Boston terrier is one of the top choices of a majority of people in the US when it comes to getting a pet dog. They are energetic pets that become great companions. They enjoy the company of their owner and are suitable for homes with children. They are also great watchdogs and ensure protection of your house against intruders. They are low maintenance pets that require regular exercise to stay healthy.

The habits and characteristics of Boston terriers may vary, but they are all friendly dogs. Although, they are somewhat stubborn, you can handle them through proper training. Boston terriers tend to suffer from a number of diseases.Let’s have a look at some of the most common Boston terrier health issues and how you can prevent them.

Respiratory Issue:

·      Brachycephalic Syndrome:

Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome or BAOS is a common respiratory problem in Boston terriers due to their particular structure of head and face. The dogs are bred to obtain the unique shape with shorter nose and upper jaws. However, the amount of soft tissues remains unchanged. As a consequence, these tissues squeeze in the small space and narrow down the windpipe.

The problem is common among many other breeds too and the major reason behind its occurrence is deformation of skull. Its symptoms include excessive snoring, sneezing and lack of interest in exercise.

Eye Problems:

·      Entropion:

Entropion is a genetic problem in which a portion of the eyelid inverts. Don’t leave the problem unaddressed, since it will end up damaging the eye. If eyelashes or hair come in contact with the wound, it may cause perforation in the eyelid.

If the eyes of your Boston terrier appear to have excess tears most of the times, make sure you visit the vet at your earliest. Otherwise, the dog may lose its vision as the wound gets worse.

·      Cataract:

In cataract, the eye lens gets cloudier with time and eventually leads to blindness. Look for the symptoms of cataract which include flow of excess fluids from eyes, redness and change of color of the eyeball. Inflammation of eyes irritates dogs and they may try to rub eyes with their paws to get rid of pain.

Cataract can be removed through a surgical operation. Moreover, it is also necessary to treat the underlying cause of cataract, such as diabetes.

·      Cherry Eye:

It is quite a common problem among Boston terriers in which their tear gland protrudes.The problem is easy to identify and shouldn’t be ignored. The tear gland is also referred to as the third eyelid, since it keeps the dog’s eyes safe from dust and other harmful objects. The most common symptoms include swelling of eye, protrusion of mass from eyelid, redness and dried eyes.

·      Corneal Ulcer:

Cornea is a protective layer which ensures that your eye stays safe from potential damages. It controls light that enters your eye and helps in focusing on objects.The problem usually occurs when the deeper layers of cornea are already damaged.

Look out for the signs that indicate your dog is in pain. Excess tears, redness, sensitivity to light and appearance of a thin layer over the eyes are some common signs of the problem.

·      Distichiasis:

Distichiasis refers to the abnormal growth of eyelashes. Multiple hair grow from a single ductand therefore, cause irritation. It is a hereditary problem that can be treated. The problem can be diagnosed through proper examination of eye by a vet.

·      Keratoconjuntivitis Sicca:

Keratoconjuntivitis Sicca is also known as ‘dry eye’. In this disease, the tear gland decreases the production of tears. Don’t ignore the problem if your dog seems to be in pain. If it keeps an eye closed most of the times, you need to get it checked for potential eye problems.

Ear Problems:

·      Sensorineural Deafness:

Boston terrier is prone to suffer from certain ear diseases due to its distinct shape of ears. If you intend to get a puppy, ask the owner to provide you with certificate that verifies that the puppy has cleared BAER hearing test.As per a recent research, the dogs are more prone to suffer from partial or complete deafness if they have blue or excessive white eyes.

Skin Problems:

·      Allergies:

Boston terriersusually suffer from skin allergies due to staphylococcus bacteria. Make sure your puppy gets a heathy diet to reduce the risk of allergies. If your dog often tries to scratch its fur, it’s time to visit a professional vet.

Regular bath can keep them safe from different types of allergies. However, you need to choose the right shampoo that is free from toxic ingredients. Avoid using human shampoo to give them a bath.

Orthopedic Problems:

·      Patellar Luxation:

Your Boston terrier will feel pain if its patella or kneecap gets damaged.In Patellar Luxation, the kneecap leaves the joint and moves on its own. The problem becomes worse if the dog is obese.

The problem usually occurs due to a genetic disorder or trauma. If your pet dog seems to be in pain and often stretches its legs during a walk, it indicates that there is something wrong. Visit a vet at your earliest to resolve the problem through surgery.

·      Hemivertebrae:

A majority of flat-faced dogs suffer from hemivertebraedue to their distinct head structure. It is a genetic disorder that arises due to improper breeding. Many people tend to deform their bone structure in order to obtain unique physical traits. However, this affects the health of your pet dog. Their spine or other bones lose their original shape and may result in complete paralysis.

Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds to keep as a pet dog. Get them checked by a professional vet to ensure that they stay healthy. If it suffers from any disease, provide them with efficient treatment. All breeds of dogs are prone to suffer from different kinds of diseases. Make sure you know about potential Boston terrier health issuesso that you can ensure their well-being.