My Dog Sounds Congested When Sleeping (Is it normal?)

DOGS SNORE.

It’s just a fact of life.

But sometimes, it can be a little bit concerning when your dog starts making weird noises in his sleep.

Is it normal if your dog sounds congested when sleeping?

Yes, it’s actually quite normal for dogs to sound congested when they’re sleeping. The most common reason is that your dog has been sleeping in an unusual position, which causes congestion.

If your dog is making noises that sound like he’s congested, it’s probably nothing to worry about.

However, if your dog is having difficulty breathing, or if the noise is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea, then you should take him to the vet right away.

Read our guide to find out when you should be worried by your dog sounding congested in its sleep compared to it just being a simple normal SNORE.

Reasons Why Dogs Sound Congested When Sleeping

When your dog is resting, you may hear them breathing heavily and sounding congested. It might be frightening, especially if it’s the first time you’re hearing your dog make these odd noises.

So, are raspy sounds an indication that something’s wrong with your pet? let’s take a look at the possible reasons;

• Odd Sleeping Position 
• Congestion from seasonal Allergies
• Colds in dogs
• Dental Problems and Congestion
• Medication-Induced Congestion
• Overweight
• Dogs That Develop Congested Breathing at Birth

Dog’s Sleeping Position 

The position your dog sleeps in can cause him to sound congested. If your dog curls up in a ball when sleeping, this could be the reason he sounds like he’s struggling to breathe.

To help your dog breathe easier while asleep, try giving him a pillow or blanket to prop his head up on. This will open up his airway and help him breathe more easily.

If your dog sleeps on his back, this can also cause him to sound congested. When your dog is lying on his back, gravity pulls down on his soft palate and blocks his airway. This can cause snoring or make it difficult for your dog to breathe.

To help your dog breathe more easily in this position, try placing a pillow under his head. This will raise his head and open up his airway.

If your dog sleeps on his stomach, this is the least likely position to cause congestion. However, if your dog’s stomach is bloated or if he has a lot of excess weight around his neck, this can cause him to sound congested.

To help your dog breathe more easily in this position, try placing a pillow under his head and stomach. This will raise his head and chest and help him breathe more easily.

Congestion from Allergies

Dogs are just as susceptible to seasonal allergies as humans are. Many people don’t realise that their dogs can get allergies because they don’t necessarily share the same symptoms.

Dogs with allergies may have a variety of symptoms, including raspy breathing.

If your dog is normally healthy but you’ve noticed that he’s been sounding congested lately and it’s around the time of year when allergies are common, it’s possible that he’s developed a seasonal allergy.

Other signs that your dog may have allergies include itching, scratching, red or irritated skin, hot spots, excessive licking, and hair loss.

If you think your dog may have allergies, the best thing to do is take him to the vet so he can be properly diagnosed and treated.

According to the experts at the ASPCA, allergies are one of the most common reasons dogs sound congested when they sleep.

Colds in Dogs

It’s not just humans that can catch colds; dogs can get them too. The signs of a cold in a dog are similar to those in humans: a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, congestion, and sometimes a fever.

Colds in dogs are usually caused by viruses, just like in humans, and they can be passed from dog to dog.

If your furry friend has a cold, the best thing you can do is take him to the vet so he can be treated. In most cases, colds will go away on their own, but your dog may need medication to help him feel better.

Dental Problems and Congestion

Dental issues are very common in dogs, and it can cause a variety of problems, including raspy breathing.

If your dog has dental concerns, it’s important to have it treated by a vet for a dental check-up so it doesn’t get worse and cause more problems.

Dental issues can be painful for dogs, so it’s important to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

Medication-Induced Congestion

Certain medications can cause congestion in dogs, especially if they are taking them long-term.

Some of the most common offenders are steroids, which are often used to treat allergies and other conditions.

If your dog is taking medication and you’ve noticed that he’s sounding congested, it’s important to talk to your vet about it.

It may be necessary to adjust the dosage or switch to a different medication.

Overweight Dogs

Being overweight can cause a variety of health problems in dogs, including respiratory problems.

