Is Your Flat-Faced Dog Struggling To Breathe? Understanding BOAS And What You Can Do. |

Is Your Flat-Faced Dog Struggling to Breathe? Understanding BOAS and What You Can Do.

If you have a dog with a short nose — like a French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog, Shih Tzu, or Boston Terrier — you’ve likely noticed their adorable snorts, snores, and snuffles. But while these sounds may seem cute, they could be signs of a serious condition called BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome).

What Is BOAS in Dogs?

BOAS is a chronic breathing disorder that affects brachycephalic dog breeds, or “flat-faced dogs.” These dogs have skulls that are shorter than normal from front to back, which can lead to multiple upper airway abnormalities. These abnormalities often make it harder for the dog to breathe comfortably.

Dogs with BOAS may have:

Narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares)
A soft palate that is too long and blocks the throat
A smaller than normal windpipe (hypoplastic trachea)
Tissue that collapses into the airway (everted laryngeal saccules)

These structural issues reduce airflow and can cause labored breathing, especially in warm weather or during exercise.

🔍 Common Symptoms of BOAS

Many pet owners come in asking, “Why does my French Bulldog breathe so loud?” or “Is it normal for my Pug to snore all the time?” The answer is No.

Some of the most common signs of BOAS include:

Noisy breathing (snorting, wheezing, or snoring even when awake)
Exercise intolerance (easily tired, struggles to breathe after mild activity)
Frequent panting (even at rest or in cool temperatures)
Gagging or retching (especially after eating or drinking)
Nasal congestion or difficulty inhaling through the nose
Cyanosis (bluish gums or tongue due to lack of oxygen)
Heat intolerance (high risk of overheating)
Collapse or fainting episodes (especially in warm weather or after exercise)

Long-Term Health Effects of BOAS

If not managed properly, chronic breathing problems in flat-faced dogs can lead to serious complications, including:

Chronic stress on the heart and lungs
Progressive airway obstruction- respiratory distress
Stress and anxiety due to labored breathing
Increased risk of heat stroke or respiratory collapse
Poor sleep quality
Reduced ability to exercise or play
Life-threatening emergencies during hot weather or after exertion

If left untreated, BOAS can significantly impact your pets quality of life, but treatments like weight management, lifestyle adjustments, and CO2 laser airway surgery can help improve breathing and overall well-being.

How Is BOAS Treated?

There are several options depending on the severity of your dog’s symptoms.

✅ Conservative Management:

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight
Using a harness instead of a collar
Avoiding hot weather and overexertion
Offering small, frequent meals if regurgitation is an issue

✅ Medications:

Anti-inflammatory drugs or medications for acid reflux can help manage secondary symptoms

✅ Surgical Options:

With the advanced CO2 surgical laser, we can perform a minimally invasive procedure to:

- Widening the nostrils to allow more air in
- Shortening the soft palate to prevent airway blockage
- Removing obstructive tissues from the throat

Reduce post-surgical pain with precise, gentle cutting
Minimize swelling and speed up recovery time

This innovative approach to BOAS correction improves your pet’s quality of life, helping them breathe easier, stay active, and live comfortably.

This surgery can offer life-changing results and your furbaby goes home the same day.

Which Dog Breeds Are at Risk?

The following breeds are most commonly affected by BOAS:

French Bulldogs
Pugs
English Bulldogs
Boston Terriers
Shih Tzus
Boxers
Pekingese

If your dog falls into one of these categories and shows signs of breathing issues, it’s worth having them evaluated by NJVH.

Final Thoughts

If your dog snores loudly, struggles to breathe during walks, or pants excessively, don’t brush it off. These may be signs of a treatable condition. The sooner BOAS is diagnosed and managed, the better your pet’s comfort and long-term health will be.

At NJVH, we offer evaluations and treatment options for brachycephalic breeds. Our goal is to help your pet breathe easier and live more comfortably — whether that’s through lifestyle adjustments or surgical care.