If you want to stop dog snoring, you have to start by addressing the underlying issues. For starters, one of the main reasons dogs snore is obesity. Another reason for dog snoring is an obstruction of the airways, which can be caused by everything from allergens to dry air. Once the underlying causes of dog snoring have been addressed, your dog should experience some relief from snoring or he should stop snoring altogether.
Addressing Obesity and Snoring
A dog's breathing is complicated enough without excess weight. Dogs with short, narrow nostrils have to work harder to breathe than most other dogs. In addition, these types of dogs become congested easily, leading to an obstruction of the air passages. Add obesity or extra weight, and the combination can cause the soft palate of the dog's mouth to collapse. This occurs almost exclusively at night. Even if you have a dog with longer, wider nostrils, extra weight can have the same effect.
The only solution to snoring caused by extra weight is diet and exercise. Visit your vet to set a target weight and to create a safe diet and exercise plan for your pet. Your vet will likely prescribe a diet that's low in fat and high in fiber. Treats will be minimized or completely eliminated and water intake and exercise will be increased. He may also suggest at least an hour of daily exercise.
Other Ways to Minimize or Stop Dog Snoring
There are other ways to help minimize or stop dog snoring. You can:
- Eliminate allergens
- Add height to dog pillows at night
- Clear the air
- Purchase a round bed
- Eliminate Allergens
If you smoke around your dog, not only are you exposing him to second hand smoke, but your smoke can also cause your dog's air passages to close. This increases snoring. If you must smoke, do so outside. In addition to eliminating environmental allergens, you should also have your dog tested for food allergies. Reactions to certain foods can cause everything from a stuffy nose and head to irritated airways.
Add Height to your Dog's Pillow
Propping your dog's head up at night will help to open his throat. This won't eliminate snoring, but it will reduce it significantly. You can add extra pillows to add height or purchase a thicker dog pillow.
Clear the Air
One of the best ways to reduce congestion in your dog is by using a humidifier. Dry air in the home can make the throat feel dry, and it can cause or aggravate respiratory ailments. During extremely cold weather, the home loses humidity to the outdoors. Inadequate humidification during cold weather is one of the major causes of respiratory infections. The dryness in the air affects the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Maintaining adequate levels of humidity in the home during the colder months will help to reduce inflammation in your dog's nasal passages.
Purchase a Round Bed
Dog's snore when they lie on their backs. By using a round, snug bed you will force the dog to sleep in a curled up position. Chances are they will not return to a face up position-it would be too uncomfortable for them.
While highly unlikely, if you have exhausted all possibilities and your dog continues to snore, please visit your vet to determine if the snoring is caused by an underlying, serious medical condition.