Do Boston Terriers Snore and Why?

Your little Boston Terrier brings you great joy, that is, until they curl up to go to sleep. Then, you can’t believe the noises that come out of them! It sounds like grunting sometimes and snoring other times. Do Boston Terriers snore? Why are they so loud about it?

Boston Terriers are indeed known for their loud snoring. The reason they snore so audibly is because of their shorter face. Their abridged muzzle can interrupt breathing, which then leads to snoring, grunting, wheezing, and other noises.

What exactly do wheezing and grunting sound like? Should you be concerned that your Boston Terrier snores so loudly? Keep reading, as we’ll answer those questions and more in this article. You won’t want to miss it.

Why Do Boston Terriers Snore?

You may not have thought about snore volume as a factor when adopting a dog, but now you wish you had. If anything, you would have assumed that because the Boston Terrier is a smaller dog that their snores would be equally tiny. Instead, they’re anything but. What causes the Boston Terrier to snore so noisily?

It’s their face shape. The same refined features that made you fall in love with your Boston Terrier are what’s causing them to snore so loud. With a shorter muzzle, the Terrier can’t breathe as clearly as other breeds with a longer muzzle. Thus, when they slip off to dreamland, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll hear those loud, characteristic snores.

Terriers aren’t the only small dog to snore like a dickens. If you own or are thinking of adopting a French Bulldog (or Frenchie), a Shih-Tzu, a Bulldog, or a Pug, you can expect snoring that rivals the Boston Terrier’s. These dogs are all brachycephalic, which just refers to their snout size.

By the way, if you’re wondering why your Terrier is always so gassy, that has to do with the shape of their face as well. Without quite as much muzzle as other breeds, when your Boston Terrier chows down, they end up swallowing a lot of air with their food. The air is then released out of their rear end. Fun stuff!

What Other Sort of Noises Do Boston Terriers Make?

Snoring isn’t all you’ll hear from your Boston Terrier. Sure, there’s the trademark whining and barking of all dogs, but the Terrier has an assortment of other unique noises they’ll emit as well. These are also due to their smaller muzzle.

Grunting

The grunt is a guttural sound that’s lower in volume than a snore. We people can grunt, and so can our Boston Terriers. Although it may sound like a noise of discomfort, it often isn’t. Instead, your Terrier may grunt to tell you they’re happy.

That said, if you hear a lot of frequent grunting, you might want to give your pup the once-over or consider a vet appointment. They could be sick, injured, or uncomfortable.

Wheezing

Unlike grunting, which is a nice noise in disguise, wheezing is not. Any dog can wheeze, but it’s more common in smaller-snouted breeds like your Boston Terrier. An obstruction in the dog’s airway causes them to make a sound that’s almost like whistling. This is wheezing. Airway obstructions can occur in the large bronchi or trachea.

If your Terrier wheezes for seconds at a time, then it’s not considered a medical emergency. Prolonged wheezing does necessitate immediate attention from a vet, though.

Snuffling

Another noise from your Boston Terrier to keep an ear out for is snuffling. This almost sounds like your dog is sniffing at something, but heavily and intensely. If your Terrier begins sneezing after snuffling, then it could be due to irritants in the air. These can include pollen, carpet powders, perfumes, and dust.

The best course of action is to move your Terrier to an environment where the air is a bit cleaner and clearer. If the snuffling and sneezing persists, get in touch with your vet right away.

Snorting

A little snort here and there from your Boston Terrier is nothing to worry about. You should be aware of the pharyngeal gag reflex, which is also referred to as reverse sneezing. This can lead to snorting as well, but often very forcefully. Your dog begins inhaling and exhaling as fast as they can, almost like they’re breathing in a sneeze instead of letting it out.

Reverse sneezing is a situation that again warrants a vet’s immediate attention. Not all snorting is a reverse sneeze, though, so use your discretion.

Is Loud Snoring Normal for Boston Terriers?

Given that some of the other noises your Boston Terrier makes could be indicative of a health issue, that has you worried about just how loudly they snore. Should you contact your vet to get your dog looked over?

While regular checkups are always a good thing, there’s often no need to take an extra trip to the vet just because your Terrier snores. Again, it’s all due to the breathing obstructions caused by their face shape.

There are some instances in which snoring could be a symptom of a larger, underlying problem. If the snoring has suddenly gotten stronger or louder, it could be due to an obstruction in the nose (besides the Boston Terrier’s natural obstructions), an infection, a reaction to a medication, or allergies.

If your vet rules out the above, then you know your Terrier is healthy, even if they continue snoring.

Can You Reduce the Snore Volume of Your Boston Terrier? How?

Okay, so there’s nothing wrong with your Boston Terrier for snoring loudly, but man, it sure is driving you crazy! You wish your dog had a volume switch that you could turn all the way down. A mute button would also be nice.

