Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a collection of respiratory problems affecting dogs with flat-faced features, such as the French bulldog puppies, English bulldog puppies, and pug puppies. These dogs often face challenges in breathing normally, which can impact their lifestyle and quality of life significantly.
Understanding the severity and impact of BOAS in your dog is crucial to providing the best care. The degree to which a dog's muzzle is shortened correlates with the likelihood and severity of BOAS symptoms.
Many puppy buyers unknowingly acquire brachycephalic pups with BOAS that may only show symptoms as they grow. Education about BOAS is essential for prospective owners to make informed choices and provide responsible care.
This article addresses five frequently asked questions about looking after dogs with BOAS, offering practical advice grounded in current UK veterinary standards.
Dogs with moderately short muzzles often tolerate normal play and exercise without acute breathing difficulties. However, if your dog has been diagnosed with BOAS, consult your vet about exercise limits specific to your dog's condition.
Because dogs rely on panting to regulate temperature and meet oxygen demands during exercise, those with BOAS may struggle. Exercise should be adapted by:
Exercise intensity depends on your dog's BOAS severity, so personalised guidance from your vet is essential.
Yes, dogs with BOAS have increased sensitivity to heat due to impaired airflow limiting their ability to pant effectively. This raises the risk of overheating and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
To protect your brachycephalic dog in warm weather:
Discuss additional heat management tactics with your vet.
Close observation of your dog’s normal breathing and behaviour helps identify distress. Common signs of suffering include:
If severe symptoms occur, seek veterinary attention immediately. Regular check-ups enable your vet to monitor BOAS progression and advise on corrective options, including surgery if warranted.
Research and current veterinary consensus in the UK show that BOAS significantly reduces life expectancy. For example, English and French bulldogs with BOAS typically live around 9.8 years compared to 12.5 years for average dogs, with brachycephalic dogs having an estimated 3-4 years reduced lifespan.
The chronic respiratory challenges, exercise limitations, and risk of severe complications like heatstroke contribute to this reduced lifespan.
However, vigilant management, early intervention, maintaining a healthy weight, and supportive care can improve quality of life and longevity.
BOAS care requires a committed and informed approach focusing on your dog's individual condition and quality of life.
For responsible ownership, always liaise closely with your vet for tailored advice and treatment plans.