Breathe Easier
BOAS Surgery
Our experienced surgical team provides advanced BOAS surgery in Dubai, giving your pet the chance to breathe easier, stay active, and live a more comfortable life.
or call us on
Breathe Easier
BOAS Surgery
Our experienced surgical team provides advanced BOAS surgery in Dubai, giving your pet the chance to breathe easier, stay active, and live a more comfortable life.
or call us on
Breathe Easier
BOAS Surgery
Our experienced surgical team provides advanced BOAS surgery in Dubai, giving your pet the chance to breathe easier, stay active, and live a more comfortable life.
or call us on
Understanding breathing difficulties in flat-faced dogs
If your French Bulldog, Pug, Bulldog, or Shih Tzu struggles with breathing, snores heavily, or tires quickly, these aren’t just quirky breed traits. They are warning signs that your dog’s airway may be obstructed, making every breath harder than it should be. This can also occur in dogs with hypoplastic trachea, which further compromises airflow.
This condition, called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), is more than an inconvenience. It can seriously affect your dog’s health, energy, and lifespan. Recognizing the clinical signs early can make the difference between ongoing discomfort and a happier, healthier quality of life.
What BOAS surgeries are available?
What BOAS surgeries are available?
What BOAS surgeries are available?
Our soft tissue surgery team offers procedures tailored to your dog’s unique needs:
Our soft tissue surgery team offers procedures tailored to your dog’s unique needs:
Our soft tissue surgery team offers procedures tailored to your dog’s unique needs:
Nostril widening (Alarplasty)
Nostril widening (Alarplasty)
Nostril widening (Alarplasty)
This procedure carefully opens up narrow nostrils to significantly improve airflow and make breathing easier for your dog.
Soft palate shortening (Staphylectomy)
Soft palate shortening (Staphylectomy)
Soft palate shortening (Staphylectomy)
Excess soft palate tissue is trimmed precisely to reduce obstruction and allow air to pass freely through the throat.
Laryngeal saccule removal
Laryngeal saccule removal
Laryngeal saccule removal
Swollen tissue inside the airway is removed to clear the passage and support more comfortable, unrestricted breathing.
Why should flat-faced dogs see a vet for breathing issues?
Many pet owners assume noisy breathing, snoring, or snorting is normal for brachycephalic breeds. In reality, these sounds often signal that your dog’s airway is obstructed. If left untreated, BOAS can lead to:
Heat intolerance and quick exhaustion
Difficulty exercising or even short walks
Risk of fainting or collapsing in hot weather
Increased strain on the heart and lungs
Serious complications like aspiration pneumonia or laryngeal collapse
Early intervention is key. The sooner we address these breathing difficulties, the better your dog’s long-term health and comfort.
What causes BOAS in brachycephalic dogs?
Flat-faced dog breeds have unique anatomical features that make breathing harder:
Narrow nostrils (stenotic nares)
Elongated soft palate
Everted laryngeal saccules
Small trachea (windpipe)
These structures, along with excess tissue, create constant resistance to airflow. Over time, the extra effort your dog makes to breathe can worsen tissue changes, making the condition progressively more severe. Common breeds include French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus.
How do we diagnose BOAS before surgery?
01
Physical examination
We will carefully listen for breathing noises, assess airflow, and check for any visible signs of obstruction.
01
Physical examination
We will carefully listen for breathing noises, assess airflow, and check for any visible signs of obstruction.
01
Physical examination
We will carefully listen for breathing noises, assess airflow, and check for any visible signs of obstruction.
01
Physical examination
We will carefully listen for breathing noises, assess airflow, and check for any visible signs of obstruction.
02
Airway imaging
Diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, or endoscopy are used to pinpoint exactly where the airway is narrowed or obstructed.
02
Airway imaging
Diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, or endoscopy are used to pinpoint exactly where the airway is narrowed or obstructed.
02
Airway imaging
Diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, or endoscopy are used to pinpoint exactly where the airway is narrowed or obstructed.
02
Airway imaging
Diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, or endoscopy are used to pinpoint exactly where the airway is narrowed or obstructed.
03
Lifestyle review
We’ll discuss your dog’s exercise tolerance, heat sensitivity, and sleep to understand how the condition affects their life.
03
Lifestyle review
We’ll discuss your dog’s exercise tolerance, heat sensitivity, and sleep to understand how the condition affects their life.
03
Lifestyle review
We’ll discuss your dog’s exercise tolerance, heat sensitivity, and sleep to understand how the condition affects their life.
03
Lifestyle review
We’ll discuss your dog’s exercise tolerance, heat sensitivity, and sleep to understand how the condition affects their life.
Some mild cases can be managed with lifestyle adjustments such as weight control, stress reduction, and switching from a collar to a harness. However, if your dog shows moderate to severe symptoms, surgery is usually the most effective treatment.
What are its benefits?
Many owners describe their dogs as “reborn” after surgery. They are able to run, play, and even enjoy sniffing the world more deeply than ever before. Here are more benefits:
Easier breathing and reduced snoring
Improved exercise tolerance and stamina
Better heat resistance in Dubai’s hot climate
Reduced risk of airway collapse or emergency tracheostomy
Longer, happier, and more comfortable life
Are there risks with the surgery?
Yes. Like any surgery, there are risks. Flat-faced dogs require special care with anesthesia, and post-operative swelling can temporarily affect breathing. Rarely, temporary airway support may be needed.
However, in the hands of our experienced surgical team, BOAS surgery is generally safe and highly effective, especially when performed early before complications set in.
Is your flat-faced dog struggling to breathe?
If your French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terriers, or other brachycephalic dog is showing signs of BOAS, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Severe respiratory distress can be life-threatening.
Is your flat-faced dog struggling to breathe?
If your French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terriers, or other brachycephalic dog is showing signs of BOAS, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Severe respiratory distress can be life-threatening.
Is your flat-faced dog struggling to breathe?
If your French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terriers, or other brachycephalic dog is showing signs of BOAS, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Severe respiratory distress can be life-threatening.
Is your flat-faced dog struggling to breathe?
If your French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terriers, or other brachycephalic dog is showing signs of BOAS, don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Severe respiratory distress can be life-threatening.
Feedback From Our Loyal Clients
4.9 Rating from 2,000+ reviews
Feedback From Our Loyal Clients
4.9 Rating from 2,000+ reviews
Feedback From Our Loyal Clients
4.9 Rating from 2,000+ reviews
Feedback From Our Loyal Clients
4.9 Rating from 2,000+ reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog needs the surgery?
Signs like heavy snoring, noisy breathing, trouble exercising, or fainting in the heat may mean your dog has BOAS. A vet can confirm with a physical exam and imaging.
What is the best age for the surgery?
Surgery is often recommended when dogs are young but fully grown, before breathing problems get worse. Your vet can advise the exact timing based on your dog’s breed and health.
What is its success rate?
Most dogs recover well and breathe more easily after surgery. Early surgery usually has the highest success and improves quality of life.
How long is the recovery after surgery?
Recovery usually takes a few weeks. Your dog may need rest, pain medication, and follow-up check-ups to ensure the airway heals properly.
Will my dog still snore after surgery?
Many dogs snore less or stop snoring completely, but mild snoring may remain in some cases. Surgery greatly reduces airway obstruction and improves breathing comfort.
Can it prevent future health problems?
Yes. Surgery can reduce the risk of serious complications like airway collapse, heart and lung strain, and overheating. It helps your dog live a longer, healthier life.
How do I know if my dog needs the surgery?
Signs like heavy snoring, noisy breathing, trouble exercising, or fainting in the heat may mean your dog has BOAS. A vet can confirm with a physical exam and imaging.
What is the best age for the surgery?
Surgery is often recommended when dogs are young but fully grown, before breathing problems get worse. Your vet can advise the exact timing based on your dog’s breed and health.
What is its success rate?
Most dogs recover well and breathe more easily after surgery. Early surgery usually has the highest success and improves quality of life.
How long is the recovery after surgery?
Recovery usually takes a few weeks. Your dog may need rest, pain medication, and follow-up check-ups to ensure the airway heals properly.
Will my dog still snore after surgery?
Many dogs snore less or stop snoring completely, but mild snoring may remain in some cases. Surgery greatly reduces airway obstruction and improves breathing comfort.
Can it prevent future health problems?
Yes. Surgery can reduce the risk of serious complications like airway collapse, heart and lung strain, and overheating. It helps your dog live a longer, healthier life.
How do I know if my dog needs the surgery?
Signs like heavy snoring, noisy breathing, trouble exercising, or fainting in the heat may mean your dog has BOAS. A vet can confirm with a physical exam and imaging.
What is the best age for the surgery?
Surgery is often recommended when dogs are young but fully grown, before breathing problems get worse. Your vet can advise the exact timing based on your dog’s breed and health.
What is its success rate?
Most dogs recover well and breathe more easily after surgery. Early surgery usually has the highest success and improves quality of life.
How long is the recovery after surgery?
Recovery usually takes a few weeks. Your dog may need rest, pain medication, and follow-up check-ups to ensure the airway heals properly.
Will my dog still snore after surgery?
Many dogs snore less or stop snoring completely, but mild snoring may remain in some cases. Surgery greatly reduces airway obstruction and improves breathing comfort.
Can it prevent future health problems?
Yes. Surgery can reduce the risk of serious complications like airway collapse, heart and lung strain, and overheating. It helps your dog live a longer, healthier life.
How do I know if my dog needs the surgery?
Signs like heavy snoring, noisy breathing, trouble exercising, or fainting in the heat may mean your dog has BOAS. A vet can confirm with a physical exam and imaging.
What is the best age for the surgery?
Surgery is often recommended when dogs are young but fully grown, before breathing problems get worse. Your vet can advise the exact timing based on your dog’s breed and health.
What is its success rate?
Most dogs recover well and breathe more easily after surgery. Early surgery usually has the highest success and improves quality of life.
How long is the recovery after surgery?
Recovery usually takes a few weeks. Your dog may need rest, pain medication, and follow-up check-ups to ensure the airway heals properly.
Will my dog still snore after surgery?
Many dogs snore less or stop snoring completely, but mild snoring may remain in some cases. Surgery greatly reduces airway obstruction and improves breathing comfort.
Can it prevent future health problems?
Yes. Surgery can reduce the risk of serious complications like airway collapse, heart and lung strain, and overheating. It helps your dog live a longer, healthier life.
Five veterinary clinics, all conveniently located
Find your nearest Noble Veterinary Clinic in Dubai.
Five veterinary clinics, all conveniently located
Find your nearest Noble Veterinary Clinic in Dubai.
Five veterinary clinics, all conveniently located
Find your nearest Noble Veterinary Clinic in Dubai.
Five veterinary clinics, all conveniently located
Find your nearest Noble Veterinary Clinic in Dubai.
BOAS Surgery
Breathing Treatment for Flat-Faced Dogs
BOAS Surgery
Breathing Treatment for Flat-Faced Dogs
BOAS Surgery
Breathing Treatment for Flat-Faced Dogs
BOAS Surgery
Breathing Treatment for Flat-Faced Dogs
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DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics
A Member of ARENA Veterinary Group
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics
A Member of ARENA Veterinary Group
Get In Touch
Contact Us
DIP - 8am to 9pm
JLT - 10am to 7pm
Jumeirah -
Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm
Sat-Sun: 9am to 6pm
© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics
