Understanding BOAS in Dogs: Breathing Issues Explained for Local Owners

Quick Answer: BOAS, or Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, is a breathing problem seen in flat-faced dogs such as Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs. It happens because the shape of the nose, throat and airways makes breathing harder. Early veterinary advice, weight control and timely treatment can make a real difference to comfort, sleep, exercise and quality of life.

Introduction

Many local pet owners ask us why some flat-faced dogs seem noisy when they breathe, tire quickly on walks, or struggle more in warm weather. In many cases, the reason may be BOAS. This stands for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, which is a condition affecting the upper airway in short-nosed breeds.

At Animal Clinic Vets we regularly help owners in Shooters Hill, Charlton, Kidbrooke, Eltham, Lewisham and across South East London understand whether snoring, snorting and exercise intolerance are simply “normal for the breed” or signs that a dog needs support. While some affected dogs cope reasonably well, others benefit from monitoring, lifestyle changes or referral assessment.

If you are concerned about your dog’s breathing, it is sensible to book an appointment so we can assess them properly. For flat-faced breeds, regular checks through our preventative healthcare plans can also help us spot problems earlier.

What is BOAS?

BOAS is a condition where a dog’s airways are narrowed or obstructed because of the shape of the head, nose, mouth and throat. “Brachycephalic” means short-headed, which is why BOAS is most often seen in flat-faced breeds.

Dogs commonly affected include:

• French Bulldogs
• Pugs
• English Bulldogs
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Boxers, in some cases

These dogs are often loved for their distinctive appearance and personality, but their shortened facial structure can leave less room for normal airflow. In simple terms, they may have to work much harder than other dogs to breathe comfortably.

Our veterinary team often advises owners that BOAS is not just about noisy breathing. It can affect sleep, exercise, temperature regulation, stress levels and overall wellbeing. That is why a proper dog health check is worthwhile if you notice changes, even if your dog has always been a little snuffly.

Common signs of BOAS in dogs

The signs can vary from mild to more severe. Some dogs show problems mainly during exercise or hot weather, while others struggle more generally.

Possible signs include:

• Loud breathing, snoring or snorting
• Exercise intolerance, such as tiring quickly
• Panting excessively compared with other dogs
• Difficulty coping in warm weather
• Restlessness or disturbed sleep
• Gagging or retching
• Breathing with more effort than normal
• Blue or grey gums in severe episodes
• Collapse in more serious cases

In our experience supporting pets across Shooters Hill, Charlton and South East London, one of the biggest challenges is that owners can become used to these signs over time. If a dog has always snored, always panted heavily, or always lagged behind on walks, it can be easy to assume that is simply their normal pattern. Sometimes it is not.

Why BOAS happens

BOAS usually results from a combination of structural features. These may include nostrils that are too narrow, a soft palate that is too long, changes in the tissue in the throat, and pressure within the airway caused by ongoing difficulty breathing.

This means a dog may struggle both to get enough air in and to cool themselves down efficiently. Dogs do not sweat like people do. They rely heavily on breathing and panting to regulate body temperature, so airway narrowing can quickly become more of a problem in hot weather, during excitement, or after exercise.

If your dog is a flat-faced breed, we may recommend routine monitoring during annual pet checks so we can assess breathing, body condition and any changes over time.

Why early assessment matters

Early assessment can help in two important ways. First, it helps identify dogs that may benefit from simple changes such as weight management, exercise adjustments and avoiding overheating. Second, it helps us spot dogs who may need further investigation before their breathing problems become more significant.

At Animal Clinic Vets we regularly help local pet owners understand the difference between mild breed-related noise and signs that the airway is affecting day-to-day quality of life. Dogs with BOAS may appear cheerful and affectionate, but still be using much more effort than they should just to breathe.

If you have recently moved to the area, you can register your pet with our local veterinary team so we can support your dog’s breathing health over time.

BOAS and the BOAS Clinic

Some dogs benefit from a more focused airway assessment through a BOAS Clinic. A BOAS Clinic is designed to evaluate how a flat-faced dog is breathing, whether signs are mild or more advanced, and what the most appropriate next steps may be.

This may involve reviewing:

• Breathing at rest
• Exercise tolerance
• Body condition and weight
• Nostril shape
• Noise during breathing
• Recovery after activity

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners decide whether a dog would benefit from further assessment and whether referral is appropriate. If you are worried about your dog’s breathing or want a clearer picture of how they are coping, we can advise you during a veterinary consultation and discuss the most suitable plan.

