Why does my Bulldog snore?

Bulldogs are affectionate dogs that love to snuggle up with their family, and many of them love a good snooze. For a lot of Bulldogs, snoozing also means snoring, and it can be loud enough to hear from another room. To understand why, it helps to look at the shape of a Bulldog's head.

Brachycephalic breeds and BOAS

The Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed. A brachycephalic dog is one with a short, flat face. Because the muzzle is so short, the soft tissues of the nose and throat are squeezed into a smaller space.

In many brachycephalic dogs, narrow nostrils and an over-long soft palate partly block the airway. Air has to be pulled through a smaller opening, which makes the soft tissue vibrate, and that is what you hear as snoring.

When these features make breathing difficult, the condition is called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS. It can range from mild to severe. Some dogs need surgery to alleviate their breathing problems, but this is decided case by case by a vet.

Signs of BOAS to watch for

• loud snoring
• noisy breathing when awake, not just when asleep
• struggling in warm weather or overheating easily
• tiring quickly on walks or during play
• difficulty sleeping, or sleeping sitting up
• collapse

If your dog collapses or is struggling to breathe, contact your vet straight away.

Other reasons a Bulldog may snore

Swelling in the airway

Some Bulldogs have laryngeal oedema, which is swelling in the airway around the voice box. This can make breathing in harder and cause loud breathing and snoring. If your Bulldog makes snoring noises all the time, even when awake, ask your vet to check them.

Weight

Extra weight makes breathing harder for any dog, and especially for a brachycephalic dog. Dogs often gain weight more easily as they get older and less active. If you're worried about your dog's weight, speak to your vet about a suitable diet and exercise plan, and make any changes gradually.

A stuffy room

A warm, stuffy room can make breathing harder. Make sure the room your Bulldog sleeps in is well ventilated and doesn't get too hot. If you open a window, check it's safe for other pets and children, and keep your dog's bed out of the draught. A better-ventilated room won't fix an airway problem, though, so don't rely on it if your dog has signs of BOAS.

Is snoring normal in Bulldogs?

Snoring is common in Bulldogs, but it shouldn't be dismissed as cute. Loud snoring, noisy breathing when awake, struggling in warm weather or tiring quickly can be signs of BOAS. Ask your vet to check your dog.