Pugs love sleeping with their owners, but before you decide if you want to snuggle up with this small dog, you need to understand that they are loud sleepers. If you’ve ever thought my dog snores so loud, you’re not alone.
Why do Pugs snore? Well, it’s due to them being a brachycephalic dog breed, which makes it difficult for them to breathe normally through their small nostrils and flat faces.
It’s not uncommon for dogs to snore, but Pugs snore extremely loud that it can keep you up all night.
I tried to let Mindy my black Pug sleep with me, but I eventually, had to get her a comfy bed of her own so she would stay out of our bed.
The Pug snoring problem is real and if you’re thinking about getting one, you need to know about it, as well as what causes it.
Why Do Pugs Snore So Loud?
As I mentioned above, it’s not uncommon to hear your Pug snoring very loudly.
Just like humans, your Pug will snore loudly at night when the air movement becomes restricted in the throat and passageways.
In fact, snoring is extremely common in both humans and dogs. Snoring is nothing more than vibrations of the respiratory system.
All dogs snore on occasion, and it’s completely normal.
Brachycephalic dogs such as the Pug tend to snore more often and more loudly due to how they were bred.
If your Pug is snoring extremely loud or gasping for air in their sleep, there’s nothing cute about that.
What Causes Snoring?
As I mentioned, snoring occurs when the soft palatte relaxes during sleep.
However, there are other reasons that are causing your dog’s snoring problem such as:
- Sleeping Positions
- Obstructions
- Genetics
- Allergies
- Age
- Colds
- Medications
- Obesity
Note: All dogs snore occasionally, however, brachycephalic dog breeds such as the Pug are prone to snoring more loudly and more often. There are several reasons a Pug can’t breathe and every pet parent should know how to help a Pug breathe better.
Now let’s take a closer look at what causes this small breed to snore so loudly!
Sleeping Positions
Another common issue that can cause loud snoring is the position your Pug sleeps in. If your dog loves sleeping on their back, there’s a good chance they are more likely to snore than any other position.
Sleeping on the back makes it harder for air to flow freely through their airways. It also causes their flesh on the back of their throat to relax and block the airway.
If Fido is snoring too loud, you can try switching up their sleeping position to help the airflow more smoothly.
Check out these Pug dog beds that may help both you and your dog get better sleep at night.
Obstructions
An obstruction in their nasal passage can occur from them sniffing objects while playing outside or inside.
If something gets stuck in their nose or throat such as stones, grass, leaves, sticks, or small toys, and etc.
Those small objects can create nasal obstructions that can lead to snoring.
If the loud snoring is due to an obstruction, the snoring will usually stop when the obstruction is cleared.
Genetics
Due to their brachycephalic nature, these dogs are more prone to snoring due to genetic predispositions.
Their short snout and shallow faces are a part of their genetic disposition which makes them prone to snoring and other breathing problems.
Related: Why Do Pugs Have Smashed Faces?
Allergies
While being allergic to pollen, grass, dirt, dust, certain foods, and other things won’t necessarily cause snoring in Pugs. Most dogs with allergies usually develop skin problems or excessive sneezing and coughing.
However, if your dog is already having breathing issues, the allergies can make breathing more difficult at night.
If your pooch suffers from allergies, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to find out the best treatment. This alone will help your pooch and you sleep more soundly at night.
Age
As your Pug ages, it’s not uncommon for them to start snoring more than when they were a puppy. In fact, most puppies won’t snore. If they do, it’s a very soft adorable snore.
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do about an aging dog snoring. Just make sure that you have a nice comfortable dog bed to provide them great support at night.
As Mindy my black Pug dog got older, she started snoring. In fact, here’s a video of my snoring Pug below.
Colds
If your pooch has a cold or doesn’t feel good, they’ll snore louder than usual. Something like a cold can make it more difficult for your pooch to breath during the night, which in turn makes the dog snore while sleeping.
As soon as the cold goes away, Fido should go back to their normal sleeping routine. Meaning if they snored before, it won’t be as loud as when they were sick.
Medications
Medications such as; antihistamines or muscle relaxers can make your Pug snore louder than usual.
This is usually just temporary and the snoring will stop or become normal as soon as your dog isn’t taking any medications.
