What Causes My Dog To Snore? Should I Take Action? (Vet Response)

Consider this: you’ve just gotten home from a long day at work and are looking forward to a relaxing evening in front of the TV with your favorite drinks and snacks. However, you find yourself frustratedly searching for the remote just minutes after sitting down because you can’t hear the TV show over the sound of your snoring dog! Does this sound familiar? Snoring is not only annoying or inconvenient for your sleeping dog; it can also be a sign that they need to see a veterinarian.

What Causes a Dog to Snore?

There are numerous reasons why dogs snore, and they can even snore while awake! It is sometimes completely normal, but it can also indicate that something is wrong. So, what causes a dog to snore?

Canine Breed

Certain breeds, such as those with flat faces, long soft palates, or small nostrils, are prone to snoring and snorting while breathing. Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are examples of “brachycephalic” breeds. Although breathing noise is common in these breeds, it is caused by an obstruction of the airway by soft tissue. The severity of this obstruction varies, so that some dogs are only slightly noisy, whereas others’ breathing is so compromised that their bodies do not receive enough oxygen, resulting in symptoms such as collapse.

If your dog is a brachycephalic breed, a veterinarian check-up is recommended so that their airways can be assessed, as severe cases can be improved with surgery.
Bull terrier breeds, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also snore and snore, but not for alarming reasons. They can snort when excited and snore when asleep, but as long as they’ve always done so, it’s unlikely to be a cause for concern.

Obesity in Dogs

Just like in humans, carrying a few extra pounds can make your dog more likely to snore. Because of the extra fat around their neck and throat, their airways can become narrower, resulting in turbulence and more noise!

Tumors, Polyps, and Other Growths in Dogs

If your dog has started snoring when they did not previously, it could be due to a lump or growth within or near their nasal cavity. If this is the case, you may notice them sneezing, having a runny nose, or having nosebleeds. While some of these lumps, such as polyps, are benign, others can be cancerous.

Objects from Another Country

If your dog suddenly starts snoring and snorting, it could be a sign that they have a foreign object lodged up their nose, such as a grass blade or seed. However, snoring is rarely the only symptom, and your dog should normally be sneezing and rubbing his face and nose.

Rhinitis

Inflammation and infection of the nasal passages can cause increased mucus production as well as swelling that narrows the airways. This congestion can cause snoring, but it is also likely to cause your dog to have a runny nose, sneeze, and feel ill.
Air fresheners, incense, and essential oils can also irritate the airway, causing rhinitis and snoring. They can also be dangerous to use around pets, so even if these products aren’t causing your dog’s snoring, it’s worth double-checking that they’re pet-safe.

When Is It Time to Take My Dog to the Vet for Snoring?

It is unlikely to be a problem if your dog is not a brachycephalic breed and has always snored. Similarly, if your dog has recently gained weight and the snoring began around the same time, it may not be necessary for them to visit the veterinary clinic if they are otherwise healthy, unless you require weight loss advice and support. Starting a diet program and monitoring the snore for improvement as they lose weight is a good first step.
However, if your dog has never snored before, or if they are snoring more or louder than usual, you should schedule an appointment for them to be examined by a veterinarian. They may also require a veterinary examination if they exhibit other symptoms such as sneezing, discharge from the nose, nosebleeds, or appear to be off-color.
It is common for brachycephalic breeds to snore. However, this does not rule out the possibility of a problem. If their airways are severely obstructed by the shape of their face, it can lead to serious health problems as well as noise. Several surgical procedures can be used to widen the nostrils, shorten the soft palate, or increase the laryngeal space (throat). Even if you believe your brachycephalic dog is doing well and their snoring isn’t bothering you, it’s worth having them examined by a veterinarian to see if they would benefit from any treatment.

Are There Any Snoring Dog Home Remedies?

If your dog’s snoring bothers you but they don’t seem bothered, it may be tempting to try to solve the problem at home before contacting the veterinarian. There are a couple of dog snoring home remedies you could try as long as your dog isn’t in respiratory distress or acting strangely. However, if in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

1. Examine your surroundings for potential triggers.

Consider when the snoring began and whether anything new could have triggered it. This could include new household cleaners, air fresheners, fabric fresheners, candles, or incense, all of which can irritate the airways. If you started using a new product around the same time you noticed your dog snoring, discontinue use and see if the snoring improves.

2. Reduce your intake of sweets.

Even if your dog does not appear to be overweight, a little extra fat around their airway can have a significant and noisy impact! Reduce the amount of treats you give the dog, reduce meal sizes, and make sure everyone in the house knows who and when the dog is fed. A small amount of weight loss could work wonders and cause their snoring to stop as quickly as it began.

Summary

Having a dog who can’t sleep without snoring can be aggravating. You might be able to blame new snoring on a change in cleaning product or air freshener, or on your dog’s growing waistline. However, if your dog has suddenly started snoring for no apparent reason, has other symptoms, or is a breed prone to brachycephalic breathing problems, a trip to the vet is highly recommended. After all, it could be a sign of a medical problem, in which case your veterinarian may need to perform tests or begin treatment.

source https://babypetdaily.com/what-causes-my-dog-to-snore-should-i-take-action-vet-response/