You’re lying in bed, and your dog is next to you. The room is quiet. Then you hear it—a loud, steady rumble. Your dog is snoring.
You wonder if it’s normal or if it’s a sign of something serious. Snoring in dogs can be harmless, but it can also mean something is wrong. Once you know the possible reasons, you can decide if you should act.
A dog’s snore is not just a noise. It’s a clue about their health. Snoring can be linked to breathing problems, allergies, or body structure.
In some cases, it can be a warning sign for a bigger issue. If you ignore it, you might miss the chance to fix something that affects your dog’s comfort and well-being. In this guide, we’ll go through the main reasons dogs snore, how to tell when it’s normal, and when to see a vet.
6 Main Causes of Dog Snoring
Snoring happens when something blocks or narrows the airway. The sound is caused by vibrations in the throat, nose, or soft palate. There are many reasons this can happen.
1. Breed and Body Structure
Certain breeds are more likely to snore because of how their face and airways are shaped. Dogs with short noses and flat faces, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, and Boxers, have a condition known as brachycephalic airway syndrome.
Their shortened snouts, narrow nostrils, and elongated soft palates make it harder for air to move smoothly through the respiratory system. This creates resistance in airflow, and the result is a vibration you hear as snoring.
While snoring in these breeds can be common, it’s not something to ignore completely. Some may live comfortably with mild snoring, but others can develop breathing problems that affect their quality of life.
Signs such as loud gasping, blue or pale gums, choking noises, or collapsing after play are serious warnings. These symptoms show that oxygen intake is being compromised, and immediate veterinary care is needed.
Owners of brachycephalic breeds should keep their dogs at a healthy weight, limit strenuous activity in hot weather, and provide comfortable sleeping positions that help keep the airway open.
In severe cases, corrective surgery can improve airflow and reduce snoring. Being aware of the breed’s natural structure will help you manage their health more effectively.
2. Sleeping Position
The way your dog sleeps can have a direct effect on whether they snore. Dogs that lie flat on their backs may have their tongue and soft palate fall backward, partially blocking the throat. This narrows the airway and creates vibrations that produce snoring. Switching to a side or stomach sleeping position can open the airway and make breathing quieter.
You can encourage better sleep positions by choosing the right type of bed. Bolster or donut-shaped beds support side sleeping by providing a place for your dog to rest their head comfortably.
Orthopedic beds can also help older dogs or those with joint issues maintain a more open airway while resting. Some owners place a small pillow under their dog’s head to keep it elevated, which can reduce the snoring sound.
If your dog snores only in certain positions but breathes quietly when sleeping differently, this is usually harmless.
However, if the snoring persists in all positions or is paired with signs of distress—such as coughing, wheezing, or pauses in breathing—you should consult a veterinarian. Adjusting sleeping habits is one of the simplest ways to manage snoring, and it can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort.
3. Weight Issues
Extra weight can significantly contribute to snoring in dogs. When a dog is overweight, fat can accumulate around the neck and throat, narrowing the airway. This additional tissue makes it harder for air to pass freely, leading to noisy breathing during sleep.
Overweight dogs may also tire more quickly, pant heavily, and show other signs of strain when trying to breathe.
If your dog’s snoring began or worsened after weight gain, it’s a sign that their breathing may be compromised by the excess tissue. The best approach is to work toward a healthy body condition.
This means adjusting food portions to match your dog’s energy needs, choosing nutrient-dense meals, and avoiding calorie-heavy treats. Increasing activity through daily walks, play sessions, or swimming can help burn calories while improving muscle tone.
Weight loss not only reduces snoring but also lowers the risk of heart disease, joint problems, and diabetes. Work with your vet to set a safe weight-loss plan, as losing weight too quickly can be harmful.
Once your dog reaches a healthy weight, you may notice that their breathing becomes smoother and quieter, improving both their sleep quality and overall health.
4. Allergies and Irritants
Allergies can cause swelling in your dog’s nasal passages, making it harder for air to flow freely. Common triggers include dust, pollen, mold, smoke, and household chemicals. When the airway becomes inflamed, the narrowing leads to louder breathing or snoring.
Dogs with allergies may also show other signs, such as frequent sneezing, watery eyes, rubbing their face with their paws, or scratching around the head and neck.
Reducing exposure to allergens is the first step to relief. Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water, vacuum carpets and furniture regularly, and use air filters to capture dust and pollen.
If you smoke, do it outside and away from your dog to protect their respiratory health. After outdoor walks during high-pollen seasons, wipe your dog’s fur and paws to remove allergens before they spread indoors.
If symptoms persist, your veterinarian may recommend safe antihistamines or other treatments to manage inflammation. Severe allergies might require further testing to identify specific triggers.
Addressing allergies not only helps reduce snoring but also improves your dog’s comfort and quality of life. A cleaner environment and proper medical support can make a noticeable difference in their breathing.
5. Infections or Illness
Respiratory infections are another reason a dog might start snoring. Conditions such as kennel cough, sinus infections, or canine colds can cause swelling and mucus buildup in the nasal passages and throat. This blockage makes breathing noisier and can lead to snoring during rest.
You may also notice coughing, sneezing, fever, nasal discharge, or a drop in appetite when illness is the cause.
