BOAS in Dogs: Breathing Problems in
French Bulldogs, Pugs & Other Flat-Faced
Breeds

If your dog snores loudly, struggles to exercise, or seems to have trouble catching their breath,
they may have Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). BOAS is a common
condition affecting “flat-faced” (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs,
Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Boxers.

In dogs with BOAS, narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and other airway abnormalities
make it much harder to move air in and out of the lungs. Because dogs rely on panting to cool
themselves, these airway restrictions become especially dangerous during Florida’s hot and
humid summers.

Why BOAS Is a Bigger Problem in Sarasota

Here on the Gulf Coast, high temperatures and humidity make it difficult for all dogs to dissipate heat—but for brachycephalic breeds, the challenge is even greater. Dogs with BOAS are at increased risk for:

● Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
● Exercise intolerance
● Noisy breathing or snoring
● Gagging or regurgitation
● Cyanosis (blue gums) during stress or exercise
● Collapse in severe cases

Even a short walk on a warm Sarasota afternoon can become dangerous for an affected pet.

How Corrective Surgery Can Help

Fortunately, many dogs experience a dramatic improvement in their quality of life with BOAS
corrective surgery. Depending on your dog’s anatomy, surgery typically includes widening
narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares resection) and/or shortening an elongated soft palate.

At Burns Court Veterinary Care, we perform BOAS surgeries using a CO2 surgical laser.
Compared with traditional surgical techniques, laser surgery offers several advantages:

● Less bleeding during surgery
● Reduced tissue trauma
● Less postoperative swelling
● Improved surgical precision
● Potentially more comfortable recovery

Because swelling within the airway can affect breathing after surgery, minimizing tissue trauma
is particularly important in these patients.

Is Your Dog a Candidate?

If your dog snores, breathes loudly while awake, tires easily, or struggles in warm weather, it’s
worth having them evaluated. Early intervention can improve comfort, increase exercise
tolerance, reduce the risk of heat-related emergencies, and help protect the airway from
long-term damage.

With Sarasota’s year-round warmth—and especially during the summer months—helping your
brachycephalic dog breathe more easily can make a meaningful difference in both their health
and quality of life.

FAQs about BOAS:

• What breeds are most affected by BOAS?
  French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Boxers, and other flat-faced (Brachycephalic) breeds are at the highest risk.
• How do I know if my dog needs BOAS surgery?
  Signs include loud snoring, noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, gagging, overheating easily, or difficulty recovering after activity. A veterinary examination can determine whether corrective surgery is appropriate.
• Is BOAS surgery worth it?
  For many dogs, BOAS surgery significantly improves breathing, exercise tolerance, sleep quality, and overall quality of life while reducing the risk of heat-related emergencies.