat.
- It’s a common cause of light snoring.
- It is usually not a big worry.
- If your dog only snores when on their back, try gently moving them.
- Sleeping on their side often stops this kind of snoring.
Sleeping with Head in Strange Spots
- Some dogs like to sleep with their head tucked oddly.
- Or they might put their head under a blanket or cushion.
- This can bend the airway.
- The bent airway can cause air to vibrate more.
- This leads to snoring.
- Again, changing their position usually helps.
This simple reason for snoring shows that not all snores mean trouble. But it’s good to know other causes of dog snoring too.
Decoding Different Reasons for Snoring
Beyond just sleep position, many other things can make a dog snore. Some are part of the dog’s body shape, and some are health issues.
Short-Nosed Breeds and Snoring
This is a very common reason for snoring, especially for certain types of dogs.
Grasping Short-Nose Problems (Brachycephalic Syndrome)
- Dogs with flat faces or short noses are called ‘brachycephalic’.
- Think of breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
- These dogs have normal-sized soft tissues in their nose and throat.
- But these tissues are packed into a much smaller space because their skull is shorter.
- This leads to several issues that cause snoring and breathing problems.
- These issues together are often called brachycephalic syndrome snoring.
Specific Issues in Short-Nosed Dogs
Let’s look at the specific body parts that cause short-nosed dog snoring.
Narrow Nostrils (Stenotic Nares)
- The openings of the nose are called nostrils.
- In short-nosed dogs, these openings are often very small or pinched.
- This makes it hard for air to get into the nose.
- It’s like trying to breathe through a tiny straw.
- This causes noisy breathing and snoring.
Long Soft Palate
- The soft palate is the fleshy part at the back of the roof of the mouth.
- In short-nosed dogs, this soft palate is often too long.
- It hangs down into the throat.
- When the dog breathes, this long soft palate flaps.
- This flapping makes a loud snoring or snorting sound.
- This issue is a major cause of soft palate dog snoring.
Flippy Windpipe (Everted Laryngeal Saccules)
- There are small pockets of tissue near the voice box (larynx).
- In some short-nosed dogs, these pockets get pulled inward by the strong breathing effort needed to get air past the other blockages.
- They can flip or bulge into the airway.
- This further blocks air flow.
Small Windpipe (Tracheal Hypoplasia)
- Some short-nosed dogs are born with a windpipe that is too narrow.
- This makes it harder for air to travel to the lungs.
- It adds to the breathing difficulties.
Because of these problems, short-nosed dog snoring is very common. The snoring is often loud and can happen even when they are awake (as snorting sounds). These dogs are more likely to have dog snoring problems that need help from a vet.
Weight Gain and Snoring
Just like in people, extra weight can cause snoring in dogs.
- Fat can build up in the tissues around the throat.
- This extra tissue can make the airway narrower.
- When air goes through this narrower space, it vibrates the tissue more.
- This leads to louder snoring.
- Obesity is a significant contributor to dog loud snoring.
- Helping your dog lose weight can often greatly reduce or stop this type of snoring.
Allergies and Irritation
Allergies can make your dog’s airways swell up or produce more mucus.
- Pollen, dust, mold, or even some foods can cause allergies in dogs.
- An allergic reaction dog snoring happens when the nose or throat gets swollen.
- The swelling makes the airway smaller.
- This can cause snoring or noisy breathing.
- Think of how you might snore when you have a stuffy nose.
- Irritants like smoke or strong perfumes can also bother a dog’s airways and cause similar issues.
Colds, Infections, and Illnesses
When dogs get sick with colds, kennel cough, or other breathing problems, they can snore more.
- Infections can cause swelling and mucus in the nasal passages and throat.
- This blocks or partly blocks the airflow.
- A dog with a stuffy nose or chest cold will often snore.
- Other signs of illness might be present, like coughing, sneezing, or not wanting to eat.
- Once the illness gets better, the snoring usually stops.
