Why DO dogs snore, and what can be done about it? In
the most basic terms, the snoring sound itself occurs when there is
some type of blockage in the upper respiratory tract. This blockage can
be anywhere along the respiratory path from the nose to the trachea (the
tube that takes air to the lungs). As air is forced through these
passages, it moves unevenly past the blockage and creates the groaning,
creaking noise we recognize as snoring.
There are several factors
that can make your dog snore including abnormal confirmation and
structure of the face, obesity, nasal congestion, infections, polyps,
allergies, medications and sometimes even the sleeping position.
Take a look at these common causes for snoring and see if any sounds like something your dog might experience:
Flat Faces
– Dog breeds with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) or pushed-in noses
often have several structural abnormalities that affect their noses and
airways. Their cute squished up faces typically mean that the same
number of body structures must fit into a much smaller space. The nasal
cavity, already quite small in dogs, is even smaller in these dogs but
must hold similar tissue and structures. Redundant skin folds (like the
wrinkles in a Pug's face) often result in blocked passages and snoring.
Breeds which are commonly affected include Boxers, Pugs, Pekingese,
Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers and Bulldogs. Some of these breeds require
surgery to remove excess tissue and relieve the blockage.
Soft Palate Disorders
- Soft palate disorders are usually congenital defects of the fleshy
tissue at the back of the throat (soft palate and epiglottis) these
normally separates the oral and nasal cavities. The most common
disorders are a defect or "cleft" in the palate or an elongation of the
palate. This overlapping causes an obstruction of the airway during
breathing. The sound the pet makes (stridor) worsens during exercise.
Treatment of an elongated soft palate is surgical. This condition is
seen also in the brachycephalic breeds group.
Obesity
– A chubby dog isn't always a happy dog. A few extra pounds can cause a
lot of extra pressure on a dog's respiratory system and chest cavity.
Excess weight can even result in brief interruptions in breathing during
sleep, a condition commonly known as sleep apnea in humans. Thankfully,
weight loss typically eliminates snoring in these cases.
Nasal Congestion
– Just like humans, dogs are more likely to snore when their noses are
clogged. Nasal congestion can result from allergies, nasal infections
or even nasal tumors. Allergies can be caused by dust, house dust mites,
mildew, mold, and smoke.
Medications
– Some medications such as muscle relaxants or those used to treat pain
can lower respiratory rate or even constrict air passages.
Weather
– Dry air can cause nasal tissues to stick together, resulting in
snoring from dogs who are typically silent sleepers. In some
individuals, changes in altitude due to travel or even varying air
pressure can increase snoring.
Sleep Positions
– Some people tend to snore more when they sleep on their backs and
less when they sleep on their sides. Dogs also can snore more or less
based on their sleep positions. Dogs who sleep on their back and stomach
typically place more pressure on their respiratory tracts, while those
who sleep on their sides usually experience less.
For the most
part, snoring in dogs is not a problem as long as they are getting
plenty of good sleep and they continue to breathe normally while awake.
Snoring becomes a problem if it interrupts or prevents normal sleep
patterns or causes difficulty breathing during exercise.
If you
are worried about your dog's snoring or see a behavior change, nasal
discharge, sneezing or a bloody nose, please see your veterinarian for
an examination.
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