Have you ever been kept up by your partner’s snoring and no matter how hard you try you just can’t get yourself to fall asleep? What if it’s your dog that’s doing the loud snoring? As a longtime dog owner, I can assure you I’ve heard my fair share of loud snoring from time to time.
If you’ve been experiencing something similar and your pooch sounds like a rumbling freight train when he falls asleep, it might be time to ask yourself the question, “Does my dog have sleep apnea?”
Bully Beds | Orthopedic dog beds for a better sleep & a better life
Sleep Apnea in Dogs
You may be surprised to learn that dogs, like humans, can suffer from sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. While snoring is sometimes just innocuous nighttime noise, it can also be a warning sign for an underlying problem. Obstructive sleep apnea can be pretty serious for your pooch. The most severe cases can result in death, but even a mild instance can disrupt your dog's sleep.
Symptoms include:
- Loud and frequent snoring
- Gasping or choking while sleeping
- Sleeping during the day
- Tiredness
- Irritability
Common causes of sleep apnea in dogs include allergies, being overweight, and obstructions in the dog's airway and nasal passages that can cause them to stop breathing. If your dog is overweight, please consider feeding a food for older dogs for the sake of his long-term health!
Achoo! Allergies and Apneas
If your dog suffers from allergies, whether seasonal, caused by foods, or due to toxins in his environment, his allergies could inflame his airways to the point of blocking them off.
A visit to his veterinarian is important because your vet can diagnose his problem and either prescribe a hypoallergenic diet or give him a prescription that will help his condition. Sometimes anti-inflammatory medications can be given.
Also, essential oil based respiratory blends may be diffused in the dog’s sleep area. Consult a certified Aromatherapist or Holistic Veterinarian to acquire safe administration.
Pudgy Pooches
Dogs suffering from sleep apnea are often overweight and need to shed a few pounds. Your veterinarian can provide the right type of food so that your dog can be fed normally and still lose some weight.
Also, exercise is important, so make sure to get out for your daily walk! Just like humans, dogs need proper food and regular exercise for optimal health. A “couch” potato is NOT just a ‘spoiled dog’…it is a health issue waiting to appear! Feeding a species appropriate, high quality kibble, designed for weight loss is recommended.
Nose Goes
Sometimes you can predict your dog's sleep apnea risk just by looking at him!
You see, some dog breeds with short noses (the fancy term for it is brachycephalic), like bulldogs and pugs, can suffer from complications due to obstructed airways. In this case, your veterinarian may need to perform surgery so that your pup can get more than a cat nap. And he'll be happy to breathe easier.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you like to take a more holistic approach to assisting your dog in breathing easier, consult a pet Aromatherapist or Holistic Pet Professional for therapeutic, essential oil based respiratory blends such as these:
www.essentialoils4pets.com (use promo code : BullyBeds)
You may also want to consider a “calming blend” of essential oils to assist your dog in falling asleep faster, and staying asleep. This will also help YOU get a better nights sleep as well!
Here is a video link to see what sleep apnea looks like in a dog:
Another way to help solve your dog's sleep apnea is to give them adequate exercise and try out some positional therapy -- provide them with a more comfortable sleeping environment.
Proper support while sleeping is imperative for your pet. And that's why we recommend checking out our variety of orthopedic dog beds that help your dog get a better sleep and live a better life.
Conclusion
Dog sleep apnea can lead to allergies, being overweight, and could have your pup stop breathing in his sleep. But with the right treatment options, you can feel good about your pet’s good night sleep.
One of the best ways to help solve your dog's sleep apnea today is to ensure they're getting a proper amount of exercise and provide them with a more comfortable sleeping environment.
Bully Beds can help eliminate your pup's loud snoring and help him get the sleep he deserves through the comfort and support of our high-quality orthopedic materials.
So don't wait any longer, the road ahead to a better night's sleep -- for you AND your dog -- starts today!
