Not all dogs snore, but approximately 20% of dogs do. This is most common with breeds who have short snouts, such as the Pug dog. However, a dog of any breed may indeed snore at night.
When a dog snores, this usually means that there is a small obstruction in the nasal passage, or throat of the dog which is vibrating as he or she sleeps.
Allergies can cause a dog to snore. Just about 22% of all dogs have some type of allergy. These can range from an flea allergy to a dog food allergy. Allergies can be internal or external. We suggest reading our Allergy Section.
Overweight dogs do tend to snore more often than dogs of appropriate weight. Therefore, if your Yorkie is overweight, you will want to address that issue first, as it may remedy the problem.
Is Snoring a Bad Thing?
The snoring may be keeping your awake
and it also may be interfering with the deep sleep that your dog
needs. Just like humans, canines enter a deep sleep, known as REM
sleep. This is vital to maintaining good motor and mind skills during
the day. If you notice that your Yorkie is moody during the day or
wakes up quite a bit at night you may want to make some changes.
Treatment for Severe Dog Snoring
Prolonged and severe snoring may be a sign of a more serious health issue. Therefore, if your Yorkie snores the majority of the time and that snoring is very loud, it is highly recommended to bring your dog to the veterinarian. The vet will check for any blockage or other medical issues that can cause this. Treatment can vary from allergy medication to surgery to remove excess tissue that may have grown in the dog's nasal passages or throat.
Preventive Treatment for Slight Dog Snoring
Sometimes, a simple change such as a new dog bed can stop a dog from snoring. Your Yorkie may snore simply because of the position in which the dog sleeps. Offering a new dog bed, shaped differently than the previous one, can eliminate the problem. You may also first try adding a baby blanket to the dog bed to try and change the position in which your dog lays down their head and neck.
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