• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Vetted PetCare Blog

Advice and stories for pet owners and animal lovers

  • Preventative Health
  • Urgent Care
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Lifestyle & Local
  • Disease, Diet & Exercise
  • Common Questions
You are here: Home / Common Questions / My Dog Snores…Is That Okay?

My Dog Snores…Is That Okay?

July 19, 2019 By Heather

My Dog Snores…Is That Okay?

ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Does your dog snore? If so, you’ve probably experienced a range of emotions: frustration, worry, extreme exhaustion…

In many cases, snoring is natural. In some, it’s not. Let’s talk about whether or not it’s okay that your dog snores.

Why Dogs Snore

Snoring in dogs is caused by the same things that cause snoring in every other mammal. Snoring happens when airflow is restricted in the nasal passageways or the throat. As the air makes its way through the nose and mouth it faces resistance which causes the tissues to vibrate. This is what creates that distinctive snoring sound.

Some dogs are far more likely to snore than others. Here are the most common reasons why dogs snore:

  • Being brachycephalic, meaning having a short snout
  • Position during sleeping
  • Environmental allergies
  • Excess weight
  • Underlying medical condition

Snoring Caused by Medical Issues

There are many medical conditions, some serious, some not, that can lead to snoring in dogs. Snoring is one of the primary symptoms of hyperthyroidism. An abscessed tooth or growth can cause snoring as air is restricted when leaving your dog’s body. Sleep apnea can cause snoring, and can actually be very dangerous.

One of the fastest-growing medical causes of snoring in dogs is obesity. Excess weight can put a lot of pressure on your dog’s respiratory system and make it more difficult for him to breathe (both when awake and when sleeping.)

Many of the medical conditions that lead to snoring can easily be treated by a veterinarian. In the case of hyperthyroidism, for example, a once-a-day pill can immediately regulate your dog’s metabolism. If your dog’s snoring is brought on by allergies, medication can help, as can ridding his environment of whatever dust, dander, or allergen that’s causing the trouble.

In situations where an underlying medical issue to blame, snoring is only a symptom. It’s important to treat the problem itself to keep your dog healthy overall.


 

Pet news, updates, and special offers
from your friends at Vetted.

Please fill out all required fields.


When is Snoring Something to Worry About?

Brachycephalic Dogs
If you have a brachycephalic dog, you should probably expect regular snoring. This category includes all “flat-faced” dogs (pugs, bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Chihuahuas, Chow Chows, Pekingese, and Bull Mastiffs.) Snoring is common among these breeds because their short snouts mean air has less room to travel through their airways which makes friction – and the resulting vibrations – more likely.

Unless your brachycephalic dog is showing other signs of illness or discomfort, his snoring is probably normal. Talk to your veterinarian about it at your next appointment just to be sure (record a video to show her!) Know that the same smooshy face that makes your dog adorable can also lead to a higher risk of breathing issues down the road.

Non-Brachycephalic Dogs
If your dog is not brachycephalic, it’s safe to assume his snoring is negatively impacting his sleep quality. Snoring can keep your dog from resting as deeply as he would otherwise, and it may cause him to wake himself up quite a bit. Any snoring that comes on suddenly definitely warrants a call to the vet.

Talk to your vet about what your dog’s snoring means. It may be that he only snores when he sleeps in a particular position; your vet might advise you to gently move him if he falls asleep this way. She could also recommend running a few simple tests to make sure there aren’t underlying medical issues to blame for the snoring, particularly if it’s a new phenomenon.

 

Does your dog snore?

Make an In-Home Vet Appointment

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Common Questions, Disease Diet and Exercise, Preventative Health Tagged With: obesity, sleep, snore

Before Footer

  • Navigating the holidays with a pet can be HARD.
🤔 Can they eat this? Is this plant dangerous? Which decorations are safe?
🎁 Don't worry--we've got everything you need to know to keep you and your pet safe (and sane) this holiday season.
🔗 Tap the link in our bio for the ultimate guide to surviving the holidays with a pet.
  • It's peak holiday baking season. Does your pet keep a close watch over the oven this time of year? Ignore those begging eyes and keep this holiday spice far away from your pets.
  • If @Spotify had a #2019Wrapped for your dog, what would your dog's top nap spots be?
  • Have you been doing it wrong?⁣
It seems like everyone has a trick or tip for calculating a dog's age in "human years." ⁣
But, it turns out, there wasn't a lot of science behind the old method. Now, scientists have teamed up to give us the gift we always wanted: a much more accurate way to calculate your dog's age in human years.⁣
⁣
🔗 Tap the link in our bio to learn the right way to calculate your dog’s age in human years.
  • This isn't a competition. It's a wholesome celebration of goofiness. 
With that out of the way, let's hear it! 🤣

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Find a Mobile Vet
  • Tel: (833) 228-8122
  • hello@vettedpetcare.com
vetted logo

© 2019 Vetted PetCare Inc.

Privacy Policy