Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers can be prone to some health issues both as pups and adults. Some of these concerns are a result of poor breeding, while others are due to the nature of the Boston Terrier breed. Let’s look at some:

Small Nasal Passages in Boston Terriers

Because they are a short snouted breed, some Boston Terriers can have nasal passages that are too small. When this happens, they dog may not be able to breathe properly and this of course becomes a concern as the lungs may not get enough required oxygen, especially during exercise.

A veterinarian will be able to examine the nasal passages to determine if the nasal passages may need to be surgically enlarged.

Also because of the short snout, this can also lead to other conditions, discussed below.

 

Boston Terriers Backwards Sneezing

A pet owner upon hearing for the first time a “backwards sneeze” may become alarmed at what is going on. Backward sneezing or “reverse sneezing” as it is often referred to, can sound quite loud and strange while it continues. It can continue for a period of time, and the dog may appear to be in distress.  However, it is quite common in smaller breeds and especially those with a small snout.

According to Dr. Holly Frisby, DVM, “During a reverse sneeze, the dog will make rapid and long inspirations, stand still, and extend his head (and neck). A loud snorting sound is produced….”

The dog that is having a backwards sneeze bout may be distressed but it is not harmful. Possible causes include allergies, an attempt to get rid of mucous, or over excitement. Often a dog will wake up from a nap and have a bout of reverse sneezing.

If you are bothered by the sounds or think your dog is feeling distressed, you can try pinching the Boston Terrier’s nostrils and stroking its throat. Another thing you can try is to gently blow against the pet’s face, causing the dog to swallow a few times. Often this will stop the reverse or backward sneezing.

If reverse sneezing in your Boston Terrier becomes chronic, it may be time for a veterinarian appointment. You can discuss the issue with the vet who may prescribe medication to help control the condition.

Snoring and Snorting Boston Terriers

Again, because of the short snout, Boston Terriers are prone to snoring while sleeping and making snorting noises when they are excited. The snorting noises are often found to be cute by their owners and indeed, there is nothing wrong.

However, Boston Terriers can be known to snore quite loudly when they are sleeping, even to the point of waking up their owners!  If this is the case, there are a couple of options:

1. Get ear plugs and wear them at night.

2. If the dog is still young, a surgical procedure to open up the air passages may help.

Cherry Eye In Boston Terriers

Cherry eye is where a gland in the eye becomes exposed and visible in the corner of the eye. This causes a reddening of the white of the eye. The cause is a hereditary weakness. Sometimes, it is just an occasional problem while at other times, it’s chronic.  There is a surgical procedure that may be correct the problem in 80 percent of cases.

Boston Terrier Roaching

Roaching, or a curvature of the back problem may also occur in Boston Terriers. This may be caused by the way the hind legs are used, with weight being put on the fore legs when the dog is standing, and leaning forward.  It is more of a structural issue and seems to not really cause distress to the pet.

Boston Terrier Flatulence

Anyone who has ever owned a Boston Terrier will likely know about those swift and sudden stinky passing of gas events.  These are often of the “silent and deadly” types, but it can be quite funny to hear a Boston Terrier fart and then watch as the dog jumps and looks around, maybe even barking acting as if it does not know where the sound came from.

Again, due to the way the Boston Terrier snout, it will often gulp in air as it eats or drinks water. This air has to go somewhere and being expelled out the “wrong end” is generally the result. Owners of these breeds will often discover that by putting their pet on a much higher quality diet will often lessen this problem.

 

Health Costs

Any pet, including the healthiest of Boston Terriers, might at some point need expensive veterinarian care.  This can cost thousands of dollars and none of us want to see our pets suffer because we can’t afford the bills.  But there is an alternative.  We’ve done our research to help you find the best health insurance coverage for your beloved Boston Terrier.  With excellent coverage at affordable prices and different plans to match your budget and health care concerns, you should click on the Embrace icon below to get your pet covered immediately: