At a Glance
Dogs can develop sleep apnea, particularly breeds with short noses (like pugs and bulldogs) or dogs with obesity or airway problems. Veterinarians may diagnose the condition based on symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or daytime fatigue, and treatment typically focuses on addressing underlying airway issues, medications, or surgery rather than CPAP therapy.
Many pet owners pay close attention to their dog's eating habits and energy levels, but nighttime breathing can also offer important clues about their health. Dogs can have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep due to temporary upper airway blockages. While this sleep disorder affects between 10% and 30% of adults in the U.S., OSA is thought to only rarely occur in dogs.
Obstructive sleep apnea in dogs is similar to the disorder in humans. That is, something blocks the upper airway during sleep, which interrupts breathing. Dogs are more likely to stop breathing or have very shallow breathing during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage, when accessory muscles involved with breathing are more relaxed.
Below, we explain the signs of sleep apnea in dogs, which breeds may be at higher risk, and when to contact a veterinarian.
Does a Dog Snoring Indicate Sleep Apnea?
Snoring by itself doesn't mean that a dog has sleep apnea. Some dog breeds are more likely to snore because of the flat shape of their faces. Other causes of snoring in dogs include:
- A recent increase in weight
- An object or substance blocking airflow through the nose
- Illness, infection, or inflammation affecting the nose or throat
Since snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea in dogs, human companions should report it to their veterinarian, especially if the dog doesn't usually snore or if mild snoring becomes worse.
What Are Signs of Sleep Apnea in Dogs?
In addition to snoring, dog owners can look for other signs of sleep apnea in their pets. Just as with OSA in humans, some symptoms occur during sleep and others are experienced during the day. These may include:
- Sounds while asleep: Dogs with OSA may snore or sound like they are choking or gasping for air. At times, their breathing may stop or become very shallow.
- Daytime tiredness: A dog with sleep apnea may show signs that they aren't getting enough sleep at night by acting tired when it's usually time for them to play or go for a walk. They may also fall asleep while sitting.
- Unique sleep positions: Dogs who have sleep apnea may try to sleep in a way that makes breathing easier, such as sitting with their neck extended and chin lifted up or propping their mouth open with a toy.
OSA is diagnosed differently in dogs compared to humans. In humans, OSA is confirmed by a sleep study conducted in a sleep lab or at home. This type of lab testing, called polysomnography, is available but not often used in dogs, as it's expensive and time-consuming.
Instead, dogs are diagnosed by their symptoms. Sleep apnea is diagnosed when a dog has one or more of the above symptoms, combined with at least five episodes where breathing stops or is shallow as they sleep.
Which Dog Breeds Are Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Certain dog breeds, known as brachycephalic dogs, are much more likely to develop OSA than other breeds. In these dogs, the face, nose, and mouth are flattened to varying degrees, resulting in a unique look that many people love.
While the appearance of these dogs is endearing to humans, their short heads and short muzzles mean less room for air to flow through the mouth, nose, and throat. This reduced space can cause breathing issues and lead to something called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
Dogs that have BOAS are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. In fact, experts say that OSA is very rare in dogs that do not have BOAS. Brachycephalic dogs include:
- English bulldogs
- French bulldogs
- Pugs
- Cavalier King Charles spaniels
- Chihuahuas
- Shih Tzus
- Boston terriers
- Pekingese
- Boxers
Other risk factors for OSA in dogs include obesity and excessive fat around the neck, which are both more common in dogs that have BOAS.
How Can Sleep Apnea Impact Dogs?
If OSA reduces sleep quality or the amount of sleep a dog receives, it can negatively impact the dog's health and well-being. Like humans, dogs need adequate sleep in order to function during the day. Dogs require about 10 hours of sleep per day, which is more than the 7 or more hours of sleep per day adult humans require.
Sleep is also related to overall well-being for dogs, with inadequate sleep causing issues with how they act and perform in common situations. In addition to the everyday impact of OSA on dogs, poor sleep can cause long-term health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease.
How Is Sleep Apnea in Dogs Treated?
Treating OSA in dogs isn't as simple as it can be for humans. Most people who have OSA use a device that keeps their airway open while they sleep, called a CPAP machine. To date, there are no CPAP devices designed for use in dogs, as they would likely remove or chew up the equipment.
Veterinarians have several options for treating sleep apnea in dogs.
- Medication: Veterinarians may prescribe medications that affect serotonin, which is involved in regulating breathing. Ondansetron is one drug that has been used to treat dogs that have sleep apnea.
- Surgery: Brachycephalic dogs may require surgery to correct breathing issues caused by BOAS, although some dogs may continue to have sleep apnea symptoms even after surgery. In rare cases, dogs with severe, life-threatening, or non-responsive sleep apnea may need a permanent tracheostomy, a surgical opening made through the front of the neck into the windpipe.
- Weight loss: Extra weight can make breathing more difficult for brachycephalic dogs, so veterinarians recommend that owners help their dogs maintain a healthy weight.
If you think your dog may have obstructive sleep apnea, see your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, occasional snoring is common in dogs and isn't necessarily a cause for concern. Snoring is especially common in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers. However, loud, persistent, or worsening snoring, especially when accompanied by breathing pauses, gasping, or daytime fatigue, may warrant a veterinary evaluation.
Dogs snore when airflow through the nose, mouth, or throat becomes partially obstructed during sleep, causing nearby tissues to vibrate. Common causes include sleeping position, obesity, allergies, nasal congestion, and anatomical features such as a short snout. In rare cases, snoring may be related to a medical condition such as obstructive sleep apnea.
CPAP therapy is widely used to treat sleep apnea in humans, but it isn't used with dogs. Most canine sleep apnea cases are managed by addressing the underlying cause, such as obesity, airway abnormalities, or other medical conditions.
Sleep apnea in dogs is uncommon and isn't typically considered an immediate life-threatening condition, as associated cardiac arrhythmias are likely extremely rare. However, severe breathing problems can affect a dog's quality of life and may contribute to other health complications if left untreated. If your dog shows signs of breathing difficulties during sleep, it's important to consult your veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.
Yes, cats can develop sleep apnea, though it appears to be even less common in cats than in dogs. Potential causes include obesity, airway abnormalities, inflammation, and certain medical conditions. If a cat experiences loud snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, or other unusual respiratory symptoms, a veterinarian can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a health care provider prior to starting a new treatment or making changes to your treatment plan.
Written by
Tochukwu Ikpeze, MD, Contributing WriterTochukwu grew up in New York and has a passion for creative and scientific writing. Tochukwu holds an undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology, a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science, and a Medical Degree as well. In his free time, Tochukwu enjoys reading, learning, exploring various topics pertaining to the human condition and conveying that information to the public through writing.
Reviewed by
Brandon R. Peters, MD, FAASM, Medical ReviewerDr. Brandon R. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, circadian rhythm disorders, and narcolepsy. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and currently practices at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle.
