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Brachycephalic Dogs: Helpful Information

What are brachycephalic dogs? Brachycephalics are dog breeds with a flattened, short snout. Due to their unusual appearance (big eyes, snub noses), these breeds are extremely popular. But the owners of such dogs should not forget that health problems can pay for such an appearance. This means that special care and attention are required from the owners.

What Breeds of Dogs are Considered Brachycephalic?

Brachycephalic breeds include dog breeds such as:

  • Bulldogs,
  • Pekingese,
  • Pugs,
  • Sharpei,
  • Shih Tzu,
  • Griffons (Brussels and Belgium),
  • Boxers,
  • Lhasa apso,
  • Japanese Chins,
  • Dogue de Bordeaux,
  • Pomeranian,
  • Chihuahua.

Why Do Brachycephalic Dogs Have Health Problems?

Alas, the payment for the original appearance was anomalies in the structure of bone tissue and an excess amount of soft tissues of the head. This is the cause of numerous health problems in brachycephalic dogs.

The most common problems in brachycephalic dogs are an overgrowth of the soft palate and narrowing of the nostrils – the so-called brachycephalic syndrome. If the airway is not very narrowed, the owner may not even notice that the dog is feeling unwell. However, in the one not very pleasant moment, the dog may lose consciousness “from nerves” or “from overheating” or suffocate from “normal laryngitis”.

Brachycephalic dogs (French Bulldogs in particular) often have health problems.

Can Brachycephalic Syndrome be Cured?

It is possible using plastic surgery. The operation is the expansion of the lumen of the nostrils, as well as the removal of excess tissues of the soft palate.

Planned correction is desirable for dogs under 3 years of age. In this case, there is a chance to stop the development of the disease or prevent it.

If your dog is more than 3 years old, it may also have other abnormalities in the structure of the head, as a result of which the “cutting off” of the laryngeal folds with the displacement of the arytenoid cartilage with suturing is added to the standard operation.

Rules for the Owner of a Brachycephalic Dog

Be sure to take your dog to the veterinarian every year for medical examination. This will help to identify the rudiments of dangerous changes in time. The examination will most often include, in addition to the external examination, listening to the lungs and heart, ultrasound of the heart, x-rays, if necessary, examination of the larynx (laryngoscopy).

Walk your brachycephalic dog in a harness, not a collar. The harness evenly distributes pressure and load.

If you notice the slightest change in the dog’s behavior or it starts making any new sounds, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Life for brachycephalic dogs is not easy and full of challenges. Therefore, the task of the owners is to make it as easy and comfortable as possible.

Alice White

Written by Alice White

Alice White, a devoted pet lover and writer, has turned her boundless affection for animals into a fulfilling career. Originally dreaming of wildlife, her limited scientific background led her to specialize in animal literature. Now she happily spends her days researching and writing about various creatures, living her dream.

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