May 12 2010
Why Do Dogs Snore?
We all know that it is not unusual for pet owners to allow their pets to sleep with them at night. In fact, one third of pet owners have at some point, permitted their pets to sleep on their beds. Dogs provide a companionship that can’t be given 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 much like 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.
Certainly, lots of us have witnessed a dog ‘running’ during sleep and barking while asleep too. These dogs are believed to be dreaming. Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs while they are asleep. For example, there are breeds which breathe heavily and there are breeds which breathe more lightly. The dogs that are heavy breathers are much more likely to snore than those which do not breathe quite 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 several reasons 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 provided. Some dogs are especially susceptible to specific allergies that can cause constriction in the airway. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that are inhibiting correct 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 tissue surrounding their throats. Therefore, they have excess fat hanging around their throats, which can cause blockages. Once this problem has been fixed, the chances of snoring will be decreased. This would not only be good for your dogs, but you may actually enjoy a decent night’s sleep too.
The general facial features of the dog affect the amount of snoring too. Some dogs seem to have squashed faces which narrows their air passages to a greater or lesser degree. The construction of their nasal passages also largely contributes to their difficulty of breathing. They are pretty much like humans with the flu, who have 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 costs them more effort to breathe and they are also more prone to snoring.
Minor surgery can afford your dog great relief. However, be certain that, before you take any decision, you are well educated about the potential risks and consequences of surgery to stop your dog snoring. Most procedures are irreversible, so careful thought should be given to any operation you allow. In fact, it is best to accept the recommendations provided by your veterinary doctor.
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