Brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs have become incredibly popular in recent years. Their expressive faces, affectionate personalities and compact size make them very appealing companions. But behind those adorable faces, many brachycephalic dogs struggle with something owners often underestimate — breathing. At Cottage Vet Clinic, we frequently see brachycephalic dogs suffering from BOAS, or Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.
Unfortunately, many owners assume noisy breathing, snoring and snorting are “normal” for these breeds.
They are not.
What Is a Brachycephalic Dog?
Brachycephalic dogs are breeds with shortened skulls and flattened faces.
Common brachycephalic breeds include:
- French Bulldog
- English Bulldog
- Pug
- Pekingese
- Shih Tzus
- Boston Terriers
Although these dogs have shortened skulls, the soft tissues inside the airway often remain relatively oversized. This creates crowding and obstruction inside the nose, throat and airway.
The result is BOAS in dogs.
What Happens With BOAS?
Dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome often have multiple airway abnormalities at the same time.
These may include:
- Narrow nostrils
- An elongated soft palate
- Excess tissue within the throat
- Collapse of airway structures
- Narrow windpipes
This means affected dogs have to work much harder simply to breathe.
Over time, the constant airway strain can worsen and lead to progressive airway damage.
Signs of BOAS in Dogs
Some signs of BOAS are subtle, while others can become severe and life-threatening.
Common symptoms include:
- Loud breathing
- Snoring while awake
- Exercise intolerance
- Panting excessively
- Gagging or retching
- Regurgitation
- Poor heat tolerance
- Cyanosis (blue gums)
- Collapse episodes
- Difficulty recovering after exercise
One of the most important things owners should understand is this:
A dog should not struggle to breathe.
Many brachycephalic dogs have learned to cope with chronic airway restriction, and owners may become so accustomed to the sounds that they no longer recognise them as abnormal.
Why Heat Is So Dangerous
Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting.
Because brachycephalic dogs already have narrowed airways, they struggle to regulate body temperature effectively. This places them at much higher risk of heat stress and heat stroke.
Even mild exercise or moderate temperatures can become dangerous in severely affected dogs.
Stress, excitement and obesity can worsen breathing problems significantly.
BOAS Affects More Than Just Breathing
Many people do not realise that brachycephalic airway syndrome can also affect the gastrointestinal system.
The increased effort required to breathe creates pressure changes within the chest and abdomen, contributing to:
- Reflux
- Regurgitation
- Vomiting
- Excessive swallowing
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
Sleep quality can also be severely affected.
Some dogs struggle to sleep comfortably because they cannot maintain normal airflow when relaxed.
Can BOAS Be Treated?
Yes — and treatment can dramatically improve quality of life.
Mildly affected dogs may benefit from:
- Weight management
- Exercise control
- Avoiding overheating
- Careful anaesthetic planning
However, many dogs with moderate to severe BOAS benefit significantly from surgery.
Specialist airway surgery may involve:
- Widening narrowed nostrils
- Shortening the soft palate
- Removing obstructive tissue
- Correcting collapsed airway structures
The earlier surgery is performed, the better the long-term outcome is likely to be. Waiting until airway damage becomes severe can reduce how much improvement is possible.
Many owners are amazed at the difference after surgery. Dogs often become more active, sleep better, exercise more comfortably and breathe far more quietly.
Breathing Should Never Be Ignored
Noisy breathing should never simply be accepted as “normal for the breed.”
BOAS in dogs is a serious medical condition that can significantly affect comfort, exercise tolerance, sleep and lifespan.
If your flat-faced dog snores excessively, struggles during exercise, overheats easily or seems to work hard to breathe, it may be time for an assessment.
At Cottage Vet Clinic, we can help assess brachycephalic dogs and discuss whether medical management or surgery may be appropriate. Dr Morne de Wet, our in-house advanced surgeon, is able to help your brachycephalic dog breathe easier by performing the appropriate surgical procedure.
