My dog is snoring and sounds Congested: 10 Causes and What Can I Do to Help

A dog’s breathing sounds congested during sleep Should you be concerned? As a dog’s owner If you awake at night hearing your dog’s loud snoring it’s normal to be concerned, particularly in the event that the sound she’s breathing sounds like her nose is constricted. The good news is that there is nothing worrying about this as there are a number of cases, snoring doesn’t constitute an emergency situation in the absence of other signs such as fever.

If you are constantly hearing your dog make noises while you sleep, you don’t have to go to the ER immediately. One of the reasons the dog’s snoring can be because of her facial characteristics. Do you have a dog that is one of the Pugs or maybe is it a French Bulldog? It’s not unusual to hear breeds of brachycephalic dogs make noises that sound like their noses are congested when they’re asleep.

However we wouldn’t suggest treating your pet’s snoring with the best of intentions. If nasal congestion and snoring are coupled with lethargy, or an inability to eat then it’s recommended to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to look for signs of upper respiratory infections.

My dog is snoring and Sounding Congested: Should you be concerned?

It’s all in the details. If your dog does not sleep well but is normal during the daytime which means she eats, plays, and drinks regularly so, don’t be worried at all.

However, the situation differs if your dog’s sleep-related noises are uncommon, meaning it’s the kind of thing you can hear often. If this is the situation, then it is a sign to be cautious when you notice your pet snoring or is snoring, and visiting your vet would be the best option.

Why My Dog’s Sound is Congested In Sleep?

Sometimes, dogs make strange noises while sleeping, like wheezing, snoring, and at times, mild barking during sleep.

But what exactly is snoring? Snoring is a loud noise that is heard during sleep. It is due to soft tissues vibrating in the airway above. Snoring occurs when the airway is blocked by microorganisms like allergens.

Today, we provide you with information on what causes your pet to sound snore, and how it could be similar to nasal congestion. In the meantime, and without further delay we present 10 reasons why your dog’s companions snore while asleep.

#1. Dogs Make Noises While Sleeping due to dental Problems

You’ll be amazed to learn that dental issues can cause other signs apart from the smell of bad breath, swelling, and bleeding gums.

If your dog is making noises while sleeping do not rule out the possibilities that the dog might be suffering from some type of periodontal disease.

A gum infection or fractured tooth might have an abscess, which can cause irritation of the nasal passageway. The mouth and nasal passage are both connected, and this is the reason that inflammation in the mouth can cause breathing problems and sleep snoring.

Regular dental examinations shouldn’t be skipped since a slight dental issue could lead to health problems that could be avoided.

#2. Dog Breathing Sounds like Snoring because of strange sleeping positions

Another reason you might see a dog snoring and breathing is the sleep position. Are you noticing your pet lying on his back, with his belly open and his paws raised?

One reason the dog sleeps this way is that it feels hot or warm and is trying to rest comfortably by exposing his belly and his paws in the cool, fresh air. This is not just a way for the body temperature to decrease however it also makes them feel great when air flows across their stomachs.

In exposing the areas of their body that have hair that is the thinnest, their body will regulate their temperature by letting it cool the dilation of blood vessels that line their stomachs which would result in a decrease in the temperature of their body.

Dogs also sweat their pads, which is different from humans, who sweat all over our skin. Posing their feet up high allows sweat to evaporate quickly, and cool their bodies.

The position, however, can cause minor obstructions in the nasal passageway. This could cause dogs to become congested and then start Snoring.

#3. The dog’s breathing sounds raucous When he’s asleep due to Allergies

Snoring may be caused by allergies which is one of the main causes of snoring in dogs. A common cause of allergy is inflammation of the mucous membranes of your nose that restricts the flowing of air into the nasal tract.

A reaction to an allergy could be chronic or acute. The cause of acute allergies is by inhaling smoke pollen, dust mites, or any other foreign object that gets lodged in a dog’s nose.

If your pet has an acute allergy it’s best to purchase an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter. The HEPA filter inside an air purifier is vital as it assists in capturing harmful particles such as dust mites, pollen, and smoke.

One of the symptoms when it is apparent that the respiratory passageway to the nose is irritated is a dog’s snoring sound constricted during sleep. This can be a sign that a dog is struggling with breathing.

Other signs include the discharge from your nose which could be clear or pus-like, redness in the eyes as well as coughing.

#4. Dog Stuffy nose at night due to upper respiratory infections

Similar to humans, dogs too can contract respiratory infections of the upper airways. Aren’t you finding it difficult to sleep soundly whenever you’re suffering from a cold or cough?

The dogs suffering from respiratory illnesses like parainfluenza, kennel cough, or kennel cough are also prone to nasal congestion, and breathing is made difficult. Due to this, your pet can sound tired and snore during sleep.

Therefore, whatever the breed, whether an extended-snouted dog like the Cream Long-Haired Dachshund or one that is a short-snouted breed such as the Pug and snoring when they suffer from respiratory illnesses is normal.

