Pugs, French bulldogs, and Boston terriers all have flat faces, making them brachycephalic dogs. While adorable, this facial structure makes them prone to health issues, especially when it comes to breathing. As such, they may need special care from a veterinarian to stay healthy. Below are a few of the most common ailments faced by these types of dogs, as well as some tips on how to care for them.

Common Health Problems in Flat-Faced Dogs

1. Respiratory Issues

Breeds with flat faces have very constricted passageways to breathe through due to stenosis of the nose and trachea, and excess tissue in the back of the mouth and throat. This makes it hard for them to breathe while panting. As such, these dogs should not be allowed to spend too much time in the heat or to play too hard.

Owners should be careful of how much they let their dogs exert themselves and should attach their leash to a harness rather than a collar. They may also consider surgery to free their airways and allow adequate oxygen flow. 

2. Dental Concerns

Smaller jaws mean their teeth have less room to come in. Misalignments and overcrowding can cause teeth to become impacted. As a result, they may have trouble chewing or their teeth may inadvertently stab them in the cheeks, lips, tongue, or roof of the mouth.

Crooked teeth are also harder to clean and trap more food particles, leading to decay and gum disease, which can be fatal in dogs. Limit your dog’s intake of table scraps and chewy treats, and take them for regular pet health exams as recommended by your veterinarian, where their teeth can be cleaned and examined for signs of disease.

3. Ocular Ailments

 Dogs with bulging eyes may have insufficient eyelid tissue to cover their eyes, leading to dryness, irritation, and vision problems. Their eye may also come out of its socket, which is correctable but may cause vision loss.

Some dogs have irregularly-shaped eyelids that rub their lashes into their eyes, causing irritation and a buildup of scar tissue that can blind them. Your veterinary clinic can perform surgery to correct the eyelid, but the procedure may need to be done periodically as the tissue grows back. If you notice redness, weeping, drooping eyelids, excess eyelid tissue, bulging eyes, or other concerning symptoms, arrange to come in right away.

Worried about your flat-faced friend? The veterinarians at Parkview Animal Hospital in Lincoln, NE, have provided compassionate care to pets of all kinds for over 30 years. With no appointment necessary, they perform routine pet health exams, vaccinations, and emergency care. Learn what they can do for your brachycephalic dog online or call (402) 423-6939 with questions.