Flat Faced Dog Advice

Here at Preloved we believe that every dog is deserving of finding their forever home. We want to make sure that every pooch ends up with a family that loves them. That is why we are so interested in making sure our members know what they are getting into when they decide to add a fur baby to their family. You might have noticed our Pet Check-List? Well this one of the ways we advice our members. Additionally we look here to advise you. Specifically this week we are looking at flat faced dog advice.

What Is A Flat Faced Dog

So, what are flat faced dogs/brachycephalic dogs. The dictionary describes this as;‘having a relatively broad, short skull (typically with the breadth at least 80 per cent of the length)’. In short brachycephalic dogs have condensed snouts which can cause respiratory distress. These breeds usually have some controversy surrounding them due to the nature in which they are breed. Usually these pet animal breeds are purposely selected to look this way. This has since made them a desirable pet, but breeding for looks alone can cause health problems. Some of these flat faced dogs are:

• Boston Terriers.
• English Bulldogs.
• French Bulldogs.
• Pugs.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
• Shar-Pei.
• English Mastiff.
• Shih Tzu.
• Pekinese.

What Health Issues Do Flat Faced Dogs Have

Due to these breeds having a flat faced this means there is less space for soft tissues of the face. Therefore they tend to have wrinkles or folds around their noses, what we can't see from the outside however is their airways also have folds. With the additional weight of skin surrounding this area it starts to restrict the airways, meaning it is easier to obstruct or block the airway, especially on hotter days. These folds of skin can also lead to skin diseases, so it is important that they are cleaned and checked to avoid this. Additionally because of the smaller space around these breeds faces you'll also find their teeth are crammed together instead of forming a nice straight smile.

Due to this it can be typical for these breeds to snort, snore or make grunting noises. Often people think these are just a normal part of short snout dogs but if this is in excessive or every breath than this can be a sign that your dogs can't breathe easily. This should be something that you should get checked frequently with the vet to ensure that the passage isn't being obstructed. It is important to keep brachycephalic dogs fit and healthy, as this can cause a real problem if they get over weight; especially if it gets hot as they succumb to heatstroke much easier than other breeds.

As mentioned due to the smaller space for their teeth flat faced dogs can also have issues with dental diseases. Similarly due to the smaller snout they can encounter eye problems and a common feature is that their eyes bulge.

Are All Brachycephalic Dogs Unhealthy?

The reality is that not all brachycephalic/flat faced dogs will need to get veterinary intervention in their lifetime. But, as the breed continues to be more and more desired then the numbers of those that do will only increase. This has since lead to Norway moving to ban these specific breeds (British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels). The reasoning they have behind this is that it isn't fair on these breeds although there is some discussions on how this is going to work. The reality is for these breed to have a healthy life it is important that the owner understands these breed thoroughly.

Caring For Flat Faced Dogs

If you are looking at getting a flat faced dog it is vital that you understand the importance of having awareness of their conditions. Small things like monitoring their diet and weight closely will help. It is important that you avoid stress and heat. These breeds are considered high maintenances due to these health conditions; meaning it is important you understand the additional commitment before becoming an owner.

Getting any pet can have an impact on your lifestyle and this is something you should always consider. With flat faced dogs they are sensitive to heat. This means you will need to keep them entertained to use up their energy in the hotter months as they can't be walked for most of the day. These typical health conditions will also come at a cost, so it's vital you evaluate if you have sufficient funds to ensure your pooch has a happy and healthy life. The real question is can you afford pet insurance? If not, then consider if you have a lot of savings. Surgery to help these breeds can start around £1,000. As these operations would be to help your pet breathe normally it would be an extremely sad prospect if you couldn't help.

Short Term Prevention

As we stated at the beginning every dog deserves to find it's forever home. If you do find that you have a flat faced dog and they seem to be struggling with some of the above here are some short term preventions. These are only to be practiced whilst you wait to consult your vet. They are not an instead of solution.

• Avoid stress/heat
• Use a harness instead of a collar
• Avoid overfeeding
• Maintain ideal body weight
• Clean in-between their skin folds
• Get eye wipes and keep them clean from gunk
• Get ear wipes to avoid infection
• Frequent trips to the vets if anything changes!

Some Extra Advice For You