What's going on when a dog snores while sleeping?

A dog snoring while sleeping may be caused by incorrect sleeping positions, breed characteristics, obesity, respiratory diseases, and other reasons. As long as the dog has no other abnormalities, owners don't need to worry too much. However, if a dog suddenly starts snoring without having done so before, owners should pay attention, as it may indicate a problem with the respiratory system, such as a crack. In this case, it's necessary to go to the pet hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

Incorrect sleeping position

When a dog sleeps and presses its respiratory tract, it may start snoring. If your dog likes to sleep on its back, it is more likely to snore than dogs who sleep curled up or lying on their stomachs. To address this, owners can adjust their dog's sleeping position to see if there's any improvement.

Breed characteristics

Some dog breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs with short noses, are more prone to snoring at night due to their shorter muzzles, which make the nasal cavity narrower.

Obesity

If a dog is overweight, it may develop fatty deposits that narrow the airways, making it more likely to snore. Owners can check if their dog's body shape is overweight and control its diet, as well as increase exercise, to improve the dog's health.

Respiratory diseases

If a dog suddenly starts snoring and exhibits symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose, it may be suffering from respiratory diseases like rhinitis or colds, which can cause obstructed airflow and lead to snoring. If you notice these abnormal symptoms, it's advised to take the dog to the pet hospital for inspection and treatment based on the examination results.