If your dog snores, you’re probably used to the soundtrack by now. Dog snoring is common, and in many cases it’s completely harmless. Some dogs snore because of their breed, their sleeping position, or even their weight. But dog snoring can also be a sign of something that warrants veterinary attention, and knowing the difference matters. At Minnieville Animal Hospital in Woodbridge, VA, we help dog owners sort out what’s normal and what’s worth looking into.

Why Does My Dog Snore?

Dog snoring happens when airflow through the nose or throat is partially obstructed during sleep. As air passes through a narrowed or relaxed airway, it causes the surrounding tissues to vibrate, producing that familiar rumbling sound. The cause of the obstruction is what determines whether your dog’s snoring is something to watch or something to address.

Breed and Anatomy

Brachycephalic breeds, which are dogs with flat or pushed-in faces, are the most common dog snorers, and their snoring is largely structural. Breeds like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, shih tzus, and boxers are born with shortened nasal passages, narrowed nostrils, and sometimes an elongated soft palate that partially obstructs the airway. These dogs often snore loudly even when healthy, though that doesn’t mean their breathing should be ignored. Brachycephalic dogs are at risk for a collection of airway problems called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), and snoring is often one of the first signs.

Sleeping Position

Just like in people, a dog’s sleeping position can affect whether they snore. Dogs sleeping on their back are more likely to snore than those sleeping on their side, because gravity pulls the soft tissues of the throat downward, narrowing the airway. If your dog only snores in certain positions, this is likely the explanation.

Obesity and Weight

Overweight dogs are more likely to snore. Excess fat deposits around the neck and throat can narrow the airway, contributing to snoring and breathing difficulty during sleep. If your dog has recently started snoring and has also gained weight, addressing the weight with veterinary guidance may help resolve both concerns.

Allergies and Nasal Congestion

Seasonal allergies, environmental irritants, or a mild respiratory infection can all cause nasal congestion in dogs, which leads to snoring. A dog that suddenly starts snoring or snores louder than usual may have a stuffy nose due to pollen, dust, mold, or an upper respiratory infection. This kind of snoring often resolves once the underlying irritant is addressed.

Foreign Objects in the Nasal Passage

Dogs explore the world with their noses, and occasionally that means getting a small object such as a blade of grass, a seed, a fragment of plant material, lodged in the nasal passage. A foreign object in the nose can cause snoring, sneezing, and nasal discharge, usually on one side. If your dog’s snoring started suddenly and is accompanied by pawing at the nose or one-sided discharge, this is a possible cause that needs veterinary evaluation.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Dog Snoring?

Most dog snoring is benign. But there are specific situations where dog snoring is a sign that something needs attention. Dog owners in Woodbridge and the surrounding Northern Virginia area should contact Minnieville Animal Hospital if their dog:

• Starts snoring suddenly when they haven’t before
• Snores much louder or more frequently than usual
• Appears to struggle to breathe during sleep or while awake
• Breathes with an open mouth at rest or while calm
• Has episodes of gasping, choking, or snorting while awake
• Shows exercise intolerance like tiring quickly or refusing to walk
• Has pale, blue, or grey gums at any time (this is an emergency)

Snoring that is accompanied by labored breathing during the day (not just during sleep) is a significant red flag that the airway may be severely compromised.

What Is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome in Dogs?

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, or BOAS, is a condition affecting flat-faced breeds in which multiple structural abnormalities combine to restrict airflow. These include stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils), an elongated soft palate, a hypoplastic trachea (undersized windpipe), and everted laryngeal saccules. The result is a dog that has to work significantly harder than normal to breathe.

Dogs with BOAS may snore loudly, breathe noisily even when awake, overheat easily, and have poor exercise tolerance. In moderate to severe cases, surgical correction of one or more of these anatomical issues can dramatically improve quality of life. If your brachycephalic dog’s snoring sounds more like a struggle than a quirk, our veterinarians at Minnieville Animal Hospital can evaluate their airway and discuss options.

Can Dog Snoring Be a Sign of Sleep Apnea?

Yes, dogs can experience sleep apnea, though it’s most commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds and obese dogs. Canine sleep apnea involves brief interruptions in breathing during sleep, causing the dog to wake repeatedly. You might notice your dog suddenly snorting awake, sleeping restlessly, or appearing tired during the day despite sleeping through the night. Sleep apnea in dogs is a real condition and should be evaluated by a veterinarian if suspected.

Does Dog Snoring Get Worse with Age?

In many dogs, snoring does worsen as they age. As dogs get older, the muscles in the throat and soft palate lose tone and become more relaxed, which can increase airway obstruction during sleep. Older dogs are also more likely to develop conditions like hypothyroidism or obesity that contribute to snoring. If you notice your senior dog’s snoring has changed significantly, a wellness exam is a good opportunity to check that everything else is on track.

What Can Be Done About Dog Snoring?

What can be done depends on what’s causing the snoring. For allergy-related or congestion-related dog snoring, treating the underlying condition often helps. For overweight dogs, a veterinarian-guided weight loss plan can reduce the fat around the airway and improve breathing during sleep. For brachycephalic breeds with structural issues, surgical intervention may be recommended. Additional options may include:

• Allergy management: Identifying and reducing exposure to allergens, along with appropriate veterinary treatment, can decrease nasal congestion and snoring.
• Weight management: Reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight through diet and exercise reduces airway fat and often decreases snoring.
• Surgical correction: For dogs with BOAS, procedures to widen the nostrils or shorten the soft palate can significantly improve airflow and reduce snoring.
• Sleep positioning: Some pet owners find that a bolster-style bed encourages their dog to sleep on their side rather than their back, which can reduce snoring in position-sensitive cases.

Talking to Your Vet About Your Dog’s Snoring

Dog snoring may be one of life’s small quirks or it may be a signal worth listening to. If your dog snores and you’ve ever wondered whether it’s normal, the best thing you can do is ask. Our veterinary team at Minnieville Animal Hospital in Woodbridge, VA is happy to evaluate your dog’s breathing and give you a straight answer about whether their snoring is something to monitor or something to address. Call us at (703) 680-4000 or book an appointment online today.