BOAS Assessment and Treatment:
Every Breath They Take

If your dog snores like a tractor, snorts like a little piglet or needs a sit-down halfway round the park, you might have been told it's 'normal for the breed'. Sometimes, it's actually a condition called BOAS, and the good news is that there's often plenty we can do to help.

The 30-second version

1. BOAS is a breathing problem caused by the shape of a flat-faced dog's airway.
2. Noisy breathing, snoring, tiring easily and overheating are common signs.
3. It can get worse over time, so early checks matter.
4. Weight control, a harness and keeping cool all help.
5. For some dogs, surgery can make a big difference to quality of life.

What is BOAS?

BOAS stands for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Put simply, a flat-faced dog's airway can be too narrow or crowded for air to flow easily.

It's usually a combination of things:

• Narrow nostrils, a bit like breathing through a straw
• A long, thick soft palate that hangs into the back of the throat
• Extra tissue in the throat and voice box that can be sucked into the airway
• A narrower windpipe than you'd expect for the dog's size

Did you know? Try breathing through a drinking straw while jogging up the stairs. That's a little like what a dog with severe BOAS can feel during exercise. Not quite so 'cute snoring' after all!

Signs to look out for

• Noisy breathing, snorting or snoring, even when awake
• Getting tired quickly on walks, or lagging behind
• Struggling in warm weather or after excitement
• Sleeping sitting up, or with their chin resting on a toy
• Waking up suddenly at night or pausing in their breathing while asleep
• Gagging, regurgitating or vomiting, especially after eating
• Fainting or collapsing

This is an emergency If your dog is struggling to breathe, has blue or grey gums, collapses, or is overheating and can't settle, call us immediately on 01843 808344. We're open 24 hours a day, every day.

How we assess BOAS

We start with a thorough examination: listening to your dog's breathing at rest and after gentle exercise, looking at their nostrils, checking their weight and asking how they cope day to day. Your observations really help, so a short video of your dog sleeping or walking on your phone is gold dust.

If your dog is a Pug, French Bulldog or Bulldog and you're thinking of breeding, we can also talk to you about the Kennel Club and University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme. It grades dogs from 0 (no signs of BOAS) to 3 (severe signs) and is carried out by specially trained assessors, so we'll point you in the right direction.

How we can help

Every dog is different, and we'll tailor a plan to your dog. It may include:

• Weight management. Even a small amount of weight loss can make breathing noticeably easier.
• Lifestyle changes, like a harness, shorter walks in cooler parts of the day and keeping calm in the heat.
• Treating related problems, such as reflux, skin fold infections or eye issues.
• Surgery, where it's the right choice. Procedures can widen narrow nostrils and shorten an overlong soft palate to open up the airway.

About BOAS surgery

Surgery isn't right for every dog, but for many it can transform how comfortably they breathe, sleep and play. Results are often best when it's done before the airway has been under strain for years, which is why early checks matter.

Flat-faced dogs need extra care under anaesthetic, so we plan carefully, monitor closely and pay special attention during recovery. We'll explain the benefits, the risks and the aftercare honestly, so you can make the right decision for your dog.

Your questions answered

If your flat-faced friend is a bit of a heavy breather, let's take a listen. Book a breathing check with our team.

Call 01843 808344