Snort~ Has anyone heard the sound of their dog snoring? The dog is sleeping soundly and snoring like this. The owner might think it's cute and adorable, but they might not realize that snoring could be caused by a health problem.
Dogs snoring has similar causes to humans: something is blocking the upper airway, or it may be caused by abnormalities in the body's structure, such as the skull, facial bones, or trachea structure, causing temporary cessation of breathing, also known as snoring. So what are the causes of snoring in dogs? Let's take a look.
Causes of dog snore
1. Too fat
When a dog is overweight, fat accumulates in various tissues throughout the body, such as the hips, abdomen, and thighs. They may also find that there is more fatty tissue distributed around the upper airway. This fat around the neck can narrow the throat. Combined with the excessive fat on the abdomen, the diaphragm cannot function to its full potential, reducing lung capacity. All of these factors contribute to temporary apnea, leading to snoring.
2. Stuffy nose
The nose is the source of the respiratory tract. If there is any condition that causes nasal congestion, such as a cold, runny nose, allergies, rhinitis, sinusitis, or a tumor in the nose, it can cause snoring.
3. Flat face
Having a flat face makes the upper airway of the dog narrow and easily blocked, especially when there is a respiratory infection, which can cause snoring. Dog breeds with flat faces include Pekingese, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, etc.
4. Use of local anesthesia
When local anesthesia is used to relieve pain in dogs, it can cause the muscles to relax, leading to airway obstruction.
5. Being in a place with cigarette smoke
If your dog is exposed to cigarette smoke or if its owner smokes, it will also expose them to cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke impairs the efficiency of the respiratory system, causing irritation in the throat, thickening and swelling of the tissues, narrowing the airways and making them more prone to blockage. It also negatively impacts the blood vessels that supply the heart.
So what should you do when your dog snores?
The above issues must be addressed according to the underlying cause. If your dog is overweight, you should limit its food intake or exercise it to reduce its weight. Your vet may be able to advise you on diet and weight loss. However, for dogs with flat faces, the best way to reduce snoring is to change their sleeping position. For example, some dogs like to sleep on their backs, which can increase their snoring. Therefore, owners must constantly adjust their sleeping position to a position that allows for easier breathing. Alternatively, having your dog sleep on a curved bed will help them breathe better and reduce snoring.
In cases where a dog suddenly starts snoring, owners should take them to the vet immediately to check for any abnormalities, as they may be caused by various illnesses.
Now that you understand the reasons why your dog snores, let's explore some of the causes and see if your dog falls into any of these categories. This might help you reduce his snoring and provide you with the right solutions.
———————————————————————————
References
Dr. Oraya Praphanphot, veterinarian in the Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery, and Department of Cardiology at Talingchan Animal Hospital.
English