I don’t know why, I didn’t make the rules, but unlike human snores dog snores are cute and puppy snores are next level super cute! It can be common to hear a dog snoring, for some it’s a peaceful vibrato, while other dogs sound like a chainsaw or fog horn when they snore! What’s your dog’s ‘snore style’ like? There’s actually a variety of reasons why dogs snore, as well as some breeds of dog that definitely snore more than others.  

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Sleep tight and snore less with these tips we’re sharing today. Yep, we’ll be helping you out with the reasons why dogs snore, whether you should be worried about your puppy snoring, letting you know what breeds might snore more than others, as well as tips to stop or lessen your dog’s snoring. 


In the Zigzag app we have a lot of content all about puppy sleep; how to teach them to sleep in a crate, how to sleep at night, and how much sleep they need during the day – hint, for a growing puppy, it’s a lot! Download the Zigzag puppy training app, and you’ll get access to a full puppy training program that will teach your puppy all of their essential life skills, and you’ll be able to talk to a professional dog trainer when you need them too, as our team are available to talk to you 24/7 in the app.

Why do dogs snore?

So why do dogs snore? There are a number of reasons, including anatomy, weight, sleeping position, and underlying medical issues. Brachycephalic breeds with shorter snouts, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, are especially prone to snoring. Snoring in dogs can also be caused by obesity, sleeping position, and allergies.

Breed

Some dog breeds are more prone to snoring than others. For instance, brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, British Bulldogs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers have a shorter snout which makes them more likely to snore. 


Large or heavy set breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, Rottweilers and St Bernards can also snore due to their airway being restricted when they sleep.

Weight

Overweight dogs snore more! Yep, excess weight can put pressure on the airways and can cause breathing problems, which can make them snore more than their svelte friends.

Read how much to feed your dog in our guide, how much to feed a dog based on age and weight. 

Climate where you live

If you live in a hot place then your dog may snore more as, again, they struggle to breathe or may pant a lot when the temperatures are high. 

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Learn more in ‘when it is too hot to walk my dog’.

Sleeping positions

Much like human snorers, dogs who sleep on their backs are more likely to snore than dogs who sleep on their sides.


Find the best bed for your dog in our article on puppy beds.

Allergies

If your dog has seasonal, environmental, or food allergies it can cause congestion and make them snore more.


Learn more about puppy nutrition, raw feeding for puppies and home-cooked and DIY treats in our articles.

Medical reasons

Respiratory problems, like an elongated palate, sleep apnoea, and nasal tumors, are all reasons that can cause your dog to snore.


Is your dog sniffing or sneezing? Read more in our articles: Why does my dog keep sneezing, kennel cough in puppies, and causes and treatment of a puppy runny nose.

Should I be worried about my puppy snoring?

Snoring is a very normal behavior for many dogs, so your dog sounding like a foghorn isn’t usually anything to worry about, however brachycephalic breeds that have problems with their soft palate, or small nostrils can have problems as their airway is restricted. 

If the snoring comes out of nowhere, and your dog is panting, breathing fast, or showing other signs of having problems breathing, then do check with your Vet. Better safe than sorry!
It’s worth asking your Vet if you have a Frenchie, Boston Terrier, Pug, or any of the other breeds of dog mentioned below, and your dog is snoring a lot.

Do some breeds snore more than others?

Yes, some breeds of dog will snore more than others, either due to their skull shape, small nostrils, elongated palate, collapsed trachea, or also because they’re a very large or heavy breed of dog that carries a lot of weight.

Pugs

Aaah the Pug, these little clowns can snore a lot as they’re a brachycephalic breed meaning their face is flat and their snout short with small nostril nares, making getting enough air in to be difficult.

French Bulldogs

As a brachycephalic breed, French Bulldogs snore a lot! Sadly, over the years, selective breeding for more extreme flat face shapes has resulted in a dog who often has an elongated soft palate as well as very small nostrils, causing problems with their breathing, meaning they often choke or snore when asleep.

British Bulldogs

Not only are British Bulldogs a brachycephalic breed, so they have a flat face with an elongated soft palate and small nostrils, but they also carry a lot of weight due to their heavy set structure which can add to breathing difficulties and an increase in snoring.

Boston Terriers

Bostons’ despite being quite a slinky and spritely breed, still have a brachycephalic conformation which can not only make them snort but also mean they can gag or choke a lot in their sleep.

Great Danes

These gentle giants can grow to weigh up to 80KG as an adult. While they have a long muzzle, the pressure of their large size can cause breathing problems as their large size and extra weight can block their airway when they try and sleep, causing quite a loud snore!

St Bernards

These dogs are also a brachycephalic breed, though we don’t think of them being so much due to their huge size, but just like Boxers they have a smushed face which can make breathing a problem and make them snore more. They have an elongated soft palate, as well as being a large heavy set breed and boy is their snore LOUD!

What should I do about my dog’s snoring?

Is your dog’s snoring more of a roar? Keep reading for ways to quieten the beast:

  • Providing an orthopedic bed where your dog can sleep on their side and elevate their head will help to open up their airway and decrease snoring
  • Keep their weight off them, overweight dogs will not only snore more, but it’s unhealthy for them too.
  • Check your dog for allergies that might be causing respiratory problems or congestion, causing them to snore
  • Use a humidifier to help increase the humidity if you live in a dry climate, or to allow your pet to breathe easier.
  • Talk to your vet and have them check your dog’s breathing – in many brachycephalic breeds BOAS or nasal surgery can help them to breathe better which will mean less snoring. Your dog may also have nasal polyps or even a deviated septum that surgery will help fix.

In snort, I mean short, dogs snore for a variety of reasons, including their anatomy, weight, and sleeping position. Certain breeds are more prone to snoring than others, such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Saint Bernards. While snoring may be a normal occurrence, excessive snoring could indicate an underlying medical issue. If your dog’s snoring is causing sleep disruptions, it is advisable to seek the professional advice of a Vet, who can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Remember, a little less snoring means a lot more sleep for everyone involved, including you!

If you want to learn more about your dog’s sleeping habits, check out our article puppy sleep explained, or how about getting your puppy to sleep through the night. Perhaps you just need to choose a new bed or blanket, we got you!

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