Most respiratory infections in dogs are caused by viruses or bacteria. While some mild cases may clear up on their own, it’s important to seek veterinary care, especially if symptoms worsen or your dog’s energy level drops.
Your vet may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections or other supportive treatments to ease breathing and reduce inflammation.
Keeping your dog away from sick animals, cleaning food and water bowls daily, and maintaining good ventilation in your home can help prevent infections.
Dogs with weakened immune systems, such as seniors or those with chronic health problems, may be more at risk. Early detection and treatment not only help clear the infection faster but also prevent more serious complications, such as pneumonia.
6. Foreign Objects
Foreign objects lodged in the nasal passages or throat can cause sudden and loud snoring. Dogs can inhale small bits of grass, seeds, dirt, or other debris during walks or play.
These block part of the airway, making breathing harder and noisier. Signs include sudden onset of snoring, repeated sneezing, pawing at the nose, nasal discharge (sometimes with blood), or visible distress when breathing.
This situation is an emergency. Attempting to remove the object yourself can cause injury or push it deeper. A veterinarian can use special tools or imaging to locate and safely remove the obstruction. The sooner you get your dog examined, the lower the risk of airway damage or infection.
Prevention is mostly about supervision and awareness. Avoid letting your dog sniff or chew plants or objects that may break apart into small pieces. Keep play areas clean of sharp or loose debris. If your dog enjoys running through tall grass, check their nose and face afterward for plant material. Quick action and careful prevention can protect your dog from serious breathing problems caused by foreign objects.
When to Worry About Snoring
Some snoring is normal, but certain signs mean it’s time to see a vet. Here’s what to watch for:
- Snoring starts suddenly and doesn’t stop
- Snoring is paired with choking or gasping
- Your dog struggles to breathe while awake
- Gums turn blue or pale
- Loss of appetite or extreme tiredness
- Nasal discharge or coughing that lasts more than a few days
If you see these symptoms, don’t wait. Breathing problems can become serious fast.
How to Reduce Dog Snoring
While you cannot stop all snoring, you can make changes that help your dog breathe more easily and sleep more peacefully. Some steps involve simple adjustments at home, while others may require professional veterinary care. Taking action can improve your dog’s comfort, sleep quality, and long-term health.
Adjust Sleeping Conditions
The way your dog sleeps can make a big difference in how much they snore. A supportive bed can help keep their head and neck in a position that allows air to flow better. Encourage side sleeping instead of lying flat on their back, as this prevents the tongue from falling backward and blocking the throat.
Beds with raised sides or bolsters are excellent for keeping their head slightly elevated. For older dogs or those with joint issues, orthopedic beds can provide extra comfort while also supporting better breathing posture. If your dog insists on back sleeping, gently reposition them to their side during naps or bedtime.
Keep the Air Clean
Clean air is important for dogs with sensitive airways. Vacuum your floors, rugs, and furniture regularly to reduce dust buildup. Wash your dog’s bedding once a week to remove dirt, hair, and allergens.
Using an air purifier in the room where your dog sleeps can help filter out pollen, pet dander, and other particles. If your dog spends time outside, wipe their face, ears, and paws with a damp cloth after walks. This removes pollen and dust that could cause nasal irritation.
Clean air makes it easier for your dog to breathe without congestion that leads to snoring.
Watch Their Weight
Extra weight puts more pressure on your dog’s airway and can make snoring worse. Feeding a balanced diet with the right portion size for their age and activity level is essential. Avoid giving table scraps and keep treats to a minimum, choosing healthy, low-calorie options instead.
Regular activity is just as important—daily walks, fetch sessions, or short playtimes throughout the day can help maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your dog’s body condition regularly, and if they start gaining weight, make small changes early before it becomes a problem.
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce snoring and improve energy levels.
Limit Irritants
Strong smells and airborne irritants can cause swelling in your dog’s nasal passages, making snoring worse. Avoid smoking around your dog, as secondhand smoke can damage their respiratory health.
Stay away from using strong-scented candles, air fresheners, or cleaning chemicals near their sleeping area. If you need to clean, use pet-safe products and ensure the room is well-ventilated.
These changes reduce irritation in the airway and help your dog breathe more freely.
Veterinary Care
If your dog’s snoring is due to a structural problem, such as narrow nostrils or an elongated soft palate, your veterinarian may recommend surgery. Procedures can widen the nostrils or remove excess tissue to improve airflow.
Surgery is not always necessary, but in severe cases, it can make a big difference in your dog’s quality of life. Your vet will assess your dog’s breathing, explain the risks and benefits, and guide you through the decision.
In addition to surgery, your vet may recommend medications for allergies, infections, or inflammation that contribute to snoring.
Snoring might seem harmless, but it can reveal a lot about your dog’s well-being. Understanding the cause is the first step to helping them sleep better.
In some cases, a few lifestyle changes are enough. In others, medical care is needed. The key is paying attention to the details—when the snoring happens, how it sounds, and whether other symptoms appear.
Your dog’s snoring could be nothing more than a harmless sound, or it could be a sign that something’s wrong. By knowing the causes and paying attention to changes, you can protect their health. Snoring is not just noise—it’s information. Use it to keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and happy for years to come.
