Vets Urge Public to Stop Buying Flat-Faced Dogs

Veterinarians in the UK are issuing a strong plea for the public to cease purchasing flat-faced dog breeds, citing a significant increase in costly and complex surgeries. These breeds, including French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs, have become highly popular but often suffer from painful health conditions stemming from their exaggerated features. Selective breeding for traits like squashed noses and wrinkled skin leads to a 'lifetime of suffering' for these animals.

The Royal Veterinary College reported a dramatic surge in surgical procedures for French Bulldogs, with a 2,075% increase in operations between 2008 and 2018. Conditions such as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a serious breathing impairment, saw an 813% rise. These health problems, including restricted breathing, dental issues, eye conditions, and skin infections, necessitate frequent and often expensive veterinary interventions.

Experts emphasize that the current public preference for these extreme physical characteristics constitutes a 'canine welfare crisis.' The pursuit of fashionable, non-natural dog appearances has created significant health burdens for these animals. Vets advocate for prioritizing the welfare needs of dogs over human desires for aesthetically extreme pets, encouraging a return to appreciating natural canine body shapes.