Have you ever dozed off with your dog, only to be suddenly woken up by their snoring? If yes, then don’t be alarmed. In many cases, dogs can snore. Sometimes it’s barely noticeable, while other times it’s enough to wake up the whole room. But is it something to really worry about?

In this guide, we’ll help you understand why dogs snore, when it’s normal, when to be concerned, and what you can do to help. 

Is Dog Snoring Normal?

It’s completely normal for a dog to snore. Just like humans, dogs snore when the airflow through their nose is slightly restricted during their sleep. It’s often harmless and not a cause of concern. 

If snoring is light, consistent, and not affecting your dog’s behavior, then it’s normal. However, if they start snoring all of a sudden or have a louder one than usual, it can be a concern. Coupled with other symptoms such as coughing or wheezing, it’s a red flag that should be checked. 

Why Do Dogs Snore So Loudly?

If your dog’s snore sounds like a loud chainsaw at night, then you’re not alone. This loud sound is usually caused by something partially obstructing the smooth movement of air through your dog’s nose, throat, or mouth. Here are the common reasons why this happens: 

Breed and Anatomy

Certain dog breeds are inherently more prone to snoring compared to others. If your dog has a short snout and a flat face, then it may be one of the brachycephalic breeds. Here are the common ones: 

• Boston Terrier

• Pugs

• French Bulldogs

• Shih Tzus

• Boxers

These dogs have narrower airways, which significantly contributes to their snoring. Additionally, their elongated soft palates and excess throat muscles can also vibrate when they breathe. These features might cause the loud snoring you hear at home. 

However, even dogs who are not brachycephalic can also snore occasionally. This can be due to their sleeping position, energy levels, allergies, or the extra weight they have. 

Allergies and Nasal Congestion

Dogs can also snore when they get stuffy noses from dust, pollen, smoke, and other irritants that might trigger their allergies. This happens when the nasal passages swell up and produce extra mucus, which further restricts airflow. As a result, affected dogs tend to snore loudly. 

Loud snoring can also be caused by a foreign object physically obstructing the nose or throat of dogs. This can be anything from a simple blade of grass, a growth in the nasal passage, or swelling from allergic reactions. 

Infections and Diseases

Infections can also contribute to your dog’s snoring, primarily due to the swelling they cause. Upper respiratory infections, dental abscesses, and fungal infections can all contribute to snoring. Kennel cough is a common culprit. 

Sleeping Position

A dog’s sleeping position can also determine if they snore and how loud it is. When dogs sleep on their backs, it causes the tongue and the soft tissues of the throat to partially block the airway. This is often the reason why dogs snore loudly, especially when they’re deep asleep.

You might notice that the snoring will stop and quiet down when they change positions. Your dog’s sleep tells a lot. 

Obesity and Extra Weight

Overweight dogs tend to carry more fat around their neck and chest. This can compress their airway and make it narrower when they lie down. This can result in louder, persistent snoring. Even the extra added weight can make a difference depending on your dog’s breed. 

When Is Dog Snoring a Problem?

Now that we know why your dog’s snore is loud, let’s talk about when it becomes a problem. The most important thing to look at is the other factors that accompany your dog’s snoring. Here are the red flags you should take note of:

• Snoring starts suddenly. If your dog starts to snore suddenly without any known history of doing so, then it’s worth paying attention to. This could point to a new health issue, such as an infection, allergic reaction, or growth along the nasal passageway. 

• Breathing seems labored. Snoring should only happen during sleep. If you notice your dog’s breathing to be labored, congested, or heavy, then something might be obstructing its airway. This can mean fluid buildup or something more serious, like tracheal collapse. 

• There are other symptoms. If your dog’s snoring comes with other symptoms such as nasal discharge, coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy, or even gagging, then it might be a respiratory infection. 

• Your dog has a health condition. For dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome, obesity, or chronic allergies, they are already at risk of airway issues. Sudden or frequent snoring can often indicate the progression of these issues. 

• Breathing stops briefly during sleep. If your dog’s breathing changes during sleep, like turning on and off, then it might be a case of sleep apnea. It’s somewhat common in flat-faced breeds, so keep a close eye if your dog is at risk.