— Written By Dr. Maximilian Miranne —
Though we may look at pugs and only see magnificence, it turns out that our flat-faced companions are often born with several anatomical abnormalities that can make it innately difficult for them to breathe. This is true for any brachycephalic dog: pugs, Boston terriers, and Shih tzus alike. Though this problem arose long ago due to selective breeding practices, it now necessitates that the vibrant community of pug lovers understand the syndrome to best meet the needs of each pet.
The first abnormality you may notice is stenotic nares, which is a fancy way of saying their nostrils are too narrow. Stenotic nares can make it difficult for them to intake air and lead to persistent open-mouth breathing.
Additionally, these pups commonly suffer from an elongated soft palate. The soft palate is the separation between the oral cavity and nasal passage. In these breeds, it can protrude into the airway, interfering with air movement into the lungs. This is the cause of the characteristic snorting sound we hear so frequently.
Lastly, the normal larynx has two small pockets called saccules. When a dog makes an increased effort to breathe, over time, these small pockets in the throat may turn inside out. This obstructs the dog’s airway, causing further difficulty breathing.
This syndrome is of particular importance in sweltering North Texas as this condition predisposes them to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It’s of the upmost importance that we monitor these dogs closely and strictly limit their time outdoors in extreme heat. In addition, it is also recommended to maintain these dogs at an ideal body weight and to utilize a harness rather than a collar to prevent further airway irritation.
Though each animal varies in their degree of severity, the good news is that many veterinarians are able to provide some relief through surgical correction if necessary. At Vickery Place Animal Hospital we routinely perform corrective procedures on stenotic nares and elongated soft palates. Though many pugs are not slowed down by their anatomy on a day-to-day basis, it is important to recognize their unique needs and care for them accordingly.
Have any questions or concerns regarding your pet? Contact us today.