Frenchie Snoring: A Cute Quirk or a Major Health Warning?

The Truth Behind Your Frenchie Snoring

It’s one of the defining traits of a French Bulldog: that adorable snuffling, snorting, and, yes, loud snoring that shakes the whole house. As a Frenchie parent, you’ve probably even thought it was charming. But what if that sound isn’t just a quirky sleep habit? What if your beloved pup’s loud breathing is actually a distress signal?

For many flat-faced breeds, including the French Bulldog, Pugs, and English Bulldogs, that noisy breathing is a primary sign of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, or BOAS. Understanding what that sound means and how it affects their health is the first step toward responsible ownership. The second is knowing if your pet insurance will cover the expensive diagnostic and potential treatment costs.

Why Frenchies Snore: The BOAS Connection

The Frenchie’s pushed-in face—what makes them so cute—is the root of the problem. “Brachycephalic” literally means “short-headed.” While the skull is shorter, the soft tissues inside (like the tongue and soft palate) are not proportionally smaller. This creates a crowded airway that makes breathing feel like trying to suck air through a pinched straw.

The most common anatomical issues contributing to BOAS are:

BOAS Component	Effect on Breathing	Typical Sound/Symptom
Stenotic Nares	Narrow, pinched nostrils that restrict airflow.	Snuffling, wheezing on inhalation.
Elongated Soft Palate	The back of the mouth’s soft tissue is too long and flops into the windpipe.	Loud snoring, snorting, or a ‘raspy’ sound.
Everted Laryngeal Saccules	Small pockets of tissue near the voice box get sucked into the airway.	More severe gagging, choking, or a high-pitched ‘stridor.’

Your everyday Frenchie snoring is often the sound of that elongated soft palate vibrating as air struggles to pass through. While all Frenchies have some degree of airway compromise, excessive noise and struggle are clear indicators that your dog is suffering from a Grade II or III BOAS and may require intervention.

Based on data from Nationwide Pet Insurance, French Bulldogs are over 17 times more likely to submit a claim for BOAS than other brachycephalic breeds, highlighting just how prevalent this issue is.

Will Pet Insurance Cover the BOAS Diagnosis?

The good news is that most comprehensive accident and illness pet insurance policies do cover the necessary diagnostics and treatment for BOAS—provided it is not considered a pre-existing condition.

The diagnostic process for BOAS usually involves a thorough physical exam, chest X-rays, and possibly an airway endoscopy, which can be costly.

Here’s the breakdown of how your insurance coverage will likely work:

1. If You Enroll Before Symptoms Appear: If you purchase an accident and illness policy while your Frenchie is a puppy and not showing any symptoms (no loud snoring, snorting, or exercise intolerance), the diagnosis and surgery are typically covered after your policy’s waiting period (usually 14 days for illness). This is the ideal scenario and provides the greatest financial protection.
2. If Symptoms Exist Before Coverage: If your Frenchie is already a loud snorer, struggles after a short walk, or has been previously noted in vet records for noisy breathing before your policy’s start date or during the waiting period, BOAS will be classified as a pre-existing condition. This means the insurance company will likely exclude all related costs—diagnosis, medication, and the expensive corrective surgery—from coverage.

“When it comes to brachycephalic breeds, the time to get pet insurance is the day you bring your puppy home. Waiting until you notice the snoring is often already too late to cover that specific condition.” – Quote from a Veterinary Specialist

Pro Tip on Diagnosis Coverage: Even if your dog has minor symptoms now, getting a policy can still cover future unrelated illnesses, like a stomach issue or a broken leg. Pet insurance is a safety net for new and unexpected conditions.

The Cost of Waiting

Waiting to enroll can be financially devastating. BOAS corrective surgery, which often involves widening the nostrils and shortening the soft palate, can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more in the United States, depending on the severity and location. Without insurance, that entire amount falls to you.

According to The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), proactive pet insurance enrollment is one of the best ways to manage the high cost of breed-specific conditions like those seen in French Bulldogs.

Conclusion: Don’t Mistake Struggle for Charm

While the sound of your Frenchie snoring might be endearing, it’s a symptom you must take seriously. Your flat-faced friend relies on you to advocate for their breathing health. Enroll in a comprehensive accident and illness pet insurance policy as early as possible—ideally before 12 weeks of age—to ensure that if your Frenchie does require BOAS diagnosis and treatment, you’ll be covered for the high cost of giving them a better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)