Boston Terrier Breathing
If you notice your Boston Terrier is having trouble breathing, it may be because of its brachycephalic (flat-faced) shape. If you notice that your dog is sneezing, snorting, or reverse sneezing, you should contact a vet for an evaluation. The veterinarian may recommend a medication or suggest lifestyle changes to improve your dog’s breathing. Some simple lifestyle changes may be to use a softer leash or to slow down the amount of food your dog eats. If your dog does not respond to these measures, a family member may take over and help your dog.
Another sign of a possible medical issue is wheezing, a sound that is not pleasant for humans. It’s more common in small-snouted breeds like Boston terriers. The whistling sound is caused by an obstruction in the airway, usually the large bronchi and trachea. A dog wheezing for a few seconds at a time is not a medical emergency, but if the sound lasts for a long time, you should call your vet immediately.
The cause of this problem is a variety of factors. The Boston terrier’s short nose has knock-on effects on its breathing and is a leading cause of chronic discomfort. This issue prevents the dog from exercising normally and may even lead to cardiac arrest. This is especially important if the dog has white markings. If you notice that your Boston Terrier has trouble breathing, it’s probably an allergy.
As Boston dogs are susceptible to heatstroke, you should keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day.
If possible, make walks short and avoid letting them go outside unattended. Your Boston will remain cooler if they are kept at a normal weight. Heatstroke is more common in overweight dogs than normal-weight dogs. Make sure your Boston is drinking water regularly to keep it cool. A bowl of water containing fresh water helps your Boston avoid overheating.
Another reason for Boston terrier breathing issues is their brachycephalic structure. Their long palate and flat noses make their airways small and narrow, making it difficult for them to breathe. This narrow airway limits airflow and can lead to a range of secondary problems, including laryngeal collapse, trachea hypoplasia, and gastrointestinal abnormalities. This condition makes your Boston Terrier difficult to exercise, even if you do try. It can also lead to fainting spells.
As with most things, acclimating the two dogs to each other is important. While Bostons get along with other dogs, they may not become best friends immediately. Give them plenty of space to adjust to each other, and don’t try to force it! If you can’t let them spend time together, consider using a baby gate between the new dog and Boston Terrier. This way, the two dogs won’t be as likely to get along as they would otherwise.
If you notice your Boston Terrier barking, you should turn away from him.
Even if you’re in the middle of a play session, the pup will probably smell your hand and sniff it. Be sure to keep your fingers curled and tucked away from the dog. Another way to prevent Boston Terrier barking is to make sure that your children don’t play with their toys or feed them treats. If you do this, your Boston Terrier may be frightened and begin to react aggressively.
Another way to help your Boston Terrier breathe is to clean the eyes daily. If your dog is not making enough tears, he may have dry eyes. Dry eyes can be a sign of a larger problem, such as a disease called glaucoma. Your vet may prescribe a medication called tacrolimus, or Optimmune, which causes the dog’s tears to renew. Using this medication will help your dog produce more tears and reduce the pain.
Although most dogs breathe 18 to 34 times a minute, you can count the number of times your Boston terrier is breathing faster than normal. This can help you diagnose respiratory distress. In some cases, it may indicate fluid buildup in the lungs or heart. If your Boston terrier is coughing more than a normal pace, consult your veterinarian. You should take your pet to the vet as soon as possible for a diagnosis.
While Boston Terriers do not shed much, they do shed occasionally. Spring and autumn are the two seasons when this happens. Your dog is transitioning from its winter coat to its spring coat. During springtime, your Boston Terrier will shed more than usual. It is also important to keep your Boston Terrier indoors because they can become aggressive and destructive. In addition to cleaning your dog’s airways, be sure to consider purchasing a bobblehead for your dog.
Meet Rose Camilla, an expert in the Terrier dog breed and an active writer and publisher. Camilla has been working with Terriers for over 12 years and her passion for them has only grown stronger with time. She has dedicated her life to understanding, training, and writing about Terriers.
