BOAS in Dogs: Why Brachycephalic Breeds Struggle in Summer Heat and How Surgery Can Help

If you share your life with a French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, Boxer, or another brachycephalic breed, you've probably become familiar with the snorts, snores, and noisy breathing often associated with these breeds. While many people assume these sounds are simply part of the breed, they can actually be signs of a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

BOAS in dogs is especially concerning during the summer months because these breeds already have difficulty moving air through their airways. Warm temperatures and humidity can make breathing even harder, and in severe cases, heat exposure can quickly become a medical emergency.

Understanding the signs of BOAS, the dangers of summer heat - and the treatment options available - can help keep your dog safer, more comfortable, and better able to enjoy everyday activities.

What Is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS in Dogs)?

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) refers to a collection of anatomical abnormalities that restrict airflow in brachycephalic, or short-nosed, breeds.

Common airway abnormalities associated with BOAS include:

• Stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils)

• An elongated soft palate (roof of the mouth), which can partially block airflow at the back of the throat

• Everted laryngeal saccules, which are small tissues near the voice box that can be pulled into the airway over time

• A narrowed trachea (windpipe) in some dogs (especially English Bulldogs)

Individually, each of these abnormalities can interfere with airflow. Together, they can create significant airway obstruction and increase the effort required to breathe.

Many dogs with BOAS show signs such as:

• Loud snoring

• Snorting or snuffling sounds

• Noisy breathing while awake

• Difficulty breathing at rest and/or during activity

• Exercise intolerance

• Gagging or retching

• Difficulty recovering after activity

• Increased breathing effort during warm weather

While these signs are common in brachycephalic breeds, they should NOT be considered normal - and may indicate that your dog is working harder to breathe than they should.

Why Does My Brachycephalic Dog Overheat So Easily?

One of the most important jobs of the canine respiratory system is temperature regulation.

Unlike people, dogs do not rely primarily on sweating to cool themselves: instead, they release body heat through panting. Panting works best when air can move freely through the nose, throat, and airway.

Dogs with BOAS cannot move air through their airways as efficiently as other dogs. As temperatures rise, they must work harder to cool themselves through panting. Unfortunately, the increased effort required to breathe increases the body's oxygen demand and can make it even harder for brachycephalic dogs to regulate their temperature.

This is why heat intolerance in brachycephalic breeds is so common.

Even temperatures that seem comfortable to people can become dangerous for dogs with significant airway obstruction. In addition, warm weather, humidity, exercise, excitement, anxiety, and obesity can all increase the risk of overheating.

Summer Heat Dangers for Brachycephalic Breeds

The summer months, especially, present unique challenges for dogs with breathing problems.

A dog that appears comfortable indoors may quickly become distressed during a walk, a backyard play session, or a trip to an outdoor event. Heat and humidity make it harder for all dogs to cool themselves, but dogs with BOAS often have an even harder time because they cannot move air as efficiently when they pant.

To help keep your dog safe during warmer months, especially if they are one of the many brachycephalic breeds prone to breathing difficulties:

• Walk during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening

• Limit strenuous exercise when temperatures or humidity are elevated

• Provide constant access to fresh water and cool indoor spaces

• Use a harness instead of a neck collar whenever possible

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Avoid leaving your dog outdoors for extended periods during hot weather

• Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle - even for a few minutes

• Consider anxiety medication prior to stressful events

Signs of Breathing Trouble in Brachycephalic Dogs

Because breathing problems often develop gradually, they can be easy to overlook. Contact your veterinarian if your dog:

• Snores excessively

• Breathes noisily while resting

• Tires quickly on walks

• Struggles to recover after exercise

• Frequently gags, retches, or coughs

• Has difficulty eating comfortably

• Shows increased breathing effort in warm weather

• Appears distressed when excited or active

• Mucous membranes and/or tongue turn blue when excited

Signs that may indicate overheating or respiratory distress include:

• Continuous heavy panting

• Labored breathing

• Excessive drooling

• Weakness or collapse

• Pale, gray, or bluish gums

• Disorientation

• Collapse

These signs should be treated as an emergency.

BOAS Surgery: How Surgical Correction Can Help

Because BOAS is caused by structural abnormalities of the airway, treatments such as medications, weight loss, and exercise restrictions may help reduce symptoms but cannot change the anatomy that is causing the obstruction.

For dogs whose breathing is significantly affected by BOAS, surgery is often the most effective way to improve airflow and make breathing easier. The goal is to create a more open airway so dogs can breathe with less effort.

Surgery to Correct Narrowed Nostrils

One of the most common procedures involves correcting narrowed nostrils (called stenotic nares).

Because the nose is the first part of the airway, even a small increase in the size of the nostrils can make it easier for air to move in and out.

During surgery to correct stenotic nares, a small amount of tissue is removed to create a wider opening and improve airflow through the nose.

Surgery for an Elongated Soft Palate

Many brachycephalic dogs also have an elongated soft palate, meaning the soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth extends too far into the throat.

This excess tissue can partially block the airway, especially during exercise, excitement, or panting, often leading to noisy or labored breathing.

During surgery, the excess tissue is carefully shortened to create a more open airway and improve breathing.

Removal of Obstructive Airway Tissue

In some dogs, chronic breathing effort causes small tissues near the voice box, called laryngeal saccules, to become pulled into the airway. When this occurs, the tissues can create additional obstruction and make breathing even more difficult. These tissues may be removed during surgery to further improve airflow.

Many dogs with BOAS have multiple issues contributing to their breathing difficulties, so several procedures are often performed during the same surgery to create a more open airway.

Benefits of BOAS Surgery

While every dog is different, the goal of BOAS surgery is simple: to help dogs breathe with less effort. Many owners notice improvements in their dog's comfort, activity level, and ability to tolerate exercise and warm weather after surgery. By reducing airway obstruction, surgery can make many daily activities easier and more comfortable.

Potential benefits include:

• Easier breathing

• Improved exercise tolerance

• Better ability to handle warm weather

• Reduced snoring and noisy breathing

• Less gagging and retching

• Improved sleep quality

• Better overall quality of life

Because BOAS often worsens over time, earlier intervention may help prevent additional airway changes and improve long-term comfort.

Depending on your dog's individual needs, surgery may be performed by a veterinarian with experience in airway procedures or through referral to a board-certified veterinary surgeon.

When Should You Talk to Your Veterinarian?

If your dog struggles with warm weather, snores heavily, tires easily on walks, or has noticeable breathing difficulties, it may be time to schedule an appointment for a breathing evaluation.

While many brachycephalic breeds are known for their snorts and snores, these sounds can sometimes indicate an airway problem rather than simply a breed characteristic. A thorough examination can help determine how your dog's airway is functioning and whether lifestyle adjustments, ongoing monitoring, or surgery may improve their comfort and quality of life.

Helping Brachycephalic Dogs Stay Safe This Summer

Brachycephalic breeds bring a lot of joy to the families who love them, but their unique anatomy can make them more vulnerable to breathing problems and heat-related illness, especially during the summer months.

By recognizing the signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), taking precautions during hot weather, and seeking veterinary care when concerns arise, you can help your dog stay safer and more comfortable throughout the summer and beyond.

If you have questions about BOAS in dogs, summer heat safety, or surgical treatment options, our team at Small Miracles Animal Hospital is here to help. We proudly serve pets and families throughout Strongsville and Northeast Ohio and can help you determine the best approach for your dog's long-term health and quality of life.