Does anyone else's dog stop breathing?

Pup is seven years old and has always done this. Whenever he does the stereotypical deep breath after settling down to go to sleep, he stops breathing for about 30 seconds. It seems like a long time to me, but he's never shown any sign of it being a problem to him. I woke up early yesterday due to sinus issues and after blowing my nose I knew I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. So I cuddled up with Pup on the couch for about an hour and noticed he did this about three times in that span of time. I looked up sleep apnea in dogs and apparently it is a thing, but mostly due to brachycephalic breeding which should not affect him because he's likely half lab and half pit and has the most perfectly sized and shaped snout in history. When he stops breathing, it also does not interrupt his sleep which apnea should do, if I understand correctly. I considered maybe it's just a normal part of how they go to sleep. Maybe the cessation of the extra movement or sound for a brief period helps them fall asleep faster, or maybe they fall asleep and it takes the autonomic nervous system those extra seconds to kick in and take over? I've noticed his body is a perfect specimen of a near perfect hunting machine. He can go from fast asleep to fully adrenalized in about one second. I noticed early on that he also has an irregular heartbeat which I always assumed was natural and quite logical, as it appears to follow his breathing, i.e., it only pumps when the oxygen input warrants it. I read that irregular heartbeat is much more common in dogs than humans, and not generally considered an issue like it is in humans. He has always been very healthy and active with excellent senses. As I said, he's always seemed "just right," so I don't really perceive any health issue. I was just curious if anyone else has seen similar.

I honestly can't say I've ever noticed any of my dogs doing that... Buuuut, now I'll be watching for it.

my dog does this. similar breed to yours (half shepherd, half pit). Not apnea, no snoring or disruption, it's like he just stops. Lately he sleeps a lot more and I often find myself sitting there for a while waiting to finally see his chest rise.

That said, my dog is 12, geriatric on serious painkillers because he has no more cartilage in his hips, and now some other more serious things are popping up (liver mass). Every day he's still with me is a bonus I neither expected nor deserve.

Sorry Tereza, I feel the same way. I have dreaded that day since he was about one. Some days, particularly in winter, I end up just staying with him on the couch all day instead of getting outside and working. I consider it time well spent. I hope you have as long as possible with yours.

100% in agreement, on that inevitable sad day. On the 19th, Bailey's 3rd birthday, he sadly mentioned that her life was 1/3 over, already. But, in reality, she's closer to half. The average life expectancy for an Irish Wolfhound is only 7. Even Charlie, my little Cavalier girl, only has an average life expectancy of about 10 - 12. It's too sad to think about. I'd drive both of them crazy, blubbering on them, if I indulge in that.

Carla Burke wrote:100% in agreement, on that inevitable sad day. On the 19th, Bailey's 3rd birthday, he sadly mentioned that her life was 1/3 over, already. But, in reality, she's closer to half. The average life expectancy for an Irish Wolfhound is only 7. Even Charlie, my little Cavalier girl, only has an average life expectancy of about 10 - 12. It's too sad to think about. I'd drive both of them crazy, blubbering on them, if I indulge in that.

I know the feeling. Here's an excerpt from a poem I posted around here somewhere:


Yet there's one thought I cannot shake--
What can I say? What can I do?
While the sands of time march on for me,
Seven times faster they sprint for you.

A lamp twice bright burns half as long.
If that be so, then it must be true
That we prideful humans are in the wrong
And burn one seventh as bright as you.

But still! Even still! It is not fair!
It is not fair I must protest!
The Fates impose their impetuous will
And so early you must be laid to rest.

If only I could weave the thread
Of your dear life 'mid the fibers of mine,
I would gladly shorten mine in your stead
So that you, sweet boy, might have more time--