Common Health Issues in Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but they’re prone to certain health conditions due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure. Understanding these issues helps you recognize symptoms early and provide better care.

🔍 Overview

Boston Terriers may experience these health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome (breathing issues)
Eye problems
Skin allergies
Patellar luxation (knee issues)
Hip dysplasia
Dental issues
Obesity

👁 Eye Problems

Cherry Eye

⚠️ What is it?

Cherry eye is a prolapse of the third eyelid gland, creating a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye. It’s very common in Boston Terriers.

Symptoms:

Red, swollen mass in the inner corner of the eye
Excessive blinking or pawing at the eye
Eye discharge

Treatment:

Minor cases: May resolve on their own
Surgical removal: Required in most cases (quick outpatient procedure)
Recovery time: Typically 1-2 weeks

Prevention:

Keep eyes clean with regular wiping
Avoid irritants (dust, strong chemicals)
Regular vet checkups

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis)

Symptoms:

Red, inflamed eyes
Excessive blinking
Eye discharge (clear to yellowish)
Pawing at eyes

Treatment:

Artificial tears (eye drops)
Antibiotics (if bacterial infection)
Warm compresses

Cataracts

Symptoms:

Cloudy appearance in the eye
Difficulty seeing
Bumping into objects

Treatment:

Surgery is the only effective treatment
Consult a veterinary ophthalmologist

🐕 Skin Issues

Allergies

Common Allergens:

Environmental (pollen, dust)
Food allergies
Contact allergies (certain materials)
Flea allergy dermatitis

Symptoms:

Excessive scratching or licking
Red, irritated skin
Hot spots
Ear infections

Management:

Identify and remove allergens if possible
Regular bathing with hypoallergenic shampoo
Air purifiers in the home
Consult vet about allergy testing

Skin Tag Issues

✅ Pro Tip

Boston Terriers often get skin infections at the site of skin tags or moles due to skin folds. Regular cleaning and monitoring is key!

🔢 Joint Issues

Patellar Luxation

What is it? Dislocation of the kneecap, where the kneecap slides out of its groove.

Symptoms:

Sudden lameness
Holding leg up
“Skipping” gait
Pain when the knee snaps back in place

Severity Grades:

Grade 1: Knee slides out and returns on its own (most common)
Grade 2: More frequent, may stay out longer
Grade 3: Kneecap stays out permanently

Treatment:

Grade 1-2: Conservative management (rest, weight control, anti-inflammatories)
Grade 3: Surgical repair

Hip Dysplasia

Symptoms:

Difficulty rising after lying down
Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
“Bunny hopping” gait
Decreased activity

Management:

Weight management (crucial!)
Low-impact exercise (swimming is excellent)
Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin)
Pain management when needed
Surgery in severe cases

🦷 Dental Health

Common Issues:

Crowded teeth (common in small breeds)
Plaque and tartar buildup
Gum disease
Broken teeth

Prevention:

Daily brushing with dog-safe toothpaste
Dental chews and toys
Professional cleanings annually
Check for retained puppy teeth

⚠️ Critical Warning

Anesthesia can be risky for brachycephalic dogs. Always choose a veterinarian experienced with Boston Terriers who uses appropriate protocols and monitoring.

⚖️ Obesity Management

Why it’s critical:

Extra weight worsens breathing issues
Increases joint stress
Exacerbates heat intolerance
Shortens lifespan

Ideal Weight Guidelines:

Size	Ideal Weight	Maximum Healthy
Small adults	12-15 lbs	18 lbs
Larger adults	15-25 lbs	30 lbs

Tips:

Measure food carefully, don’t free feed
Limit treats (especially high-calorie ones)
Regular weigh-ins
Increase exercise gradually
Consult vet for personalized weight loss plan

🚨 When to See a Vet Immediately

🚨 Emergency Signs

Seek immediate veterinary care if you notice:

Difficulty breathing or blue gums/tongue

Sudden collapse or fainting

Seizures

Uncontrollable bleeding

Eye trauma or proptosis

Sudden inability to walk

Extreme pain or distress

📊 Preventive Care

Regular Vet Visits

Puppies: Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
Adults (1-7 years): Every 6 months
Adults (7+ years): Every 3-4 months

Recommended Vaccinations

Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza (DHPP)
Rabies (required by law)
Bordetella (if boarding, grooming, or socializing)
Leptospirosis (regional recommendation)

Monthly Health Monitoring

Check your Boston monthly for:

🏥️ SF-Specific Considerations

Finding Boston Terrier-Savvy Vets

Look for veterinarians who:

Have experience with brachycephalic breeds
Use appropriate anesthesia protocols
Are familiar with common Boston Terrier health issues
Have emergency availability

See SF Veterinarians page for recommendations.

Weather Awareness

SF Summers (70°F+):

Be extra vigilant about breathing issues
Limit outdoor time significantly
Keep AC running
Monitor for heat stress

SF Foggy/Damp Weather:

Eye infections can be more common
Skin issues may flare up
Keep eyes and ears clean and dry

💊 Regular Medications

Keep on hand:

Eye drops (for dry eye)
Antihistamines (for allergies - vet prescribed)
Joint supplements
Probiotics (for digestive health)

✅ Important

Never give human medications to your dog without explicit veterinary approval! Many human drugs are toxic to dogs.

Last updated: January 13, 2026

Disclaimer: This guide represents experiences shared by members of SF Boston Terriers and is for educational purposes only. SFBosties is not responsible for outdated or inaccurate information—please independently verify all details with qualified professionals. Always consult with your veterinarian for medical advice and diagnosis.