Do the pets snore? A pet in deep exhale during a daytime nap and more of an audible snore similar to that of a human being. It is more common in dogs than in cats, snoring in pets can be treated as normal. However, in some cases, snoring can indicate a serious medical condition. Here is what you should know.
Snoring can be defined as the sound generated during sleep by the vibration of soft tissue in the upper airway. This occurs when the passage in the airway is blocked during sleep.
Causes Of Snoring
Excess weight: Pets that are overweight also snore as a result of extra fat collecting over the throat area, thus blocking airflow during sleep.
Sleep position: Cats sleep in some of the most unique positions due to their flexibility. Some positions may make your pets snore depending on the position of their neck and head.
Brachycephalic Breeds: There are some breeds that are predisposed to snoring. These breeds have short snouts and pushed-in facial features which results in elongated soft palates that may block the airflow while sleeping, and smaller nostrils, and nasal passages, hence your pet may snore. Common breeds known as snorers are Pugs, Bulldogs, Persians, Burmese, and Himalayans.
Respiratory problems: Sometimes Pet asthma, and respiratory infections, can also cause the pets to snore.
Foreign objects: The pet experiences the surroundings through the senses of smelling and sniffing. This can sometimes result in foreign objects stuck in their nasal cavity. Dirt, food, excess mucus, plant materials, or other objects can block the nose causing the pet to snore.
Is It the Matter Of Concerned
Normally, snoring is considered normal, unless it is caused by other symptoms that can indicate to other serious conditions. These can be:
- Discharge from the eyes and nose can be signs of respiratory infection.
- Behavioral changes such as loss of appetite
- Difficulty in swallowing or choking while consuming food.
- Panting, wheezing, coughing, open mouth breathing, or gasping for air
These are the warning signs of more significant problems and in these cases, you must contact your vet immediately.
THINGS ONE CAN DO
Consider making your pet’s sleeping area comfortable. Hedges can elevate the pet’s head reducing the amount of snoring. Keeping a humidifier near your favorite sleeping spot can add moisture to the air which can help in getting a peaceful sleep.
Exercise is crucial for the pet’s development and for living a quality life. This helps in shedding some extra pounds if excess weight is the cause of the pet’s snoring.
Attend the pet’s regular veterinary visits as it is important to keep the pet happy and healthy. As pets can’t tell us the problem when they are in pain or struggle, so it is our duty as pet parents to always be aware and alert.
If your pet has always snored, then he or she is most likely okay. However, if snoring comes on suddenly or if it getting accompanied by some other symptoms, then it is time to visit the vet. For more information on pet snoring, contact us today and book an appointment.
