Is snoring normal in pets?
Your pet may be adding their loud snores to the nighttime symphony, or perhaps you’re hearing some light snoring during a daytime nap. While your pet’s snores could sound like a sweet little snuffle, they may also be loud enough to hear from across the room. Either way, snoring in pets may or may not be normal, so read on to find out when you should be concerned.
Snoring occurs due to vibrations in the upper airways, including the nose and throat. The loudness of the snore changes depending on if there is a narrowing or blockage in the airways.
Some snoring is normal in pets. Your pet could snore because of an abnormal sleeping position or because of their breed conformation.
- Sleeping position. Your pet’s sleeping position is a common reason your pet may snore. Generally, this isn’t a cause for concern. If your cat or dog is normally a silent sleeper who rests curled in their bed but has decided to flop on their back for this particular nap, you may notice a little snore, for instance.
- Brachycephalic conformation. Snoring is more common in flat-faced, short-snouted (brachycephalic) pets, such as pugs, bulldogs or Persian cats. This is because of changes in the conformation of their upper airways, such as narrowed nostrils or an elongated soft palate. Some brachycephalic pets will do just fine with these airway changes, but keep in mind that brachycephalic animals can have respiratory difficulties (brachycephalic airway syndrome). If your pet is coughing, gagging, tires easily with exertion or in hot weather, or has noisy breathing when awake, it’s a good idea to contact your VCA care team for an evaluation.
However, these causes of snoring could signal a medical issue:
- Allergies. Allergies can lead to inflammation (swelling) in the respiratory passages, as well as nasal discharge, causing narrowing of the upper respiratory passages.
- Infection. Like allergies, infections cause swelling and discharge, which can narrow the airway passages. In some cases, discharge can cause a partial obstruction of the respiratory passages. In some pets, especially cats, infections can cause permanent changes in the nasal passages, which may result in chronic snoring.
- Foreign objects: Your dog could get a foreign object, like a piece of grass, in their airway (especially the nasal passages). This foreign object could partially block the airway, leading to snoring.
- Obesity. Extra body fat may pad the airways, causing them to narrow.
- Masses. Masses, both benign and cancerous, can cause swelling and obstruction in the airways. These are more common in older animals, though even young cats can develop nasopharyngeal polyps that may contribute to snoring and snorting.
If your pet develops a new snore that you’re regularly noticing, we recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical conditions. Other signs to watch for that mean you should contact your veterinarian include:
- Discharge or bleeding from one or both nostrils
- Audible wheezing
- New snorting noises when awake
- Exercise or heat intolerance
- Labored breathing
- Sneezing and/or coughing
- Facial deformity
If your pet has snored their whole life, it may not be a cause for concern at all. However, for some flat-faced, lifelong snorers, there may be procedures that help your pet breathe easier, both at rest and when playing. If your pet is obese, your VCA care team is your best resource for formulating a diet and exercise plan that helps your pet stay healthy. Speak with your VCA care team if you’re concerned at all about your pet’s little snorts and snores.
Learn more about pet obesity, a major contributor to snoring in pets. >>
