Dog Snoring: When It's Normal & When to Worry

Occasional, light snoring in dogs is often normal, especially during deep sleep or in certain positions. However, consistent, loud, or new snoring can signal an underlying health issue. Understanding the difference is crucial for your dog's well-being.

Snoring results from partially blocked airflow in the nose or throat. As air moves over the soft tissue, it vibrates, creating the snoring sound, according to Dr. Julie Buzby, an integrative veterinarian.

Breed, sleeping position, and dream states can influence normal snoring. Changes in snoring, such as new onset, increased loudness or frequency, or when associated with other symptoms, warrant veterinary attention.

Causes of Dog Snoring

Snoring in dogs, much like in humans, stems from a partial obstruction in the upper airway. This obstruction causes soft tissues to vibrate as air passes, producing the characteristic sound. While some causes are benign, others require medical intervention.

Normal Snoring

Certain situations and physical characteristics can lead to harmless snoring in dogs. These instances typically do not indicate a health problem.

• Relaxed Sleep Positions When dogs sleep on their backs, their tongues may fall further back toward the larynx, partially blocking the airway. This can lead to temporary snoring. Similarly, any position that compresses the throat slightly can induce snoring.

• Deep Sleep and Dreaming Dogs, like humans, experience different sleep stages. During deep sleep, muscles relax significantly, including those in the throat. This relaxation can cause tissues to vibrate, resulting in snoring. You might also observe twitching legs, flickering eyes, or soft growls, indicating your dog is dreaming, as noted by Answers.com.

• Breed Predisposition Some dog breeds are naturally more prone to snoring due to their unique facial anatomy. Brachycephalic breeds, characterized by their "pushed-in" noses and flat faces, are prime examples.

Medical Causes of Airway Obstruction

When snoring is persistent, loud, or accompanied by other symptoms, it often points to a medical condition causing airway obstruction. These conditions range from anatomical issues to infections and growths.

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) BOAS is a common condition in flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. This syndrome involves several anatomical abnormalities that restrict airflow. These include narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares), an elongated soft palate that extends into the airway, and everted laryngeal saccules, which are small sacs in the larynx that turn outwards and block the airway.

• Allergies Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies. Environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or certain foods can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and throat. This swelling narrows the airways, leading to snoring.

• Obesity Excess weight is a significant contributor to snoring in dogs. Obese dogs accumulate fat deposits around the throat and neck, which can compress the airways. This added tissue reduces the space for air to pass, causing vibrations and snoring.

• Respiratory Infections Infections such as colds, kennel cough, or fungal infections can cause inflammation, congestion, and increased mucus production in the respiratory tract. These symptoms directly obstruct airflow, leading to snoring and other respiratory noises. According to Dogster, snorting, which is similar to snoring in its cause, can be a sign of such issues.

• Foreign Objects Sometimes, a foreign object can become lodged in a dog's nasal passages or throat. Grass seeds, small sticks, or even pieces of food can partially block the airway, leading to sudden onset snoring or snorting. This is often accompanied by pawing at the face or coughing.

• Dental Issues Severe dental problems, such as abscesses or large growths in the mouth, can indirectly affect the airways. If an abscess is large enough or a growth is positioned unfavorably, it can press on the surrounding structures, including the throat, leading to partial obstruction and snoring.

• Polyps or Tumors Growths, benign (polyps) or malignant (tumors), can develop in the nasal passages or throat. These masses physically block the airway, causing significant snoring. The snoring may worsen as the growth increases in size.

• Hypothyroidism This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism can lead to generalized tissue swelling, including in the throat, which can narrow the airways and contribute to snoring.

• Smoke/Irritant Exposure Exposure to environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, strong cleaning chemicals, or excessive dust can inflame a dog's airways. This inflammation can cause swelling and irritation, leading to snoring and other respiratory symptoms.

Snoring: When to See a Vet

While occasional, light snoring can be normal, certain signs indicate that your dog's snoring might be a symptom of an underlying health problem. It's crucial to recognize these warning signs and seek veterinary attention promptly.

Warning Signs

If you observe any of the following changes or symptoms alongside your dog's snoring, it's time to consult a veterinarian.

