Another Cause for Snoring in Dogs: Excess Weight
Dr. Osborne says that one of her patients is a Pomeranian who should weight nine pounds but weighs 17 pounds
“You have to be careful telling someone their pet is overweight. Its a great way to lose a client,” Dr. Osborne says.
But she did tell her client, and they are working together to bring down the Pomeranians weight. When a dog is overweight to morbidly obese, extra fat can also collect in the throat, which blocks the airways and causes snoring.
What Causes a Dog to Snore? It All Comes Down to Breathing
Just like with humans, snoring in dogs generally occurs when air movement is restricted in the nasal passageways or throat.
Some of what can cause dogs to snore may simply be that they like to sleep on their back, so their tongue ends up partially blocking some of the air movement in their passageways. Or your dog might be allergic to dust or second-hand smoke, each of which can lead to snoring.
There are also serious health issues to consider, like an abscessed tooth that makes its way into the nasal sinus passages, or even sleep apnea. Both conditions can, of course, require surgery.
That said, a sleep apnea diagnosis for a dog is extremely rare, says Dr. Carol Osborne, who owns the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center & Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Dr. Osborne adds that snoring is quite often an indicator that a dog has hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid gland doesnt make enough of the hormone that controls metabolism. Its a fairly inexpensive health fix, although it does require keeping your dog on medication for the rest of its life.
Diagnosing hypothyroidism “involves the vet taking a little blood sample and sending it to the lab, and if the thyroid levels are low, then we simply give your dog some medication—a little tablet—and the problem goes away almost immediately,” Dr. Osborne says.
Why Is My Dog Snoring?: FAQs
Senior dogs experience partial or complete laryngeal paralysis, affecting their ability to breathe while sleeping. However, its completely normal for dogs to snore, no matter how old they are, as long as your vet has given them a clean bill of health.
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There’s nothing cuter than a sleeping dog. But what happens if your sweet pup is snoring like a train. Not only does it take away from the cuteness, but it can also cause concern if you aren’t sure why it’s happening or if it’s normal. Table Of Contents