We love our pets, but when your dog’s snoring is driving you crazy, what can you do to enjoy a restful night (and help your dog)? You’re right to seek answers because sometimes noisy breathing can suggest that there’s an underlying health problem that needs your attention. The good news is that there are several ways to help your pup breathe more easily and quietly. Below, I’ll talk about what causes snoring in dogs, when to seek veterinary help, plus some remedies to help you (both) sleep better.
Why Is My Dog Snoring So Much?
Snoring is a sound produced by vibrations in the throat or nasal passages when the airflow is restricted or obstructed. Like humans, it can happen for various reasons, depending on anatomy, health, and lifestyle. Here are some of the reasons your dog snores so much:
1. Breed-Related Features
Some breeds are more susceptible to heavy wheezing than others, specifically those with blunt faces and flat noses, like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers. These dogs are brachycephalic (meaning they have narrow nostrils, long, soft palates, and small windpipes). They also have abnormal throat tissues that sometimes block the airway and cause snoring.
If you have a brachycephalic dog, you may have even noticed that they snore even when awake. The reason is that their airway is always partially obstructed by their facial features. This issue can make them more vulnerable to breathing and other health problems.
2. Sleeping Position
Have you ever noticed that when dogs sleep on their backs or with their heads tilted back, their tongues fall back? Sometimes, the tongue falls into the throat enough to block the airways. While this is usually not harmful, it may make snoring louder or more frequent. Sleeping on their sides or with their heads elevated can help them breathe better and wheeze less.
How about changing your pup’s sleeping position by gently nudging them or placing a pillow under their head? Gently roll them over to their side or position a pillow under their head to lift it slightly. Doing this can discourage their tongue from falling backward and encourage a more natural sleeping position.
3. Allergic Reactions
Some canines become allergic to dust, pollen, smoke, mold, or other environmental irritants that can cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages or throat. This problem can reduce the airflow and lead to snoring. Also, allergies can cause sneezing, itching, a runny nose, or watery eyes.
Should you suspect irritants to be the problem, it’s a good idea to consult your vet to seek a proper diagnosis and get the right care. They may prescribe antihistamines or steroids to decrease the inflammation and alleviate the symptoms. But you can help by keeping your home clean and free of allergens that might trigger your dog’s snoring.
4. Excess Weight
Overweight or obese animals often carry excess fat tissue around their necks or chests that can pressure their airways and make them snore. Obesity can also increase the threat of other health troubles affecting breathing, including heart disorders or diabetes.
If your dog is overweight or obese, it would be beneficial for them to lose weight by feeding a balanced diet and taking them for frequent, brisk walks. A healthier weight can reduce the fat tissue around their neck and chest and improve their ability to breathe more easily. You might also talk to your vet about a weight loss plan that suits your pet’s needs and condition.
5. Dental Issues
Dental concerns in dogs, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral infections, may lead to the accumulation of bacteria or pus in their mouth. Besides triggering unwanted snoring, fluid can eventually drip into their throat and cause irritation or inflammation, leading to bad breath, discomfort, and pain for the poor pup.
Please take your dog to the vet for a checkup and treatment to address oral hygiene concerns. It’s best to brush their teeth regularly and give them dental chews or toys to keep their mouth clean and healthy.
6. Other Health Problems
What about coinciding health issues? For example:
- Respiratory infections, such as kennel cough or pneumonia, can cause coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing as a symptom or complication.
- Nasal tumors or polyps sometimes grow inside the nose and obstruct the airways.
- Some genetic disorders, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can also affect metabolism and hormone levels and trigger snoring.
7. Medications
Does your dog take any medicine that might affect their breathing and cause snoring? For example, some sedatives or painkillers tend to relax the muscles and narrow their airways. Certain antihistamines or decongestants can dry mucous membranes, making them more prone to irritation or inflammation.
If any medicines might cause your dog’s snoring, you should first talk to your vet about the possible alternatives or adjustments. It’s also prudent to monitor their breathing while on medication and report any changes or concerns to your vet.
Important!
If your dog’s snoring is severe, persistent, or problematic, please take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet may perform tests to diagnose the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment. They might also suggest surgery if they see a structural problem in the airway that needs to be corrected.
