Monday 4 August 2008

Why Do Bulldogs Snore?

The Bulldog is a very wonderful dog to have as a pet. They get along with everyone, but they especially love being around children. From the time they enter your home, it will feel like they are one of the family. In many ways, it will seem like there is another person in your home. You will especially feel this way at night when you hear your new bulldog snoring. Yes, bulldogs do indeed snore.

When you first hear him snoring, you'll be sure that you are hearing things, but it's only your bulldog snoring as he sleeps. The reason for their snoring is that they have very short breathing passages. They don't snore quietly, but rather loudly and on most nights. Some of this may stem from years ago when they were bred to bait bulls. They needed to have their facial structures a specific way to make this possible. The bulldog had to have a short muzzle and a wide lower jaw to enable the bulldog to grab onto the bull's nose in the same manner as a vise. He would then have to hang on to the bull and drag him. The nose of the bulldog had to be upturned otherwise the dog wouldn't be able to breathe when he was holding on to the bull. This plays a large partWhy Do Bulldogs Snore? in why the bulldog snores, because of his inability to breathe as other dogs do due to their facial structure.

There is another factor with the bulldog that may contribute to their snoring. They cannot be left in any area that is hot or not properly ventilated as they overheat very easily. Not sleeping comfortably often contributes to snoring and this may play a part with the bulldog. They have always been known for snoring and snorting. There is a cause for concern however, if the snoring gets too loud. Some bulldogs suffer from laryngeal edema, which is swelling of the airway and what sounds like loud snoring may in fact be difficulty in inhaling. If the bulldog makes this sound all the time, they may suffer from too small of a laryngeal opening. Some bulldogs also suffer from brachycephalic upper-airway syndrome, which can cause the dog to collapse from exercise, excitement or high temperatures. Any of these problems may contribute to the actual snoring that the bulldog is known for. Although snoring is common with the bulldog, if he or she seems to be having more trouble than normal, seek medical attention from your vet for the dog.

Surprisingly enough, everyone that owns bulldogs claim that the snoring doesn't bother them at all. In fact, most of them say it's a rather pleasant sound and definitely a sound they've become accustomed to hearing. Perhaps this has something to do with the lovable and cuddly personality the bulldog possesses.

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