It is not unusual for pet owners to allow their pets to sleep with them at night. In fact, one third of pet owners have at some time, 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 made easier too by dogs having a sleep pattern which is rather similar to our own. Dogs often 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 goes into this stage, the owner often has to call them several times before they can be woken up completely.

For sure, many of us have already observed a dog ‘running’ during sleep or, at times, barking with his eyes closed too. These dogs are believed to be dreaming. Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs while they are asleep. For example, there are breeds which breathe heavily and there are breeds which breathe more lightly. The heavy breathers are much more likely to snore than those which do not breathe so 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 have to do with the blocking 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 determine which treatment can be best applied. Some dogs are especially prone to some allergic reactions that cause constriction in the airway. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that are preventing proper 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 overweight? I ask this because, as with humans, obese dogs are more likely to snore than thin ones. This is because they have more tissue surrounding their windpipes. 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.

Snoring also has something to do with the general facial features. Some dogs seem to have squashed faces which narrows their air passages to a certain degree. The construction of their nasal passages also largely contributes to their difficulty of breathing. They are pretty much like humans with a cold, who are forced 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 work to control breathing and they are also more prone to snoring.

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 should be given to any operation you permit. In fact, it is best to follow the guidelines offered by your veterinary doctor.

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