Puppy Snoring

It’s sleeping time! You are lying in bed waiting for sleep to carry you away to dreamland. Your eyelids become heavy and you are on the verge of nodding off. Rover lets out a big snore and you almost jump out of your skin. So much for getting a good night’s rest.

This scenario is a lot more common than you may think of. Most dogs do snore at least occasionally. Unfortunately, some puppies are able to rival the most adept of human snorers. Puppies and adult dogs snore for the same reasons that people do. The cause is that something is blocking the dog’s upper airways. Although canine snoring does not necessarily mean there are serious health issues, it can be irritating.

What are the conditions that have might affect your puppy’s snoring habit? Like humans, obesity is one of the most common reasons your puppy snores. The extra weight pushes on the airways, partially blocking the flow of air. You can determine if your puppy is overweight by looking down on him or her from above. If you cannot detect a waist, your puppy is overweight. Snoring caused by obesity can be corrected. Talk to the puppy’s veterinarian about a good diet and exercise regiment. Losing a few pounds can have a big effect on your puppy’s snoring frequency.

Some canine breeds are more prone to snoring than others. When it comes to snoring noses, dog’s breeds such as Pekinese, pugs and Boston terriers tend to lead the band. This is because they are more prone to nasal infections. It is rare to find flat-faced dogs that do not snore. A cold or allergies can cause puppies to snore, this is the cause of nasal congestion. Mucus plugs the airways, causing the dog to snore. This type of snoring usually stops when the cold is kicked or the allergies are identified and treated.

You could also be the reason or the cause your puppy snores, if you smoke cigarettes or cigar. Tobacco smoke is definitely an irritant to humans and canines alike. If you smoke and your snoring puppy keeps you awake, consider quitting or smoking outdoors only.

Dogs that are on tranquilizers or painkillers may snore even though it isn’t in their normal repertoire of tricks. This is because the medications cause the puppy’s muscles to relax to a degree where they press and partially block the dog’s airways.

Alcohol is another factor that can cause puppies to snore. As with humans, their bodies become very relaxed and the noise begins. Alcohol should not be given to dogs of any age. Watch to make sure your friends don’t offer intoxicating beverages behind your back. If your puppy snores, discuss the situation with the dog’s vet. It is wise to let the vet examine the dog to rule out tumors and cysts that can grow and block airways.

As with humans, snoring usually increases if the puppy is lying on his or her back. If the snoring is chronic, try giving the puppy a round bed that just fits his or her girth. This will cause the dog to curl up to sleep rather than stretch out on his or her back. Some dogs will snore no matter what you do and unfortunately, sometimes there is simply no solution.

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