Effective Remedies to Lessen Your Dog’s Snoring
Let’s look at some remedies and tips to reduce snoring and help your dog go to sleep happier:
1. Use a Calming Pheromone
Many anti-snoring pills on the market claim to benefit dogs, but in my experience, these products are ineffective. A more promising option is to use a calming pheromone like Adaptil. This product replicates the natural soothing signals that mothers send to their puppies; this can help dogs feel more relaxed and less stressed, enhancing their breathing and often reducing snoring.
Adaptil comes in various forms, including collars, sprays, diffusers, and tablets. Choose the one that best suits your pet’s needs. For instance, you might choose a collar that continuously releases the pheromone for up to four weeks or use a spray on your pup’s bedding or crate before bedtime.
2. Clear Their Nasal Passages
A saline spray is an excellent way to moisten and clean your dog’s nasal passages; it can help them breathe more efficiently and reduce snoring.
According to the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), if you want an over-the-counter decongestant, you may use pediatric nasal sprays (Little Noses) in puppies and dogs to ease dryness and nasal congestion caused by a cold.
You could also use a humidifier or vaporizer in their room to add moisture to the air and soothe their throat. Then, gently wipe nasal discharge from their nostrils with a clean, damp towel.
3. Care for Their Allergies
If your dog has allergies, it makes sense to avoid exposing them to the allergens that cause their snoring, such as dust, pollen, smoke, or mold.
For example, suppose your dog is allergic to pollen and snores when they sleep near a window with flowers outside.
- Give them antihistamines or steroids, as your vet prescribes, to reduce the inflammation and relieve the symptoms.
- Close the window and move them away from the flowers.
- Give them honey, coconut oil, or chamomile tea as natural remedies to strengthen their immune system and reduce inflammation.
4. Help Them Lose Weight
If your pup is carrying a few extra pounds, help them shed some weight by providing a nutritious diet and ensuring they exercise regularly.
- Feed a low-calorie and high-fiber diet appropriate for their size and age.
- Exercise them daily by walking, playing fetch, or swimming together.
Doing these two things can significantly help decrease the amount of fatty tissue around their neck and chest areas, which may improve their breathing and reduce snoring.
Also, it pays to seek advice from your local vet to develop a weight loss program tailored to your dog’s specific needs and overall health condition.
5. Check Their Teeth
We must always take our dogs to the vet for regular dental checkups because if they have dental problems, they may need treatment to prevent things from worsening.
For example, let’s say your dog has tooth decay and gum disease that causes them to snore because of the infection in their mouth. Here are some practical and worthwhile steps to take:
- Take them to the vet for a dental exam and treatment.
- Brush their teeth each day with a toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs.
- Give them dental chews or toys to clean their teeth and gums. Doing this can prevent bacteria or pus from dripping into their throat and causing snoring.
When to Consult Your Vet
If your dog’s snoring is severe, persistent, or happens together with symptoms like coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fainting, seizures, or blue gums, please visit the vet as soon as possible.
Your vet may carry out some tests to diagnose the cause of their snoring and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Is surgery an option? Perhaps, if the vet sees a structural problem in their airway that needs correction. Certain tests like X-rays, blood tests, or biopsies may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and decide the best course of treatment.
How often does your dog snore?
- Rarely
- Frequently
- All the time!
Let us know in the comments below!
Final Thoughts
This article aims to help you understand the reasons behind your dog’s snoring and give you some practical tips to help them sleep better. While having a snoring dog can be frustrating, it’s also important to put your pet’s health and happiness first.
Although this problem is rarely severe, please don’t ignore it if your pup seems uncomfortable or distressed. There may be an underlying health concern. With your vet’s help, pinpoint the cause and try these remedies and tips. Doing so can help your pup breathe easier, meaning a sounder sleep for everyone!
Sources and Further Reading
- What Causes Snoring in Dogs and How to Help Your Pup | PetMD
Is your dog snoring? While this is normal for some pups, sometimes snoring in dogs can be caused by a serious health issue. Find out how you can help. - 8 Common Reasons Why Your Dog is Snoring | West Lorne Animal Hospital
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, an obstruction, congestion, or other issues.
