Why Do Dogs Snore?
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 time, allowed 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 woken up.
For sure, many of us have already seen a dog ‘running’ during sleep or at times, barking with his eyes closed. These dogs are believed to be dreaming. Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs. For instance, 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.
Some people find that dogs that snore are quite a nuisance during the night, depending on the degree and frequency of the phenomenon. Like with humans, there are various considerations why dogs snore, although most deal with the blocking of the passage of air in the throat, which in turn is caused by the collapse of certain areas along the throat. It is the same problem as with human beings.
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 some allergies that can cause constriction in the airway. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that are inhibiting 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.
Is you dog overweight? I ask this because, like with humans, obese dogs are more likely to snore than thin ones. This is because they will have more flesh surrounding their windpipes. Therefore, they have excess tissue hanging around their throats, which can cause obstructions. Once this problem has been fixed, the chances of snoring will be decreased. This would not only be healthy for your dogs, but you may eventually enjoy a decent night’s sleep too.
Snoring also has something to do with the general facial features. Some dogs seem to have pushed-in faces which narrows their air passages to a certain degree. The construction of their nasal passages also largely contributes to their difficulty of breathing. They are pretty much like humans with a cold, 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 takes them more work to control breathing and they are also more prone to snoring.
Minor surgery can give your dog great relief. Be sure though that, before any decision is made, you are well educated about the potential risks and consequences of surgery to stop a 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 surgeon.
Most Recent Comments