Why Do Dogs Snore?
April 18th, 2010 by Rod Jones
We all know that it is not unusual for pet owners to permit their pets to sleep with them at night. In fact, one third of pet owners have at some point, permitted their pets to sleep on their beds. Dogs provide a companionship that can’t be shown by any other kind of animal. However, this doesn’t mean to say that some people do not let their cats or another pets sleep with them too.
It is made easier too because dogs have a sleep pattern that is very similar to ours. Dogs often rely on their masters with complete trust, which makes them a bit more relaxed during the night. This explains why most dogs fall to sleep easily and later on, enter into deep sleeps where REM sleep activities can occur. In fact, once dogs enter this stage, the owner needs to call them several times before they can truly be roused from sleep.
For sure, many of us have already observed a dog paddling during sleep or at times, barking with his eyes closed. These dogs are said to be dreaming. Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs. For example, there are breeds which breathe more heavily while there are those who breathe very lightly. The heavy breathers are much more prone to snoring than those who do not breathe as heavily.
Dogs which snore can be quite a nuisance during the night, depending on the degree and frequency of the occurrence of this phenomenon. Like with humans, there are various reasons why dogs snore. Most though have to do with the obstruction of the passage of air in the throat caused by the collapse of certain areas along the throat. The same as in humans.
A dog that snores very loudly ought to be examined for different issues to see which treatment could be best applied. Some dogs are especially susceptible to specific allergies that can cause obstruction in the airway. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that are preventing proper breathing. It is best for a veterinarian to check out various factors through careful evaluation of the dog’s anatomical features and physical symptoms in general.
Maybe, your dog is overweight. Like with humans, obese dogs are more likely to snore during the night. This is because they have more flesh surrounding their throats. Therefore, they have excess tissue that hangs around the throat which can potentially cause the obstructions. Once this problem is corrected, the risk of snoring will be decreased. This would not only be healthy for your dogs, you may eventually enjoy nights of restful sleep too.
The facial features of the dog in general affect the amount of snoring too. For example, some dogs have squashed faces which narrows their nasal passages to a greater or lesser degree. The construction of their nasal passages also largely contributes to their problems in breathing. They are very much like humans with the flu, who are forced to breathe using only twenty-five percent of their nostril capacity. Dog breeds with shorter faces need to expend lots of effort to breathe properly. It costs them more effort to breathe and they are also more likely to snore loudly.
Minor surgery can give your dog great relief. However, be certain that, before you take any decision, you are well informed about the potential risks and consequences of surgery to stop your dog snoring. Most procedures are irreversible, so careful thought must be given to any operation you permit. In fact, it is best to accept the guidelines provided by your veterinary doctor.
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