What Causes Snoring in Dogs?

by Marion Jones

We all know that it is not unusual for pet owners to allow their pets to sleep with them on their beds at night. In deed, one third of pet owners have at some point, permitted their pets to sleep on their beds. Dogs readily provide a companionship that isn't shown by any other kind of animal. However, this doesn't mean to say that cat owners do not  let their cats or another pets sleep with them too. But what about snoring in dogs?

It is made easier too because dogs have a sleep pattern that is very much like ours. Dogs often trust their owners  completely, which makes them a lot more relaxed during the night. This explains why most dogs fall asleep easily and later on, enter into a deep sleep where REM sleep activities can occur. In fact, once dogs enter this stage, the owner may need to call them several times before they can truly be woken up.

For sure, many of us have already observed a dog paddling during sleep or, at times, barking in his sleep too. These dogs are believed to be dreaming. Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs while they are asleep. For example, there are breeds which breathe heavily and there are breeds which breathe more lightly.

The heavy breathers  are much more likely to snore than those which do not breathe so heavily. So, what causes snoring in dogs?

Some people find that dogs that snore are rather a nuisance during the night, depending on the degree and frequency of the snoring that their dog does.

Like with humans, there are several reasons for what causes snoring in dogs, although most have to do with the obstruction of the passage of air in the throat, which in turn is caused by the collapse of certain areas along the windpipe. What causes snoring in dogs is the same really the same as what causes snoring in human beings.

A dog that snores very loudly ought to be checked for various issues to see which treatment can be best provided. What causes snoring in some dogs are specific allergic reactions that cause constriction in the airway. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that is preventing correct breathing too. It is best if a veterinarian checks on what causes snoring in your dog through careful evaluation of the dog's anatomical features and general physical symptoms.

Is you dog obese? I ask this because, as with humans, obesity is what causes snoring in dogs as fat dogs are more likely to snore than thin ones. This is because they have more flesh surrounding their throats. Therefore, they have excess fat hanging around the throat which can potentially cause obstructions. Once this problem is corrected, the risk of snoring in dogs will be decreased. This would not only be healthy for your dogs, but you may eventually enjoy a decent night's sleep too.

The general facial features of the dog affect the amount of snoring in dogs too. Some dogs seem to have squashed faces which narrows their air passages to a certain degree. The construction of their nasal passages is what causes snoring in dogs like this. They are pretty much like humans with a cold, who are forced to breathe using only twenty-five percent of their nostril capacity.

Dog breeds with shorter faces need to expend lots of effort to breathe properly. It takes them more effort to breathe and they are also more prone to snoring. So, a pug-like or bulldog-like face can be what causes snoring in some dogs.

Minor surgery can give your dog great relief from snoring. Be sure though that, before any decision is made, you are well informed about the potential risks and consequences of surgery to stop a dog snoring.

Most procedures are irreversible, so careful thought must be given to any operation you permit to stop snoring in dogs. In fact, it is best to accept the guidelines provided by your veterinary surgeon when considering what causes snoring in dogs and how to prevent that snoring in dogs.