Quick Answer: Snoring happens when airflow is partially restricted during sleep — the soft tissues of the throat vibrate. In flat-faced breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus), snoring is normal and expected due to their compressed airway anatomy. In other breeds, occasional snoring is normal. New, sudden, or progressively worsening snoring in a dog who didn't snore before can indicate weight gain, allergies, polyps, or another structural change worth discussing with a vet.
Normal Snoring
- Any flat-faced breed — their anatomy makes snoring nearly universal
- Dogs sleeping on their back — airway position causes occasional snoring
- Seasonal snoring in allergy-prone dogs — nasal congestion from allergens
- Older dogs — some tissue relaxation is normal with age
When To Notice Snoring
- Sudden onset in a breed that hasn't snored before
- Getting louder over time without weight gain explanation
- Accompanied by labored breathing during waking hours
- Sleep apnea episodes — snoring stops, gasping, then restarts
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