Why does my Dog Snore? Main Causes
Dogs snore for a variety of reasons, from how they sleep to allergies. If your dog has started snoring, or it’s worse, this may be an issue. However, read our article on why dog snore here.
Do you wake up every night to a symphony of snoring from your dog? Although snoring is usually harmless, it can occasionally be a sign of a health problem.
Understanding the causes of your dog’s snoring can help you decide whether it’s time to contact your veterinarian.
What Causes Snoring in Dogs?
Snoring in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons. However, we have listed some below:
1. Upper Respiratory Infection
You’ve probably noticed that you are more likely to snore if you have a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Nasal congestion clogs your sinuses, making it more difficult for air to flow freely through your nose.
Your dog may also develop congestion and begin snoring as a result of a cold or illness.
2. Obesity
Your dog doesn’t just gain weight around its midsection.
Weight gain can also cause excess tissues in your pet’s neck or throat.
These tissues restrict airflow, making it more likely that your dog will snore.
3. Allergies
Allergies could be to blame for your pet’s snoring. Allergens inflame the nasal passages, causing swelling that limits airflow.
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4. Sleep Position
Do you notice that your dog only snores when sleeping on its back?
That sleeping position may cause the tongue to fall back against the throat, partially blocking the airway.
5. Abscessed Tooth
The bacterial infection that causes a tooth abscess may be responsible for inflammation and swelling in nearby tissues.
6. Hypothyroidism
Snoring could signify that your dog doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.
Other signs of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can include dull coat, flaky skin, lack of energy, cold intolerance, reduced appetite, weight gain, shedding, and skin and ear infections.
7. Breed Characteristics
Dogs with short noses, like boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, English bulldogs, and Shih-Tzus are more likely to snore, according to the College of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
8. Obstructions
Anything that prevents the free flow of the air, whether it’s a growth somewhere in your pet’s airway or an object stuck in its nose, can trigger snoring.
What Happens when my Dog Snores?
Snoring occurs when tissues in your dog’s nose, mouth, or throat vibrate as air passes through them.
The sound effects are more likely to happen if your pet’s airway narrows due to inflammation, obstruction, congestion, or other issues.
How can I Help my Dog to Snore Less?
If your dog prefers to sleep on their back, encouraging them to sleep on its side may be beneficial. Sleeping with their heads elevated with a pillow can also help to reduce nighttime noise.
Dogs who suffer from breathing allergies will benefit from living in a smoke-free environment. Air fresheners and scented candles can also cause reactions in sensitive dogs and should be avoided.
It can also help wash them down after walks to remove pollen, walk during low pollen times of day (such as early mornings or evenings), and wash their bedding daily.
Thorough vacuuming of the house on a regular basis can also help to reduce dust and spores that can irritate the airway. Humidifiers can help to improve air quality.
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Snoring is a common phenomenon among dogs, thus if your dog snores, it is only less natural, and shouldn’t give you sleepless nights. Dogs snore for reasons like obesity, allergies, etc. Hopefully, the content has solved a problem, kindly share it with people out there.
CSN Team.