For Pet Owners

Understanding BOAS surgery and how Airo supports you and your dog from first conversation to full recovery.

Airo works through your local vet practice

Airo does not operate as a standalone clinic. Instead, Dr Faheem works alongside your existing veterinary practice — your vet refers your dog to Airo, and Dr Faheem comes to your practice to perform the surgery. This means your dog is treated in a familiar environment by a team you already trust, with your vet remaining involved in their ongoing care.

Signs your dog may benefit from assessment

Noisy breathing

Snoring, snorting or raspy breathing at rest or during exercise.

Exercise intolerance

Tiring quickly, reluctance to walk or play, long recovery time.

Breathing distress

Open-mouth breathing, laboured chest movement.

Sleep disturbance

Waking frequently, restless sleep, unusual sleeping positions.

Gagging or retching

Particularly after eating or drinking.

Cyanosis

Blue-tinged gums during or after exertion (emergency sign).

Heat sensitivity

Struggling more in warm weather.

Noisy eating or drinking

Gulping, gagging or coughing around food.

Unusual sleeping habits

Sleeping with a ball or toy in the mouth, sleeping upright, or resting the chin on surfaces.

Learn more about BOAS

Why owners choose Airo

Free initial consultation

Arrange a complimentary telephone or video call with Dr Faheem to discuss your dog's symptoms and understand whether a surgical assessment is appropriate — with no obligation.

Care through your own vet

Surgery is performed at your own vet practice. Your dog stays in a familiar environment and your existing vet remains part of their care.

Personal approach

Dr Faheem takes time to explain everything clearly — the assessment process, what surgery involves, what to expect during recovery, and realistic outcomes.

WhatsApp aftercare with an RVN

For seven days after surgery, an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse checks in with you daily via WhatsApp — so you can ask anything, share a photo or video, and get a quick, reassuring reply.

Appropriate case selection

Surgery is only recommended where Dr Faheem believes it is genuinely likely to improve your dog's quality of life.

What to expect

Book a free consultation

Contact Airo to arrange a complimentary telephone or video consultation with Dr Faheem to discuss your dog's symptoms.

Assessment and discussion

Dr Faheem discusses your dog's history and signs, and explains clearly whether surgical assessment is recommended and what it would involve.

Surgery at your local practice

If surgery goes ahead, Dr Faheem attends your vet practice to perform the procedure. You drop your dog off and collect them the same day.

Seven days of WhatsApp aftercare

An experienced RVN messages you every day for a week via WhatsApp — so you always have someone to call, photo or video if you're worried.

Common questions from owners

Not necessarily. BOAS surgery is only recommended after a clinical assessment indicates that it is likely to improve your dog's quality of life. Many brachycephalic dogs manage well without surgery, particularly with weight management and lifestyle adjustments. The free consultation with Dr Faheem will help clarify whether surgery is appropriate for your dog.

The best first step is to speak to your own vet about your dog's breathing. If they feel a BOAS assessment is appropriate, they can contact Airo directly. Alternatively, you can reach out to Airo via the enquiry form or by email, and we will liaise with your practice from there.

Yes. Airo offers a complimentary telephone or video consultation to discuss your dog's symptoms, history and whether a formal surgical assessment might be appropriate. There is no obligation to proceed.

Surgery is performed at your existing vet practice. Dr Faheem attends your practice on the day, working alongside the practice team. This means your dog is in a familiar environment throughout.

You will drop your dog off at your vet practice as normal. Dr Faheem will perform the procedure under general anaesthesia. Once your dog has recovered sufficiently from the anaesthetic, and after a period of close monitoring, they will be ready to go home that same day. Your vet practice will advise on exact timing.

Most dogs recover well from BOAS surgery and are able to go home the same day. The first week is the most important period — an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse from the Airo team will check in with you daily via WhatsApp throughout, so you can share photos, ask questions and get a quick reply. You will also receive a written aftercare guide covering rest, feeding, activity restrictions, a medication schedule and signs to monitor.

Costs vary depending on the arrangements with your local practice. You will be provided with a clear estimate prior to scheduling surgery, before any commitment is made.

BOAS surgery, like all procedures under general anaesthesia, carries risks. Brachycephalic breeds present particular anaesthetic challenges. Dr Faheem takes case selection seriously and will discuss the specific risks relevant to your dog — taking into account their breed, age, weight and overall health — before any decision is made.

An Owner's Story

Read Mimi's story

"Dr Faheem told me BOAS would improve Mimi's quality of life. This was an understatement of the century."

— Kimberley Lakin, Mimi the Frenchie's owner

Read Mimi's Story

Ready to find out if surgery could help your dog?

Arrange a complimentary consultation with Dr Faheem — no obligation, just a clear conversation about your dog's breathing and what the options are.

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