The Reasons Why Dogs Snore
It is not unusual for pet owners to allow their pets to sleep with them at night. In deed, 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 breed of animal. But this doesn't mean to say that it is unlikely for some people to let their cats and another pets sleep with them too.
It is facilitated too by dogs having a sleep pattern which is rather much like our own. Dogs usually have complete trust in their owners, which makes them a lot more relaxed during the night. This goes a long way to explaining why most dogs fall asleep easily and even go into a deep sleep where REM sleep activities can occur. In deed, once a dog enters this stage, the owner often needs to call them several times before they can be woken up completely.
For sure, lots of us have already seen a dog paddling 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 example, 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 obstruction 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 badly should be checked for various issues to evaluate which treatment can be best provided. Some dogs are especially prone to some allergic reactions that cause constriction in the windpipe. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that are preventing correct breathing. It is best if a veterinarian checks on different factors through careful evaluation of the dog's anatomical features and general physical symptoms.
Is you dog obese? I ask this because, like with humans, obese dogs are more likely to snore than thin ones. This is because they have more tissue surrounding their throats. Therefore, they have excess tissue hanging around the throat which can potentially cause obstructions. Once this problem is corrected, the risk of snoring will be decreased. This would not only be healthy for your dogs, you may actually enjoy a decent night's sleep too.
The facial features of the dog in general affect the amount of snoring too. For example, some dogs have pushed-in faces which narrows their nasal passages to a greater or lesser degree. The construction of their nasal passages also largely contributes to their difficulty in breathing. They are very much like humans with a cold, 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 likely to snore loudly.
Minor surgery can give 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 must be given to any operation you permit. In fact, it is best to follow the recommendations provided by your veterinary surgeon.
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