If your dog is overweight, it’s important to talk to your vet about the best way to help them lose weight.

In some cases, a change in diet and exercise may be all that’s needed. In other cases, medication may be necessary.

Dogs with respiratory problems may need to be on a special diet to help them lose weight.

Dogs That Develop Congested Breathing at Birth

Some dogs are born with conditions that cause them to sound congested when they breathe.

One of the most common is brachycephalic airway syndrome, which is a condition that affects short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs.

Dogs with this condition have narrow airways, which can make it difficult for them to breathe.

This can cause them to snore or make other noises when they breathe. If your dog has this condition, it’s important to talk to your vet about the best way to manage it.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to help improve your dog’s breathing.

Other Causes of Congested Breathing

There are many other potential causes of congested breathing in dogs, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.

If your dog is sounding congested and you can’t figure out why it’s always best to take him to the vet so he can be examined and properly diagnosed.

This way, you can get started on treatment right away and help your dog feel better.

Read Here: Why do dogs sleep with their tounges out?

What Can I Do If My Dog Sounds Congested?

If your dog is sounding congested, the first thing you should do is take him to the vet so he can be examined.

Only a veterinarian can determine the underlying cause of your dog’s congestion and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

In some cases, congestion may go away on its own, but it’s always best to have your dog checked out by a vet to be safe.

Home Remedies For Dog Nasal Congestion

There are a few things you can do at home to help your dog if he is sounding congested.

Benadryl

Is a safe and effective over-the-counter medication that can help to reduce congestion in dogs.

It’s important to talk to your vet before giving your dog any medication, even over-the-counter ones, to make sure it’s safe for them.

You should also make sure you’re using the correct dosage. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and give your dog a little less than the recommended dosage rather than more.

Humidifier

A humidifier can also help to reduce congestion by adding moisture to the air. This can help to loosen up mucus and make it easier for your dog to breathe.

Just be sure to keep the humidifier clean so it doesn’t make your dog’s congestion worse.

Nasal Drops

There are various nasal drops available that can help to reduce congestion.

These work by lubricating the nose and making it easier for your dog to breathe.

Just be sure to use the drops as directed and never put them directly in your dog’s nose.

Introducing HomeoPet Nose Relief! This natural, homoeopathic remedy is designed to help alleviate congestion, runny nose, and sneezing in dogs, cats, birds, and other pets.

Simply administer the specified dose 3 times per day (or more frequently in acute cases), and watch your furry friend start to feel better!

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat your dog’s congestion.

This is usually only the case if your dog has a congenital condition like brachycephalic syndrome or if he has cancer.

If surgery is recommended, your vet will go over the risks and benefits with you so you can make an informed decision.

Herbs And Honey

Herbs might be an excellent option for treating nasal congestion since they are natural and have a long list of health benefits.

Elderflower and kalibichromicum herbs, for example, have been shown to help with nasal obstruction.

Honey is an excellent natural cure for nasal blockage, and when combined with certain herbs, it can have a powerful impact on your dog’s congestion.

Preventing Dog Nasal Congestion

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting congested in the first place.

First, make sure he is up to date on all of his vaccinations.

This will help to prevent him from getting any respiratory infections that could cause congestion.

Second, try to avoid exposing him to smoke, dust, and other airborne irritants.

If you smoke, do it outside and away from your dog.

And if you live in an area with a lot of pollution, try to take your dog for walks in parks or other green spaces.

Finally, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise.

Exercise helps to keep the respiratory system healthy and prevent congestion.

So, take your dog for a walk or play with him in the back garden every day.

Read Here: Why do dogs get hiccups when sleeping?

Conclusion

If your dog sounds congested when he’s sleeping, it’s important to take him to the vet so he can be examined.

There are many potential causes of congestion, and only a veterinarian can determine the underlying cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

In some cases, home remedies like Benadryl or a humidifier may help to reduce your dog’s congestion.

However, it’s always best to check with your vet before giving any medication to your dog. Hopefully, our guide has helped you better understand what could be causing your dog’s congestion and how to treat it.