Chihuahuas are deep sleepers, so it won’t likely take long for you to discover their little snores. Although these might be cute at first, you may be wondering, is it normal or not? So, why does my chihuahua snore? Snoring is common in these tiny dogs, thanks to their short muzzles. But there are other possible reasons as well. Why it happens and how to treat it are discussed below.
10 Reasons Why Your Chihuahua Might Snore
1. There’s an obstruction in their breathing.
If your chihuahuas get something stuck on their nose or throat, it can block their regular respiration, resulting in snoring. These can include small toy parts or leftover kibble. So if you notice your furry companion beginning to snore more after playing or eating, check their mouths first!
Doing so makes them breathe easier and prevents snoring in the future.
2. Your chi has a unique anatomy.
Certain dog breeds are more prone to snoring than others. Dogs with an incredibly short nose or small nuzzle are especially vulnerable to this, including chihuahuas! They’re susceptible to developing respiratory issues because their smaller snouts will need to work harder to let them breathe at night.
If you think your chihuahua is suffering due to this, I recommend visiting their vet to see if your dog needs medical or surgical intervention.
3. The medicine your pup is taking.
Some medications for dogs, such as painkillers, tranquilizers, and muscle relaxants, can cause your chihuahua to snore. That’s because these can relax your pup so much that the muscles inside their throat will begin to loosen up, resulting in more snoring.
4. They may have allergies or sensitivities.
Dogs, especially smaller breeds like a chihuahua, tend to develop allergies and sensitivities due to their tiny stature. These include dirt, fragrance, pollen, and dust, which can trigger snoring by obstructing your pet’s airways.
The worse the constriction, the louder your chi’s snores will be. For severe snoring cases, consult with your dog’s vet.
5. Your chihuahua might be obese.
More than 25% to 35% of dogs are overweight or obese, a more common issue in smaller breeds like chihuahuas. That’s because these tiny dogs like to chow down more food than their bodies can handle, leading to weight gain.
6. Your chihuahua may have dental problems.
Abscesses or any mass growth inside your dog’s mouth is one of the common reasons why they snore. The infection may spread throughout your pup’s body when you leave this untreated, causing far more severe problems.
So if you notice your chihuahua is snoring louder than usual, contact your vet immediately.
It’s also worth noting that this issue can also occur in your dog’s sinuses. That’s why if you notice unusual breathing, seek help!
7. They might be suffering from a fungal disease.
Aspergillosis is a common fungal disease in dogs, especially in chihuahuas. This medical condition won’t only cause your dog to have difficulty breathing but also let them snore in their sleep. It’s usually triggered by mildew, which your pup can pick up on grass, straw, hay, and dirt.
This fungus can enter through your chi’s nose’s damp lining, causing symptoms such as sneezing, inflammation, and snoring.
8. Your chi might be suffering from rhinitis.
Dogs can also get a cold, similar to us humans. This can irritate your pet’s mucus membranes, resulting in a stuffy nose. If this is the case, your chihuahua may exhibit symptoms like sneezing, labored respiration, and snoring.
9. From your smoking.
If you smoke often, this may affect your dog’s health. Many people overlook their bad habits as a factor in their pet’s life.
However, just like humans, secondhand smoke can damage your chi’s respiratory system over time. When it gets bad enough, this can result in bronchitis and snoring.
So if you’re looking for a reason to quit, this might be the time!
10. Your chi is sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
Just the way your chihuahua likes to sleep can result in snoring. Although this is different for each dog, most pups that lay on their backs are likely to snore more than those who don’t. If you want to prevent snoring, let your chis curl up or sleep on their stomachs.
Why Does My Chihuahua Snore? How Can I Stop Them?
Chihuahuas snore due to several reasons, which range from weight problems to poor sleeping positions. Luckily, as there are multiple causes, there are numerous remedies for it as well! But, it’s worth noting that your chi can’t help snoring! That’s because they are a brachycephalic breed and how they’ve been bred affects their health.
Plus, your chihuahuas will snore more than most dog breeds due to their more petite body, nuzzle, and nose. And if you think their snoring is terrible now, it gets worse when your pup gets older! With old age comes more snores as their airway muscles weaken, leading to louder and more regular snores.
There’s a surgical solution for this, called stenotic nares surgery. It will prevent snoring by opening up your chihuahua’s nostrils more, making it easier to breathe. However, this isn’t ideal unless your vet recommends it.
So, you may want to look at the all-natural and non-surgical snoring remedies I listed first. Check them out below!
Best Remedies to Stop Your Chihuahua From Snoring
💤 Help them sleep properly.
One of the most efficient remedies to help your chi stop snoring is by letting them sleep comfortably. When chihuahuas sleep at a certain angle, they can restrict their airways. You can easily prevent this by having your pup propped against a pillow with their head raised.
For more efficient results, consider getting your chi a bed with raised sides. It gives your dogs their little personal areas where they can sleep comfortably in – and snore-free! Aside from having your chihuahua’s head propped on pillows, it’s advisable to let them sleep curled up. This gesture takes the pressure off their esophagus, preventing snoring.
