Brachycephalic Breed Wellness

Special care for short-snouted pets.

Breeds like Bulldogs, Frenchies, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are known for their adorable flat faces — but those same features can make breathing, temperature regulation, and dental health more challenging.

Our Brachycephalic Breed Wellness program focuses on early detection and proactive management of these unique needs. From airway and respiratory screenings to weight management, dental care, and anesthesia safety, we tailor every visit to support comfort, longevity, and quality of life.

Specialty Services for Brachycephalic Breeds.

Some flat-faced breeds need more than wellness care — they need specialized medical and surgical support to breathe, rest, and live comfortably. At Paws Up Veterinary, we offer advanced procedures and expertise tailored specifically to the unique anatomy of brachycephalic pets.

  • Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) is common in flat-faced breeds and can cause snoring, snorting, overheating, or even collapse.

    Our skilled surgical team can perform soft palate resection, stenotic nares correction, and saccule removal to open the airway and help your pet breathe easier, sleep soundly, and live more comfortably.

  • Because of their anatomy, many brachycephalic breeds struggle with natural delivery. Our team offers planned and emergency C-sections performed under carefully monitored anesthesia, prioritizing the safety of both mom and pups. We’ll guide you through pre-surgical planning, neonatal care, and recovery so the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

  • Crowded teeth and shortened jaws make brachycephalic pets more prone to dental disease and infection. Our advanced dental services include digital dental X-rays, ultrasonic cleaning, and oral surgery when needed — all designed to prevent pain and support long-term health.

  • Flat-faced pets require extra care before, during, and after anesthesia. We use customized anesthesia plans, continuous oxygen support, and gentle recovery monitoring to ensure each patient stays safe, comfortable, and stress-free from start to finish.

  • Brachycephalic breeds are prone to airway challenges like narrow nostrils, elongated soft palates, and smaller windpipes — all of which can make breathing more difficult.

    At Paws Up, our doctors perform comprehensive airway assessments that may include physical exams, imaging, and breathing evaluations during rest and exercise. This helps us identify airway issues early and create a customized plan — from monitoring and medical management to surgical correction when needed — so your pet can breathe comfortably and live more actively.

  • Because flat-faced breeds have shorter airways and less efficient cooling systems, they can overheat quickly — even during mild exercise or warm weather.

    Our team helps you recognize early signs of heat stress, develop safe activity plans, and understand how to keep your pet cool year-round. We’ll discuss hydration, indoor temperature control, and when to limit outdoor time — all tailored to your pet’s specific lifestyle and needs.

  • Tight skin folds can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to irritation or infection, while shallow eye sockets make eyes more exposed and sensitive.

    We provide routine eye and skin fold checks, recommend gentle cleaning routines, and prescribe treatments or ointments when needed to prevent discomfort and keep those adorable faces healthy.

  • Even a few extra pounds can make breathing harder for flat-faced breeds. Our veterinary team designs personalized nutrition and weight management plans that balance calorie control with the nutrients your pet needs for energy and muscle health. We’ll guide you on ideal body condition, portion control, feeding frequency, and safe treats — because healthy weight means easier breathing, better mobility, and longer life.

  • After airway surgery or other procedures, recovery doesn’t stop when your pet leaves the clinic.

    Our doctors and technicians provide post-operative care plans that may include gentle exercise routines, environmental adjustments, and breathing exercises to support healing and prevent complications. We’ll also schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress, ensuring your pet’s comfort, confidence, and quality of life improve over time.

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Snorts, Snores & Snuggles —
The FAQ Edition:

  • “Brachycephalic” refers to dogs and cats with shortened skulls and flattened faces — like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, and Shih Tzus. These adorable features can also affect breathing, temperature regulation, and dental alignment, which is why specialized care is so important.

  • Flat-faced pets are prone to certain conditions such as brachycephalic airway syndrome, heat sensitivity, dental crowding, and eye irritation. Regular checkups focused on their unique anatomy allow us to catch issues early — before they impact comfort or quality of life.

  • Your pet’s visit includes a comprehensive physical exam with close attention to breathing, airway structure, dental health, weight, and skin folds. We may recommend additional diagnostics such as airway imaging, dental evaluation, or exercise tolerance testing to guide long-term care.

  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight, avoid strenuous exercise in hot or humid weather, and use a harness instead of a collar to reduce airway pressure. Regular wellness visits allow us to monitor their breathing and recommend interventions — from lifestyle changes to surgical options — if needed.

  • Absolutely. With the right care, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments, most brachycephalic pets live full, happy, and comfortable lives. The key is proactive, preventive care — and that’s exactly what our Brachycephalic Breed Wellness Program is built around.