However, if your dog’s breathing is congested, you should look for other indicators such as vomiting or a refusal to eat or drink. these symptoms warrant a visit to the veterinarian clinic.

#5. Dogs Breathing Loudly While Sleeping because of Polyps

You may be wondering”Why my Yorkie has a congested sound during sleep and breathing What’s the cause?

If you notice signs such as continuous sneezing, or nose bleeding If you notice a lot of nose bleeding, it is possible to bring her to the veterinarian and get her checked for any nasal polyps. These are polypoid-like pink ones that form on the lining of the nose.

While these polyps aren’t cancerous but they can make it hard for pets to breathe easily Thus, nasal polyps may cause dogs to snore during sleeping and breathing.

#6. Dogs can’t breathe through the nose at Night due to Facial Structure

Certain breeds of dogs are more likely to snore than other breeds because of their facial structure. Dogs with pushed-in noses or with short snouts sometimes referred to as brachycephalic breeds have smaller breathing passages that can cause snoring to occur during sleep.

The owners of French Bulldogs may often observe and wonder, “why my French Bulldog puppy is snoring?” This is also the case for Chih Tzus Boston Terriers and Pekingese.

The conditions of brachycephalic dogs are composed of four (4) elements. The first two are the most important characteristic, which is the extended soft palate and narrow nostrils.

The excess soft tissue inside the mouth or the upper airways creates airways that are blocked, resulting in unnatural turbulence and vibration. In addition, there is a narrow nasal passageway, which causes it to be difficult for some people to breathe. This causes them to pant and breath through their mouths more frequently.

The two other secondary aspects of the brachycephalic condition that dogs suffer from are laryngeal saccules that are torn or pushed out and larynx collapse which is a result of the main components.

The small pockets of tissues that lie in front of the vocal cords also known as the saccules of the laryngeal, can be pulled back when dogs breathe more forcefully than usual in order to get their lungs full. Laryngeal collapse happens when vocal cords’ cartilage is weakened and becomes weak.

#7. Dog making a strange noise due to age

When a dog gets older and gets older, the nerves of the larynx could weaken and cause the muscles of the voice box weak, cause it to shrink. This blocks the air, which results in the dog breathing extremely loudly when they sleep. The condition also referred to as laryngeal paralysis is common in breeds with long noses, such as those of the Irish Setters and the Labrador Retrievers.

If there is laryngeal paralysis that is, the vocal cords are not properly opened when inhaling, resulting in loud breathing or stridor.

The symptoms include coughing following an exercise, eating or drinking, and an alteration in the tone of bark.

Although the condition can cause suffocation in certain circumstances, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the dog’s lifespan will be shorter. If caught early, treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications or sedatives can help ease any breathing issues. Surgery is the only alternative for cases that are severe.

#8. Dogs Making Noise in Bed because of Obesity

Snoring can be a result of obesity in dogs. The fat doesn’t just accumulate around the waist of a dog, but also in the neck as well as the throat. These tissues could ultimately narrow the passageway for breathing and cause the dog to snore.

Weight gain can cause pressure on the lungs and heart, making breathing more difficult.

Lack of diet and exercise are the primary causes of obesity which affects more than 60 percent of dogs living in the United States.

According to studies, the top dogs at risk of being overweight include dogs like the Pug, Beagle, Labrador Retriever, and Bulldog.

The brachycephalic nature of Bulldogs can cause more Bulldog congestion issues, including coughing and labored breathing because of the narrowing of their respiratory passageways.

#9. Dog sniffs at night due to sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is the term used to describe a condition that causes breathing to stop but then resumes as the dog sleeps. Dogs with sleep apnea that are affected typically start out with shallow breathing patterns.

The breathing ceases for a short time. Then, when breathing returns, it begins with the sound of deep and sharp exhales that is like congested breathing, and breathing deeply.

While sleep apnea can be a rare condition but some dogs are susceptible to it, including Chihuahuas.

What are the signs that your dog is suffering from sleep apnea?

Snoring frequently and getting up late at night are two signs. An increase in air passage is what causes these two indications.

If the breathing of your Chihuahua appears to be swollen and she seems to can’t get enough sleep or even a good night’s sleep You may need to get her checked to rule out sleep apnea.

#10. Dog sounds get swollen at night because of the adverse effects of medicines

A puppy’s congested sound in the night. It could be due to the medication your dog has been taking. One of the most frequent side effects of medications is the feeling of drowsiness that causes your puppy to fall asleep deeply and snore. This can be described as congestion.

Why Does My Dog Make Strange breathing noises when he’s asleep?

As you’ve seen in the previous discussions the reason your dog makes strange breathing sounds during sleep can be a variety of.

Most of the time there are no medical reasons for it. which means that the sounds of snoring and congestion is nothing to be concerned about.

If there are additional signs and you feel that there’s something amiss with your dog’s companions, you should bring them to the vet to have a thorough physical exam.

