Pug sleep apnea: Can dogs use CPAP masks if surgery isn't an option?

This situation does present challenges. Certainly keeping her lean is best for her in the long run. Too much added fat just makes breathing more difficult. A picture of your dog was not included, so I am not sure what her nose and nostrils look like, but a surgical procedure can be done to make the opening of the nostrils wider if they are very constructed. This can improve their ability to breathe without having to open mouth breathe. If your vet has never mentioned it, or maybe does not do the procedure-many vets do not- you can ask them for a referral to a veterinary surgeon who does. The surgery is basically like a cosmetic surgery but the benefits can be great. Other things to do are to reduce the humidity in your home, use a light fan where she rests, don't walk her too far or during hot parts of the day. It's great that she has a mom who is so willing to help her.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Rusty has an elongated soft palate, the surgery will definitely help him breathe easier. I would have the surgery done if this is the recommendation so that the flap does not obstruct the airway. The anesthesia is typically not the problem it is the recovery period when the tube is removed from the airway that the breathing problems can occur. Once the tube is in place for Rusty to attach the anesthesia to, it will probably be the best that he has ever been able to breathe if he has been dealing with an elongated soft palate. Typically with these cases, I will leave the airway tube in place until the patient is wide awake and can hold the head up. Once the patient is awake and able to swallow, I then pull the tube. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

This is a common issues in brachycephalic dogs like pugs, bulldogs, and frenchies. Many of these breeds require surgery to help assist them to breathe normally so depending on your dogs breed. This may be a consideration. Otherwise I would encourage your dog to sleep on its stomach with its head elevated. Make sure she is not overweight either as this will make the condition worse.

Your dog may have an elongated soft palate that causes an intermittent obstruction of air flow. Usually it is self limiting and doesn’t cause issues but if this is happening consistently there is a surgery that can be performed to help open up the airway. I would recommend talking to your vet about the issue and having them perform an oral exam. They may recommend surgery. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

A staffy is a brachycephalic breed, which means the snout is short, but the rest of the head did not get smaller. So the structures in his mouth stayed the same as if the head was longer. This results in an elongated soft palate, which covers the airway and cuts off the air reaching the lungs. This can be repaired with surgery, ie, the soft palate is cut to a smaller size. It is possible that from the inhalation anesthesia, there is a slight irritation of the soft palate, which should go away soon. Here is some information on the problem: https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/brachycephalic-syndrome

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some common issues in pugs and other small breed dogs that can result in trouble breathing include heart disease and pneumonia. There are other conditions such as inflammatory and infection diseases that can affect dogs. I highly recommend that you have Leo evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include thoracic radiographs and bloodwork. Good luck and have a good night!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sandy. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She may have a respiratory infection that is affecting her breathing. You can ask her veterinarian for an anti-anxiety medication for her to take in advance of her appointment if necessary. I hope this information helps!