BOAS in Dogs: What Tooting Owners Need to Know

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 can affect sleep, exercise, comfort and heat tolerance. Early assessment is important, and at Tooting Vets we offer a dedicated BOAS Grading Clinic to help owners understand their dog’s breathing.

Introduction

Flat-faced dogs are much-loved family pets across Tooting and South West London, but their shorter skull shape can sometimes make breathing more difficult than owners realise. At Tooting Vets we regularly help owners who have noticed snoring, noisy breathing, poor stamina or difficulty coping in warm weather and are unsure whether it is “normal for the breed” or a sign of a problem.

BOAS stands for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. In simple terms, it means the airways are narrowed, making it harder for a dog to move air in and out comfortably. This can affect day-to-day quality of life and, in some dogs, become more serious during exercise, stress or heat.

Our veterinary team often advises that early assessment is the best approach. If you own a Pug, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu or another flat-faced breed, a breathing check can be a sensible part of routine preventative healthcare. If you are concerned, you can also book an appointment online or speak to our local veterinary team.

What is BOAS?

BOAS is a condition linked to the shape of the head, nose and throat in brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breeds. These dogs often have shortened facial bones, but the soft tissues inside the nose and throat may still be relatively bulky. This can lead to crowding and airway obstruction.

Common anatomical features linked with BOAS include:

• Narrow nostrils that reduce airflow through the nose
• An elongated soft palate, meaning tissue at the back of the mouth partly blocks the airway
• Crowding in the throat
• Secondary changes that develop over time due to increased effort when breathing

Not every flat-faced dog is affected to the same degree. Some have mild signs, while others struggle much more. This is why a proper clinical assessment matters rather than relying on appearance alone.

Which dogs are most at risk?

We commonly see BOAS concerns in:

• French Bulldogs
• Pugs
• English Bulldogs
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Boxers

Many local pet owners in Tooting, Balham, Streatham and Wimbledon ask us whether their dog’s breathing noises are simply part of being a flat-faced breed. While these breeds are more prone to airway issues, persistent noisy breathing should not just be dismissed without veterinary advice.

Signs of BOAS owners may notice at home

Signs can vary from subtle to obvious. Common symptoms include:

• Noisy breathing when awake
• Snoring or disturbed sleep
• Reduced stamina on walks
• Struggling to recover after exercise
• Breathing with the mouth open more than expected
• Gagging, retching or vomiting froth
• Difficulty coping with warm weather
• Restlessness or distress in heat or excitement
• Blue-tinged gums in severe cases
• Collapse in more serious episodes

In our experience supporting pets across Tooting and South West London, heat can be a major trigger because dogs cool themselves largely through breathing. If the airway is restricted, they can become overwhelmed much faster than other dogs.

Why early assessment matters

BOAS is not only about noise. It can affect sleep quality, exercise tolerance, digestion and overall comfort. Dogs with ongoing airway restriction may also place more strain on their bodies over time.

Early assessment helps us understand:

• Whether your dog’s breathing is within acceptable limits or concerning
• How much the airway may be affecting normal daily life
• Whether lifestyle adjustments could help
• Whether monitoring or treatment should be considered

At Tooting Vets we operate a dedicated BOAS Grading Clinic, designed specifically for brachycephalic breeds. This gives owners a clearer picture of how their dog is breathing and what practical steps may help next.

What happens at a BOAS assessment?

A BOAS assessment usually involves taking a careful history and examining your dog’s breathing, nostrils, airway noises and exercise tolerance. Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners understand the difference between mild breed-related noise and more significant obstruction.

Depending on the findings, we may advise:

• Monitoring and regular rechecks
• Weight management support if needed
• Exercise and heat-management advice
• Further investigation
• Referral for treatment where appropriate

For dogs needing a broader work-up, access to advanced surgery and medicine services or CT scanning can be helpful in selected cases, particularly where detailed assessment of the airway or related concerns is needed.

Can BOAS be treated?

Treatment depends on severity. Mildly affected dogs may benefit mainly from sensible management, while more severely affected dogs may need surgical correction to improve airflow.

