The noisy world of dog snoring

Updated 11/12/2023

There’s nothing better than having a snooze with your furry friend by your side, but you might feel quite so friendly towards your four-pawed pal if their symphony of snoring keeps you up at night. If dog snoring is a topic close to your heart (and ears), we’re diving into the world of gentle snuffles and earth-shattering roars to find out the causes of dog snoring and most importantly, how to deal with it. 

What is dog snoring?

Dog snoring occurs when airflow to the nose, mouth, or throat is restricted, causing vibrations that produce the melodic sound of snoring. Pooch pals with naturally narrow air passageways (e.g. Pug, French bulldog) are more likely to snore, but it can also be caused by inflammation or blockages in the airways.

Why is my dog snoring?

There are many reasons for snoring in dogs aside from being in a deep slumber. If your pooch pal’s been snoring their whole life, it’s usually nothing to worry about as long as it isn’t getting worse. However, if it’s a recent development, your snoring dog may be suffering from an underlying health condition. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s snoring, especially if it’s only started recently. 

Breed

Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with short faces) like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs are prone to snoring because they have narrower air passages due to their short snouts. If it sounds like your dog’s snoring while awake, they may be having difficulty breathing, and breeds with short noses are at risk of developing Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. This life-threatening condition often requires surgery.

Sleep position

If your four-pawed pal only snores when he’s sleeping on his back, this may be down to science. Gravity causes the tongue to fall back toward the throat, partially blocking the airway and resulting in that all-too-familiar sound of sleep. 

Infections

Colds and upper respiratory infections like kennel cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) can cause congestion in the sinuses, making airflow difficult. Infection caused by a tooth abscess can also make pups snore, as the tissue around the infected tooth swells, making it harder for air to flow freely.

Allergies

Rather like colds and infections, allergies can cause the nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen, limiting air flow. Fur babies with allergies will sneeze throughout the day and are more likely to sleep with their mouths open if they’re having trouble breathing through a blocked nose. 

Obesity

Weight gain causes extra fat to form in the throat and around the neck, which in turn restricts airflow. Speak to your vet if your pup’s piling on the pounds as excessive weight gain can be a sign of an underlying health concern and is likely to cause health issues aside from snoring. 

Nose or airway obstructions 

Your furry little snorer might have a foreign object blocking their nose or airways. As pooch pals have a tendency to have their noses to the ground, anything can get stuck up there - seeds, blades of grass, and chunks of dirt are prone to making their way up pups’ noses. 

How to stop dog snoring

The best way to fix your dog’s snoring is to get to the root of the issue. Contact your vet if your pooch pal has recently developed a tendency to snore and there is no clear explanation for it, if you notice they’re having trouble breathing, or if you have any other concerns. 

Here are a few dog snoring remedies you can try in the meantime:

• Change their sleeping position: If your pooch pal only snores when sleeping on their back, gently move them onto their side or prop their head up with a pillow. 
• Treat the infection or allergy: If your fur baby’s under the weather with an infection or an allergy, the snoring should normally subside once they receive treatment from the vet. Keep your home clean and free from dust and mold that may trigger your pup’s allergies. 
• Help your dog lose weight: Speak to your vet about a weight loss diet and increase your pup’s daily exercise.
• Remove foreign objects: Clear any blockages in your fur baby’s airways - this will require a trip to the vet as the object can become more lodged if you try to fix this problem at home.

Meet our veterinary expert, Aisling

This article has been checked by veterinarian Aisling O’Keeffe MVB CertSAM ISFMCertAdvFB. Aisling qualified as a vet 7 years ago from University College Dublin. She has worked in a mixture of UK small animal hospitals along with Irish practices. She worked for 3 years in a feline-only hospital where she further developed her feline medicine and surgery skills. She currently lives and works in a small animal hospital in Cork, Ireland.