French bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and Shih Tzus are among the beloved dog breeds known for their adorable flat faces, affectionate nature, and compact size. These brachycephalic breeds, often referred to as “short-headed,” captivate the hearts of many. However, breeding these dogs with miniature muzzles and shorter skulls comes with potential health challenges. To ensure the well-being of your brachycephalic dog, it’s essential to understand their unique needs and how to care for them properly. In this Georgeprints.co Dog Blog article, we provide a comprehensive guide on taking care of these adorable, snub-nosed companions.
Popular Brachycephalic Dog Breeds: Several brachycephalic breeds rank high in the American Kennel Club’s list of popular dogs. In 2021, French Bulldogs held the position as the second most popular breed in the United States. Additionally, other snub-nosed breeds featured in the top 35 most popular breeds in 2020 include Boxers, Boston Terriers, Pomeranians, Cane Corsos, Pugs, Mastiffs, and Chihuahuas. Their popularity is attributed to being great companions for families and apartment living, requiring less exercise and maintenance.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Brachycephalic dog breeds, despite their appealing features, face a unique challenge known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. This syndrome results from breeding practices that give them a compact skull structure with the same amount of tissue as dogs with longer snouts, leading to airway obstruction. It encompasses four upper airway conditions:
- Stenotic Nares: Brachycephalic dogs have small, slit-like nostrils, restricting airflow and leading to mouth breathing and gas issues.
- Elongated Soft Palate: Excess soft tissue in the throat blocks the airway, resulting in grunting, reverse-sneezing, and snoring.
- Hypoplastic Trachea: Some brachycephalic dogs have a narrow windpipe, leading to panting difficulties and anesthetic risks.
- Everted Laryngeal Saccules: Tiny air sacs near the vocal cords can flip inside out, making it harder for dogs to breathe, especially if they have stenotic nares or an elongated soft palate.
Symptoms of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Although many brachycephalic dog breeds are susceptible to this syndrome, English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are the most vulnerable. The clinical signs of this syndrome include:
- Noisy breathing
- Snorting when excited
- Snoring during sleep
- Rapid fatigue after exercise
- Difficulty breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Bluish tongue and gums
- Heatstroke
- Coughing
- Gagging and retching
- Vomiting
- Fainting
- Low body temperature
What to Do if You Suspect Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: If you believe your dog may have Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, promptly consult your regular veterinarian. For mild cases, they might recommend weight management and avoidance of heat, humidity, and stress. Severe cases might require surgeries like stenotic nares resection or soft palate resection. In emergency situations, such as gasping for air or a bluish tongue, rush to the nearest veterinary clinic.
How to Care for a Brachycephalic Dog: Here are some essential tips to alleviate the symptoms of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome and safeguard your dog’s health:
- Choose a Responsible Breeder: Opt for breeders who prioritize improving brachycephalic breeds by breeding dogs with wider nostrils and longer noses, and by providing safe C-section deliveries.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Overweight or obese dogs are at a higher risk of this syndrome. Feed your dog high-quality fresh dog food or kibble to keep their weight within a healthy range.
- Clean Skin Folds: Dogs with deep facial wrinkles and skin folds can develop skin conditions. Regularly clean these folds with dog wipes or a gentle shampoo solution and apply petroleum jelly.
- Avoid Heat and Humidity: Brachycephalic dogs are sensitive to hot and humid weather. Keep them indoors when temperatures exceed 80°F and take walks in cooler conditions.
- Use a Dog Harness: Employ a high-quality dog harness rather than a collar to prevent neck injury and maintain proper airflow.
- Dental Care: Brush your dog’s teeth to combat dental issues caused by overlapping and misaligned teeth. Dental chews or water additives can be alternative solutions.
- Spaying or Neutering: Spay or neuter your brachycephalic dog, especially if they’ve had corrective surgeries for Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.
- Travel Precautions: Be aware of airline policies, as some carriers restrict the travel of brachycephalic breeds in-cabin due to their vulnerability to temperature and air quality changes.
Prevention of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: While there is no cure for this syndrome due to the physical traits of brachycephalic dogs, adopting the above guidelines can significantly improve their health and reduce symptoms. If you have concerns about your dog’s health or suspect they may be suffering from Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, consult your licensed veterinarian for guidance.