- Sinus infections can also lead to ongoing snoring until treated.
Foreign Objects
Sometimes, something can get stuck in your dog’s nose or throat.
- Things like grass seeds, small pieces of toys, or dirt can get lodged there.
- This object partly blocks the airway.
- Air passing by the object can cause vibration and snoring.
- If you think your dog might have something stuck, they may show other signs like pawing at their face, sneezing a lot, or reverse sneezing.
- This is a serious issue and needs a vet visit right away.
Polyps or Tumors
Growths in the nasal passages or throat are less common but can cause snoring.
- Polyps are non-cancerous growths.
- Tumors can be cancerous or not.
- Both can block the airway.
- This blockage causes snoring or noisy breathing.
- Growths usually cause snoring that gets worse over time.
- Other signs might include nosebleeds, face swelling, or changes in breathing sounds.
- A vet needs to check any ongoing, worsening snoring to rule out growths.
Dental Problems
Severe tooth problems, especially abscesses in the upper jaw, can affect the nasal passages.
- The roots of the upper teeth are close to the nasal cavity.
- An infection in a tooth root can spread to the nasal area.
- This can cause swelling and discharge in the nose.
- This swelling can partly block the airway and cause snoring.
- Treating the dental problem often resolves the snoring.
Medication
Some medicines, like muscle relaxants or certain pain relievers, can cause deeper sleep.
- Deeper sleep can make the throat muscles relax more than usual.
- This can make the tissues in the throat more likely to vibrate.
- This might cause temporary snoring.
- If your dog started snoring after starting a new medicine, talk to your vet.
This list covers many of the possible causes of dog snoring. Knowing these helps you think about why your dog might be snoring.
When Dog Snoring is a Concern
While some snoring is normal, especially in certain breeds or when sleeping in odd positions, there are times when dog snoring is a concern. You should pay close attention if your dog’s snoring changes or if they show other signs.
Signals Your Dog’s Snoring Needs a Check
Look out for these signs:
- Sudden Start: Your dog never snored before, but now they snore loudly.
- Change in Sound: The snoring is much louder than usual (dog loud snoring) or sounds different.
- Trouble Breathing: Your dog seems to struggle to breathe while awake or asleep.
- Breathing Stops: You notice pauses in your dog’s breathing during sleep. This is a key dog sleep apnea symptoms.
- Restless Sleep: Your dog wakes up suddenly, gasps, or moves around a lot while trying to sleep.
- Tiredness: Your dog seems overly tired during the day. They might fall asleep easily or seem low on energy. This can also be a sign of poor sleep quality due to breathing problems like dog sleep apnea symptoms.
- Blue Gums or Tongue: The inside of their mouth or tongue looks blue or purple. This means they are not getting enough oxygen. This is a medical emergency.
- Coughing or Gagging: Especially after waking up or during sleep.
- Changes in Eating: They seem to have trouble eating or swallowing.
- Weight Loss or Gain: Sudden, unplanned changes in weight.
- Nasal Discharge or Bleeding: Mucus, pus, or blood coming from the nose.
These signs suggest that the snoring is more than just a funny noise. It could point to dog snoring problems that affect their health and comfort.
Interpreting Dog Snoring Problems
Loud snoring (dog loud snoring) itself can be a problem. It can mean a significant blockage in the airway. But the bigger problem is often what the snoring signals.
Sleep Apnea in Dogs
- Yes, dogs can get sleep apnea, just like people.
- Sleep apnea means breathing stops and starts many times during sleep.
- This happens because the airway gets blocked.
- Dog sleep apnea symptoms include loud snoring with gasps or choking sounds, pauses in breathing, and being very tired during the day.
- Sleep apnea prevents deep, restful sleep.
- Over time, it can lead to other health issues like heart problems or high blood pressure.
- Short-nosed dog snoring is often linked to a higher risk of sleep apnea.
