What To Know About Dogs and Sleep Apnea
Posted on December 23, 2020 by paigepesko
If you own a pup, you may have struggled with hearing their snores while they sleep. Granted, some snoring is normal; you probably do it yourself. However, excessive snoring is a sign of sleep apnea. This article describes what to know about dogs and sleep apnea if you’re worried your pet may be suffering from this condition. After all, even canines deserve a good night’s rest.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that stops or slows your breath while sleeping. You probably didn’t realize that, like humans, dogs can suffer from this disorder. Brachycephalic dogs (ones with short snouts) are more likely to develop sleep apnea because of their physical nose structure. But that doesn’t mean that other breeds can’t develop this condition. All owners should watch for signs like:
- Excessive snoring
- Exhaustion
- Gasping while sleeping
What Can You Do?
Luckily, sleep apnea doesn’t have to be permanent. In fact, there are some simple things you can do to make your pet’s life easier. For starters, try to help them lose a little weight. Pooches with a few extra pounds are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, so losing some weight may make symptoms less apparent. Also, you should consider different sleeping positions. Consider buying them a luxurious, indestructible dog bed so they can get some shut-eye.
Sure, the holidays may be almost over. However, it’s never too late to spoil your four-legged family member, especially if it means improving their health. Luckily, this piece has described what to know about dogs and sleep apnea. The condition can cause serious issues if you don’t take action. Schedule an appointment with the vet and get them a dog bed that helps them sleep. Gorilla Dog Beds has everything you need to ensure your pup gets the proper rest.