Do you ever wonder why your dog snores when he’s awake? It’s a common question that many pet owners ask, and the answer is actually quite simple. Dogs snore when they are awake for the same reason that humans do – because their airways are blocked. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of airway blockage in dogs and how to treat it.
Why Does My Dog Snore When Awake?
It can be worrisome if your dog is snoring during the daytime. You may wonder, is my pup in pain or does it have an underlying problem?
Once you can identify the cause of your dog’s snoring, you can work on finding a solution. Here are some of the main reasons why a dog snores while awake.
Your Dog Is a Brachycephalic Breed
One reason could be that your dog is a brachycephalic breed. These are breeds with short noses and flat faces, like pugs and bulldogs. Because of the way their airway is shaped, they are more likely to snore. This is because the airway is narrower and there is less space for air to flow.
Allergies
Another common cause of snoring in dogs is allergies. If your dog is allergic to something in his environment, it can cause inflammation in the airway and make it difficult to breathe. This can lead to snoring. It will also lead to sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.
If your dog is snoring and has other symptoms of allergies, such as itchiness or runny eyes, it’s important to take him to the vet to get an allergy test. This will help you identify the allergens and find a way to avoid them.
Weight Gain
Weight gain can also lead to snoring in dogs. When a dog is overweight, there is extra tissue in the throat that can block the airway. This can make it difficult to breathe and lead to snoring.
If your dog is overweight, you will need to put him on a weight-loss plan. This will help him lose weight and reduce the amount of tissue in his throat.
Airway Obstruction
Another common cause of snoring is airway obstruction. This can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Nasal Congestion: If your dog has a cold or allergies, it can lead to nasal congestion. This will block the airway and make it difficult to breathe.
- Nasopharyngeal Mass: A mass in the nasopharynx (the area behind the nose) can block the airway and cause snoring.
- Polyps: Polyps are growths that can develop in the nose or throat. They can block the airway and cause snoring.
If your dog is snoring due to an airway obstruction, it’s important to take him to the vet. The vet will be able to determine the cause of the obstruction and find a way to treat it.
Sleep Apnea
Another possibility is that your dog has sleep apnea. This is a condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep. It can cause snoring, gasping, and pauses in breathing. This can become a serious condition if not treated.
Infection and Illness
In some cases, snoring can be a sign of an infection or illness. If your dog is snoring and has other symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it’s important to take him to the vet.
Anesthesia
Another possibility is that your dog was recently under anesthesia. This can cause swelling in the airway, which can lead to snoring. If your dog was recently under anesthesia and is now snoring, get him looked at by a vet.
A Poor Home Environment
If your dog is living in a poor home environment, it can lead to snoring. This includes:
- Dirty or dusty air: If the air in your home is dirty or dusty, it can cause inflammation in the airway and make it difficult to breathe. This will lead to snoring.
- Smoke: Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or fireplaces can also cause inflammation in the airway and make it difficult to breathe. This will lead to snoring.
- Cleaning supplies: If you use cleaning supplies that contain chemicals, it can irritate the airway and make it difficult to breathe. This will lead to snoring.
It’s important to make sure that your dog has a clean and safe environment to live in. This will help reduce the risk of snoring.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Snore When Awake?
Snoring while awake is very similar to snoring while asleep for a dog. It can be caused by the same things, such as allergies, weight gain, airway obstruction, and infection. In some cases, it’s normal for a dog to snore when awake. However, if your dog is snoring excessively or has other symptoms, it’s important to take him to the vet.
Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or pain such as whining while your dog is snoring. If there is any sign that your dog isn’t getting enough oxygen, you need to take action immediately and bring him to the vet.
If you have a brachycephalic breed, snoring, snorting, or making similar noises is much more common. These noises are caused by their short noses and flat faces. While it may be a little alarming, it’s usually nothing to worry about.
What to Do About My Dog Snoring When Awake?
If your dog is snoring when awake, it’s important to figure out the cause. In some cases, such as with brachycephalic breeds, it’s normal and nothing to worry about. However, if your dog is overweight or has an obstruction in his airway, it’s important to take him to the vet.
Here are some things you can do at home that may help to relieve your dog’s snoring:
Use a Humidifier
If your dog is snoring due to nasal congestion, you can try to clear his airway by using a humidifier or vaporizer. This will help to moisten the air and make it easier for your dog to breathe.
Elevate the Head
If your dog is snoring due to obesity, you can try to help him by elevating his head when he sleeps. This will help to open up his airway and make it easier for him to breathe.
Give Him Plenty of Exercises
If your dog is snoring due to weight gain, you can try to help him by giving him plenty of exercise. This will help to reduce his weight and make it easier for him to breathe.
Reduce Allergens in the Home
If your dog is snoring due to allergies, you can try to reduce the allergens in your home. This will help to reduce the inflammation in his airway and make it easier for him to breathe. Dust your home, deep clean the furniture, or use an air purifier to help reduce allergens in the air.
You can also try giving your dog a bath with hypoallergenic shampoo to help reduce the allergens on his skin.
Give Him Plenty of Water
If your dog is snoring due to dehydration, you can try to help him by giving him plenty of water. This will help to moisten his airway and make it easier for him to breathe.
When to See a Vet About a Dog Snoring When Awake
You should see a vet if your dog is snoring excessively, if he has other symptoms, or if you’re concerned about his health. Additionally, you should take your dog to the vet if he’s having difficulty breathing or shows any signs of discomfort.
It’s important to figure out the cause of your dog’s snoring so you can treat it appropriately. Take notes if there are any patterns or triggers that seem to make the snoring worse. This will help your vet figure out the cause and give you the best treatment options.