Let's be honest: few things brighten a waiting room like a Pug in a jumper or a Frenchie doing their best gremlin impression. Flat-faced pets are hugely popular, and it's easy to see why. They're affectionate, funny and full of character.
Their gorgeous squashed features do come with a few extra health needs, though. The good news? With the right care and a vet team who knows these breeds well, most flat-faced pets live full, happy lives. That's where we come in.
The 30-second version
- Flat-faced breeds can be prone to breathing, eye, skin and dental problems.
- Loud snoring and struggling in the heat are not 'just how they are'. Get them checked.
- Keep them slim, cool and walking on a harness, not a collar.
- Regular check-ups catch problems early, when they're easier to treat.
- Buying a puppy? Choose health over looks, every time.
Which breeds are 'flat-faced'?
The proper term is brachycephalic (brack-ee-seff-AL-ick), which simply means 'short-headed'. Common brachycephalic breeds include:
- Dogs: French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pekingese and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs and Himalayans
- Rabbits: some lop and dwarf breeds have shorter faces too
Why the extra care?
A shorter skull still has to fit the same amount of soft tissue (nose, throat, tongue and teeth) into a lot less space. That can lead to a few breed-typical issues:
Breathing. Narrow nostrils and a long soft palate can make breathing hard work. This is called BOAS, and it's important enough to have its own guide.
Overheating. Dogs cool down by panting, and a squashed airway makes panting less efficient. Flat-faced dogs can overheat dangerously quickly on warm days, in cars or after excitement.
Eyes. Prominent eyes are more exposed, so they're prone to scratches, ulcers and dryness. Some breeds are also prone to cherry eye.
Skin folds. Those adorable wrinkles can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to sore, smelly skin fold infections.
Teeth. Crowded, overlapping teeth trap food and plaque, so dental disease can start early.
Spines and births. Some breeds are prone to spinal problems, and many bulldog-type breeds need help giving birth. More on that in our C-section guide.
Did you know? Snoring is one of the most common things owners mention, and one of the most misunderstood. A dog that snores loudly while awake, or every single night, may be struggling to breathe. It's worth a check.
How we help flat-faced pets
Every flat-faced patient gets care that's tailored to their anatomy, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your pet's needs, we can offer:
- Breed-aware health checks looking closely at breathing, eyes, skin folds, teeth, weight and spine
- Breathing assessments to spot early signs of BOAS and talk through what can help
- Eye checks and treatment for ulcers, dry eye and cherry eye
- Skin fold care and treatment for infections
- Dental checks and treatment to keep crowded mouths comfortable
- Extra-careful anaesthesia, because flat-faced pets need close airway monitoring before, during and after any procedure
- Pregnancy and birth planning for breeders, including planned caesareans where needed
Everyday care tips
- Use a harness, not a collar. It takes pressure off the neck and windpipe.
- Keep them slim. Extra weight makes breathing harder. A healthy weight is one of the best gifts you can give a flat-faced pet.
- Beat the heat. Walk early or late in summer, offer shade and water, and never leave them in a car.
- Clean skin folds gently with a product recommended by your vet, and dry them thoroughly.
- Watch the eyes. Squinting, redness, cloudiness or watering need checking the same day.
- Brush their teeth daily if they'll let you. A finger brush is a great start.
Call us straight away if your pet: Is struggling to breathe, has blue or grey gums, has collapsed, or is panting heavily and won't settle on a warm day. These can be emergencies. We're open 24 hours a day, every day, on 01843 808344.
Thinking about getting a flat-faced puppy?
We'd love to meet them! Before you commit, a few tips:
- Look for more open nostrils, a slightly longer muzzle and parents that breathe quietly.
- Ask the breeder about health testing, including the Kennel Club and University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme for Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs.
- Always see the puppy with its mum in the home where it was born.
- Book a check-up with us soon after you bring them home.
Your questions answered
Is snoring normal in flat-faced dogs?
Occasional soft snoring can happen, but loud snoring, snoring while awake, or noisy breathing during gentle exercise can be signs of BOAS. Book a check so we can take a proper listen.
Are flat-faced pets riskier to anaesthetise?
They can need extra precautions because of their airways. We plan every anaesthetic carefully, monitor closely and take extra care during recovery. We'll always talk you through the plan first.
How often should my flat-faced pet see the vet?
At least once a year for a full health check, and more often for older pets or those with ongoing conditions. We'll recommend a plan that suits your pet.
Got a flat-faced friend who's due a check-up? Give us a call and we'll be delighted to see them.
General information only. This article is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment, and every animal is different. If you think your pet needs urgent attention, call us immediately on 01843 808344. Services and techniques described are subject to your vet's clinical judgement. Information correct at the time of publication (October 2026).