What is a Cleft Palate
A cleft palate is an opening between the mouth and the nose that happens when the tissues separating these two cavities do not grow together properly. This birth defect can occur in the lip (primary cleft palate, cleft lip, or harelip) or along the roof of the mouth (secondary cleft palate). Within the mouth, the cleft, or opening, can extend along the bony portion (hard palate), the flexible portion used in swallowing (soft palate), or both.
Cleft palate is often inherited, and certain breeds, particularly those with short noses (like Bulldogs and Pekingese), are more susceptible; nutritional deficiencies, viruses, and poisons that affect the mother during pregnancy may also increase the risk of cleft palates.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published November 2025 | Review date November 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Symptoms of a Cleft Palate in Dogs
Dogs with primary cleft palates are obvious:
teeth and gums of the upper jaw may be showing
one incorrectly shaped nostril
Dogs with secondary cleft palates within the mouth may:
sneeze and snort because food and saliva will pass into the nose
have a “runny” nose after eating, or before or after nursing, which will become a constant drip if it becomes infected
cough and gag when they drink water
not grow well due to trouble eating
have trouble breathing and exercising because of fluid or infection in their noses
When to contact your vet
When you notice any of the signs above, especially with coughing and breathing difficulties, which need immediate vet attention
Diagnosis
Clinical exam
Oral examination under sedation or general anaesthetic
Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, especially if your pet is sick
Treatment for a Cleft Palate in Dogs
Small primary clefts of the lip and nostril rarely cause clinical problems, but they can be corrected with surgery.
Secondary cleft palates require surgical treatment to prevent long-term nose and lung infections and to help your pet receive proper nutrition.
The surgery is difficult on very young dogs and, with growth, the cleft in hard palates may become smaller, so puppies are often fed with feeding tubes until they reach 3-4 months of age.
Prevention
Cleft palate can be prevented by:
careful breeding practices by making sure that dogs with any level of cleft palate should be spayed or neutered and not used for breeding to prevent passing on the genetic defect to their offspring.
proper maternal care during pregnancy with a healthy and well-balanced diet.
keep your pregnant dog away from potentially harmful substances like household chemicals, pesticides, and other toxins.
keep your pregnant dog up to date on vaccinations to minimise the risk of viral infections as some viruses can increase the risk of cleft palate.
cautious medication use during pregnancy.
Outlook
Outlook is excellent for dogs with small clefts. When more than half of the hard palate is affected, surgery is much more difficult, and more complications are expected.