You hear it in the middle of the night, the guttural snore of your beloved companion. Believe it or not, this is quite common among breeds such as pugs and bulldogs. While it may seem like an irritation to you, it may be even worse for your dog and could even be a sign of health issues. But fret not, by following a few simple instructions you can get better sleep for both you and your pup.
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Why do Pugs and Bulldogs snore?
Snoring is what happens when air passes through obstructed airways. This can be caused by various different things and you should incorporate all guidelines in this list to make sure the problem is properly dealt with. Why do pugs snore and Bulldogs are prone to snoring due to genetics; their flat stubby faces make it harder for them to breathe and exacerbate any other conditions related to airflow.
To an extent they will always have some form of breathing and snoring issue due to the shape of their skull structure. Various things can instigate your dog to begin snoring such as age, allergies, sickness, obesity, medication and even obstructions they might have got stuck in their snouts while adventuring.
Steps to Reduce or Stop the Snoring.
Get your dog some exercise.
Take them out for frequent walks. Exercise will help them lose weight and also improve their breathing and cardiovascular fitness. The improved function of their heart and lungs will improve their sleep and hopefully reduce or remove the snoring. Remember to start slow and work into it, while your best friend may seem excited at the prospect of stretching his or her legs, they will get tired and need to rest. Avoid exercising during hot times of the day and remember to keep both you and the pup well hydrated.
Control your pet’s diet.
Obesity is as much an issue among canines as it is among humans and can cause snoring and eventually more serious health complications down the line. Check out the daily recommended servings for your dog’s breed, weight, age and sex. If you have previously been feeding your dog too much, try and cut down slowly so that they can get used to it. If your pup is still not losing weight, try and find a veterinarian to help you find the specific amount that your pup should be eating. Remember that your goal is to reach a healthy weight and not go below that, further health problems can arise if your pup becomes underweight.
Improve your pet’s environment.
Improving the quality of the sleeping situation of your pup will be helpful as well. Especially for older dogs that may not have it in them to exercise. A simple way to go about improving your dog’s quality of sleep is to place a pillow under their head, raising the head will help keep the air passages open and clear. Similarly getting a round bed for your dog will help their sleeping position further by keeping them off of their back and encourage them to curl up. Placing a fan will help keep the air circulating in the room and improve breathability, try to combine this with a humidifier as well.
Take your Dog to a Veterinarian.
A veterinarian will be able to identify the cause of your dogs snoring and show you how to deal with it. If a health issue is causing your dogs snoring then this is your only option. For many older dogs the snoring may not be something you can deal with on your own and medication may be required. In some rare cases the problem may even require surgery.