Does your pup sound like a freight train whenever they curl up for a nap? Have you banned your pup from the bedroom because their snoring keeps you awake? It’s common for sleepy pet owners to call their veterinarian, asking, “Why is my dog snoring?” and wanting to know how to stop it and get some peace.
We often get this question at Penny Paws Animal Clinic, the favorite mobile veterinarian in Dallas, TX. Many pet owners want to know why the snoring doesn’t wake up their sleeping dog and whether their dog has a health problem that needs attention. The answer is that it depends, and while snoring is often harmless, it can mean your dog needs some medical care.
The Eight Most Common Reasons Dogs Snore
Any dog can snore for various reasons, including these common ones.
1. Sleeping Position
Many dogs snore when they sleep on their backs. Much like humans, when dogs lie on their backs, their tongue falls back against their throat, and the tissues relax, which narrows the airway. Some dogs also have this issue when they sleep on their sides.
2. Obesity
Obesity is another common issue that can cause dogs to snore. If Fido packs on extra pounds, the fat can accumulate in their throat and obstruct the airway. Overweight and obese dogs that snore often have trouble breathing during the day as well, especially during physical activity.
Hypothyroidism is also a possible reason for your dog’s snoring problem. This means the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to regulate metabolism, which can cause weight gain. Other signs of hypothyroidism include a loss of appetite and frequent ear infections.
3. Allergies
For some pet owners, the answer to “Why is my dog snoring?” is allergies. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust, and other contaminants in their environment, which causes congestion, sneezing, and other symptoms that make breathing hard. When your pup has an allergy flareup, nasal irritation can cause them to sleep with their mouth open so they can breathe, which can cause snoring.
4. Weather
If your dog’s snoring occurs mostly during the warm months, the weather could be the cause. Some dogs snore more during hot weather since the higher temperatures make it harder for them to breathe or cause them to pant more.
5. Breed
Some dog breeds become significantly more prone to snoring than others. Brachycephalic breeds like Boston terriers, bulldogs, pugs, and boxers often snore because they have short nasal passages. Large breeds like St. Bernards and mastiffs can also snore because their weight restricts their airways when they sleep.
6. Foreign Object
If your dog just started snoring and displays other unusual activity like rubbing their nose against objects or reverse sneezing, they could have a foreign object stuck in their nose. Everything from growths in the nasal passages to a blade of grass can irritate your dog and obstruct breathing, causing them to snore.
7. Infection
Sometimes, snoring indicates a health problem, especially when snoring occurs suddenly when your dog never had issues before. A tooth abscess, bacterial infection, or upper respiratory infection like Bordetella (kennel cough) can irritate the airways and cause breathing difficulties, including snoring.
Some dogs develop fungal infections that cause snoring. You can commonly find fungi in soil or leaf piles, which can cause lesions on your dog’s skin and lungs. The symptoms often mimic bacterial infections (coughing, sneezing, snoring, and runny nose).
8. Secondhand Smoke
If you need more motivation to quit smoking, consider the effect that secondhand smoke can have on a man’s best friend. Smoke can irritate and inflame a dog’s airways, causing breathing difficulties and snoring. Smoking can also lead to lung disease in your pets.
How To Help Your Dog, Snore Less
Almost every dog snores at some point. Older dogs, for example, often have partial or complete laryngeal paralysis, which can affect their breathing and cause snoring. If you visit the vet and they don’t identify any areas of concern, you don’t need to worry about the snoring.
However, if your pup starts snoring suddenly without any changes to its normal sleep position or weight, plan a trip to the vet. While many dogs don’t even know they snore, underlying issues can lead to serious health issues and poor sleep for dogs. Other signs that you need to see the doctor about snoring include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Gasping for air
- Changes in appetite
- Congestion
- Fainting
What Can I Do To Stop Snoring If My Dog Is Healthy?
If your dog has no other issues, and the vet doesn’t identify any other illnesses to answer, “Why is my dog snoring?” you might wonder if you’ll ever get a restful night’s sleep with something that sounds like a chainsaw nearby. You can help solve the problem by:
- Providing a comfortable dog bed with a pillow to elevate their head, which will keep the airways open
- Nudging them to change positions from their back to their side or stomach
- Working with the vet to help your dog lose weight
- Using an air purifier or humidifier to help remove contaminants or add moisture to soothe irritated passageways
- Talking to the doctor about allergies and the possibility of giving your dog medication
Ultimately, if your dog starts snoring suddenly or snoring more often or louder than usual, talk to the vet. Otherwise, it’s not a concern for an otherwise healthy animal.
Get Help From Dallas’s Favorite Mobile Veterinarians
If you want an answer to “Why is my dog snoring?” and peace of mind that they are healthy, book an appointment at Penny Paws Animal Clinic in Dallas, Texas, for convenient, comprehensive veterinary care. Even when the trip to the clinic results in a frightened or stressed pet, our compassionate and friendly team can put them (and you at ease) and get to the bottom of any health problem or concern. Call the clinic directly or book an appointment online to keep your best friend as healthy as possible.