healthy homemade dog treats for older dogs

Do Dogs Snore As They Get Older?

You have been a proud parent to a beautiful furry baby for a couple of years now.

Your dog has always slept like a log but just recently, he started snoring in his sleep.

At first, you thought it was just something that was blocking his airway and it would go away but alas, the snoring keeps on persisting!

You are left wondering if the snoring is a result of a health issue that needs medical attention or maybe your dog is just getting old.

But Do Dogs Snore As They Get Older?

The short answer is: Yes, dogs can snore more as they age.

Just like humans, dogs bodies change as they get older and this can lead to an increase in snoring.

There are a couple of explanations as to why this happens.

Lets have a look at them below:

I. Loss Of Muscle Tone In The Throat And Soft Palate.

As your dog ages, his muscles can become weaker, which can lead to the relaxation of tissues in the throat.

This can partially obstruct the airway and cause snoring.

Also, aging will almost always cause wear and tear on a dogs throat muscles and respiratory system, leading to the vibrations that are associated with snoring.

II. Obesity

As dogs age, they may become less active and their metabolism significantly slows down.

The hormone levels will change with age which will also affect their metabolism.

This can lead to weight gain, especially if they do not exercise enough and are fed the same amount of food as they were when they were younger.

The extra weight gained can put more pressure on the airways and this can cause snoring.

III. Sickness

As your dog gets older, he will be prone to some conditions, such as hypothyroidism and Cushings disease.

These conditions can cause a decrease in metabolism and an increase in appetite leading to weight gain.

Certain medications, such as steroids, can also lead to weight gain in older dogs and once your dog gains weight, he could start snoring.

Other Reasons Why Dogs Snore

While it is true that age will most likely make your dog begin to snore, there are still other causes of snoring that you may want to consider.

These include:

A. Blocked Nasal Passage

When the nasal passages are blocked, it can make it more difficult for air to flow freely through the nose and into the lungs.

This can cause the tissues in the throat to vibrate and create the sound of snoring.

There are several reasons why a dogs nasal passages may become blocked.

Some common causes include upper respiratory infections such as colds or sinus infections, allergies, or even anatomical issues such as a deviated septum or a tumor.

B. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes the airway to become partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to a temporary cessation of breathing.

This can cause the dog to snore loudly as they try to breathe.

Obesity is the most common cause of sleep apnea but other causes include abnormalities in the throat or tongue, and certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism.

C. Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen or dust as if it were harmful.

This can cause a range of symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, and nasal congestion.

If a dog has allergies, the nasal passages may become swollen and inflamed.

This can make it more difficult for air to flow freely through the nose and into the lungs.

As a result, the tissues in the throat may vibrate and create the sound of snoring as the dog tries to breathe.

Several types of allergies can affect dogs, including environmental allergies, food allergies, and skin allergies.

Related: Protein Allergy in Dogs: What Every New Dog Parent Must Know

Should I Worry About My Old Dog Snoring?

If your old dog starts snoring, there is probably no reason to worry.

As we have seen, snoring is often associated with aging in most dogs.

That said, you may want to look for some additional tell-tale signs of something wrong.

For instance, if the snoring is accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or lethargy, then there is a chance the dog has an underlying condition such as sleep apnea or some other respiratory problems.

In such a case, it is best to consult a vet.

But if your old dog is snoring but does not have any other symptoms, it may be due to age-related changes in their body, so you really dont need to be worried.

Why Do Older Dogs Snore When Awake?

It is common for dogs to snore in their sleep but if you hear your dog snoring while awake, you may want to have him checked by a vet because there is a good chance your dog has severe loss of muscle tone in the throat, pharynx, larynx, or soft palate.

The vet will examine the dog to localize the problem and thereby recommend a solution.

Additionally, Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, have short noses and narrow airways which can make them more prone to snoring and that may also be a possible explanation for why your dog snores when awake.

Check out this post for a quick overview of dog breeds that are predisposed to snoring: Top 12 Snoring Dog Breeds

How Do You Stop An Old Dog From Snoring?

If your old dog is snoring and it is causing you or your dog discomfort, there are a few things you can try to stop the snoring.

The first thing to do is identify any underlying causes of the snoring and address them.

This may include helping your dog lose weight if they are obese, providing them with muscle-strengthening exercises if their snoring is due to muscle weakness in the throat, or treating any underlying health issues such as allergies or sleep apnea.

You can also try using a humidifier to help alleviate your old dogs snoring.

Dry air can irritate the airways and contribute to snoring.

By using a humidifier, you can help to keep the air moist and reduce irritation in the throat.

Its also important to keep your old dogs sleeping environment clean and free of irritants. This can help to prevent snoring caused by allergies or other respiratory issues.