If you see signs of sleep apnea or other dog snoring problems, it’s important to see your vet.
Getting Help for Dog Snoring
If you are concerned about your dog’s snoring, the first step is always a visit to the vet. They can figure out the exact causes of dog snoring for your pet.
What Happens at the Vet
- Your vet will ask you lots of questions about the snoring: When did it start? How loud is it? Does it happen all the time or only sometimes? Do you see any other signs?
- They will give your dog a full physical exam.
- They will look closely at your dog’s nose, mouth, and throat.
- They might need more tests depending on what they find.
- Tests could include X-rays of the head, neck, or chest, or looking into the airway with a small camera (endoscopy).
- They might also do blood tests to check for infections or other health issues.
Finding the cause is key to finding the right help.
Dog Snoring Remedies and Management
The way to help your dog’s snoring depends on why they are snoring. There is no single fix for all snoring.
Help Based on the Cause
For Sleep Position Snoring
- Simply adjust your dog’s head or body position gently while they are sleeping.
- Provide a special bed that keeps their head slightly raised.
For Weight-Related Snoring
- Your vet will help you create a safe weight loss plan.
- This includes a special diet and exercise program.
- Losing weight can open up the airway and reduce snoring.
For Allergy Snoring (allergic reaction dog snoring)
- Try to find out what your dog is allergic to.
- Avoid the allergen if possible (e.g., switch food, use air filters).
- Your vet might suggest allergy medicines like antihistamines or steroids.
- Sometimes, special allergy shots can help over time.
For Infection or Illness Snoring
- Your vet will treat the underlying sickness.
- This might mean antibiotics for a bacterial infection.
- Or other medicines to help with cold-like symptoms.
- Making the air moist with a humidifier might also help clear nasal passages.
For Foreign Object Snoring
- The vet will need to remove the object.
- This usually needs your dog to be put to sleep briefly (sedation or anesthesia).
For Polyps or Tumors
- Treatment depends on the type of growth.
- Surgery might be needed to remove the growth.
- Other treatments like medicine or radiation might be an option.
For Dental Problem Snoring
- The infected tooth will need treatment, often removal.
- The infection needs to be cleared up with medicine.
For Medication Snoring
- Talk to your vet about possibly changing the medication or adjusting the dose. Never change medicine on your own.
For Brachycephalic Syndrome Snoring (brachycephalic syndrome snoring, soft palate dog snoring, short-nosed dog snoring)
- This often requires surgery to fix the airway problems.
- Surgery can involve:
- Widening narrow nostrils.
- Shortening the long soft palate.
- Removing the everted laryngeal saccules.
- Surgery aims to make breathing easier and reduce snoring.
- This is a common dog snoring remedy for flat-faced breeds with serious issues.
- Even after surgery, these dogs may still snore a little, but it should be much better and safer.
General Support for Snoring Dogs
Regardless of the cause, some things might offer comfort or slight help:
- Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help if snoring is due to dryness or minor stuffiness.
- Raised Bed/Pillow: Elevating the head slightly can help keep the airway more open, especially for dogs who sleep on their back.
- Clean Environment: Keeping your home clean and free of dust, smoke, and strong smells can help if allergies or irritation are a factor.
It’s important to remember that trying home dog snoring remedies without knowing the cause might not help and could delay getting the right treatment if the snoring is a sign of a serious problem. Always work with your vet.
Living with a Snoring Dog
For many dogs, especially the flat-faced breeds, some level of snoring might be a normal part of their life.
- You learn what is ‘normal’ snoring for your dog.
- Watch for changes in their snoring sound or pattern.
- Watch for any of the warning signs of dog snoring problems mentioned earlier.
- Make sure your dog stays at a healthy weight.
- Avoid exposing them to smoke or strong irritants.
- Use a harness instead of a collar for walks, especially for short-nosed breeds, as collars can put pressure on their windpipe.
- Keep them cool in hot weather, as breathing problems make it harder for them to cool down.