Obesity
Just like in humans, being overweight or out of shape can cause your Pug to snore. The excess weight around your Pug’s neck or throat can cause them to snore.
If your Pug is struggling with weight, it’s best to put them on some weight management dog food for Pugs. Limit their food intake or change up their feeding schedule.
You can even start exercising them more to help them lose weight. Don’t overdo it, especially, if your Pug isn’t used to exercising.
Start off by taking them on a 30-minute walk in the early morning or evening. As soon as your Pug’s energy level improves, you can try adding on more minutes to their walk.
The most important thing to remember is to start out slow!
Do All Pugs Snore?
Yes, this brachycephalic dog has a short skull with a short muzzle, which makes it hard for them to get sufficient air to breathe at night or in the heat.
There’s nothing to worry about unless you start noticing the problem becoming worse or you start hearing a raspy, wheezing or vibrating sounds.
If your Pug is struggling to breathe, then it’s time to contact your vet. They will be able to run diagnostic tests to find out what’s causing the abnormal breathing.
10 Dog Breeds That Snore More Than Other Dogs
As I mentioned most dogs snore, but the brachycephalic breed is prone to snoring problems.
Here’s a list of other breeds that snore more than other canines:
- Bulldog
- French Bulldog
- Black Russian Terrier
- Pekingese
- Clumber Spaniel
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Boston Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Boxers
- Chow Chows
Snoring In Dogs What’s Normal?
Okay, now that you know it’s totally normal for this small breed to snore. If your pooch snores at night and they are not overweight or any of the other reasons I explained above, there’s nothing to worry about.
Let’s look at what’s not normal and when you should seek medical attention.
If your pooch just suddenly started snoring out of nowhere, and nothing has changed in their health or sleeping position.
You will want to contact your vet as soon as possible. They will be able to tell you what triggered the unexpected snoring problem and if there’s an underlying medical problem.
How Do I Stop My Pug From Snoring?
This breed is predisposed to snoring and unfortunately, there’s not anything you can do to stop the problem.
Before you try any of these tips, make sure you understand what’s causing the snoring problem. If your Pug is snoring due to medical, medications, or allergies, these tips won’t necessarily solve the issue.
Unfortunately, nothing will help stop the snoring to stop, however, these tips can help you reduce the snoring problem or the loudness so you can get some better sleep.
Use a pillow: Position your Pug’s head so it elevates their head about four inches from the rest of their body. This opens up the airway by moving the tongue and jaw forward.
Keep the bedroom air moist: Dry air is known to irritate the membranes in your dog’s throat and nose, which can cause the snoring problem or make it worse. Using a humidifier or a fan can help keep your pooch comfortable at night and lessen the sound.
Don’t smoke inside: Second-hand smoke affects everyone, not only your dog.
Prevent obesity: This is one of the leading causes of snoring in both humans and dogs. If your pooch is carrying around excess weight, then it’s time to put them on a diet and increase their activity level.
Consult with your veterinarian to help determine your dog’s ideal weight and discuss the best new diet for your pooch. Start implementing a daily exercise routine that can help your dog lose weight.
Clean the air: If your pooch has allergies, make sure that you clean their bedding on a regular basis. When they come back indoors after being outside, they are bringing in allergens from outside which can trigger their snoring or make it worse.
Use a round bed: This can help your dog sleep in a more comfortable position such as curled up on their side, instead of their back. As soon as we changed up Mindy’s my black Pug’s square bed to a circular one, she no longer slept on her back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Normal For Pugs To Snore? Yes, it is completely for Pugs to snore. These dogs snore at night while sleeping, and it’s not unusual to hear a Pug snoring while awake.
Final Word On Pug Snoring Issues
If you’ve tried everything above and nothing seems to help your pooch, you may want to consult with your veterinarian.
Some vets will perform a small nasal surgery that is very common in this breed of dogs. Of course, make sure that it’s a necessary procedure.
Remember, snoring is a common problem with this breed and usually, surgery is not necessary.
References and Further Reading
PetMD – Does Your Dog Have A Snoring Problem?
VetStreet – Dog Breeds Most Likely To Snore
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare – Genetic Welfare Problems Of Companion Animals