In addition, you can try positioning your old dog in a more upright position while they sleep. This can help to keep the airway open and reduce snoring.

Parting Thoughts

If your dog has never had a snoring problem and then suddenly starts snoring, you may want to watch them closely to know the reason.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Has my dog gained weight?

• Are there any symptoms of a disease?

Answering these questions will help you know whether it is just normal breathing or if you need to see a vet.

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The seven best healthy dog treats, according to a vet

Does your dog need treats?

Fortunately, many dog treats are nutritious, so dog treats can be part of a balanced diet for your pup. Dog treats are especially helpful when you are training your dog or rewarding them for good behavior. If your dog has food allergies, youll need to pay close attention to treat ingredients, and dogs that are overweight or with certain medical conditions should only follow a veterinarian-recommended diet and may not be allowed to have treats.

Choosing healthy treats for your doggie

When your best friend learns a new trick or behaves really well at the dog park, its tempting to reach for the first treats you can find to praise them. But not all treats are a good reward for good behavior. Unfortunately, some treats may have questionable ingredients or high-calorie counts that can be detrimental to your pups health. To keep your pup healthy and following good nutrition, opt for healthy treats instead.

What to look for in healthy dog treats

If youre ready to start shopping for healthy dog treats for your best friend, there are several things to keep in mind. Take a close look at labels to evaluate the ingredients and calories, but also keep things like size and texture in mind.

Ingredients. One of the most important things to look for in healthy treats is the ingredients list. Stick to treats with an ingredients list of whole, natural foods. Many treats include healthy ingredients like meat, peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables. Our vets also recommend treats with fish or salmon, because omega-3 fatty acids can help with brain and eye development in puppies or boost cognitive function in older dogs.

Brand. Some brands offer higher quality dog treats than others. Our veterinary team trusts brands like Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet/Hills, and Royal Canin. They all avoid cross-contamination between foods and treats during manufacturing.

Calories. Generally, treats should be just that treats! Treats should make up less than 10% of your dogs daily calories, so read the label for the calorie amount per treat and stick to the correct portion sizes.

Texture. You want to choose treats that arent too hard, otherwise, they can pose a choking hazard. Hard treats are difficult for a dog to bite into, so they might only be able to bite them into large pieces, which are hard to swallow. Too-hard treats can also fracture your dogs teeth.

Size. Treats can be a choking hazard if they are too large or too small for your dog. Opt for small treats for puppies or small dogs. Large dogs may enjoy large treats, but also make sure to keep an eye out. Even large dogs can choke on treats that are too big.

Labels. Treats labeled as all-natural can be misleading, as the treats may still be highly processed.

If your dog is overweight or has dietary restrictions, youll need to scrutinize the treat labels very carefully.

Types of dog treats to avoid

There are many popular treats out there that arent good for any dogs. Here are some common treats to stay away from.

Rawhides. Rawhides are inexpensive treats with little nutritional value. Some rawhides are treated with toxins like formaldehyde and bleach. They also pose a huge choking risk as they break down into pieces over time. However, some rawhide-like products, such as Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz, are VOHC-approved and safe for consumption.

Animal bones. Sure, bones are all-natural but they can be covered in pathogens, such as E. Coli and salmonella. Some people may suggest boiling the bones to sanitize them, but this process actually makes the bones brittle and more likely to splinter. This is a choking hazard for dogs, and splinters and sharp pieces can puncture the intestines.

Jerky-type treats. Since 2007, the FDA has received reports of sick pets after consuming jerky pet treats. Learn more about their ongoing investigationTrusted SourceU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Government agency.Go to source and how theyre testing treats to determine why some jerky treats are making pets sick. While these cases are rare, we recommend avoiding jerky-type treats especially with so many other great options on the market.

Treats with additives. We like treats that dont contain lots of additives or artificial colors. Some additives, such as Red#3, used for coloring or preservatives have been linked to cancer in animalsTrusted SourcePubMed CentralArchive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature.Go to source.

Toxic human food. While dogs may love chicken and sweet potatoes as we do, there are many foods that humans eat that are not suitable for dogs. While you treat yourself with chocolate, you cant do the same for your pup, because the chemicals in chocolate can cause seizures and increased heart rates in dogs. Instead, you can give your dog human food treats like some fresh fruits and vegetables (avoid grapes and items with seeds or pits), like watermelon, broccoli, green beans, bananas, or carrots.

Can you make DIY treats at home?

Its easy to make DIY dog treats at home, and you might be surprised to find your mouth watering as the smell of our favorite peanut butter and oatmeal cookies (yes, these really are for your pup!) fills your kitchen. Making treats at home means you can customize the ingredients based on your dogs dietary needs and flavor preferences. Try one of our tried-and-true all-natural pet treat recipes for your best friend.