- Regular vet check-ups are very important, especially for breeds known for breathing issues.
Even normal snoring can be dog loud snoring sometimes! If the sound bothers you, try using earplugs or a white noise machine in your bedroom. But make sure you are not ignoring signs that the snoring might mean something serious.
Recapping Why Dogs Snore
To sum it up, dogs snore for several main reasons:
- Their sleeping position can cause temporary snoring.
- Their breed’s face shape (brachycephalic syndrome snoring, short-nosed dog snoring) is a major cause due to narrow airways and a long soft palate dog snoring.
- Being overweight adds extra tissue that blocks airways.
- Allergies (allergic reaction dog snoring) and irritants can cause swelling.
- Colds, infections, and other illnesses affect breathing passages.
- Something stuck in the nose or throat.
- Growths like polyps or tumors.
- Severe dental infections.
- Side effects from some medicines.
Most important is knowing when dog snoring is a concern. Look for sudden changes, loudness (dog loud snoring), difficulty breathing, gasping, or tiredness during the day (dog sleep apnea symptoms). These signs mean you should talk to your vet right away about the causes of dog snoring in your specific pet and discuss possible dog snoring remedies.
Your vet is the best person to help you figure out if your dog’s snoring is normal or if it is a sign of a health problem. By paying attention to your dog’s sounds and behavior, you can help them breathe easier and sleep better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Snoring
Here are answers to common questions about dog snoring.
Q: Is it normal for a dog to snore very loudly?
Some dogs, especially flat-faced breeds, can be very loud snorers due to their airway structure. While common in these breeds, very loud snoring can still mean there is a significant blockage. If the loud snoring is new, changed, or comes with other symptoms like gasping or tiredness, it’s a reason to see the vet. Dog loud snoring should always be checked out to be safe.
Q: Can my dog get sleep apnea from snoring?
Yes, chronic snoring, especially with pauses in breathing, gasping, or daytime tiredness, can be a sign of dog sleep apnea symptoms. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome snoring are more likely to have sleep apnea because their airways are already partly blocked.
Q: Does my dog’s snoring mean they have allergies?
Snoring can be a sign of allergies if the allergic reaction causes swelling in the nose or throat. If the snoring started suddenly and happens with other allergy signs like itching, sneezing, or watery eyes, then an allergic reaction dog snoring might be the cause. Your vet can help figure out if allergies are the problem.
Q: Are there natural ways to stop dog snoring?
Natural dog snoring remedies might include things like helping your dog lose weight if needed, using a humidifier, or changing their sleeping position. However, these only help with certain causes. If the snoring is due to issues like a long soft palate, infection, or growth, natural methods won’t fix the underlying problem. Always talk to your vet before relying only on home remedies.
Q: My dog is a puppy and snores. Is this normal?
Puppies can snore for some of the same reasons adult dogs do, like sleep position or being a short-nosed breed. However, new snoring or loud snoring in a puppy could also point to issues like infections (like kennel cough) or problems they were born with (like severe brachycephalic airway issues). It’s wise to mention puppy snoring to your vet during your visits, especially if it’s loud or happens often.
Q: Can snoring be a sign of a heart problem?
While snoring itself isn’t usually a direct sign of a primary heart problem, severe breathing issues caused by things like brachycephalic syndrome snoring or sleep apnea can put a strain on the heart over time. So, ongoing, serious snoring issues can sometimes indirectly affect heart health or be linked to other health problems that also affect the heart.
Q: My dog makes snorting noises when awake and snores when asleep. What does this mean?
Snorting when awake and snoring when asleep is very common in short-nosed dog snoring due to their airway structure issues like narrow nostrils or a long soft palate. These noises are a constant sign of partly blocked airways. While typical for the breed, the loudness and frequency of these sounds are key in knowing how severe the blockage is and when dog snoring is a concern that might need a vet’s help or even surgery.