Sleep Apnea Collar Improves Diagnosis of Sleep Disordered Breathing in Dogs

The quantity and quality of sleep is important for the well-being of dogs. During sleep disordered breathing, air flow is obstructed and the body does not receive enough oxygen, resulting in insufficient rest.

A study conducted at the University of Helsinki found that Sleep apnea is more common in brachycephalic dogs., or dogs that have a muzzle and skull that is shorter and flatter than dogs with a longer muzzle. The former also snore more than the latter. However, sleep apnea itself does not affect brachycephalic dogs, as it was also observed in long-nosed dogs in the study. In addition to brachycephaly, predisposing factors for sleep apnea are: excess weight and moderate to severe symptoms associated with brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BOAS).

A study shows that a sleep apnea collar that can be worn at home helps simple and reliable detection of sleep apnea in dogs. The device, worn around a dog’s neck to measure breathing during sleep, was used in the study for one night. Until now, research into sleep apnea in dogs has only been possible in the laboratory.

“Based on the symptoms observed by the owner, sleep apnea may be suspected even before the collar is examined. Symptoms that may indicate sleep disordered breathing include unusual sleeping positions, sleep apnea, and restlessness at night. However, Snoring itself does not necessarily mean that your dog has sleep apnea.– says Lida Niinikoski, a participant in the study.

Additionally, the work demonstrated that English bulldogs exhibit a low-grade inflammatory state similar to that seen in sleep apnea in humans. In humans, even this mild inflammation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, among other disorders.

According to Niikoski, Detecting sleep apnea in dogs is important, as it causes periodic interruptions and fragmentation of sleep, which reduces the quality of sleep. Severe, untreated sleep apnea in humans is also known to be associated with significant health risks, such as premature mortality.

“You should contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has sleep apnea. Symptoms can be treated with a variety of surgical and pharmacological methods. Because obesity predisposes all dogs to sleep-disordered breathing, It is important to avoid weight gain. It should be taken into account that the occurrence of this serious problem could be reduced. selective breeding of brachycephalic dogs so their snouts are longer,” says Niinikoski.