Many dogs - and sometimes cats and other animals - can snore like a buzz saw.

Owners who like to have their pets in the bedroom overnight often find that a snoring pet is as hard to sleep near as a snoring spouse.

What makes pets snore?

• Overweight animals are more likely to snore than pets who maintain a slimmer figure.
• Your pet's sleeping position could be affecting the position of his air passages.
• Some pets have allergies, and irritated airways tend to swell and restrict respiration.
• Snoring may be a sign of an ailment such as asthma, bronchitis, kennel cough, or respiratory polyps.

If your pet snores excessively, or if snoring is something new for her, contact your veterinarian for a checkup.