dog tongue/snoring

Question
i have a King Charles spaniel 6 yo who has bad snoring, sleeps a lot, but when she sleeps her tongue hangs out up to 2 inches, and jaw closes on it. If I wake her takes a few minutes for her to open her mouth. It is really scarey is this a serious problem please? Thanks Bronwyn

Answer

Hi Bronwyn,

Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS), also referred to as brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS), is an inherited condition in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. The breed is pre-disposed to it, due to the comparatively short length of the Cavalier's head and a compressed upper jaw. The breed's head's soft tissues are not proportionate to the shortened nature of the skull, and the excess tissues tend to increase resistance to the flow of air through the upper airway (nostrils, sinuses, pharynx and larynx).

The symptoms may vary and range in severity, depending upon which abnormality is causing them, but they typically include excessive snoring, and can include labored and constant open mouthed breathing, noisy breathing, snuffling, or snorting.  You should take care to not allow your dog to get overheated particularly in the summer months, and not allow your dog to become overweight, as obesity will exacerbate the respiratory difficulties.

Nothing will stop your dog's snoring, and she's not in any danger or having a medical problem when her tongue falls out of her mouth while she sleeps.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti