Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog Snoring?

Just like people, snoring can be a common occurrence among dogs. But what causes this issue and should you as a pet owner be concerned? The reasons for your dog snoring can range widely and can be influenced by factors, such as breed, age, environment, and overall health. Below are some of the more common issues for snoring and breathing-related issues. 

Breed

Brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are prone to breathing issues due to their short snouts. This can certainly cause snoring, as well as other problems, such as chronic gas, as these dogs intake larger amounts of air as they eat. Overheating is also a concern, as dogs regulate their body temperature through panting. Since short-nosed breeds struggle with this, they also are more susceptible to conditions such as heat stroke. Fortunately, there are a couple of options to help mitigate these breathing-related issues. Many vets will open up the nares of a dog's nose to help more air get into their nasal canal. Trimming the excess soft palate tissue will also help to open airways and therefore, remedy your dog's struggle with breathing. These are very common procedures for these breeds and have shown to result in an immense improvement in their quality of life.

Environmental Allergies And Your Dog Snoring

Did you know your dog can get allergies too? And similar to their human counterparts, your pets can experience symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, wheezing, and, you guessed it, snoring. Allergies in dogs can range from mild to serious. In many cases, you can help ease their ailment by giving them allergy medicine. Dogs can benefit from Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claratin to alleviate their allergies (in the proper doses, of course). In more severe instances, your dog may have to get regular shots of Apoquel to help them during allergy season. Your vet can do an examination of your pet and even provide an allergy test to help you provide the best solution for your furry family member. Additionally, if family members smoke in the home, this can also trigger breathing problems for your pup, such as asthma and bronchitis. If you can't kick the habit, consider taking your smoke breaks on the patio instead.

Health-Related Issues

Occasionally, your dog's snoring could be a sign of something more serious, such as a sinus infection or other health-related problem. Dogs can contract colds, the flu, and respiratory infections just like people. So, if your dog's sudden snoring is accompanied by sneezing, nasal drainage, coughing, and/or wheezing, take them to the vet immediately. Snoring could also be a result of weight gain, which can cause constriction around their airways. In this instance, be sure to not overfeed your pet and regularly exercise them to maintain a healthy weight. 

And while making that extra time in a busy day can be challenging, it makes a world of difference in the health and happiness of your pet. And our team of sitters and dog-walkers are here to help! Check out our services and sign up today for your FREE consultation!