What a short snout means for your pet’s health

There are many breeds of dogs and cats with a short snout or flat face. You’re probably familiar with many of these breeds!

Examples of dog breeds with a short snout include the Boston terrier, boxer, bulldog (English and French), Lhasa apso, Pekingese, pug and shih tzu.

Cat breeds with a short snout include the Burmese, exotic shorthair, Himalayan and Persian.

 

Getting technical
A dog or cat with a short snout or flat face is referred to as brachycephalic. Brachycephalic originates from the Greek words for “short” (brachy) and “head” (cephalic).

Brachycephalic cats and dogs all have some things in common: narrow and smaller nostrils and a longer soft palate (the soft part of the roof of the mouth) than other breeds. They may also have a narrower trachea (windpipe) than other cats and dogs. All these changes together are referred to as brachycephalic airway syndrome.

Health considerations
Brachycephalic airway syndrome can affect dogs and cats with short snouts, and it’s usually diagnosed between ages one and four years. (You may also hear this syndrome referred to as brachycephalic respiratory syndrome, brachycephalic syndrome or congenital obstructive upper airway disease.)

Some dogs and cats with short snouts aren’t as bothered by brachycephalic airway syndrome as others. Signs of the syndrome include:

• Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose
• Noisy breathing, especially when exercising
• Snorting when excited
• Snoring when relaxed or asleep
• Overheating when it’s hot and humid

More severe signs of brachycephalic airway syndrome include:

• Get tired easily from exercise
• Collapsing or fainting after exercise
• Coughing
• Gagging
• Retching or vomiting
• Lack of appetite

Over time, brachycephalic cats and dogs may develop other problems, like inflammation in the airways or heart problems.

How to protect the health of your short-snouted dog or cat:

• Keep your pet at a healthy weight
• Provide access to cool water, fans and/or air conditioning when it’s hot or humid
• Ask your veterinarian how much exercise is good for your pet to help prevent overheating
• Be cautious about airplane travel—stress, changes in altitude and humidity in the plane can affect your pet
• If you’re looking for a purebred cat or dog, search for a responsible breeder who does health testing to make sure these pets have fewer issues
• Consider surgery to correct abnormalities if recommended by your veterinarian

Talk with your veterinarian to learn more about taking care of your short-snouted dog or cat.

Have any questions relating to your pet’s behavior? With Live Chat* through the myVCA app, our licensed veterinary professionals are always ready to answer your questions anytime, available day or night.  >>

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