In reality, your pup has neither. Does this mean you’re forced to listen to their especially noisy snoring every time they take a nap? After all, sometimes their snoring impacts your own ability to sleep, and other family members have had similar complaints as well. Is there anything you can do to quieten your dog down a bit?

As a matter fact, there is. These lifestyle changes aren’t guaranteed to reduce snoring, but they’re worth a shot.

Don’t Exercise Your Terrier in Hot Weather

Have you ever stepped outside for a jog on a humid day? It feels like you’re moving through soup. Within minutes, you’re drenched in sweat and can barely breathe.

The same can be true of your Boston Terrier. They already don’t breathe perfectly in the first place due to their breed. Any situation that would worsen breathing should be avoided, as it will only lead to more snoring later.

Maintain Indoor Air Quality

Your Boston Terrier doesn’t need to have allergies to react to irritants in the air by snuffling, sneezing, and snoring. The best way to keep the air in your home clean is to invest in a HEPA filter and a humidifier. Vacuum often, don’t light candles, and keep air fresheners out as well.

Wash Your Dog’s Bed Frequently

Where does your Terrier sleep the most often? If it’s in their own bed, then you want to toss the bed into the washer at least weekly. If it’s your bed, then make sure you’re changing your sheets just as regularly. This will keep allergens and other potential irritants from settling on the bedding and deepening your Boston Terrier’s snoring.

Teach Your Dog to Sleep in a More Optimal Position

There are certain positions your Boston Terrier can sleep in that may reduce snoring volume. One of these is curling up on their side. Their airways are the most open, which means quieter snoring and perhaps even less of it. It may take some time to train them to sleep this way, but it’s worth it. A round-shaped bed may help.

Have Them Use a Pillow

Another way to open up those airways? Try a doggy pillow! Your Terrier will feel like they’re sleeping in the lap of luxury while you’ll enjoy a quieter household day and night.

Conclusion

Boston Terriers have a smaller snout that’s conducive to loud snoring. This can be jarring if you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, but there are ways to reduce the noise. By switching beds, adding a pillow, and keeping the home clean, your Terrier may snore less.

While snoring is often not a health issue, it can be at times. It’s always a good idea to see a vet if your Boston Terrier is snoring very loudly. Good luck!

Author Nicole Malczan

Do Boston Terriers Shed?

One of the factors that was important to you when choosing a dog was how much they shed. You don’t want to chase your canine friend around each day with a vacuum cleaner, sucking up tufts of fur. If you’re thinking of getting a Boston Terrier, you may be curious about their propensity for shedding. Do they shed a lot and why does it happen?

Boston Terriers shed to clear out dead hair so they can grow more. They’re like many other dog breeds in this regard. As for how much they shed, the Terrier loses very little fur. They’re even considered hypoallergenic.

To you, it’s great news that the Boston Terrier doesn’t shed much. Still, you have some more questions, like whether you can reduce shedding even further and, if so, how. In this article, we’ll explain more about why Boston Terriers shed and if there’s anything you can do to stop it.

Why Do Boston Terriers Shed?

There isn’t some big, mysterious reason as to why Boston Terriers shed. They’re trying to get rid of dead hair or fur to make room for more.

Every dog does the same, although how much fur they lose varies by breed. As we explained in the intro, Terriers aren’t big shedders. The reason for this has to do with the texture and composition of their coat.

Dogs can have either a single coat or two coats. The canines with two coats or a double coat have an undercoat and a top coat. The undercoat boasts a thicker texture designed to provide the dog with insulation. It also makes your dog look super fluffy. The top coat consists of guard hairs. When you pet your dog, you feel its top coat.

Some dog breeds have adapted over time with an undercoat, such as the Samoyed. This coat kept them warm in the frigid Siberian tundra, but it also leads to terrible shedding. In fact, the Samoyed is known as one of the worst shedders out there.

Getting back to Boston Terriers, this breed doesn’t have an undercoat, only the top coat. Guard hairs grow back at a much slower rate than the undercoat, taking maybe a year to reclaim their former length. For that reason, they shouldn’t come out quite as easily, leading to less shedding.

Due to their low shedding quotient, Boston Terriers are considered hypoallergenic. This means the dog is less likely to trigger allergic symptoms in their human owners.

How Much Does a Boston Terrier Shed?

You’re never going to find clump of dog hair on your couch or living room floor with a Boston Terrier. (At least, you shouldn’t. If you do, please call a vet.) Still, at certain times of the year, they can admittedly shed worse than others.

The first of these times is during the spring. This is popular shedding season for dogs. The weather has turned warmer and so your pup is transitioning from their winter coat to their spring one. Then, in the autumn, expect a little worse shedding from your Boston Terrier.

Another factor that can play a role in how much your Boston Terrier sheds is the dog themselves. Some Terrier owners report their dog sheds moderately while others note their canine companion never sheds.

