Caring for Your Brachycephalic Dog

Advanced Care

Caring For Your Brachycephalic Dog : Why Our Specialised Care Matters

At Vets of Geelong, we are known as the brachycephalic clinic of choice in Geelong—specifically in the Highton, Geelong West and Lara regions. Many local pet owners trust us with their French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, and other flat-faced breeds because of our specialised approach to their care. Brachycephalic dogs require extra attention—especially when undergoing anaesthesia—and that’s exactly what we provide.

Brachycephalic (pronounced brack-ee-sef-al-ik) dogs are breeds with short noses and flat faces. While they have a unique charm, their facial structure can make breathing, exercising, and even sleeping more difficult. Some of the most common brachycephalic breeds include:

🐾French Bulldogs

🐾English Bulldogs

🐾Pugs

🐾Boston Terriers

🐾Boxers

🐾Shih Tzus

🐾Pekingese

These breeds often have Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which means their airways are narrower, and breathing can be harder work for them. Because of this, they need extra specialised care—especially when undergoing anaesthesia.

🚨Why Is Anaesthesia Riskier for Brachycephalic Dogs?

Compared to other breeds, brachycephalic dogs face unique challenges under anaesthesia because:

Their airways are smaller, making breathing harder while under anaesthesia.

✅ They often have extra soft tissue in their throat, which can obstruct airflow.

✅They are more prone to regurgitation, which increases the risk of aspiration (food or stomach acid entering the lungs).

✅Higher Aspiration Risk – They’re more prone to regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia

✅ Their oxygen levels need close monitoring before, during, and after anaesthesia.

Because of these risks, we go above and beyond to ensure your dog’s safety—before, during, and after their procedure.

At Vets of Geelong, we don’t take shortcuts when it comes to anaesthetising brachycephalic dogs. Our proven approach has made us the trusted clinic for flat-faced breeds across Geelong.

Here’s how we increase safety at every step:

✅ Pre-Anaesthetic Medications at Home – We prescribe medications for your dog to take the night before and the morning of their procedure. These help reduce anxiety and improve breathing even before they arrive at the clinic.

✅Specialised Medications Upon Arrival – When your dog arrives at our clinic, they receive carefully selected sedation medications that keep them calm and reduce anaesthetic risks.

✅Pre-Oxygenation for Safer Induction – We provide supplemental oxygen before anaesthesia to maximize your dog’s oxygen reserves.

✅ Airway Management & Tailored Anaesthetic Plan – We use specialised airway equipment, precise drug dosages, and constant monitoring to keep your dog breathing safely throughout their procedure.

✅Extra Recovery Medications & Support – After surgery, your dog receives additional medications to reduce nausea, manage pain, and improve their breathing. We keep them under close observation until they are fully awake, stable, and comfortable.

🫶 Absolutely! Brachycephalic dogs are not like other dogs when it comes to anaesthesia. Without these precautions, they are at a significantly higher risk of complications.

🩺 This is why so many brachycephalic owners in Geelong choose Vets of Geelong—our experience, advanced protocols, and specialist approach mean your dog gets the best possible care. If your current vet clinic isn’t offering this level of dedicated brachycephalic care, it may be worth considering who is truly looking after your special pooch.

If you’d like to learn more about our brachycephalic anaesthesia protocol, speak with one of our experienced vets. We’re happy to answer any concerns and ensure your flat-faced friend gets the safest, most advanced care available.

“Is my French Bulldog really at higher risk under anaesthesia?”

Yes. French Bulldogs, Pugs, and other brachycephalic breeds have a significantly higher anaesthetic risk than breeds with normal facial structure. That’s exactly why we’ve developed our specialized protocol.

“How much does brachycephalic dog surgery cost in Geelong?”

Costs vary depending on the procedure. Call (03) 5243 0077 for a detailed estimate of cost. We offer payment options to make your dog’s care affordable.

“Which vet in Geelong is best for my Pug’s surgery?”

We’re proud to be known as Geelong’s clinic of choice for brachycephalic pattient. Our family-owned practice has developed specific expertise in flat-faced dog care across our Highton, Geelong West, and Lara locations.

“What are the warning signs my Bulldog needs emergency care?”

Contact us immediately if your brachycephalic dog shows: excessive panting, blue gums, collapse, difficulty breathing, or loud breathing sounds. Call (03) 5243 0077 for emergency guidance.

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