When a pet is struggling to breathe, swallow, or hear comfortably, finding the right treatment can make a real difference to their quality of life. 

Our specialist Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) services provide assessment and surgical options for complex conditions affecting the airways, ears, nose and throat of dogs and cats. 

From noisy breathing and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) to chronic ear disease, nasal conditions and swallowing problems, our specialist will work with you to understand what is happening and determine the most appropriate treatment for your pet. 

Is your pet’s noisy breathing normal? 

Some dogs and cats make noises when they breathe, particularly when they are asleep or excited. But persistent snoring, heavy breathing or noisy breathing may be a sign that your pet is having difficulty moving air. 

This is particularly important in flat-faced breeds, where changes to the shape of the nose, throat and upper airways can make breathing more difficult. 

Noisy breathing can also have other causes, including conditions affecting the larynx, nasal passages or throat. In some pets, the problem can become more noticeable with exercise, excitement, heat or age. 

If your pet regularly breathes noisily, breathes heavily without much activity, or seems to be working harder than they should to breathe, it is worth speaking with your veterinarian. 

What causes noisy breathing in dogs? 

There are several possible causes of noisy breathing in dogs. One of the most common is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which can affect flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs. 

BOAS occurs when a dog’s shortened skull shape affects the structures of the upper airway. This can make it harder for air to move freely through the nose and throat. 

Other conditions can also affect breathing. For example, laryngeal paralysis can interfere with the normal opening of the larynx during breathing. 

A thorough assessment is important because noisy breathing is a symptom, rather than a diagnosis. Understanding what is causing the problem helps us determine whether medical management, monitoring or surgery may be appropriate. 

Breeds more likely to experience airway problems 

Flat-faced (also known as brachycephalic) breeds are more likely to develop airway problems because of their anatomy. 

This includes breeds such as: 

  • French Bulldogs 
  • Bulldogs 
  • Pugs 
  • Boston Terriers 
  • Shih Tzus 
  • Boxers 

Some flat-faced cats can also experience breathing difficulties. 

Being a brachycephalic breed does not mean that noisy breathing should simply be accepted as normal. If your pet is struggling with their breathing, an assessment can help determine whether there is an underlying airway problem. 

Signs your pet should be assessed by a specialist 

Talk to your veterinarian if your pet has: 

  • Persistent or increasingly noisy breathing 
  • Heavy breathing that seems disproportionate to their activity 
  • Loud or worsening snoring 
  • Difficulty breathing during exercise or in warm weather 
  • Episodes where they appear to struggle to breathe 
  • Gagging or difficulty swallowing 
  • Recurrent or severe ear problems 
  • Persistent nasal discharge or nosebleeds 
  • A known airway, nasal, throat or ear condition that may require surgery 

Note: If your pet is actively struggling to breathe, seek urgent veterinary care. 

Understanding breathing problems in dogs and cats 

Breathing problems can have many different causes, and the signs can vary between individual pets. 

Your veterinarian may recommend further investigation when breathing changes are persistent, worsening or affecting your pet’s ability to exercise, sleep, eat or enjoy everyday activities. 

Airway disorders that may require surgery 

Some airway conditions can be treated or improved with surgery, depending on their cause and severity. 

These may include: 

  • Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) 
  • Laryngeal paralysis 
  • Other structural abnormalities affecting the upper airway 
  • Complex conditions affecting the nose, throat or surrounding structures 

For pets with BOAS, surgery may involve addressing anatomical features that are restricting airflow. The appropriate approach depends on your pet’s individual anatomy and clinical assessment. 

Diagnosing breathing problems with advanced imaging and endoscopy 

Understanding the cause of a breathing problem may require more than an external examination. 

Depending on your pet’s symptoms, specialist assessment may involve advanced diagnostic techniques such as imaging or endoscopy to examine areas that cannot be properly assessed from the outside. 

These investigations can help us understand the structures involved and plan the most appropriate treatment. 

Understanding swallowing problems in pets 

Difficulty swallowing can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, may indicate a problem affecting the throat, airway or structures involved in swallowing. 

You may notice signs such as gagging, repeated swallowing, coughing around mealtimes or difficulty getting food or water down. 

Symptoms that may indicate a throat disorder 

Speak with your veterinarian if your pet experiences: 

  • Gagging while eating or drinking 
  • Repeated swallowing or difficulty swallowing 
  • Coughing or choking around mealtimes 
  • Changes in eating or drinking 
  • Difficulty breathing alongside swallowing problems 
  • Persistent throat or airway symptoms 

These signs can have a range of causes, so your veterinarian may recommend further investigation before deciding whether specialist treatment is needed. 

Pet ENT conditions we treat 

Our specialist provides assessment and surgical care for complex conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat and upper airways. 

These may include: 

  • Chronic ear disease and advanced ear surgery 
  • Nasal conditions, including tumours and chronic discharge 
  • Airway disorders, including BOAS and laryngeal paralysis 
  • Complex facial and throat conditions 

When should your pet see an ENT specialist? 

You don’t need to know exactly what is wrong with your pet before seeking help.

Your primary veterinarian can assess their symptoms and determine whether a specialist referral would be useful. 

FAQs

Noisy breathing can have several causes. In flat-faced breeds, it may be associated with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), while other dogs may have conditions affecting the larynx, nose or throat. Persistent or worsening noisy breathing should be assessed by your veterinarian. 

Cats can develop noisy breathing for a range of reasons, including conditions affecting the nose, throat or airways. If your cat’s breathing has changed, particularly if they are breathing heavily or appear to be struggling, speak with your veterinarian promptly. 

Some breathing problems can be treated or improved with surgery, depending on the underlying cause. Specialist assessment helps determine whether surgery is appropriate and what treatment options may be available for your pet. 

Difficulty swallowing can have several possible causes, including conditions affecting the throat or upper airway. Signs such as gagging, repeated swallowing, coughing around meals or difficulty eating should be discussed with your veterinarian. 

BOAS stands for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. It is a condition associated with the anatomy of flat-faced breeds, where changes to the upper airway can make it harder for a dog to breathe normally. Some flat-faced cats can also experience airway difficulties.