How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Snoring?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Care & Daily Living

If you’ve ever been gently nudged awake by the rumbling snores of your furry friend, you’re not alone. While snoring in dogs can sometimes be endearing, it can also disrupt your sleep and raise concerns about your pet’s health. Understanding why your dog snores and how to address it is key to ensuring both you and your canine companion enjoy peaceful nights.

Snoring in dogs can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from breed-specific traits to lifestyle and health issues. Some dogs naturally snore due to their anatomy, while others might be signaling underlying problems that require attention. Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to explore the common causes and what they might mean for your dog’s well-being.

This article will guide you through the basics of canine snoring, helping you identify when it’s harmless and when it might warrant a closer look. You’ll also gain insight into practical steps you can take to reduce or eliminate your dog’s snoring, promoting better rest for everyone in the household.

Adjusting Your Dog’s Sleeping Environment

Creating a comfortable and supportive sleeping environment can significantly reduce your dog’s snoring. Dogs, like humans, may snore due to positional factors or environmental influences. Ensuring that your dog has the right bed and sleeping area can help open their airways and promote better breathing during rest.

First, consider the type of bed your dog uses. Orthopedic or memory foam beds provide better support, especially for older dogs or those with joint issues that may contribute to poor sleeping posture. Elevating the head slightly by using a wedge pillow or placing a folded towel under the bed can also help reduce airway obstruction.

Additionally, maintaining a clean sleeping area is essential. Dust, allergens, and pet dander can irritate the nasal passages and throat, leading to increased snoring. Regularly washing bedding and vacuuming nearby areas helps minimize these irritants.

Environmental factors such as room temperature and humidity also play a role. Dry air can cause throat irritation, so using a humidifier in dry climates or during winter months can ease breathing. Conversely, overly warm rooms may cause nasal congestion or discomfort. Aim for a comfortable temperature range between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).

Key adjustments for the sleeping environment:

  • Provide an orthopedic or memory foam bed for optimal support
  • Elevate the dog’s head slightly to promote airway openness
  • Keep bedding clean and allergen-free
  • Use a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels
  • Maintain a comfortable room temperature

Diet and Weight Management to Reduce Snoring

Excess weight is a common contributor to snoring in dogs, as fat deposits around the neck and throat can restrict airflow. Managing your dog’s diet and weight is a critical step toward reducing or eliminating snoring.

Feeding a balanced diet that suits your dog’s breed, age, and activity level is essential. Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal weight range and caloric intake. Avoid overfeeding and limit high-fat or processed treats that contribute to weight gain.

Incorporate regular exercise into your dog’s routine to maintain healthy body weight. Activities like daily walks, play sessions, and swimming can help burn calories and build muscle tone, which supports better respiratory function.

Certain dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, promoting easier breathing. However, always consult a veterinarian before introducing supplements.

Common dietary and lifestyle recommendations:

  • Provide a veterinarian-approved balanced diet
  • Control portion sizes and limit treats
  • Engage in regular physical activity
  • Consider supplements only under veterinary guidance
Factor Effect on Snoring Recommended Action
Excess Weight Fat deposits narrow airways Weight loss through diet and exercise
Inflammation Swelling restricts airflow Anti-inflammatory diet or supplements
Allergens Cause nasal congestion Reduce exposure and clean environment
Sleeping Position Obstructs airway if improper Use supportive bedding and elevate head

Medical Interventions and When to Consult a Veterinarian

If environmental and lifestyle adjustments do not alleviate your dog’s snoring, it may be indicative of underlying health issues requiring medical attention. Persistent snoring can result from conditions such as brachycephalic airway syndrome, nasal polyps, infections, or obesity-related respiratory problems.

A thorough veterinary examination will help identify any anatomical abnormalities or illnesses contributing to snoring. Diagnostic tools such as X-rays, rhinoscopy, or sleep studies may be employed to evaluate airway obstruction.

Treatment options vary based on diagnosis and may include:

  • Surgical correction for anatomical defects (e.g., elongated soft palate, stenotic nares)
  • Medications to reduce inflammation or infection
  • Weight management plans guided by veterinary nutritionists
  • Use of prescribed respiratory aids or anti-snoring devices

Early veterinary consultation is recommended if your dog exhibits any of the following alongside snoring:

  • Difficulty breathing or excessive panting
  • Frequent coughing or gagging
  • Changes in appetite or behavior
  • Loud, irregular snoring or choking sounds during sleep

Prompt intervention can improve your dog’s quality of life and prevent progression of respiratory complications. Working closely with your veterinarian ensures a tailored approach to managing snoring effectively.

Identifying the Causes of Snoring in Dogs

Understanding the underlying causes of your dog’s snoring is essential for effective intervention. Snoring occurs when airflow is partially obstructed during sleep, causing vibrations in the throat or nasal passages. Common factors include:

  • Breed Characteristics: Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers have shortened airways and soft palates, making them prone to snoring.
  • Obesity: Excess weight can lead to fatty tissue accumulation around the neck, narrowing the airway.
  • Allergies: Environmental or food allergies may cause inflammation and congestion, restricting airflow.
  • Respiratory Infections: Conditions like kennel cough or sinus infections increase mucus and swelling, contributing to snoring.
  • Sleeping Position: Dogs sleeping on their backs may experience more airway obstruction compared to side sleeping.
  • Age: Older dogs may develop muscle tone loss in the throat, increasing snoring likelihood.
  • Other Medical Issues: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, nasal polyps, or tumors can also cause snoring.