• Sudden Onset of Snoring If your dog has never snored before and suddenly starts, especially if it's loud or consistent, this is a red flag. It could indicate a new obstruction or developing health issue.

• Increased Loudness or Frequency of Snoring A noticeable increase in how loud or how often your dog snores, even if they've snored occasionally in the past, warrants investigation. This change suggests a worsening of an existing condition or a new problem.

• Snoring with Labored Breathing or Gasping If your dog's snoring is accompanied by visible effort to breathe, gasping for air, choking sounds, or snorting while awake, it's a serious concern. These are signs of significant airway obstruction.

• Restless Sleep or Frequent Waking Dogs that struggle to breathe during sleep may wake up frequently, appear restless, or constantly change positions to find relief. This indicates their sleep is being disturbed by the breathing difficulty.

• Changes in Energy Levels or Lethargy If your dog seems unusually tired, less energetic, or lethargic, it could be due to poor sleep quality caused by snoring-related breathing issues. Chronic oxygen deprivation can also lead to lethargy.

• Nasal Discharge, Sneezing, or Coughing These symptoms, when present with snoring, often point to a respiratory infection, allergies, or the presence of a foreign object. Nasal discharge can be clear, cloudy, or discolored.

• Changes in Appetite or Weight Difficulty breathing can make eating uncomfortable, leading to a decreased appetite. Conversely, some underlying conditions might cause weight gain, exacerbating snoring.

• Blue-Tinged Gums or Tongue (EMERGENCY) This is a critical emergency sign. Blue or purple gums and tongue (cyanosis) indicate a severe lack of oxygen. If you observe this, seek immediate veterinary care.

Veterinary Examination

When you bring your dog to the vet for snoring concerns, the veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause.

• Physical Exam and Airway Assessment The vet will perform a comprehensive physical examination, paying close attention to your dog's respiratory system. This includes listening to their breathing, examining their nostrils, mouth, and throat for any visible obstructions, inflammation, or anatomical abnormalities. They may gently palpate the neck area.

• Diagnostic Tests Depending on the initial findings, the veterinarian may recommend further diagnostic tests.

• X-rays: Chest and neck X-rays can help identify issues like an elongated soft palate, tracheal collapse, foreign objects, or masses in the chest cavity.
• Blood Work: Blood tests can rule out systemic issues like hypothyroidism or indicate the presence of infection or inflammation.
• Endoscopy: In some cases, a procedure called endoscopy may be necessary. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the nasal passages or throat to visualize the airways directly and identify any polyps, tumors, or other obstructions.

Reducing Dog Snoring (If Medically Appropriate)

Once the underlying cause of your dog's snoring has been identified by a veterinarian, several strategies can help reduce or eliminate the noise. The approach will depend entirely on the diagnosis.

• Weight Management If obesity is contributing to your dog's snoring, a controlled weight loss program is often recommended. Reducing excess fat around the throat can significantly improve airflow and lessen snoring. This typically involves a veterinarian-supervised diet and an appropriate exercise regimen.

• Allergy Management For snoring caused by allergies, identifying and avoiding the specific allergens is key. This might involve changing your dog's diet, using air purifiers, or limiting exposure to environmental triggers like pollen or dust. Your vet may also prescribe antihistamines or other medications to manage allergic reactions and reduce inflammation.

• Air Quality Improvement Improving the air quality in your home can help reduce airway irritation. Using humidifiers can moisten dry air, which may soothe irritated nasal passages. It's also crucial to avoid exposing your dog to smoke, strong chemical fumes, or other airborne irritants that can cause inflammation.

• Sleeping Position Adjustments For dogs whose snoring is linked to their sleeping position, encouraging them to sleep on their side rather than their back can sometimes help. Providing a comfortable, supportive bed that elevates their head slightly can also prevent the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airway.

• Surgery In cases of severe anatomical obstructions, such as those seen in Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), surgical intervention may be necessary. Procedures can include widening stenotic nares (nostrils), shortening an elongated soft palate, or removing everted laryngeal saccules. Surgery may also be required to remove polyps or tumors that are blocking the airway.