Being a dog parent is the best feeling in the world, isn’t it? But if anything goes wrong with our dogs, it could cause a lot of trouble for us. So, as a responsible pet parent, it is always important to pay attention to every small thing when it comes to your fur babies. And if you are wondering why your dog sounds congested while sleeping, this article is for you.
If your dog has started making a strange noise in sleep or sounding congested, this could be alarming. Does this mean that it is not normal? And the answer is NO, it is entirely normal, and it happens to almost every dog at some point. And there can be multiple reasons for your dog to sound congested. But if it is happening for a long time, it could be dangerous. So it gets imperative to know the reason for this congestion.
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Why Your Dog Sounds Congested While Sleeping
Following are some of the most common reasons for the congestion
1. Your dog must be sleeping in the wrong positions- Dogs have this habit of sleeping in odd and weird positions. When your dog lies down with its head or neck in a strange position, it can partially block the breathing airways resulting in the congestion sound. So if you only hear this sound when your dog is sleeping in these weird positions, there is nothing to worry about.
But if you hear these sounds even when your dog is sleeping in a normal position, then there could be another reason, and you must see a vet.
2. Your dog can have allergies- Like humans, dogs also get allergies; one of their symptoms could be congestion. Reasons for these allergies could be environment, food, or medicine, which could be treated once the cause has been known.
3. Your dog can have a cold- This is one of the very common reasons for the dogs to sound congested while sleeping, as dogs also get cold and get difficulty breathing, just like us humans. With congestion, your dog might also have symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, fever, etc. If this is the case, it will go on its own, and your dog will recover within a few days. But if it stays for a long time, you check with your vet if there is any other issue.
4. Your dog might have dental issues- Dental issues can also affect your dog’s breathing in many ways, as the dog’s airway is connected to its mouth. And with this, having a dental problem can cause difficulty in breathing.
Once in a while, you can take your dog for a dental check-up to see if there is some issue.
5. Obesity- Obesity can also be one of the primary reasons for your dog breathing heavily, as being overweight can cause congestion. So it is best not to give any human fats to your dog and monitor their weight regularly. It is also essential to include healthy diets, regular exercise, and frequent walks in your dog’s routine to keep them healthy.
6. Congestion because of medicines- Many medicines have side effects, and congestion can be caused. Also, medicines can make your dog sleep deeper and for an extended period which can also be the reason for heavy breathing. But it is always better to check with the vet as not all dogs get the side effects of these medicines.
7. Because of some nasal obstruction- Dogs keep playing and digging the ground; it is very common for them to get something logged in their nose. You might not even see the obstruction as sometimes it could be really small. But this can cause congested breathing. So if you feel that something is stuck in your dog’s nose, it is always recommended to take them to a vet for a full examination.
8. Some dogs are born with congestion breathing- Some breeds can have noisy breathing. Some breeds like pugs and French bulldogs have an illness called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, where the shape of their skull causes disturbance in their airways, causing congestion. There is nothing much that can be done in this case. Some other breeds that might have similar issues are:
- Pekingese
- Boxer
- Boston Terrier
- Chow Chow
- Shar Pei
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
Home remedies for congestion
Aromatherapy for dogs is a proven method to treat colds in dogs. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, etc., help treat these problems. However, it is always necessary to consult the vet before trying any aromatherapy.
Humidifier- A humidifier can be used to add moisture to the air, helping it clear your dog’s airway.
Herbs- Herbs such as kali bichromicum and elderflower can help your dog with the cold making it easy to breathe. Herbs, when mixed with honey, work even better in the cold.
Good sleep– Sleep, without any doubt, plays an essential part in your dog’s overall health.
Hydration is an essential part of a dog’s health, as dehydration can cause life-threatening problems for your dog.
When to see a vet?
Congestion can be caused due to multiple reasons, and it is not needed to visit a vet every time. Sometimes it can be treated with home remedies as well.
It is also essential to observe your dog for a few days and notice if there are other issues with the congestion. Some mild issues get better within a few days; otherwise, it is essential to visit a vet.
Summary
It is essential to know that clogged breathing or congestion while your dog is napping frequently happens with many dogs. It not something that is to be very alarmed about cause sometimes when the dog changes its sleeping position you might notice a change in it breathing.
Be that as it may, there are different events when your dog can have genuine trouble breathing, and you will quickly know the difference. In such a case, it is essential to take professional help. Timely treatment can save your dog from severe illness.
