Flat-faced breeds are full of personality, but many are born with narrow nostrils that make every breath harder work. Surgery to widen the nostrils is a simple procedure that can make a real difference to your pet's breathing, energy and comfort. Here's what it involves.
Many owners assume noisy breathing is just "normal for the breed", but it's often a sign the airway is too narrow. Watch for:
Narrow nostrils are one part of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a group of airway problems common in flat-faced breeds. Others include small pouches in the voice box that get pulled into the airway, and a narrow windpipe. Nostril surgery removes a small wedge of tissue from each nostril to open the airway.
Flat-faced breeds need extra care under anesthesia, so we plan carefully. We monitor them closely as they wake and keep the breathing tube in place until they're fully alert. For young dogs, the surgery can often be done alongside a spay or neuter.
Close monitoring as your pet wakes up. Most go home the same day.
Some crusting and occasional spots of blood around the nostrils are normal. A cone stops your pet from rubbing their nose. Keep them calm, cool and indoors in warm weather.
Recheck, and removal of any stitches that aren't dissolvable. The nostrils should be healing well by this stage.
Most owners notice quieter breathing, better sleep and more energy on walks. Continue good everyday habits (see below) to protect your pet's airway long term.
Everything above covers what most owners need. If you'd like to understand why these airway problems develop and how to support your pet long term, this section walks through it.
When a pet has to pull hard to get air through a narrow airway, that effort gradually sucks soft tissue further into the throat and voice box, causing more blockage over time. Opening the nostrils early reduces that strain and can slow or prevent these secondary changes. Many vets recommend assessing flat-faced puppies before or at the time of their spay or neuter.
Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, and flat-faced breeds can't pant efficiently. That makes them far more prone to heatstroke. Even after surgery, keep walks to cooler parts of the day, provide shade and water, and never leave them in a car.
Flat-faced pets are more likely to have breathing difficulty while waking from anesthesia, and more likely to regurgitate. Our plan covers this with careful monitoring, medications to reduce regurgitation, and keeping the airway protected until they're fully awake.
Nostril surgery itself rarely causes problems beyond minor scabbing. Regurgitation can lead to aspiration pneumonia in some dogs. That's why we monitor closely afterwards and ask you to call if you notice coughing, laboured breathing or lethargy.
Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on the throat. Keep your pet lean, because extra weight around the neck and chest makes breathing harder. Avoid heat and humidity, and give plenty of rest on walks.
Most dogs breathe much more quietly after surgery, though some snoring may remain because the airway is still shaped differently from a long-nosed dog's.
Yes. Combining them means only one anesthetic, and it's a good time to assess the airway before problems progress.
It significantly improves breathing but doesn't change your pet's overall facial structure. Good everyday habits remain important for life.
We'll give you a clear, itemized estimate first.
