Brachycephalic Dog Health Problems

Learn about common brachycephalic dog health problems — like breathing issues, allergies, and heat sensitivity — and how to care for your flat-faced pup.

French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers have a lot in common. They have hearts of gold and some of the best personalities on earth. These breeds, and those like them, are truly our best friends. But they have something else in common. They’re brachycephalic, which means they’re prone to certain health issues. Let’s look at brachycephalic dog health problems, and how to take care of them. 

Common issues in brachycephalic dogs

     1. Difficulty breathing:

Brachycephalic dogs can have problems breathing due to narrowed nasal passages and soft tissue excess. Not all dogs with brachiocephalic features will have this problem. But those that do can display symptoms such as snoring or loud breathing, depending on the severity of the issue. 

What’s the solution?

Fortunately, this can be a very treatable problem. A somewhat simple surgery can open nasal nares and trim soft tissue excess to allow greater range of breathing. 

“If your dog snore, grunts or makes audible sounds while breathing, they are likely good candidates for surgical revision of the nose and soft palate,” says veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause. Some people opt for surgery when their dogs are young. This early intervention can correct the issue and help the dog live a more normal life. 

Acupressure can also help brachycephalic dogs breathe easier, and it’s a modality you can learn to do at home.

       2.Sensitivity to exercise:

Dogs typically don’t do well with too much physical activity. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier explains that “constricted airways in the throat” limit physical activity in these dogs.

What’s the solution to exercise:

Limit your dog’s exertion to manage this issue. Keep a close eye (and ear) on how he’s handling activity.

     3. Susceptibility to allergies:

The brachycephalic dog can be more sensitive to allergens, both inhaled and ingested. The airways can be more reactive to things like seasonal pollen, which irritates the dog’s breathing structures. Snoring or loud breathing can be more apparent in these conditions. 

What’s the solution? Find your dog’s specific allergy triggers. Then, avoid the allergens that cause the most harm. Veterinarians may recommend antihistamines or alternative therapies such as herbal medicine to help manage symptoms.

     4. Lower tolerance to heat:

Brachycephalic dogs may have reduced heat tolerance because the condition may affect their ability to pant. It is absolutely essential to keep these dogs cool and comfortable. Avoid letting these breeds stay outside for long periods in summer heat. 

What’s the solution? All dogs need shade, water, and a way to stay cool in summer. For brachycephalic breeds, this is even more critical. Keep a close eye on your dog in all weather conditions, but especially during spells of high heat and humidity. 

Brachycephalic dogs aren’t the most “drip-dry” of breeds. You need to monitor their breathing and limit exposure to exercise, allergens, and heat. It takes some work to ensure these dogs enjoy long, healthy lives. However, these are some of the best dogs on the planet and make devoted friends and companions. So they’re worth every ounce of effort!

Brachycephalic dogs from a TCVM perspective

A Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) approach to brachycephalic dog health problems offers great value. 

“Developmental and genetic abnormalities (as with brachycephalic breeds) are considered Jing Deficiencies in Chinese medicine,” says veterinarian Dr. Jared Mitchell. “Jing is the essence of an organism’s life (e.g. DNA, genetics, etc.). 

“There are two types of Jing: Pre-natal Jing and Post-natal Jing. We are born with Pre-natal Jing, and its amount stays‘fixed.’ We cannot create more of it. Nutrition can be used to supplement Pre-natal Jing with Post-natal Jing.

“Animals with Jing Deficiency often manifest other problems or conditions,” Dr. Mitchell continues. “This is not always the case, of course, and not every brachycephalic animal will have problems. You can prevent and treat internal disharmonies by managing your dog’s nutrition properly.”

A TCVM-trained vet can assess your dog’s individual needs and create a personalized nutrition plan to help with Jing Deficiency.

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