Dr.Sheldon Gerstenfeld a renowned veterinary surgeon, Director of the Chestnut Hill Veterinary Hospital in Glensid, PA. Author of the ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs and Birds, “Yes, dogs and cats snore”.
Are there certain breeds that snore?
Dr.Sheldon Gerstenfeld, “Snoring generally is the result of a slight obstruction such as post-nasal drip or a small, loose amount of tissue in the throat that manifests itself when a pet breathes. Often, such snoring is a consequence of allergies or of being overweight, just as in humans. Research has shown that Pugs and Pekingese are particularly prone to snoring because they have an elongated soft palate, which is the fleshy tissue at the rear of the mouth that separates the nose from the mouth. Snoring can also be caused by polyps, which are growths that can form in the nose or throat.”
When your pet sleeps, muscles in the airways relax, causing the polyps to partially block the flow of air. This can result in a high-pitched snore.
Should I be concerned?
Is your dog’s snoring keeping you up at night? A lot of owners seem to put up with a snoring dog because they think it’s ‘cute’.
Fact is, a snoring dog can be a sign of an underlying health issue. If you notice a behavior change in your pet, it’s best to have them checked out by your veterinarian to make sure there’s no medical issue that’s causing them to snore. Pets need their sleep just as much as we do, and if they aren’t getting a good night’s sleep, they’re likely to be tired and grouchy-just like us!
Watch the interview of Dr.Sheldon Gerstenfeld about pets snoring.