Since the fur of a Boston Terrier is short and not very fluffy or thick, it’s not such an eyesore if any lingers around your house. It’s also easy enough to clean up.

Is There Any Way to Minimize Shedding?

If your Boston Terrier is in the former camp where they shed more than desired, you don’t have to live with a mess all the time. Instead, you might want to try one or more of these methods, as they can lessen shedding in Terriers.

Keep Them Unstressed

Stress isn’t good for man or dog. While your Boston Terrier doesn’t have to deal with the daily rigors of human life, certain events can stress them out and make them more prone to shedding. These include bringing new animals into the home, losing another pet, having a baby, or moving into a new home.

The above life events are unavoidable, but keeping your Boston Terrier healthy (with playing and exercising) and happy (lots of one-on-one time and snuggles) can minimize their stress. That should control their shedding as well.

Bathe Regularly

To encourage the dead hair cells to come out on their own, make sure you plunk your Boston Terrier in the tub or sink about monthly for a bath. Make sure you’re using a shampoo and conditioner that’s formulated for dogs.

Brush Often

While it’s true you might not have a dog that sheds heavily, every breed can benefit from a good brushing. It’s recommended you get into the habit of combing out your Boston Terrier twice weekly. If your dog is one of those who likes getting a good brushing, then feel free to do it every other day or so.

Like bathing, your dog brush can shake out the lose fur on your Boston Terrier. Not only that, but with how closely you study your pup’s coat, if they happen to get infested with ticks or fleas, you’ll spot it right away.

Check Their Diet

You might not have expected diet to play a role in how often your Boston Terrier sheds, but it absolutely does. If your dog doesn’t get enough omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids as well as fat fibers, and protein, their coat won’t be in its best shape. A dog coat in poor condition might be more likely to shed.

Keep Them Hydrated

Besides feeding them a healthier diet, you also want to make sure your Boston Terrier has access to water all day long. This should always be clean and fresh. By staying hydrated, your pup will not only maintain the health of their coat, but their skin as well.

Consider a Vaccination

If none of the above works for their shedding, you might want to bring your Boston Terrier to your vet. Not only should your dog receive regular vet care and check-ups, but it’s possible the veterinarian can do something more. For instance, they could vaccinate your dog against diseases that could lead to excessive shedding.

Tips for Grooming Your Boston Terrier

Do you plan on brushing your Boston Terrier for the first time? You might not be sure where to start with their grooming. Luckily, Terriers are a far lower-maintenance breed compared to dogs that shed a lot. You won’t have to spend hours brushing your Boston Terrier, which is great for both dog and human.

Here are some grooming tips to make this process as simple as possible:

• Use the right brush for the job. A brush with natural bristles is one such option, as is one with firmer bristles. You do not want to pick any ol’ hairbrush you have lying around in your bedroom.

• Go ultra easy when brushing. Since Boston Terriers don’t have a very thick top coat, they’re susceptible to skin tearing if you brush too roughly. They’re not like to have knots in their fur, so there’s no need to overdo it.

• Try a hound glove, a type of rubber glove with bumps all over the palm. This can smooth your Boston Terrier’s fur while gently forcing out some dead hair. You can use the hound glove on its own or follow it up after a brushing session.

Conclusion

Boston Terriers shed to get rid of dead hair. As a single-coated breed, Terriers don’t shed nearly as much as canines with double coats. Further making your life easier is that the Boston Terrier has short, neat fur that’s not a headache to clean up.

While it’s normal to expect more shedding than usual in the spring or autumn, otherwise, the shedding should be very manageable. If yours isn’t, it could be your Boston Terrier is stressed, dehydrated, or not eating the right diet.

With regular grooming and bathing, you can keep your Boston Terrier’s shedding under control. Best of luck!

Author Nicole Malczan

Why Do Boston Terriers Fart So Much?

If you’re a Boston Terrier parent, you’ve surely had to deal with the dreaded, deadly farts of your baby! You love them so much, but could do without this inherited trait of theirs. It’s important to understand their bodies in order to help them overcome this “stinking” issue.

Boston Terriers fart (a lot) more than other dogs. They are brachycephalic dogs, characterized by their shorter, broader skull. This affects the way they digest food, causing excess flatulence. The formation of gases in the digestive tract is the result of bacterial fermentation, which usually has a dietary cause. Their shorter nose causes them to swallow more air when they eat. More air in, unfortunately, equals more air out. Excessive farts do not mean that your Boston Terrier is sick. Because they are predestined to fart so much, even healthy Boston Terriers are prone to farting.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize the frequency of your Boston Terrier’s farts. Obviously, you won’t know the exact reason for the excessive flatulence until you try changing different aspects of your dog’s lifestyle. Several of the reasons for your dog’s excessive farting includes:

Swallowing Air

You’ve probably watched your dog gobble down his/her food. Eating food this quickly can cause them to swallow extra air, which goes through their digestive system and ends up coming out as gas.

