How Can I Get My Dog To Stop Snoring?
Q: My dog snores really loud! I've heard that when humans snore it could mean they have health problems. Is it the same for dogs? Is there any way to get him to stop?
A: Snoring does not always indicate significant health problems in your dog. Some dogs snore without ever having any problems. Overweight dogs that snore may benefit from weight loss. Any excess fat can obstruct their airways and make it more difficult for them to breathe especially when lying down.
Dogs with short, pushed in faces are most likely to snore. These types of dogs are called brachycephalics and include breeds like the pug, boxer, or boston terrier. These dogs are afflicted by something called brachycephalic airway syndrome. This syndrome consists of narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a narrowed windpipe. Brachycephalic breeds may have one or a combination of these problems that make it difficult for them to breathe properly.
It is also important to remember that these breeds are prone to heat stroke. There are surgeries to correct these abnormalities. If your veterinarian determines that your pet is in danger, surgical correction may be necessary.
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Comments (13)
michellek March 11, 2009 5:17 PM
my pug has trouble breathing at times, he seems to be getting choked on somethings, these attacks only last 30 seconds or so. is there anything i can do to help him when they occur?
bostonsinorygun April 17, 2009 11:03 PM
I have 2 bostons one of them does this,hold your fingertips over both nostrils and they will open there mouths to breath,let them do this for a couple breaths and the spell will stop. It happens when they are excited.
shannon May 19, 2009 12:31 PM
my dogs seem to blow wind a lot. and the smell is very foul. do you think they have a medical problem. or is that normal?
Cindy June 10, 2009 11:05 PM
I have a 5 year old Boston Terrier that I've had since she was 7 weeks old. She snores all the time. I got use to it, it sounds great because it lets you know your not alone. I grew up with German Shepherds my entire life but after having a Boston Terrier I will never own another breed. This breed gives you 110% of love and then some and they ask so little in return.
LORI June 24, 2009 12:27 PM
I HAVE A NORTH AMERICAN ROTTI THAT CAN MATCH MY HUSBANDS SNORING. IT IS HILLARIOUS TO LISTEN THE TWO OF THEM WHEN IT IS BED TIME. HE IS HILLARIOUS WHEN HE TAKES A BIG BREATH IN, AND SNORTS AT THE SAME TIME. I CAN'T HELP BUT LAUGH!!! HE IS MY BABY!! I GUESS THAT IS WHAT YOU GET WITH 2 GERMAN'S LOL! LOL!
Anonymous June 28, 2009 7:59 PM
how could i stop my dog from diging??
Donmarie June 30, 2009 7:04 PM
On Shannon's dog blowing wind a lot. This was happening with my Border Terrier a lot. About a year ago, I started buying really, really good natural dog food at a pet store in my area. I got one without corn in it, which is just a filler. She doesn't have this problem anymore. Now I give her (always dry food) food without grain. It is based on the "raw" diet. Sometimes it is the ingredients in the food, or a cheap dog food that causes the problem. The extra I pay for natural dog food is worth it.
Oliver Mellors August 25, 2009 8:37 PM
I have a cat (well, it's actually my nephew's cat, guested here until he finds a pet-friendly place to live) who talks in her sleep.
No 'carb.
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Dowens October 1, 2009 12:25 PM
my dog has a thyroid condition in which she is taking medication for. She continually walks in a clockwise circle.
Veronica Hughes October 31, 2009 1:04 PM
My boston terrier has trouble breathing at times. It is like she is getting choked on something. These attacks only last 30 seconds or so. Is there anything I can do to help her when it happens?
Linda Pace (www.n2bostons@cableone.net) November 17, 2009 3:30 PM
It is called an inverted sneeze, usually caused by allergies,or a longated pallet. Directing her attention to something else or rubbing her throat usually helps. I give her a benedryl tablet or benedryl liquid (bubble gum flavor) helps. They do not mind taking this medication at all. I have two bostons and I am a firm believer they are like potato chips, you can never have just one. I asked God for a Best Friend and he sent me two Bostons. Boston's are the best.
Alexandra OBrien November 24, 2009 5:26 AM
My little shi-tzu and she has a collapsed trachea. I have to prop her up on pillows when she sleeps or her snoring is so loud it wakes her up! I was dissapointed to learn there was no treatment for a collapsed trachea and she will have to suffer with it her entire life.
Gilly-pops! November 26, 2009 3:29 PM
Thanks for letting me know...
willywonka December 18, 2009 3:59 AM
Flagmy puggy has the same breathing spells as yours. its genetics. my buddy told me to rub her throat and chest in an up and down motion. it works. i use to pat her on the back like you would a person. imma dumb as@.
ReplyMARIAN December 29, 2009 11:14 AM
FlagHOW AND WHAT SHOULD I GIVE MY BOSTON TERRIER TO STOP HER FROM HAVING GAS / A LADY IN THE PET STORE SAID PLAIN YOGERT IS THAT RIGHT ANYTHING ELSE??? THANK YOU
ReplyMonica Virgili January 19, 2010 12:59 PM
ApprovedI have a 2 yr Boxer that likes to chew on the door,not the corners but in the middle of the door, he finally put a hole in it, what is causing him to act this way?
Replymamabarkdog January 21, 2010 10:59 AM
Flagmy fat pug snores and it is comforting because it sounds just like my husband when he used to snore. she snores when she is happy, too; just because they snore it does'nt always mean she is asleep.
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