Dog breeds with very short faces and hardly any snout are known as “brachycephalic” and gets a common problem known as Brachycephalic Syndrome. Common breeds in this category include Chihuahua, Bulldog, King Charles spaniel, Pug, Boston terrier, Maltese, Pekinese, Shih Tzu, and Boxer. The condition results in a noisy respiratory problem that is similar to snorting when they are breathing including when they are resting. Many believe the condition is caused by abnormalities including stenotic nares or narrow nasal openings, elongated soft palate or many other abnormalities. If a dog has more abnormalities, then the condition can be severe. The condition is similar to sleep apnea in humans.
Not getting adequate oxygen into the system could lead to overall health issues. One of the more common solutions available is surgery to resecting the elongated soft palate and to repair any other abnormalities. Diagnosing and treating the condition early on can lead to significant improvement in the quality of life of your pets. Short faced dog owners should pay attention and should contact their veterinarian if they suspect or detect the condition. Early diagnose and treatment is the key to improve the quality of life for your pet.