Pet Prattle and Products

We all know that it is not unusual for pet owners to permit their pets to sleep with them at night. In fact, one third of pet owners have at some point, permitted their pets to sleep on their beds. Dogs provide a special kind of companionship that can’t be given by any other kind of animal. However, this doesn’t mean to say that some people do not let their cats or other pets sleep with them, too.

It is facilitated by dogs having a sleep pattern which is rather similar to our own. Dogs often have complete trust in their owners, which makes them a lot more relaxed during the night. This goes a long way to explaining why most dogs fall asleep easily and even go into a deep sleep where REM sleep activities can occur. In fact, once a dog enters this phase, the owner often needs to call them several times before they can be woken up completely.

I’m sure many of us have already seen a dog paddling during sleep and, at times, barking with his eyes closed too. These dogs are said to be dreaming. Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs while they are asleep. For instance, there are breeds which breathe heavily and there are breeds which breathe more lightly. The heavy breathers are much more likely to snore than those which do not breathe as heavily.

Some people find that dogs that snore are quite a nuisance during the night, depending on the degree and frequency of the phenomenon. Like with humans, there are various reasons why dogs snore, although most have to do with the obstruction of the passage of air in the throat, which in turn is caused by the collapse of certain areas along the throat. It is the same problem as with human beings.

A dog that snores very badly should be checked for various issues to evaluate which treatment can be best applied. Some dogs are especially prone to specific allergic reactions that cause obstruction in the windpipe. It may also be that there is some excess tissue in the areas that are preventing correct breathing. It is best if a veterinarian checks on different factors through careful evaluation of the dog’s anatomical features and general physical symptoms.

Is your dog overweight? I ask this because, like with humans, obese dogs are more likely to snore than thin ones. This is because they have more flesh surrounding their throats. Therefore, they have excess fat hanging around the throat which can potentially cause obstructions. Once this problem is corrected, the risk of snoring will be decreased. This would not only be healthy for your dogs, you may eventually enjoy a decent night’s sleep, too.

The general facial features of the dog affect the amount of snoring. Some dogs seem to have pushed-in faces which narrows their air passages to a certain degree. The construction of their nasal passage largely contributes to their difficulty in breathing. They are pretty much like humans with a cold, who are forced to breathe using only twenty-five percent of their nostril capacity. Dog breeds with shorter faces need to expend lots of effort to breathe properly. It takes them more effort to breathe and they are also more prone to snoring.

Minor surgery can afford your dog great relief. However, be certain that before you make any decision, you are well informed about the potential risks and consequences of surgery to stop your dog snoring. Most procedures are irreversible, so careful thought must be given to any operation you allow. In fact, it is best to follow the guidelines offered by your veterinary surgeon.