Taking care of Fido is very important. Taking care of him also involves observing certain behaviors. A snoring dog it can, in fact, arouse concern in its owners. Especially if he does it while awake!
Today we find out why this behavior and what are the remedies if this snoring could be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.
Is it normal for dogs to snore?
Whether it’s asleep or awake, when a dog starts snoring it’s natural to wonder if this behavior is normal or not. There are several reasons that could cause this ailment, as well as preventative and curative measures to make sure it doesn’t happen.
A dog that snores is not necessarily sick: when he is dozing, Fido sometimes assumes positions that compress the nose or the other airways and thus cause the typical snoring noise. In this case, there is nothing to worry about, once you change position, your breathing will return to normal.
Older or overweight dogs are more prone to snoring.
Dog snoring when awake: but why?
There are many causes of dogs snoring while awake and in some cases a veterinary consultation may be necessary. Usually, these causes are related to an obstruction of the nostrils or an infection of the airways, characterized by secretions that turn out to be disabling.
Also, some dogs are predisposed to snoring due to brachycephaly: a flattened muzzle and creases inside the mouth can make breathing difficult and therefore cause snoring even when awake. Even if this is due to a breed predisposition, it is important to take some precautions to avoid further complications.
Causes of dog snoring: when to worry?
The causes of snoring, as mentioned, are different. In some cases there is nothing to worry about, never when it comes to an allergic response or an external problem, a veterinary consultation is necessary.
Here’s when to worry, in case of:
- Allergy: Like humans, dogs can also be prone to certain allergies such as dust, pollen and smoke.
- Nasal obstruction: during his play sessions (especially in the open air) it is not uncommon for something to get stuck in the nose or in the respiratory tract in general. This kind of difficulty is temporary and should go away once the nasal area is clear.
- Diseases: In some situations, tumors or cysts may block the breathing area, in which case surgery will be required.
- Contraindications of a medicine: Certain medications are the trigger for dogs to snore, including sedatives, pain relievers, antihistamines, and muscle relaxants.
- Overweight: Excess fat can clog some cavities, reduce airflow and thus create noise during sleep. In this case, the animal must be made to lose weight and follow an adequate diet, and it will sleep and live much more peacefully.
Here’s what to do if your dog snores
There are some remedies to implement if your dog snores and the cause is not related to a problem that requires the intervention of a specialist.
First deal with clean your nostrils regularly. As for the sleeping position, choose a specific bed, such as a round basket or a pillow, to force the animal into good posture and thus avoid snoring.
Snoring can also be caused bytoo dry air in the surrounding environment and the consequent drying of the animal’s respiratory tract. A humidifier, as the name suggests, increases the humidity in the air, thus making it easier for Fido to breathe.
To treat persistent snoring despite the precautions taken, it is necessary to know its origin. To this end, it is important to consult a veterinarian who will be able to advise you in the best possible way.
Final advice on what to do about snoring dogs
In conclusion, depending on the breed, sleeping posture, allergies and weight, dogs can be more or less prone to snoring.
In some cases, this is not alarming and it is enough to take some precautions related to his well-being and comfort. In other cases, however, it is necessary to consult an expert who will identify the reason why the dog snores and will be able to find adequate solutions.