Why Pugs Snore and How to Fix It

If there’s one great thing about pugs, it’s that they’re amazing cuddlers that love to snuggle close to their dog-parents. If you already own one, you must have experienced this scenario: you’re about to sleep, but you’re kept up by an annoying sound.

It’s almost like the rumbling of thunder or the growling of your stomach. You’re confused at first but gets to pinpoint the source of the sound. It’s coming from your small pug.

What causes snoring in dogs? Is it dangerous and something you have to worry about? Moreover, can it be fixed?

 

Why Pugs Snore

If you have a pug, you’ve likely heard them snore. These adorable little dogs are prone to comical expressions and loud snores. Snoring is common with us humans. So if your small dog is doing it, it’s almost funny.

But while you may think it’s cute, it could also be bad.

Here are the possible reasons for your dog’s snoring problem:

Obstruction

Snoring happens because your dog has difficulty breathing normally. It’s caused by an obstruction in your dog’s upper airway. It’s also the same case with humans.

The sound you hear is actually the vibrations of the respiratory system.

Obstructions can be caused by certain health issues like polyps. There might be extra tissues in the airways that block it. But it can also be some objects that your pug has sniffed.

Foreign objects like little toys, dirt, grass, stones, etc., could cause snoring. Check your dog’s airways to ensure there’s nothing unwanted there. You may also visit your dog’s vet to be sure.

Plus, visiting the vet can rule out other probable causes.

Breed

Pugs are not the only dogs that snore. In fact, all dog breeds snore from time to time. But brachycephalic breeds are more prone to snoring problems. These dogs are best known for their flat faces and pushed-in noses.

Here is a list of other breeds that snore more than others:

Allergies

Allergies don’t necessarily cause snoring in pugs. Most dog allergies come out as skin problems or excessive sneezing and coughing. But if your dog already snores, their allergy can make it worse.

Your dog can get allergic to many things: pollens, dirt, dust, and certain foods. But you have to be more careful about passive smoking. Your dog gets affected by it as well and can get respiratory problems.

If your dog has allergies, visit the vet immediately to know the best treatment. Then, ensure your place is as clean as possible. If you smoke, do it outside even when your pug doesn’t snore.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common health issues surrounding pugs. They can easily gain weight, especially when they lack exercise. Overfeeding and free-feeding also contribute greatly to your dog’s weight gain.

The extra pounds don’t just make it harder for your dog to move. It also makes breathing harder. The nasal passages block your pug’s airway due to the extra weight. This causes snoring.

In fact, obesity is actually the most common cause of snoring in dogs.

If your dog begins putting on more weight and snoring, limit their food intake. You might have to change their feeding plan or start implementing one. Visit the vet so you can get suggestions on the best plan.

Most of all, start giving your dog a few extra rounds of exercise. Don’t overexert them by doing it all in one round. You can walk them at least 30 minutes in the morning and in the afternoon.

Sleeping Position

Another common cause why pugs snore is their sleeping position. Some positions make it harder for air to go through the passageway. Dogs that sleep on their backs are more likely to snore.

If your dog suddenly snores in a certain position, try changing it. Roll them over or let them sleep on their side. If doing this eliminates the problem, their sleeping position is wrong.

When Should You Worry?

For some dogs like the pug, snoring is pretty common. Most of the time, you don’t have to worry about it. If they only snore at night and they’re pretty much energetic, they’re fine.

You can even enjoy these moments if you can. But after a long day, when you already want to rest, you may find resting is no easy feat. These dogs can snore as loudly as humans, so they’re not for light sleepers.

But when should you start worrying about your dog?

Start getting suspicious when they started snoring out of nowhere. They’ve been sleeping in the same position. They’re neither gaining weight nor contracting allergies or cold.

Bring them to the vet as soon as possible as something may be lodged in your dog’s nose. It may also be a sign of more serious health conditions.

The sooner you bring your pug, the better.

About the author

Sarah Andrews

Hi I'm Sarah, dog lover and blogger. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community.