How Nares Surgery Is Giving Cats and Dogs a Breath of Fresh Air7

What It Is, Who It Helps, and Why It’s Becoming So Popular

If your dog or cat snores when they’re awake, pants just walking across the room, or gasps after mild playtime, you’re not imagining things—and you’re not alone. More pet parents are noticing signs of breathing distress in their animals—and more vets are recommending a simple but transformative procedure: nares surgery.

Once reserved for severe cases or show animals, nares surgery (also called stenotic nares correction) is now common in everyday veterinary care. But what exactly is it? Who needs it? And why is it suddenly becoming so popular?

Let’s break it down clearly and compassionately.

What Are Stenotic Nares?

Your pet’s nares are their nostrils. In many flat-faced breeds—like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persians—those nostrils are simply too narrow. This condition is called stenotic nares, and it restricts airflow, making every breath a struggle.

Stenotic nares are part of a larger set of anatomical issues known as brachycephalic airway syndrome, which affects many breeds popular for their squishy faces and expressive eyes.

Even Wikipedia notes its growing concern among flat-faced pets.

What Is Nares Surgery?

Nares surgery is a safe and relatively quick procedure that widens your pet’s nostrils to allow easier breathing. Under general anesthesia, a small wedge of tissue is removed from each nostril. This can be done with a scalpel or a CO₂ laser, depending on the clinic. Veterinary surgery sites and pet hospitals confirm this is a common and highly successful outpatient procedure.

The surgery usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and most pets go home the same day—often breathing better almost immediately.

Why It’s Gaining Popularity

• Rising popularity of flat-faced breeds: More pet parents are choosing breeds like French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese—and their airways often reveal what breeders overlooked.

• Greater awareness: Veterinarians and pet owners alike are learning that noisy breathing and snorting aren’t “normal for the breed”—they’re often signs of chronic oxygen deprivation.

• It’s safer and more affordable than ever: Many clinics now offer it in-house, and recovery is usually quick and low-stress.

• It’s being done early: Increasingly, vets combine nares surgery with spays or neuters, reducing anesthesia risk and improving long-term comfort.

Who Can Benefit?

Stenotic nares surgery is most often performed on brachycephalic breeds, but it can help any pet with narrow nostrils and breathing symptoms:

Dogs: • French Bulldogs • English Bulldogs • Pugs • Shih Tzus • Boston Terriers • Boxers • Pekingese

Cats: • Persians • Exotic Shorthairs • Himalayans • British Shorthairs

Even mixed-breed pets with inherited narrow nares may benefit.

Signs Your Pet May Need It

Seek evaluation if you notice:

• Persistent snoring, snorting, or labored breathing

• Open-mouth breathing after mild activity

• Gagging, coughing, or frequent reverse sneezing

• Heat intolerance or fatigue during regular walks

• Clearly narrow or collapsing nostrils

• Pale or bluish gums, a sign of poor oxygen intake

Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and lead to serious issues like tracheal collapse or heart strain.

How Much Does Nares Surgery Cost?

Typical cost ranges include:

• General clinics: $300–$1,000

• Some veterinarians report $200–$800 for basic cases

• Specialty or bundled surgeries: $1,200–$2,000+

• Cat-specific airway reconstruction cases: $900–$3,000

Note: Pre-operative blood work, anesthesia monitoring, or imaging may be billed separately. Ask for a full estimate.

Is It Safe—and What’s Recovery Like?

Yes. When performed by a skilled vet:

• Most pets return home the same day, with minimal discomfort

• Mild swelling or nasal discharge is common

• Pain meds, an e-collar, and limited activity for 5–7 days may be recommended

• Laser surgery options can reduce bleeding, minimize swelling, and eliminate the need for external stitches in many cases

Combined with routine procedures, anesthesia use and recovery are streamlined—confirmed by both WagWalking and MetLife Pet Insurance.

Does Insurance Cover It?

Many pet insurance policies will cover nares surgery if it’s not a pre-existing condition. MetLife recently reimbursed $2,500 on a $3,000 airway correction case for a French Bulldog. Always check your specific plan’s terms.

Final Thoughts: Every Nose Deserves to Breathe Easy

It can be painful to watch your beloved pet struggle for breath when help is within reach. Stenotic nares surgery is a simple, effective, and increasingly accessible option that allows our pets to relax, play, and breathe freely for years to come.

If you’ve noticed snorting, labored breathing, or heat-avoidance behaviors in your companion, talk to your vet. A small procedure now could mean a lifetime of comfort, joy, and healthy breaths ahead.

Because every nose deserves to breathe easy.