To get the most out of these beds, make sure to keep the bed linens clean and dust-free. Doing so removes potential allergens that might also be contributing to your dog’s snoring issues.
💨 Keep the air around them fresh and circulating.
If you leave your chi in a hot and stuffy room to rest in, expect them to snore. The environment can block your pup’s nasal passages, causing snoring. To avoid this, you need to ensure there’s fresh air circulating in the room.
To make this more effective, you can increase air moisture around the room. Using a small humidifier can help moisten up the air enough to prevent it from irritating your pup’s throat and nose.
Finally, if you smoke, don’t do it around your chihuahua, as it can lead to respiratory issues, including snoring. Never expose your chi to second-hand smoke as it increases phlegm in their throats. With this, it constricts your chi’s airways more, leading to snoring – and more severe medical conditions.
💪 Help your chi stay in shape.
Extra weight can lead to severe snoring issues in chihuahuas as it puts additional pressure on their pharynx and soft palates. So if your chi is starting to look a bit chubby, it’s time to put them on a diet!
Just getting your pup’s weight down to a healthier level with dieting and exercise can help resolve the snoring issue. An easy way to do this is by keeping them active. Chihuahuas don’t need a lot, and a couple of short walks a day should suffice.
💊 Check if it’s a side effect of your dog’s medication.
If your dog takes medications, then these may be the root cause of the snoring issue. Some medicines for dogs, like antihistamines or painkillers, contain elements that can relax your dog’s muscles too much. When this happens, your pup’s throat muscles will begin to loosen up, causing excess snoring.
👃 Check for airway blockages.
If you notice your chi has begun snoring more often, check their throat or nose for any blockages. That’s because something as simple as grass clippings in their throat or nose can lead to excess snoring. And when you leave this untreated, your dog may develop more severe health conditions along the way.
👄 Check for signs of infection in their mouth.
An infection in the mouth can block how your chihuahua breathes. They develop allergies, colds, or infections in their airways. When you pair these with a stuffy nose and constant sneezing, this can result in excess snoring at night.
Aside from this, make sure to check your pup’s teeth for any abscesses. After all, dental issues may also cause excess snoring. Decay and mass growth in your dog’s gums or teeth can black airflow, leading to breathing issues, including snoring.
So to avoid all of these, regularly look at your chihuahua’s teeth, gums, and overall mouth.
👨⚕️ Consult with your vet.
If your chi still has snoring issues even after following the remedies above, it’s time to visit the vet. They can help by determining the exact cause of your chi’s snoring, making it easier to treat. If you believe your dog has health issues causing excess snoring, don’t take any chances and book an appointment with your vet immediately.
🏥 Consider surgery.
As a last resort, you need to consider having your chihuahua undergo surgery. Vets usually recommend this when the dog’s nostrils and airways become overly constricted that it’s degrading their health and quality of life. When your chi experiences frequent episodes of breathing difficulties, it’s time for surgery.
Although this will be hard on your chi short-term, it’s a great permanent solution. Surgery can help your dog breathe and live better in the long term. The success rate of stenotic nares surgery is high, so you don’t need to worry about your chi’s safety.
Just make sure you leave the job to a reliable professional!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is snoring common in chihuahuas?
A: Snoring is very common in smaller dog breeds like chihuahuas, thanks to their short nose and muzzle. Plus, they’re a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short heads, and this can make it harder for them to breathe. However, there are other more profound reasons behind their snoring, so pay attention to your chi!
Q: Should I be concerned if my chihuahua begins to snore?
A: Call your vet if your chihuahua begins to snore randomly and you notice it becoming more frequent. Talk to your dog’s vet about what may be the possible cause of your chi’s sudden snoring. It might be that your dog only snores when sleeping in certain positions, where your vet may suggest gently moving your dog if they sleep this way.
Q: If my chihuahua has a collapsed trachea and is causing them to snore, how can I help?
A: If you suspect your chihuahua is suffering from tracheal collapse, bring them to the vet immediately! Fortunately, you can treat it with medications and preventive care, including weight loss, by choosing appropriate dog food and exercise. Tracheal collapse happens more often to smaller dog breeds because these pups have different genetics than regular dogs.
Q: Is it a good idea to have my chihuahua sleep with me if they snore?
A: Having your snoring chihuahua sleep beside you won’t affect their health at all. But it can disrupt your sleep! If you plan to let your pup sleep beside you, ensure both of you are healthy. That’s because if your chi is snoring due to allergies or other medical issues, it may affect your health as well.
Final Words
Why does my chihuahua snore? There are many reasons why your little chi might be snoring at night, and it drastically ranges from sleeping in an unideal position to more severe causes like obesity. Regardless of the reason, there are plenty of remedies you can try to help your chihuahua sleep more comfortably and snore-free.
Got any suggestions? Leave your comments below!
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