What We Commonly See at Animal Clinic Vets

One of the most common concerns we hear is, “My dog has always snored, so I assumed it was normal.” A common misunderstanding is that noisy breathing in flat-faced breeds is harmless simply because it is common. In reality, common does not always mean comfortable.

We regularly help pet owners across Charlton, Kidbrooke and Eltham who notice that their dog:

• Becomes breathless after only short walks
• Struggles more in summer or in heated homes
• Cannot settle well when sleeping
• Gags after excitement or pulling on the lead
• Seems reluctant to exercise compared with other dogs

Many local pet owners in Shooters Hill ask us whether weight really makes that much difference. In many dogs, it does. Even a small amount of excess weight can add to breathing effort. We also commonly see owners underestimate how much heat, stress and overexertion affect brachycephalic breeds.

Another practical point we often discuss at Animal Clinic Vets is harness use. For many flat-faced dogs, a well-fitted harness is more comfortable than pressure around the neck, especially if they already have noisy or effortful breathing.

Practical Advice

If your dog may have BOAS, there are several practical steps that can help support them day to day.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight

Weight control is one of the most useful ways to reduce breathing effort. If you are unsure what a healthy body shape looks like for your dog, we can help during a weight management check.

Exercise little and often

Gentle, manageable walks are usually better than intense bursts of activity. Avoid strenuous exercise, especially in warm or humid weather.

Help your dog stay cool

Walk early or late on warmer days, keep indoor spaces well ventilated, provide shade and fresh water, and avoid overheated cars or enclosed spaces.

Use a harness if advised

A harness may reduce pressure on the throat compared with a collar, particularly in dogs that pull on the lead.

Monitor changes over time

Take note if breathing becomes noisier, recovery after walks takes longer, or your dog seems less willing to exercise. These changes are worth discussing with a vet.

Do not assume all snoring is harmless

Snoring and snorting can be common in some breeds, but if your dog seems distressed, exhausted or heat-intolerant, they should be assessed.

For ongoing support, our dog care services and preventative healthcare options can help us monitor your pet’s health as they grow and age.

Myth vs Fact

Myth: Flat-faced dogs always breathe noisily, so there is no point checking

Fact: Some noise may be common in these breeds, but significant breathing effort should still be assessed.

Myth: BOAS only matters in hot weather

Fact: Warm weather often makes signs more obvious, but BOAS can affect sleep, exercise and comfort all year round.

Myth: If my dog is playful, their breathing must be fine

Fact: Many dogs remain bright and affectionate even when they are working harder than they should to breathe.

When To Contact A Vet

Please contact a vet if your dog:

• Has noisy breathing that seems to be getting worse
• Tires quickly or struggles on walks
• Has difficulty sleeping comfortably
• Gags, retches or seems distressed after exercise
• Struggles in warm weather more than expected
• Has episodes of collapse or marked breathlessness

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately.

If you are based in Lewisham, Greenwich, Blackheath, Woolwich or nearby South East London areas, you can contact Animal Clinic Vets for advice or arrange a health check for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOAS only seen in Bulldogs and Pugs?

No. While Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are commonly affected, other flat-faced breeds can also develop BOAS.

Can BOAS get worse with age?

It can do. Weight gain, ongoing airway strain and reduced fitness may make signs more noticeable over time.

Will my dog always need surgery?

No. Some dogs are managed with monitoring, weight control and lifestyle changes. Others may need further assessment to decide whether surgery would help.

How do I know if my dog’s breathing is abnormal?

If breathing is loud, effortful, worsening, affecting exercise or causing poor recovery, it is worth having your dog checked by a vet.

Should I still insure a flat-faced dog?

Insurance can be helpful for many pets, including brachycephalic breeds. It is best to look carefully at policy terms and what is covered.

Can puppies show signs of BOAS?

Yes, some puppies and young dogs show signs early. If you have concerns, our local veterinary team can assess them and advise on monitoring as they grow.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Final CTA

If you are worried about noisy breathing, exercise intolerance or heat sensitivity in your dog, we are here to help. At Animal Clinic Vets, we support local pet owners across Shooters Hill, Charlton, Kidbrooke, Eltham, Lewisham and South East London with practical, compassionate advice. You can book an appointment, register your pet, or speak to our veterinary team about arranging a breathing assessment or general health check.