Does your canine companion sound like a freight train when he’s sleeping? The way Man’s Best Friend twitches and makes little noises when he’s dreaming is super cute. However, you may be less charmed if Fido’s log sawing is keeping you up at night. Read on as a local McHenry, IL vet discusses snoring in dogs.
Why Dogs Snore
Our canine friends can snore for a variety of reasons. Breed definitely plays a role. Brachycephalic dogs, such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, almost always snore, just because their air passages are so short. The Black Russian Terrier, Pekingese, and Clumber Spaniel are also known for being rather rumbly sleepers. If you’re a light sleeper, this is definitely something to keep in mind if and when you decide to adopt another pooch!
Other Causes
Although breed can definitely play a role in doggy snoring, it isn’t the only possible culprit. Fido may also be sawing logs because of allergies, especially if there is dust, pollen, or cigarette smoke in the air. If you’re concerned about seasonal allergies, you might find our article on “How Do You Know If Your Dog Is Allergic to Spring?” helpful. Obese pooches are also more likely to snore than pups that are at a healthy weight. In some cases, snoring can be caused by medical issues, such as an obstruction, an abscessed tooth, or hypothyroidism. Although it many cases snoring isn’t a big deal, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If your furry pal’s log-sawing has gone from 0-60 in a short time, consult your vet right away. Otherwise, just remember to mention it at Fido’s next appointment.
Getting Some Sleep
Needless to say, if your furry best friend shares your bed with you, he may not exactly be helping you get a good night’s rest. You may want to invest in a set of earplugs. There are also a few other things you can do. Getting a humidifier might help. If you suspect dust, pollen, or smoke may be the issue, invest in a good air purifier. You can also get Fido a puppy pillow, or try a round doggy bed. If all else fails, have your pet sleep in another room. Your canine buddy can snort and snuffle all he likes, while dreaming about bacon, squirrels, car rides, or, well, whatever else dogs actually dream about.
Do you have questions or concerns about your snoring dog? We can help! Our clinic offers specialized services for pet allergies and vet dermatology, which may be particularly useful if you suspect allergies are causing your dog’s snoring. Please feel free to contact us, your McHenry, IL vet clinic, anytime.