Dog Sleep Apnea 

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder for humans that can cause much concern. Many people wonder if dogs can suffer from sleep apnea. The answer is yes! Continue reading to discover some of the causes and symptoms of sleep apnea in dogs and what you can do to help.

Sleep apnea occurs when breathing can repeatedly stop and start for moments, often resulting in the dog waking up gasping for air. Dog sleep apnea is often associated with loud snoring at night and increased drowsiness during the day. As you can imagine, sleep apnea can be a scary thing. We highly advise you to involve your veterinarian if you believe your four-legged friend suffers from sleep apnea.

What are the causes of sleep apnea? As we speak about sleep apnea, there are many similarities between humans and pets. Causes like allergies, obesity, and obstructions may all be the same, but some dog obstructions are caused by poor breeding habits that lead to breathing problems at night. Allergies can cause sleep apnea, as obstructions can cause significant breathing issues. Obesity is another problem associated with sleep apnea and is often associated with many other underlying health issues.

What are the symptoms to look for? Sometimes sleep apnea can be hard to diagnose without your veterinarian. The main symptoms to look for are loud snoring, extreme fatigue, irritability, and constant naps. In addition, dogs that suffer from sleep disorders have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, which can significantly affect their mental and physical health.

Sleep apnea must be taken seriously, as it can affect your dog’s health in many ways. If you suspect your dog has sleep apnea, please consult your veterinarian immediately. It is better to tackle the issues before it is too late!