Treatment options may include:

• Keeping your dog lean, as excess weight can make breathing harder
• Avoiding overheating and overexertion
• Using a harness instead of a collar if advised
• Addressing narrowed nostrils or excessive soft tissue surgically in suitable cases

If surgery is recommended, the aim is to improve airflow and comfort rather than to make a dog “perfect”. Our veterinary team can advise whether this is likely to benefit your pet and what the recovery process may involve. Where pets require closer monitoring, our hospitalisation facilities allow for ongoing care and observation.

What We Commonly See at Tooting Vets

One of the most common concerns we hear from local pet owners is, “My dog has always snored and snuffled, so I thought it was normal.” A common misunderstanding is that if a dog has always made noise, it cannot be a health issue. In reality, lifelong noisy breathing can still indicate an airway problem.

At Tooting Vets we regularly help owners who notice:

• Their dog tires much more quickly than other dogs
• Summer walks becoming difficult
• Disturbed sleep or sleeping in unusual positions
• Retching after excitement or exercise
• Worsening breathing with age or weight gain

We also commonly see owners blaming “laziness” when the real issue is poor exercise tolerance caused by restricted airflow. Our veterinary team often advises that small daily signs matter. A dog does not need to be in crisis for BOAS to be worth assessing.

Many local pet owners across South West London also ask whether puppies should be checked. The answer is often yes, especially in high-risk breeds. Early guidance can be very useful, and owners of younger dogs may wish to explore our Puppy VIP Plan or wider health checks and clinics as part of routine support.

Practical Advice for Owners of Flat-Faced Dogs

There is a lot owners can do at home to support a flat-faced dog’s breathing and comfort.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight

Extra weight can make BOAS signs worse. If you are unsure what a healthy body shape looks like, we can help assess this during a consultation. Ongoing support may also be available through our Dog VIP plan or broader VIP plans.

Be careful in warm weather

Walk your dog during cooler parts of the day, avoid hot cars, and make sure fresh water and shade are always available. Humid weather can also make breathing harder.

Use a harness if advised

Pressure around the neck can make some dogs less comfortable. A harness may be a better option for certain pets.

Watch exercise tolerance

Regular gentle exercise is useful, but avoid pushing a dog who is struggling. Stop if your dog becomes noisy, distressed or slow to recover.

Do not assume noisy breathing is harmless

If your dog snores heavily, struggles in heat, or seems unusually tired, it is sensible to arrange a check. You can register your pet with Tooting Vets or arrange an assessment with our local veterinary team.

When To Contact A Vet

Please contact a vet if your flat-faced dog has:

• Breathing that seems noisy most of the time
• Reduced tolerance for walks or play
• Frequent gagging, retching or vomiting after exertion
• Trouble sleeping comfortably
• Any worsening of breathing over time
• More difficulty in warm weather

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.

For urgent help, please use our 24-hour emergency veterinary care service. Tooting Vets supports pets and owners across Tooting and South West London with both routine and urgent care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is snoring normal in flat-faced dogs?

Snoring is common in flat-faced breeds, but that does not always mean it is normal or harmless. Persistent snoring can be a sign of airway narrowing and is worth discussing with a vet.

Can BOAS get worse with age?

It can. Weight gain, ongoing airway strain and age-related changes may make signs more noticeable over time.

Should my puppy be assessed for BOAS?

In many cases, yes. Early checks in at-risk breeds can help identify concerns sooner and guide owners on exercise, weight and long-term monitoring.

Will every flat-faced dog need surgery?

No. Some dogs can be managed conservatively, while others benefit from surgery. The right approach depends on the severity of the problem and the dog’s quality of life.

How do I know if my dog needs a BOAS grading appointment?

If your dog is a flat-faced breed and snores, struggles in heat, pants heavily, tires easily or has noisy breathing when awake, a dedicated BOAS Grading Clinic appointment is a sensible next step.

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.

Concerned About Your Dog’s Breathing?

If you have a flat-faced dog and would like advice, our team at Tooting Vets is here to help. You can book an appointment, register your pet, or find our practice details on our Find Us page. We are proud to support local pet owners in Tooting, Wandsworth, Balham and across South West London with practical, personal veterinary care.