While napping with your canine friend, you might catch him snoring. Snoring may seem adorable, or it may keep you awake at night. Snoring may, in some cases, indicate a medical problem. Find out why your dog snores in this article.

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What Is Snoring?

When loose tissue in the airway vibrates during sleep, snoring occurs. During breathing, the passages in the nose, back of the mouth, or throat (also known as the upper airways) vibrate audibly. When the upper airways are relaxed during sleep, vibrations and snoring are most likely to occur.

Snoring in dogs is normal, right?

Not always. In some cases, snoring in dogs may indicate a medical problem.

What causes my dog to snore?

Here are some of the most common causes of dogs snoring when they sleep.

• Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, and Boxers are often predisposed to snoring due to their brachycephalic shape. The term “brachycephalic” comes from two words: “brachy” means shortened and “cephalic” means head. Therefore, brachycephalic dogs have shortened skull bones, causing their faces and noses to appear pushed in. As a result of their shortened nasal passages, these dogs often suffer from breathing problems, including snoring.
• Overweight dogs have a greater tendency to snore because of the fat deposits in the tissues surrounding their upper airways. This is one of the many reasons you should prevent your dog from becoming overweight.
• Due to their flexibility, dogs can sleep in unimaginable positions, but sometimes these awkward positions can cause your dog to snore. Therefore, when your dog changes positions, the sound should stop.
• Asthma and respiratory illnesses can often cause snoring. Other symptoms of respiratory disease include discharge from the eyes and nose, sneezing, coughing, and decreased activity.
• Foreign objects in the mouth or nose can cause snoring, coughing, and agitation.
• Dental disease, an abscessed tooth, or any growth or mass in the mouth or sinuses can cause snoring.
• Other possible causes include allergies, polyps, masses, inflammation, and/or trauma.

What is the difference between normal and abnormal snoring in dogs?

Even though your dog can snore, it’s essential to know when to be concerned. For example, suppose your dog suddenly starts snoring. If the snoring becomes louder, or your dog is experiencing other symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or changes in appetite or behavior, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Likewise, consult your veterinarian if you notice your dog wheezing or having difficulty breathing.

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What can be done to prevent dogs from snoring?

• Some breeds snore more than others, but there are health issues that can make your dog snore more, including obesity, which you can help prevent with regular veterinary visits.
• Your veterinarian should design a weight loss plan for your dog that includes weight checks, exercise, and calorie calculations based on individual needs.
• You can purchase various food-dispensing toys for dogs, and you can even make your own. Food puzzles slow down eating, prevent boredom, and avoid obesity. Start with an easier beginner puzzle and work your way up based on your dog’s preference.
• Snoring caused by allergies and respiratory irritation can be treated with air purifiers.
• Maintaining your dog’s health and happiness requires regular veterinary visits. A yearly vet visit can alert you sooner if your dog is overweight or suffering from another medical issue. Care that is preventative is always better than care that is reactive.
• Snoring is sometimes a normal part of sleeping. However, a veterinary visit is recommended if other physical or behavioral changes accompany your dog’s snoring.

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