BOAS in Dogs: What Owners in Streatham Need to Know
Flat-faced dogs can be wonderfully affectionate, playful companions, and it is easy to see why breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and English Bulldogs are so popular across Streatham and South London. However, these breeds can also be more prone to breathing problems linked to the shape of their face, nose and airway. One of the most important conditions for owners to know about is BOAS.
BOAS stands for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. In simple terms, it means that some flat-faced dogs have narrowed airways that make breathing more difficult, especially during exercise, warm weather, excitement or stress. At Streatham Hill Vets, we regularly help owners recognise the signs early and understand when extra support or treatment may be needed. We also offer access to our BOAS grading clinic for dogs that may benefit from further assessment.
This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your vet for professional advice.
What is BOAS?
BOAS is a condition seen most commonly in brachycephalic dogs. “Brachycephalic” is the medical term for dogs with short noses and flat faces. While their appearance may be familiar and appealing, the shortened skull shape can mean there is less room for the normal structures of the airway.
This can lead to ongoing breathing difficulties, including noisy breathing, poor exercise tolerance and, in more severe cases, distress or collapse. BOAS is not simply “normal for the breed”. If a dog struggles to breathe comfortably, snores heavily when awake, or cannot cope with mild activity, it is worth having them checked.
Which dogs are most at risk?
BOAS is seen most often in flat-faced breeds, including:
- French Bulldogs
- Pugs
- English Bulldogs
- Boston Terriers
- Shih Tzus
- Pekingese
- Boxers
Not every flat-faced dog will have severe breathing problems, but many have some degree of airway narrowing. Even dogs that seem cheerful and active can be working harder than they should just to breathe.
Signs of BOAS owners should look out for
Some signs of BOAS can be easy to miss because owners may assume they are typical for the breed. In reality, they can be early warning signs that a dog is finding breathing difficult.
Common symptoms include:
- Noisy breathing, snorting or snuffling
- Heavy panting, even after gentle exercise
- Snoring when asleep, or noisy breathing when awake
- Tiring quickly on walks
- Struggling in hot weather
- Difficulty recovering after play or excitement
- Gagging, retching or bringing up foam
- Restlessness or seeming uncomfortable when trying to sleep
- Blue-tinged gums in severe cases
- Collapse or fainting in serious situations
If your dog shows any of these signs, especially during exercise or warm days, it is a good idea to arrange an appointment. Our team can assess your dog and advise whether further checks are needed through our health checks and clinics or specialist BOAS assessment services.
Why BOAS matters
Dogs with BOAS are not just “a bit noisy”. Breathing problems can affect their comfort, enjoyment of daily life and overall health. Dogs with narrowed airways may struggle to cool themselves properly, which means they are at greater risk of overheating. They may also find exercise, stress, travel and hot weather much harder to cope with.
Over time, straining to breathe can place more pressure on the rest of the airway and may worsen symptoms. That is why early recognition is so important. The sooner we identify a problem, the sooner we can help you make practical changes and discuss the best options for your dog.
How BOAS is assessed
If we are concerned that a dog may have BOAS, we will begin with a careful history and clinical examination. We will ask about your dog’s breathing at rest, on walks, in warm weather and during excitement. Videos taken at home can also be very helpful, especially if symptoms are not obvious in the consulting room.
In some cases, a formal assessment at our BOAS grading clinic may be recommended. BOAS grading helps us understand how significantly your dog is affected and whether monitoring, lifestyle changes or treatment may be appropriate.
For some dogs, additional investigations may be advised, particularly if surgery is being considered or if we need more information about the airway. Depending on the case, this may involve support from our advanced surgery and medicine services or diagnostic imaging such as CT scanning.
Can BOAS be treated?
Management depends on how mild or severe the condition is. For some dogs, simple lifestyle adjustments can make a real difference. For others, surgery may be the best way to improve airflow and quality of life.
Supportive care and home management
- Keep your dog slim, as excess weight can make breathing more difficult
- Walk during cooler parts of the day in warm weather
- Avoid overexertion, especially in heat or humidity
- Use a harness rather than a collar to reduce pressure on the airway
- Give your dog time to rest and recover after activity
- Reduce stress where possible, as excitement can worsen symptoms
Preventative care is a very important part of managing flat-faced breeds. Our preventative healthcare services can help owners stay on top of weight, routine checks and early symptom monitoring.
Surgical treatment
In dogs with more significant BOAS, surgery may help improve airflow by addressing narrowed nostrils or tissue at the back of the throat that obstructs breathing. Surgery is not needed in every case, but for suitable dogs it can make breathing easier and improve day-to-day comfort.
If surgery is recommended, we will talk you through the likely benefits, risks and recovery. Some procedures may be performed using advanced techniques, and in selected cases we may also discuss options through our keyhole surgery or surgical referral services where appropriate.
When should you see a vet?
We recommend booking an appointment if your flat-faced dog:
- Breathes noisily most of the time
- Seems to struggle more than other dogs on walks
- Pants excessively after mild activity
- Has trouble coping in warm weather
- Gags, retches or vomits after excitement or exercise
- Has episodes of distress, collapse or blue gums
If your dog is in obvious breathing distress, collapsing, or unable to settle and recover, this should be treated as urgent. Please contact us straight away or seek immediate help through our emergency 24-hour vetcare page.
Practical advice for owners in Streatham and South London
City life can bring some extra challenges for dogs with BOAS. Busy streets, warm pavements, travel stress and summer heat can all make breathing more difficult. A few small adjustments can help protect your dog:
- Choose short, gentle walks during cooler morning or evening hours
- Carry water when out and about
- Avoid crowded or stressful situations if your dog becomes overexcited easily
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a short time
- Monitor weight closely and ask for support if you are unsure of your dog’s ideal body condition
Regular check-ups are especially valuable for breeds at higher risk. If you have a young dog, early monitoring can be helpful too, and our puppy health checks are a good opportunity to discuss breed-related concerns from the start.
Choosing the right support for your dog
At Streatham Hill Vets, we understand that owners want clear, practical advice without unnecessary worry. If you are concerned about your dog’s breathing, we are here to help you understand what is normal, what is not, and what steps may support your pet’s wellbeing.
Whether your dog needs a routine check-up, a BOAS assessment or more advanced investigation, our team can guide you through the options. You can learn more about our practice on our About Us page, explore our full range of services, or find out why local pet owners choose us.
Book a BOAS assessment with Streatham Hill Vets
If you have a French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog or another flat-faced breed and you are worried about breathing noise, poor exercise tolerance or heat sensitivity, please do not ignore it. Early advice can make a real difference to your dog’s comfort and long-term health.
To arrange an appointment, you can use our online booking page or contact Streatham Hill Vets directly. If you would like a more specific assessment, learn more about our BOAS grading clinic.
We are always happy to support pet owners across Streatham and South London with friendly, professional advice. Visit Streatham Hill Vets to find out more, book an appointment, or see how we can help keep your dog breathing as comfortably as possible.
