My Dog Sounds Congested When Sleeping - Is Something Wrong?
Reviewed by Rhiannon Koehler, DMV, MPH | Products are chosen at the discretion of the company and do not represent a direct endorsement by the veterinary reviewer.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs may sound congested while sleeping due to their sleeping position, which is harmless.
- Common causes include dental issues, colds/upper respiratory infections, allergies, medication side effects, obesity, breed anatomy, laryngeal paralysis, or secondhand smoke.
- Monitor for worsening symptoms like gasping for air, which may require veterinary attention.
- Home remedies like antihistamines (given with veterinary guidance) or humidifiers can help ease congestion.
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Consult a vet if congestion persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
While your dog is sound asleep, you might be awake worrying if there’s something wrong with their breathing. If they sound congested or are breathing more heavily than they usually would, it can be alarming. There are many reasons your dog may experience congestion, most of which are nothing to worry about.
They may have a cold or have changed into an odd sleeping position. Whatever the case may be, we will go over why your dog may sound congested and when to consult a vet.
What Does It Mean If My Dog Sounds Congested?
Typically, when your dog sounds congested when sleeping, nothing is wrong. However, it may be a sign of something more severe in some cases. If you notice signs of congestion in your dog, keep a close eye on it and note any changes.
For example, if your dog gasps for air in the middle of the night, is breathing rapidly, or their strange sounds worsen, you shouldn’t ignore it. First, let’s rule out some of the most common reasons for congestion in dogs at night.
Common Reasons for Nighttime Congestion in Dogs
Here are the most common reasons dogs are congested at night.
Your Dog’s Sleeping Position
You know how, when your partner sleeps on their back, they always seem to snore all night long? Dogs are like humans in that the way they sleep affects their breathing.
If it seems like your dog only makes strange sounds in their sleep while lying in an unusual position, you more than likely have no reason to be concerned. However, if the noises persist, no matter how they lie, there may be another cause.
Allergies or a Cold
Dogs are more like people than we think and can experience allergies or catch a cold. Our pups go through the same symptoms that an allergic reaction or illness gives us.
While allergies usually cause skin issues in dogs rather than the classic “hay fever” signs that humans experience, it’s possible for allergies to cause respiratory irritation in dogs. If you suspect that your dog has an allergy, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine what they’re reacting to.
Dogs that have colds will have a stuffy nose, causing some congestion. You may notice other symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose. They may even have a fever. If your dog experiences cold or allergy symptoms combined with loud breathing at night, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian. Most upper respiratory infections are viral and will resolve with time, but secondary bacterial infections can develop and may require antibiotics for treatment. For either upper respiratory infections or allergies, the veterinarian can prescribe medications or recommend changes that will help keep your pet more comfortable.
Dental Issues
Poor dental health may cause various issues, including congested sounds. If your pup has an infection, it can affect how they sound in their sleep. Their mouth is connected to their airway, so swelling can affect how their breathing sounds. The roots of their upper teeth are also very close to their nasal cavity, so tooth root infections may cause inflammation within the nose, causing your dog to sound congested. Severe dental disease can also lead to openings between the mouth and nose called oronasal fistulas, which can contribute to snoring sounds.
It may be a good idea to contact your veterinarian if it’s been a while since you’ve taken your dog for a dental exam. Even if it’s not the cause of their congestion, dental issues in dogs can lead to other health problems.
Medication Side Effects
Have you given your dog a new medication recently? If so, check the side effects to see if they include congestion. Some medicines may also make dogs feel drowsier, causing them to have a deeper sleep, which may cause snoring sounds.
Obesity
Obese and overweight dogs are more likely to sound congested or snore. This may be due to increased fat pressing around their airways. Ensure that your dog is within the recommended weight range for their breed. If you are unsure, it’s best to judge your dog’s weight based on their body condition. You’ll also need to ensure that you feed them the proper portions of food and give them the appropriate amount of exercise for their breed and size.
Offer treats sparingly, as the calories can quickly add up. Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. You can also use healthier treats, such as baby carrots, that your pup is sure to love just as much.
Breed
Some dog breeds are more prone to congested breathing than others due to their anatomy. Flat-faced dogs suffer from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) due to their skull shape obstructing their airway.
If you have a dog breed such as a pug or French bulldog, this is normal for their species. If your dog breathes comfortably, there may be nothing you need to do. Some brachycephalic dogs could benefit from specific surgeries, such as widening of the nostril openings (stenotic nares surgery) or removing a portion of their soft palate if it sags into their airway.
Laryngeal Paralysis
Older dogs are more likely to snore or sound congested while they sleep. Some dogs experience degeneration of the long nerves in their body as they age. The nerves that innervate the larynx are some of the longest in the body. If your middle-aged or older dog sounds congested or has odd airway noises, it could signify laryngeal paralysis.
If you notice that the congestion or snoring disturbs your senior dog, talk to your veterinarian to rule out any illnesses.
Secondhand Smoke
We all know that if you smoke a cigarette near another person, it can affect their lungs. Unfortunately, secondhand smoke can also cause irreversible damage to your pup’s lungs. The inflammation the smoke causes to their airways can cause snoring or congestion. If you smoke, always do so outside, away from any people or pets.
Other Reasons
There are other potential causes of snoring and congestion, such as a foreign object stuck in the nose or nasal cancer. Your veterinarian can help rule out these issues if you are concerned.
What Can You Do If Your Dog Is Congested?
If your dog sounds congested, there are several ways you may be able to help them.
Rule Out Potential Causes
First, you’ll want to:
- Consider whether your dog’s breed is the cause of their congestion.
- Ensure they are on a healthy diet with plenty of playtime and exercise. Your veterinarian can help you develop a safe weight loss plan for your pup if they’re overweight.
- Take note of any medications you may have recently given them. Speak with your veterinarian if you are concerned that your dog may be having medication side effects.
- Schedule a dental check-up if it's been a while.
- Pay attention to the time of year your dog snores. If your dog snores more in a specific season every year, they are likely to experience seasonal allergies.
Find the Root Cause of the Congested Sleeping
Once you’ve considered the basics, you can narrow down what the root cause is. If you’re unsure or you suspect it’s something outside your control, your veterinarian can create the right treatment plan for your dog.
Try Home Remedies
If your dog has cold-like symptoms or you suspect seasonal allergies, here are some remedies to help them with congestion:
- Antihistamines can help dogs the same way they help people. Consult your vet to get the proper dosage.
- Use a humidifier at night; some extra humidity may help clear their airways. You can also bring your dog into the bathroom with you while you shower so that they breathe in the steam.
- Clean their bedding, bowls, toys, or anything else they use regularly. This may help to remove some allergens.
Final Thoughts
If your dog only sounds congested when they sleep in specific positions, you usually don’t need to be worried.
However, in some cases, loud nighttime breathing can be indicative of issues. If they exhibit any symptoms or if you’re unsure what’s causing it, your veterinarian can help determine the reason for their congestion and work out a treatment plan if one is needed.