My dog Max started snoring about six months ago. At first, I thought it was hilarious—this big goofy lab making sounds like a chainsaw every night. But after a week of listening to him, I started wondering why does my dog snore and if I should actually be worried.
Turns out, dog snoring is pretty common. Sometimes it’s totally harmless. Other times, it points to something that needs attention. If your dog’s snoring is keeping you up at night or suddenly started out of nowhere, I’m going to help you figure out what’s going on.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Snore?
Yeah, lots of dogs snore. It’s often completely normal. Just like people, some dogs are naturally noisier sleepers than others.
Can dogs snore without anything being wrong? Absolutely. If your dog has always snored a little and seems happy and healthy, it’s probably just how they sleep.
The difference comes down to a few things: Did it start suddenly? Is it getting louder? Does your dog seem tired during the day? If your dog’s been snoring their whole life and nothing else has changed, you’re probably fine. But if the snoring is new or getting worse, pay closer attention.
Why Does My Dog Snore While Sleeping?
Most of the time, dogs snore because of their sleep position or because their throat muscles relax.
| Sleep Factor | Why It Causes Snoring |
| Back sleeping | Soft tissue blocks airway |
| Relaxed muscles | Vibrations during breathing |
| Awkward neck angle | Restricts airflow |
| Deep sleep | All muscles fully relaxed |
My dog Max snores way louder when he’s sprawled out on the couch versus curled up in his bed. When dogs are in deep sleep, all their muscles relax—including the ones in their throat and nasal passages. That creates the snoring noise.
Common Causes of Dog Snoring
Flat-faced breeds: Bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs, Boston terriers—these brachycephalic dogs are snoring machines. Their short noses and compressed airways make breathing noisier when they sleep. According to the American Kennel Club, these breeds naturally have more respiratory challenges. If you’ve got one of these breeds, snoring comes with the territory.
Overweight dogs: Extra weight puts pressure on your dog’s airway. When they lie down, that pressure gets worse. If your dog packed on some pounds recently and the snoring started around the same time, weight is probably the issue.
I learned this with Max. After a winter of too many treats, he started snoring like crazy. Once we got him back to a healthy weight through proper exercise, the snoring improved dramatically.
Allergies and congestion: Dogs get allergies just like people. Pollen, dust, smoke—these cause nasal congestion. When their nasal passages are swollen, they breathe through their mouth more and snore louder. If your dog only snores in spring or fall, allergies might be the culprit.
Other common causes:
- Nasal blockage from dirt or grass seeds
- Upper respiratory infections
- Age-related muscle weakness
- Sleeping in hot rooms
Can Dogs Snore for Serious Reasons?
Most of the time, dog snoring is harmless. But sometimes it signals a bigger problem.
Respiratory infections cause snoring because of congestion. You’ll usually notice coughing, sneezing, or discharge from the nose. This needs a vet visit.
Sleep apnea is rare but happens, especially in overweight or flat-faced breeds. Sleep apnea means your dog’s breathing stops briefly while they sleep. It’s serious.
Collapsed trachea affects small breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers. The windpipe weakens and narrows, causing breathing problems. If your small dog snores and makes a honking sound when excited, tell your vet.
Most snoring isn’t this serious. But it’s good to know these possibilities exist.
When Dog Snoring Is a Warning Sign
So when should you actually worry? Here are the red flags:
Emergency signs:
- Gasping or struggling to breathe while sleeping
- Blue or pale gums
- Stops breathing for several seconds
- Collapse or extreme weakness
Concerning signs:
- Snoring that suddenly started
- Getting progressively louder over weeks
- Discharge from nose or eyes
- Weight loss or reduced appetite
- Daytime exhaustion despite sleeping
If you notice emergency signs, call your vet immediately. Don’t wait.
When to Call the Vet
You don’t need to panic every time your dog snores. But know when it’s time to get help.
Call your vet if your dog’s snoring is new, loud enough to wake you from another room, or if your dog seems tired all day. If you notice coughing, wheezing, or behavior changes in your dog, that’s worth checking.
Go to the emergency vet if your dog’s gums turn blue or gray, they’re gasping for air, or they collapse. Trust your gut—you know your dog better than anyone.
What You Can Do at Home
If the snoring is mild and your dog seems healthy, try these things first:
| Solution | How It Helps |
| Elevated bed | Better neck position |
| Weight management | Reduces airway pressure |
| Clean sleeping area | Minimizes allergens |
| Cool room temperature | Prevents overheating |
Adjust their bed: Get your dog a bed with better support. Elevated beds help keep their head and neck in a better position for breathing.
Help them lose weight: Work with your vet on a safe weight loss plan. Cut back on treats, measure food portions, increase walks. Even losing a few pounds makes a difference.
Keep things clean: Wash their bedding weekly. Vacuum around their sleeping spot. These small changes help with congestion.
What NOT to do:
- Don’t give human medication without vet approval
- Don’t ignore sudden snoring changes
- Don’t assume it’s “just old age” without checking
Why Do Dogs Snore More as They Age?
Why does my dog snore more now than before? Aging changes everything.
As dogs get older, throat and soft palate muscles lose tone. This makes tissue floppier, which leads to more noise when they breathe. Senior dogs also gain weight more easily, which adds to the problem.
Older dogs develop health issues that cause snoring—heart problems, infections, or growths. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine notes that regular checkups become crucial as pets age.
If your senior dog suddenly starts snoring or it gets much worse, don’t brush it off. Get them checked. Sometimes what looks like normal aging is actually treatable.
FAQs
Why does my dog snore?
Common causes include sleep position, breed structure, weight gain, allergies, or relaxed throat muscles.
Why do dogs snore?
Dogs snore from airway obstruction caused by relaxed muscles, nasal congestion, or breed characteristics.
Can dogs snore normally?
Yes, many dogs snore without health problems, especially flat-faced breeds.
Is dog snoring dangerous?
Usually not, but sudden snoring with breathing difficulty requires immediate vet attention.
When should I worry about my dog snoring?
Worry if snoring is new, loud, paired with gasping, or your dog seems unwell.
Conclusion
So why does my dog snore? Usually it’s nothing scary—just sleep position, breed traits, or maybe some extra weight. Most dog snoring is harmless and just part of how they sleep.
But knowing when snoring becomes serious matters. Sudden snoring, breathing struggles, or weird symptoms mean it’s time to call the vet. Simple fixes like a better bed, weight management, or keeping allergies in check often solve the problem.
You noticed your dog’s snoring and asked questions. That’s exactly what good dog owners do. Keep watching for changes, stay informed, and call your vet when something feels off. Your dog’s lucky to have someone paying attention.
