Causes of Boston Terrier Breathing Problems
If your Boston Terrier has breathing problems, you may be wondering if it’s asthma or a more serious condition. There are several possible causes, including genetics or a serious illness. If your dog has breathing problems, it’s important to identify the problem as soon as possible. This condition affects approximately one out of every hundred Boston terriers. Listed below are several possible causes of Boston terrier breathing problems.
First, check your dog’s nose. The Boston Terrier’s face is full of folds and crevices, making it susceptible to bacteria and dirt. Clean them regularly to prevent clogging and restore normal breathing. Alternatively, use a pet wipe to clean the dog’s face and nose. Boston Terriers are more susceptible to heatstroke than most other breeds, so be sure to exercise them in the cooler part of the day.
Boston Terriers are prone to several health problems, including dental disease. A common cause of the dental disease is tartar buildup on the teeth. Left untreated, the condition can damage the root of the teeth and cause your dog to lose a tooth. If left untreated, this condition can damage internal organs, shorten a dog’s lifespan, and increase the risk of other health problems. To treat the condition, your Boston Terrier must undergo periodic blood tests.
Heart failure is the most common cause of death in Boston terriers, especially when they reach their golden years.
This disease is usually genetic, but an early diagnosis can help minimize degeneration and extend a pet’s life. Other biological hazards can increase the risk of heart failure, stretching the heart cells, and causing electrical mishaps. In addition to genetic risk factors, Boston Terriers are more susceptible to heart problems than most dogs.
The biggest welfare issue with BAOS is its deteriorating quality of life. Even mildly affected dogs are unable to play or sleep properly, and their condition is often irreversible without major surgery. Acute symptoms may be accompanied by behavioral changes and even seizures. Those with BAOS often snore or make respiratory noises. Eventually, the dog may collapse and die. Moderately-affected dogs may not be able to exercise moderately and are often prone to heatstroke.
Another cause of Boston terrier breathing problems is a brachycephalic syndrome. This is a syndrome of the brain, which affects the shape of the dog’s face. If it goes untreated, it may lead to pneumonia or heat stroke. Although the underlying cause is unclear, this condition can lead to several serious health problems, including heart disease and respiratory failure. A Boston terrier may suffer from multiple problems in a short time.
Boston terriers have a sensitive digestive system, making them more susceptible to problems with lower-quality food.
For this reason, it’s important to feed them high-quality protein food. Lower-quality foods containing lots of grains can contribute to bloating and flatulence. Soy and corn are the biggest culprits. If you find your dog suffering from this condition, seek medical help immediately to prevent further damage to your pet.
Some common causes of Boston terrier breathing problems are elongated soft palates, hypoplastic nares, and everted laryngeal saccules. If these problems are severe enough, surgical correction is recommended. However, surgery isn’t always an option. For this reason, veterinary surgeons may choose to perform a CO2 laser procedure, which can reduce bleeding and speed up the healing process. The procedure can also be used to resect stenotic nares. In this procedure, the nasal openings are repaired, and the dog will be closely monitored for sinusitis or pneumonia.
Another common cause of Boston terrier breathing problems is dry eye. Boston Terriers are prone to keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which means that the eyes don’t produce tears as well as other dogs’. Dry eyes can result in dull, irritated eyes, or a thick discharge that drains out of the eye. The good news is that this condition is treatable, and often a daily application of ointment can make the condition manageable.
Because of their short faces, Bostons are prone to heatstroke and can develop breathing problems in high temperatures. Moreover, the short face of this breed means that it is not able to pant effectively. Keeping the dog in a carrier underneath the seat or beside the owner is also a good idea, but not on airplanes. When a dog experiences this, it should be examined immediately by a veterinarian.
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.
