Dog snoring is common and quite disturbing _ and affects their waking lives too. Like with humans, snoring is caused by an obstruction or infection in the nasal passage or nostrils. Before you try to stop your dog's snoring, it's necessary to understand the reasons why the airway is blocked so that you can either take preventive or curative measures.
HERE ARE THE MOST COMMON CULPRITS:
Being overweight
Overweight or obese dogs are more likely to snore when they sleep. This is because they have more fat and flesh surrounding their throats and other parts of the body. These excess tissues dangle along the throat and can potentially cause the obstructions. Losing weight will help greatly.
Nasal congestion
With any kind of cold, allergies or nasal discharge, mucus generally causes snoring by plugging up airways.
Having a flat face
Snoring can also be down to a dog's general facial features. The construction of their nasal passages largely contributes to the difficulty of breathing. Breeds with shorter faces like Pekingese, pugs and Boston terriers are more prone to snoring because they often have more nasal infections and easier-blocked airways than longer-nosed breeds. Consequentially, they almost always snore.
Use of tranquillisers
Being on any pain-reduction or anti-contestant treatment usually relaxes a dog's muscles which can lead to airway blockage.
Being a passive smoker
Living in a smoke-filled environment is bad for dogs. Most of them are allergic to smoking. This results in respiratory inflammation and swelling in the nose. It narrows the throat and can result in snoring.
WHAT TO DO:
Getting your dog to change its posture while sleeping can greatly reduce snoring. Many vets recommend getting your dog a round comfortable doggy bed which allows it to curl up to sleep.
If your dog is overweight, work to help it lose weight. Give your pet regular exercise, even 10 to 15 minutes a day can be effective.
If your dog is allergy-prone, avoid smoking next to your dog or keep it away from allergens. Make sure you clean its bedding regularly, and keeping rugs and curtains dust free can be helpful.
CALL A VET WHEN NEEDED
If your dog doesn't respond to any of the tips suggested and continues to snore very loudly, it is better to consult a veterinarian. Also, if your dog suddenly starts snoring when it has had no previous snoring history, take your dog for a checkup as it may be sick. Remember, a snoring dog must be checked for various causes to determine which treatment can be best applied.
Now you know why dogs snore and how you can stop that snoring problem, hopefully you can look forward to getting a good night's sleep!
