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- Stenotic nares<\/strong> \u2014 narrow nostril openings which restrict airflow and breathing. Nostrils can be surgically widened to help increase airflow.<\/li>\n
- Elongated soft palate \u2014<\/strong> the soft palate tissue is often too long for the length of the mouth and the excess tissue flaps into the throat causing snoring and blocking airflow. A soft palate resection can be performed to surgically shorten the tissue.<\/li>\n
- Everted laryngeal saccules \u2014 <\/strong>Increased effort to breathe can cause sacs of tissue to turn inside out and block the airway. The everted laryngeal saccules can be surgically removed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Other abnormalities associated with flat-faced dogs include hypoplastic trachea (a smaller than normal windpipe) and laryngeal collapse, where the voice box becomes damaged by chronic stress and collapses, blocking the airway.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nFlat Faces Cause Snoring and Underbites<\/h2>\n
Does your dog have to sleep in their own room because of how loud their snoring is? The way air moves in and out of your dog\u2019s nose and nasal passages is related to their shape. Brachycephalic dogs often have smaller nostrils that can cause a partial airway obstruction. Having an elongated soft palate can also partially block the opening of the trachea (windpipe). Both of these issues can cause snoring and a noisy sleeper.<\/p>\n
Due to their short head and jaws, brachycephalic dogs are likely to have crowded teeth and bite abnormalities. Their shortened jaws still need to fit the same number of teeth into a smaller space, and this can lead to tooth rotation and crowding. Bite abnormalities, like the characteristic bulldog underbite, can result in tooth and gum tissue damage.<\/p>\n
Exercises for Flat-Faced Dogs to Avoid<\/h2>\n
All of those breathing and airway issues mean there are certain exercises and activities that brachycephalic dogs should avoid. If you\u2019re headed to the beach, the lake or the pool<\/a>, it\u2019s best to keep your flat-faced doggie out of the water. Their hefty chests, short legs and tendency for breathing challenges mean they\u2019re not really built for swimming. If keeping them out of the water is unavoidable, it\u2019s a good idea to put them in a well-fitting life jacket with a handle for quick recovery (if needed). You should still keep an eye on them though, as they could have breathing issues if they\u2019re overexerting themselves or overheating while swimming.<\/p>\n
Similarly, if your favorite exercise is to go for a morning jog or run a 5K, it\u2019s best to leave your brachycephalic dog at home. They\u2019re compromised breathing means they won\u2019t be able to keep pace with you, and the strenuous exercise could cause health issues for them.<\/p>\n
Keep \u2019Em Cool<\/h2>\n
Dogs use their respiratory system to keep themselves cool \u2014 all that panting isn\u2019t just to tell you they\u2019re hot; it\u2019s actually cooling them down internally. This means brachycephalic dogs are at an increased risk of heatstroke (especially if they\u2019re overweight<\/a>) because it\u2019s more difficult for them to pant and get their body cooler.<\/p>\n
Make sure your dog has easy access to fresh cool, water and keep them in air conditioning (if possible) on hot and humid days. If they\u2019re panting a lot more than they usually do, it\u2019s time to stop what you\u2019re doing and get them in the shade or air conditioning, or find another way to cool them down.<\/p>\n
Exercise Options for Brachycephalic Dogs<\/h2>\n
Your dog may be limited in where they can exercise and the type of activities they can do, but that doesn\u2019t mean they should become a couch canine and not exercise at all. Regular exercise is important to keep joints and muscles healthy and keep your dog within an optimal weight range. A healthy weight is especially important for brachycephalic dogs as obesity can make breathing more challenging for them.<\/p>\n
Exercise can also work off any excess energy your dog has that could otherwise be channeled into destructive behaviors \u2014 especially when you\u2019re out of the house and they have a chance to get up to mischief.<\/p>\n
Before starting any new exercise, make sure your veterinarian agrees that it is safe for your dog to exercise or do certain activities. Once you\u2019ve got the go-ahead, you can try some of these activities \u2014 they can be a good fit for your short-nosed dog to stay fit.<\/p>\n
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- Doga (dog yoga)<\/strong> \u2014 You can look for a yoga class for you and your dog or just do some stretching at home. Stretching helps your dog relax and maintain the range of motion in their joints.<\/li>\n
- Obstacle course<\/strong> \u2014 To keep your dog out of the heat but still get their heart rate up, you can create an indoor obstacle course. You could use cardboard boxes, hoops, furniture, blankets or other household objects to create ramps, tunnels, obstacles and poles for your dog to run through and around.<\/li>\n
- Walkies<\/strong> \u2014 Going on a walk with your dog is good exercise for both of you. Just make sure to avoid walking when it\u2019s hot or humid, and use a harness instead of a collar that could restrict their breathing further.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Can Brachycephalic Dogs Fly?<\/h2>\n
- Obstacle course<\/strong> \u2014 To keep your dog out of the heat but still get their heart rate up, you can create an indoor obstacle course. You could use cardboard boxes, hoops, furniture, blankets or other household objects to create ramps, tunnels, obstacles and poles for your dog to run through and around.<\/li>\n
- Elongated soft palate \u2014<\/strong> the soft palate tissue is often too long for the length of the mouth and the excess tissue flaps into the throat causing snoring and blocking airflow. A soft palate resection can be performed to surgically shorten the tissue.<\/li>\n