One of the first things that you’ll learn as a Pug owner is that they’re noisy. Whether it’s snoring, sniffling, snorting, or snuffling, these little rascals will definitely make their presence known in your household!
There are times, however, when a Pug’s snoring can be indicative of deeper health issues. There are also times when even normal snoring can become so loud that it’s keeping you awake at night.
How can you stop a Pug snoring? When do you need to take them in for a vet visit? Consider this your guide to the nightly nose opera of your Pug.
Is it normal for Pugs to snore?
It’s completely normal for Pugs to snore. In fact, it’s normal for all dogs to snore. Just like humans, it’s something that can affect any individual at any time, though the likelihood of snoring increases with things like age, weight, genetics, allergies, and certain sleeping positions.
There are times when a Pug’s snoring might be linked to underlying health issues. Here are a few symptoms to watch out for:
- Sudden snoring out of nowhere
- Snoring that abruptly or drastically increases in intensity
- Wheezing or choking
- Heavy panting
- Problems breathing while both awake and asleep
Why do Pugs snore so much?
Pugs are a brachycephalic breed. This means that they have short, broad skulls with smaller airways compared to other dogs. It’s the reason for their heavy breathing as well as their general habits of snorting and snuffling.
Other causes of snoring can vary. For example, Pugs tend to be on the chunkier side, and obesity can put pressure on the sinuses and cause wheezing noises as oxygen is pushed around the compressed space. Sleeping on the back can also worsen snoring since it allows the throat muscles to relax and unintentionally block the airway.
Other reasons for Pug snoring can range from diet and medication to the weird stuff that they sniffed during your nightly walk. Since their nasal passages are so small, even a single blade of grass can cause an obstruction!
Should I be worried about my Pug’s snoring?
Snoring isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. Just like your spouse might sound like a train at night even though they’re perfectly fine, your Pug might be sawing logs with no underlying health problems.
If you do suspect a medical issue, however, it’s important to get it checked. Pugs are genetically prone to respiratory issues such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), and snoring can be a symptom of breathing issues that persist even when they’re asleep.
Additionally, snoring can be a symptom of other conditions like stenotic nares (pinched nostrils) and hypoplastic trachea (growth abnormalities in the windpipe). If you notice any other medical issues cropping up at the same time as the snoring, they might have a single underlying cause, and it might be time to take your pup to the vet.
All things considered, if your Pug’s nighttime noises are starting to worry you, it’s best to trust your instincts as a dog owner and make sure that there isn’t something deeper going on. It’s definitely better to be safe than sorry.
Why has my Pug suddenly started snoring?
Sudden snoring can be benign. For example, your Pug might just be getting older, or they might have discovered that they love sleeping on their back in their soft new doggy bed.
Sudden snoring can also be a sign of something wrong. It could be an obstruction in their airway, a reaction to a new environmental allergen, a symptom of a genetic respiratory disorder, or even a side effect of unintentional weight gain!
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if your Pug’s snoring seems normal or an indication of something more serious.
How do I stop my Pug snoring?
If you’ve had to kick your Pug out of bed because of their wheezing or snuffling, take heart! There are several things to try to stop a Pug snoring.
- Buy a round dog bed. This encourages dogs to curl up for sleep, which can take pressure off their esophagus and allow oxygen to move more freely through their airways.
- Give them pillows and blankets. They might resist the change of a comfy sleeping position, but if you give them lots of soft things to snuggle with, they’ll naturally move around in the night.
- Keep them cool. An overheated Pug is one that’s prone to panting and snoring. Consider putting an oscillating fan in the room with their bed or kennel.
- Keep them active. It’ll help with weight management while also encouraging deeper, more restful sleep after they’ve expended energy.
- Clean their face. Make a habit of wiping down their face folds and wrinkles. It can help to prevent bacterial infections while also giving you a chance to surreptitiously check for nose or mouth obstructions.
Another option is nose or soft palate surgery. These procedures widen the airways so that your Pug doesn’t have to snuffle as much during the day or night. Surgery can be costly, however, and it isn’t without risks, so you might want to try home remedies before more drastic methods.
Raising a Happy, Healthy Pug
Pug snoring is a common issue with the breed, and as you can see, it’s a complex topic with a lot of different factors involved. There’s no “one size fits all” advice that you can follow. Instead, think about your individual Pug and their health, habits, lifestyle, and sleeping patterns, and make decisions from there. Good luck!
