Some dog breeds are known for snoring heavily. These dogs often have faces that are somewhat pushed in, and while the snoring may occasionally be disruptive to you, it's not necessarily something to worry about. What can be a concern, however, is when you have a dog that has begun to snore regularly after rarely snoring in the past. This should cause you to see a local veterinarian, as it may be a warning sign of a problem for your pet. Here are some reasons why a dog can suddenly begin to snore as it sleeps. 

Overweight

Being overweight can cause a dog to snore — similar to how a gain in weight can often cause a human to snore heavily. When a dog gains weight, fat develops in many areas of its body. This can include the growth of fat around the dog's throat, which can cut down on the animal's airways. When the dog isn't able to get as much oxygen through its airways as it sleeps, it will often begin to snore. If your dog is overweight, your veterinarian may suspect that the weight is the cause of the snoring. They'll give you some specific advice about how to help the dog lose weight.

Allergies

Dog owners aren't always aware of what allergies their dogs may have. Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, including food allergies and environmental allergies. Allergy symptoms can vary, but they often include nasal stuffiness — similar to how allergies can affect humans' ability to breathe with ease. If your dog has been exposed to allergens, it may start to snore. For example, if you've changed its food to a product that has an ingredient to which your dog is allergic, snoring could result. Veterinarians can test dogs for allergies, which may reveal if an allergy is the likely cause of the snoring.

Nasal Growths

Dogs can develop various types of growths in many parts of their bodies, including in the nose. The presence of a nasal growth will often cut down on the dog's airways, which can cause snoring. If the growth continues to expand in size, the snoring can worsen. This is obviously a concern, and you'll want to have a veterinarian determine if a growth is present — and, if so, what type of growth it may be. Contact your animal hospital if you're concerned about how your dog has recently begun to snore.

Reach out to a local animal hospital to learn more.