Furthermore, in addition to the ten reasons we mentioned in the previous paragraphs, did you know that dogs also make strange breathing noises when they are dreaming?

Like you, your dog is also in a deep state of sleep, which is referred to by the term rapid eye movement, or REM. At this point, it’s not uncommon to hear your dog sleep heavily, bark, or even whine.

What to do if your Dog Is Having Trouble?

To reduce your dog’s constipation the first thing you need to do is identify the root of the issue.

It could be due to seasonal allergies or because of your dog’s physical traits It is crucial to identify the cause so that you can manage the issue better.

#1. Adjust your dog’s position of sleep

The fastest way to decrease the amount of snoring your dog experiences due to congestion is to adjust your dog’s sleeping posture. If you observe that your pet is having difficulty breathing or breathing, moving her body or bringing her head towards the side while she’s up can reduce the snoring.

Fluids, particularly if they are congested, may accumulate within the passageways of nasal airways and create the sound of gurgling, which is different from snoring. Make sure you be gentle and do not disturb your dog’s sleeping habits to prevent abrupt surprises.

#2. Make sure your dog’s bed is clean

Check that you ensure that your dog’s space for sleeping is free of any dirt or harmful toxins which could make their congestion worse. Dust mites could trigger allergies in dogs that can cause obstruction of nasal airways. Therefore, it is essential to keep their beds as well as the floor and the area around them free of dust.

One way of making sure your dog’s bed is clean and free of dust is to invest in an efficient and long-lasting vacuum cleaner. A quality vacuum cleaner must be silent and easily transition from carpet to hardwood floors.

It is also suggested to clean their toys frequently to prevent fungus and bacteria from growing. Fungal spores release spores that could be breathed in by pets, including candida and aspergillus. They can also result in fungal pneumonia.

While it’s important to maintain a clean environment, certain cleaning products that contain strong scents and perfumes could trigger allergies. Certain cleaning products as well as air fresheners are contaminated with hazardous chemical compounds and volatile organic substances like formaldehyde and alcohol or acetone which could cause breathing issues.

#3. Visit your veterinarian

Congestion in dogs could be an indication of anything from a minor to a severe health problem. In most cases, it is only for a short period and will then be resolved by itself.

However, if you observe your dog’s behavior changing and your dog’s congestion is getting more difficult to manage this means it’s time to consult your veterinarian. Note the discharge from your nose If it changes between clear and yellowish-green or when there is blood flowing from the. This is already an indication the dog may be suffering and requires a check-up.

The vet may conduct a variety of tests, including an X-ray or rhinoscopy, to examine the cause of the issue.

Home Remedies For Dog Nasal Congestion

If your dog is suffering from nasal discharge, particularly in the winter months, when you are at home the majority time, you can find a variety of ways you can take at home to alleviate their congestion.

#1. Steam treatment

Warm steam can remove a blocked nose by opening the nasal. Your dog should be placed in the bathroom and take an icy hot shower for 10 to 15 mins to take in the moisture.

Another alternative is to put in a humidifier inside your room. More humidity in the air will aid in reducing sleepiness. Humidifiers can also offer the benefit of soothing dry skin and making him sleeping experience more relaxing.

#2. Chicken soup

Chicken soup is not just beneficial for humans suffering from colds but also for our canine relatives too. Studies suggest the fact that chicken soup can aid in the thinning of mucus and aids the body fight illness because it contains the amino acid cysteine. Be sure to ensure that the soup doesn’t contain onions or garlic, which are harmful to dogs.

#3. Herbal treatments

Drops of herbal oil such as elderflower, kali bichromicum or mullein leaves, are believed to lessen swelling and also expectorate mucus. A few drops in their food or drink may help alleviate symptoms of congestion.

Another method of treatment is to add a teaspoonful of honey into their food as it is antimicrobial and antifungal.

Before making use of any of these products it is suggested to seek advice from your vet because these could cause adverse reactions to your dog.

#4. Aromatherapy

Essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint or lavender can be dilute in water and then placed in diffusers. They possess antiseptic properties that could aid in clearing nasal congestion. Be sure to consult your vet prior to administering this treatment since certain dogs may be allergic to these essential oils.

#5. Coupage technique

Coupage is the art of gently patting the chest of your dog using cups of hands. This can help loosen airways in the lower part of the lungs and allows your dog to cough up mucus.

What is the reason why my dog sounds congested when sleeping?

As humans and dogs, dogs are prone to occasional congestion. When my dog seems congested while sleeping I ensure that I observe the signs of any change in behavior that could be indicative of a bigger issue.

However, most times it’s an issue that will resolve itself. What is the reason my dog seems to be congested while asleep? The reasons we’ve mentioned in the previous paragraphs will provide you with more details and ease your anxiety whenever you notice that your dog suffers from congestion during sleep.

Be aware of your dog’s well-being and taking an active attitude toward their health will mean you’ll be able to avoid major disease before it becomes dangerous.