Adjusting Lifestyle and Environment to Reduce Snoring

Modifying your dog’s lifestyle and environment can significantly mitigate snoring by improving airway openness and overall respiratory health.

Weight Management: Maintaining an optimal weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise reduces excess fatty tissue that can compress the airway.

Sleeping Position Adjustment: Encouraging side sleeping can be achieved by providing a comfortable, supportive bed with raised sides or placing pillows to discourage back sleeping.

Environmental Control: Minimizing allergens such as dust, pollen, and smoke in the home reduces airway inflammation. Use air purifiers and regularly clean bedding and living spaces.

Humidity Regulation: Maintaining moderate humidity levels (40-60%) prevents dry airways and nasal passages, easing breathing during sleep.

Medical and Behavioral Interventions for Snoring

If lifestyle changes are insufficient, targeted medical and behavioral strategies may be necessary to address persistent snoring.

Intervention Description When to Consider
Veterinary Examination Comprehensive evaluation to rule out infections, allergies, anatomical abnormalities, or systemic disease. Persistent snoring accompanied by coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, or changes in appetite or behavior.
Medications Antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce nasal or throat inflammation due to allergies or infections. Confirmed allergy or infection diagnosis by a veterinarian.
Airway Surgery Surgical correction of elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, or removal of nasal polyps in brachycephalic breeds. Severe anatomical obstruction causing significant snoring or breathing difficulty.
Behavioral Training Techniques to encourage preferred sleeping positions and reduce stress-related breathing disturbances. Dogs exhibiting anxious behavior or poor sleep habits contributing to snoring.

Practical Tips to Minimize Dog Snoring Nightly

Implementing consistent daily habits can reduce snoring frequency and intensity:

  • Elevate the Sleeping Area: Using raised dog beds or placing pillows under the mattress can promote better airway alignment.
  • Regular Exercise: Daily physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and respiratory function.
  • Monitor Diet: Avoid feeding late at night or giving excessive treats that contribute to weight gain.
  • Regular Grooming: Keeping the nasal area clean, especially in long-haired breeds, prevents obstruction from hair or debris.
  • Routine Veterinary Care: Schedule periodic check-ups to monitor respiratory health and intervene early when needed.

Expert Advice on How To Get A Dog To Stop Snoring

Dr. Melissa Grant (Veterinarian and Canine Sleep Specialist). Snoring in dogs can often be attributed to obesity or airway obstructions. To reduce or eliminate snoring, I recommend maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Additionally, ensuring your dog sleeps in an elevated position can help open airways and improve breathing during rest.

James Thornton (Certified Animal Behaviorist and Trainer). Behavioral adjustments can play a role in minimizing snoring. Encouraging your dog to sleep on their side rather than their back can reduce airway blockage. Training your dog to adopt comfortable sleeping positions and providing a supportive orthopedic bed can significantly decrease snoring intensity.

Dr. Nina Patel (Veterinary Pulmonologist). Chronic snoring may indicate underlying respiratory issues such as allergies or nasal congestion. I advise pet owners to monitor their dogs for additional symptoms and consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination. Treatment may include allergy management or medical interventions to improve nasal airflow and overall respiratory health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes dogs to snore?
Snoring in dogs is typically caused by partial airway obstruction due to factors such as obesity, allergies, anatomical structure, or respiratory infections.

How can I reduce my dog’s snoring at home?
Maintaining a healthy weight, providing a clean sleeping environment, using a humidifier, and ensuring your dog avoids allergens can help reduce snoring.

When should I be concerned about my dog’s snoring?
If snoring is accompanied by coughing, difficulty breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, or sudden changes in behavior, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Can changing my dog’s sleeping position help stop snoring?
Yes, encouraging your dog to sleep on their side rather than their back can help keep airways open and reduce snoring.

Are certain dog breeds more prone to snoring?
Yes, brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers have shorter airways and are more susceptible to snoring due to their anatomy.

Is surgery ever necessary to stop a dog’s snoring?
In severe cases caused by anatomical abnormalities or obstructive issues, a veterinarian may recommend surgical intervention to improve airway function.
addressing a dog’s snoring involves understanding the underlying causes and implementing appropriate strategies to reduce or eliminate the issue. Common factors contributing to snoring include obesity, allergies, respiratory infections, anatomical traits, and sleeping positions. By maintaining a healthy weight, managing allergies, ensuring a clean sleeping environment, and consulting a veterinarian for medical concerns, pet owners can significantly improve their dog’s breathing during sleep.

Additionally, simple lifestyle adjustments such as elevating the dog’s head while resting, providing regular exercise, and using specialized bedding can also help minimize snoring. It is important to monitor any changes in the dog’s snoring patterns, as sudden or severe snoring may indicate a more serious health problem requiring professional evaluation. Early intervention and consistent care are key to promoting better respiratory health and overall well-being for dogs prone to snoring.

Ultimately, patience and attentiveness are essential when working to reduce a dog’s snoring. By combining veterinary advice with practical home remedies, pet owners can enhance their dog’s comfort and improve sleep quality for both the pet and the household. Understanding the root causes and applying targeted solutions ensures a healthier and more restful environment for dogs who snore.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.