Why Does My Dog Snore So Loud? 9 Reasons Behind Bad Snoring

Dogs can snore for several reasons.

Some are harmless while some may be an indication that all is not as it seems with our pups.

There are a few possibilities behind the sloppy, slumbery snores that echo around the house.

So in this week’s blog, we shift our attention from the ears to the respiratory system as we ponder the reasons behind the snoring and look to see if there are any solutions to this annoying albeit cute habit!


9 Reasons Why Your Dog Might Be Snoring

1/ Obesity

Obesity is a common reason behind excessive snoring from our dogs.

The excess weight can be the cause of an extra build-up of fat in the throat. This puts additional pressure on the larynx or the trachea.

This results in constricted airways and causes snoring.

This can be dangerous for your pooch. Combining this with the other potential health difficulties that arise from obesity and you have good reason to start looking at managing your pal’s weight.

2/ Blocked Nasal Passages

dog snoring because nasal passages are blocked from sleeping in awkward position
Photo by Yoad Shejtman on Unsplash

An often-seen cause behind those slumbery sighs is when a pup has restricted airflow through its nasal passages.

This usually occurs when they’re asleep in unusual positions.

For example, when a dog is lying on its back, its tongue could block its throat causing that husky snore to bellow across the room!

3/ Fungal Infection

Heavy snoring can be an indication that your dog has aspergillosis.

Aspergillosis is a fungal disease that affects both animals and humans alike.

It can take hold if your canine has inhaled spores of mold found in compost, grass, hay, or dusty items.

The fungus makes its way through the moist lining of their nose and catches hold from there.

Symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Excessive snoring
  • Difficulty breathing

Aspergillosis can become a troubling illness with debilitating effects for your pooch if left untreated.

Thankfully, antifungal medicines will help solve this problem– so if you’re concerned or any other symptoms are present, contact your vet.

4/ Rhinitis

Similar to our common cold, rhinitis is a condition that can affect dogs breathing and lead to heavy snoring.

Rhinitis is when a reaction occurs that causes:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing and itching

It’s caused by inflammation and can be treated with antibiotics.

Additionally, the use of a humidifier can help boost moisture levels in the air and provide added relief.

5/ Dental Problems

Tooth problems are never nice and they can be a source of serious discomfort for your furry friend.

A tooth abscess can result in nasal passage inflammation which then results in heavy snoring.

Left untreated, these dental problems can result in more serious issues for your dog. This is why it’s important to monitor your pal’s mouth and to oversee regular dental checkups.

6/ Brachycephalic Breed

brachycephalic breed dog snoring because of short muzzle
Photo by Trent Jackson on Unsplash

For brachycephalic breeds, snoring is to be expected!

Brachycephalic breeds are dogs that have very short muzzles. E.g.: boxers, pugs, bulldogs, etc.

They have shortened airwaves and narrower nostrils that make it trickier for air to flow smoothly.

If you’re the owner of one of these adorable breeds, try to change your dog’s sleeping position to alleviate the snoring or have a humidifier present to coat the air with moisture.

It’s always very important to keep tabs on the snoring.

While normal snoring is to be expected, if you notice it increase in intensity and your dog’s breathing becomes more labored – it could be a sign that their nostrils have collapsed in on themselves making it tough to breathe.

Contact your vet if you’re worried about excessive snoring – in some cases a surgical procedure might be required to alleviate discomfort.

7/ Cigarette Smoke

woman smokes with her dog in the car the second hand smoke is dangerous to the dog and can cause snoring
Photo by Giuseppe Mondì on Unsplash

Second-hand smoke from us humans can have a range of negative effects on our dogs.

For dogs with existing breathing issues, inhaling tobacco smoke can worsen their symptoms and cause chronic coughing. It may also lead to a change in their airways which can lead to severe respiratory issues.

If you’re a smoker, don’t expose your dog to it.

The smoke damages airway tissues, and then a snoring problem would be the least of your dog’s worries.

8/ Allergies

Like ourselves, dogs are also prone to occasional allergic reactions!

Dust, perfume, and pollen can all set off allergies that make it harder for our dog to breathe and lead to some snore-filled kips.

Regular dusting of surfaces, hypoallergenic shampoo at bath time, and allergen medications all can help reduce these unwanted side effects.

9/ Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.

It’s very uncommon in dogs but it is occasionally possible.

If your dog has shallow breathing with sporadic momentary stops, then contact your vet for a consultation!


Final Bark

Hearing your dog snore is a common sound that shouldn’t cause any worry. Often it randomly occurs due to an external influence like an allergen or a particularly interesting sleeping position!

However, if the snoring has started out of nowhere or seems particularly excessive, our advice is to consider the reasons listed above and check for any other respiratory symptoms.

As always, if worried or concerned, contact your vet for consultation.

And so concludes this week’s informative doggy blog.

Be sure to check out our other resources for more insightful information as we take the journey to understand our dogs together, one paw at a time.