Dogs snore mainly because something is obstructing or restricting air flow in their nose or throat during sleep. Several factors make this more likely:
- Breed and anatomy: Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and shih-tzus have structural features such as a long soft palate, narrow nostrils, and a smaller airway that predispose them to snoring.
- Sleep position: Lying on the back can cause the tongue to fall back and partially block the airway, increasing snoring.
- Obesity: Extra tissue around the neck and throat can tighten the airway and worsen snoring.
- Allergies or infections: Nasal congestion or inflamed airways from allergies or upper respiratory infections can reduce airflow and cause snoring.
- Dental or medical issues: Abscessed teeth, hypothyroidism, or other health problems can contribute to airway swelling or obstruction.
- Other obstructions or conditions: Foreign objects, growths, laryngeal or airway problems (like laryngeal paralysis in large breeds) can cause noisy breathing or snoring.
What to watch for
- Occasional snoring in a relaxed, healthy dog is usually not alarming, especially in brachycephalic breeds or after a heavy sleep. However, loud, persistent, or new-onset snoring, especially with noisy or labored breathing, gagging, coughing, reduced energy, or nasal discharge, warrants veterinary evaluation.
Possible steps
- Monitor weight and adjust diet to reduce obesity-related airway restriction.
- Check sleeping position and consider offering a more propped or side-sleeping setup to reduce airway blockage.
- Consult a veterinarian if snoring is new, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms to rule out airway abnormalities, infections, or systemic conditions. They may examine the airway, assess dental health, and, if needed, recommend imaging or a treatment plan.
Bottom line
- Snoring in dogs is often related to airway anatomy and sleeping position, and can be normal in many cases. It can also signal underlying issues like obesity, allergies, infections, or airway obstructions, which may require veterinary attention if symptoms are significant or changing.
