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Snoring

Beagle Snorting & Snoring

All About Beagle Snores (& Other Noises)

We sent out a Poll to ask Beagle readers, "Does your Beagle snore?" A whopping 86% answered "Yes!", with 55% stating that it happens on a regular basis. We received many comments such as "like a train!" and "louder than my husband!". 

Here, you will read about Beagle snoring. You will find out:
  • Why a Beagle may snore
  • What can make it worse
  • What you can do to make it better
  • Signs to watch out for....and more
Is it Common for a Beagle to Snore?

Yes. Not only did our poll show that 86% of Beagle owners that were polled have a snorer in the house, but this breed is established as snorers. If you just obtained a Beagle puppy, don't worry too much...it is rare for this to be so loud that it interferes with your own sleep...and many owners find it to be an endearing trait. The question of sleeping noises often goes hand in hand with the question of: Do Beagles sleep a lot?

Sometimes, a new owner is surprised, because in general only dogs that are classified as Brachycephalic dogs are known as snorers. A Brachycephalic dog is one that has a flat face, where the snout does not extend or barely does. Pugs, Bull dogs and others are in this group. So why do Beagles snore? Let's find out!
Why Beagles Snore

There are several reasons why most Beagles snore....and 1 Beagle may snore for a completely different reason than another. Just like an owner may have 1 Beagle who shakes the house at night and another who is as quite as a mouse.

Let's take a look at each element:

Elongated Soft Palate - This is a common reason. The Beagle breed simply tends to have an elongated soft palate. This is a soft tissue that hangs at the back of the dog's throat. When the dog breathes, this tissue moves around and can partially block the breathing passages. When this happens, the dog snores.

In some breeds, this elongated palate can be such a problem that breathing issues can occur quite often. In those cases, surgery is often needed for the dog to be able to be normally active.

However, with the Beagle it is rarely a medical issue that needs surgery. If snoring is the only symptom, an owner does not need to worry.
Beagle sleeping with owner
Keep in mind, that if your Beagle also runs out of breath easily, makes snorting noises quite often, has discharge from the nose, sneezing and/or has any other symptoms that would lead you to believe that they may have a medical problem...Then they should be taken to the vet right away for a checkup!

For slight congestion issues, an owner may give their Beagle Benadryl... This would be small doses of just 2 mg per each pound of weight. 

Humidity - If the air is dry inside the home, Beagles snoring may be louder and more intense than normal. Therefore, 2 steps can be taken to help quite down your dog:
  • Encourage him to have a drink of cold, fresh water right before bedtime.
  • Run a humidifiers in your house - or at least in the room that your Beagle sleeps in.
Weight & Age

Weight and age of the Beagle go hand-on-hand. Most Beagles do not snore when they are tiny puppies. As they gain weight, that weight presses again the palate and the breathing passages and can cause snoring. Beagles that are overweight snore more often and louder than Beagles that are at a healthy weight. Learn more here about weight.
Beagle asleep on sofa
Other Sleep Time Issues That Are Normal

Beagles, aside from snoring are also prone to twitch when they sleep. This is most often normal. Dogs enter a stage of deep sleep, just like humans do. This is called REM sleep...And clinical studies have shown that dogs do indeed dream. 

During this sleep phase, a Beagle will often twitch or even move his legs as if he is running. It is theorized that this is the dog simply moving to the dream that they are experiencing. 
There may also be some small grunting or snorting noises as well. As stated above, unless you believe that your Beagle is experiencing discomfort, this is just part of being a Beagle! If you do suspect that it goes beyond that point, do not hesitate to bring your dog or puppy to their veterinarian.

More Snoring Help

Aside from what we have discussed above, there is one more element that can help to decrease Beagle snoring: Changing the position that your dog sleeps in. There are 2 parts to this:

1) If your Beagle sleeps in a doggie bed, try changing the shape. For example, if they have a round bed, try switching to an oval shaped bed. Often, when the dog has more room to stretch out, snoring will decrease.

2) Raise the level of your dog's head.You can do this by putting a small pillow under the head of your Beagle as they lay down for the night.
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See also: Beagle Dry, Peeled or Cracked Noses - A great article covering all possible nose issues with this breed. 
Want to see awesome Beagles of all ages?

Check out the Cutest Beagle Photo Gallery, where Beagle owners like you can show off their super cute Beagle. 
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