Carbohydrates

Food or treats that contain indigestible carbohydrates, especially soluble fermentable fibers, and less digestible meat products, can make it harder for your dog’s body to break down their food and digest. Also, changes to new types of food will cause more gas than usual until your dog’s body gets used to the change.

Food Allergies

Food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, or leaky gut can cause several symptoms including gas and skin irritation. Many dogs are allergic or have sensitivities to grains, so trying certain foods may help reduce gas. If your dog’s diet contains soybeans or other bean meals, it could lead to excessive gas. Beans in general are not easily digestible and it is best for dogs to avoid soy products.

Eating Human Food

Just like with carbohydrates, human food may be difficult for a dog to digest and will not break down properly in their body, creating gas.

Not Pooping Enough

If your dog does not have enough opportunities to poop, they are forced to hold their bowel movements. This causes more pressure in their GI system that comes out as gas. Try to monitor how often your dog needs to poop, as the frequency may be too low compared to what you think they need.

Disease

Certain medical conditions can cause excessive flatulence in dogs such as GI disorders. In GI disorders, nutrients are not properly absorbed in the intestines.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes the GI tract to become filled with inflammatory cells that change the environment of the intestines and disrupt the normal microflora, or, good bacteria. This can cause bacterial overgrowth that stops the ability of the intestines to absorb nutrients. This will lead to symptoms much worse than gassiness such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and protein loss.

Parasites such as giardia and parvovirus can also cause excess gas in dogs by inhibiting the intestines to absorb nutrients properly.

Antibiotic use can kill the good bacteria (as well as the bad bacteria), leading to excess gassiness.

Even though Boston Terriers are more prone to flatulence, does not mean we as parents are doomed to deal with their gas. Only a veterinarian can determine whether the cause of gassiness is due to any of these disease-related factors. However, you can eliminate certain foods in their diet and change certain aspects of their daily routine to help determine the cause and decrease gassiness. If none of the options work, it is your choice as the owner to determine whether your dog needs to see their veterinarian. In the meantime, some of the things you can tweak in their normal routine is:

Diet

Depending on your unique dog, landing on the right diet will be trial and error. You will have to figure out which brands and foods your dog tolerates better than others. One diet to start out with is with a bland diet. This will help with intestinal irritation and cause your dog’s bowels to be more regular. The following are foods to start with and see what settles with your dog the best:

• Ground, cooked turkey: Turkey is low in fat, unlike beef, and can help settle the GI tract.
• Canned pumpkin: Canned pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber, which helps to coat the lining of the intestines.
• Sweet potato: Skinless and cooked sweet potato will help seal the intestines.
• Cooked chicken breast: Chicken is low in fat and will not irritate the GI tract.
• Raw food: (found in the frozen section of a pet store) Raw food will ensure they get all of the nutrients their bodies need and this may be the first diet you want to try.

Stay away from:

• Rice: Since rice is a complex carbohydrate, it can be fermented in the GI track and make the issue worse
• Beef: Beef can irritate the GI tract and create more gas in the body.

A bland diet is only recommended for short periods of time. This is not a long term diet your pet should be on.

Probiotics

It is recommended that you speak to your veterinarian or animal chiropractor about an appropriate probiotic for your dog. This will help heal the gut with healthy bacteria. There are many types of pet probiotics out there, and be aware that not all dogs can tolerate milk-based probiotics or those derived from yeast cultures or certain strains.

Enzymes

Many dogs with gas issues also benefit from adding enzymes to their meals. There are different types and strengths as to which enzyme blend is best for your dog, so it is best to ask your veterinarian. Some dogs benefit from adding hydrochloric acid such as betaine HCL.

Exercise

Regular exercise, such as long walks or running around, can ensure that your dog’s bowel movements remain regular. Their bodies can better digest food when they get regular exercise. There are also many other health benefits to cardio when it comes to the digestive system. Consistent exercise in your dog will likely help their bodies function better overall.

Relaxed Setting

Make sure your dog has his or her meals in a relaxed environment. By eliminating stressors associated with eating, this can help decrease the amount of air they are swallowing. Provide a quiet and solitary environment at mealtime to ensure they are not eating competitively or quickly around other dogs or people.

This article is not meant to replace the advice of a veterinarian. If you notice a change in your dog’s farts or bowel movements, you may want to see your veterinarian. These changes could be caused by a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that only your veterinarian can address. It is worth starting with a bland diet to see if this simple change can decrease the frequency of gas in your dog. Only you as the dog parent can determine whether your dog is sick and needs to see a veterinarian.

Written by Andie Ibarra, DC, CAC, Dallas Animal Chiropractic