French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breed and can be prone to snoring and/snorting. It is important to know that this can be normal for Frenchies both when they sleep and when they are awake. However, it is important to keep an eye on it to make sure that it does not require intervention.
Why?
Being a brachycephalic breed, Frenchies not only have the recognizable flat face, but also tend to have very narrow nostrils and enlarged soft pallets that can often obstruct their airway and make it harder for air to pass through without causing snorting. There are also other things that can cause the snoring to worsen by creating further obstruction to their already narrow airways.
Breeding
The way your Frenchie was bred has a huge impact on their health and breathing, and therefore how much they snore. It is extremely important to do your research on the breeder from which you get your Frenchie to ensure responsible breeding practices.
At Arlington Frenchies we always recommend that you choose a breeder that focuses on health over trending aesthetics. This means health testing their dogs before breeding them and not improperly inbreeding their dogs which can cause genetic defects and worsen their breathing.
While you may prefer a specific look for your Frenchie, it is important to know that when breeding for a flatter face, a more compact structure, shorter legs, etc. It can severely impact their health. There are many breeders who care about the health of their dogs while still having a beautiful and classic French Bulldog look.
Sleeping Position
If your Frenchie is a big nighttime snoring machine, this could be caused by the position in which they are sleeping. While this will vary from dog to dog, we have found that they tend to snore more when they are on their back or side. This is because their position causes their airway to be obstructed or squeezed in some way.
It usually helps when they curl up, as it can extend their airways helping them breathe. Laying on their stomach with their head elevated will also help. There are beds that are elevated, suspended, round, and with elevated sides that can help with positioning them in their sleep to help their breathing.
Obstructed Airway
Another reason that may seem obvious but isn’t often thought of is an object obstruction. Frenchies love to snuffle around and sometimes can get things stuck in their nose. Whether it is grass, a small bug, or piece of food it can make it much more difficult to breathe due to the blockage of their already small airways.
Allergies or Sickness
Allergies or sickness can often result in swollen glands and mucus that can make it much harder to breathe. In these cases, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to get it cleared up as soon as possible. It can be very uncomfortable for them to not be able to breathe correctly and it can cause adverse effects. So, it is always best to consult your vet.
Medications
Similar to allergies, certain medications can cause your Frenchies glands and airway to swell and hinder their breathing. It is important to always discuss the possible risks of medication with your veterinarian to ensure the health and safety of your frenchie. If you find that it is negatively impacting their breathing, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to discuss possible alternatives.
When to Worry?
While it is normal for most Frenchies to not be the quietest sleepers or breathers, it should not be constant. If you feel that your Frenchie snorts or pants excessively even without physical activity or heat, that may be a sign that their airway is severely compromised. This could be genetic or due to any of the other reasons above. As always, if you are concerned, we always recommend going to your veterinarian.
If your Frenchie has genetically bad airways, there isn’t much you can do outside of surgery. While that may seem scary, it can help your Frenchie to be more comfortable and breathe more easily. This surgery usually consists of removing the outer fold of each nostril so they may be opened up and allow them to breathe more easily. This surgery can be essential in severe cases and can also be beneficial even in mild cases.
Other Ways to Decrease Snoring
Keep them a healthy weight
Exercise them
Change their sleeping position
Give them a pillow
Get a round bed or bed with raised sides
Keep their bed clean
Get allergy checks
Use a humidifier
Conclusion
It is always important to stay aware of your dog's health and consult with the vet if anything seems off or has changed. Please let us know if you have any questions or if this article has helped you in the comments below!
Alex Holman-Franco
Arlington Frenchies
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