Breathing Problems of Pekingese Dogs

Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome

The Pekingese is a brachycephalic breed, characterized by its wide head and flat nose. This abnormal construct makes it difficult for Pekingese dogs to breathe (thus their characteristic snort and grunt). The problem most directly arising from this issue is a lack of physical endurance, which typically becomes evident when you walk a Pekingese more than a few blocks at a time; he may start panting and wheezing, signifying a need to take a rest to catch his breath. When he does, be sure to give him a minute's repose in the middle of the walk or given activity, as persistent physical strain can wear your Peke down to exhaustion pretty fast.

Heat Stroke

The second major problem caused by the breathing difficulty is with the regulation of body temperature. It is not the profusely abundant fur but rather is the breathing problem that makes Pekes, probably aside from bulldogs, the breed most prone to heat stroke -- a life threatening condition that comes with a high likelihood of brain damage. Just staying outside on a hot day or being confined to a hot and stuffy room can be enough to trigger it.

How do you prevent it? The first step is to not think "he's an animal and he'll be fine where ever he is." You must cater to your Peke's special needs by ensuring he has a cool room to stay in or cold water to drink at all times. When the weather is hot, get a spray bottle and constantly mist him throughout the day. On severely warm days, keep his exercise and play to a minimum, and let him sleep through the weather.

Common signs of heat stroke include (but are not limited to) nausea, fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, hypertension, troubled breathing, disorientation, and seizure, followed by death. If you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stroke, do everything in your power to get him emergency vet care as expeditiously as possible, because time will be running out quickly.

Anesthesia

The third major issue concerns surgery where your Pekingese will need to be anesthetized. The breathing abnormality poses a risk regarding anesthesia that can sometimes be fatal. This is often said to be a myth. It is in fact a real concern, but it is generally outdated as modern vets are able to take precautions to offset the danger. However, there have been recent cases where veterinarians operated on Pekingeses that died in surgery due to the brachycephaly. So it is still wise to talk to your vet prior to any surgery to ensure they are aware of your dog's inherent condition.

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