Flat-faced (brachycephalic) animals have become more and more popular in recent years, capturing our hearts with their expressive faces and playful personalities. Breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are charming and feisty – what’s not to love?
However, while we’re drawn to their adorable appearance and personalities, these dogs also have special healthcare requirements that every responsible pet owner needs to understand. Here’s what you need to know to help your flat-faced friend live a happy, healthy life.
What Are Brachycephalic Pets?
The term “brachycephaly” comes from Greek roots meaning “short” and “head.” Essentially, it describes dogs whose heads are almost as wide from side to side as they are from front to back. The opposite of this is known as a dolichocephalic dog, with long snouts and narrow, triangular skulls.
To measure this, vets use a metric called the “cephalic index,” which is the ratio of the skull’s width to its length. If a dog’s cephalic index is over 80, it falls into the brachycephalic category.
Science aside, brachycephalic dogs have strangely shaped skulls that have become shorter over time because of human intervention in breeding. The result? An unfortunate increase in health issues.
Common Health Risks
Dogs like Boston Terriers, Pugs, and Bulldogs have short snouts and compact airways that often lead to breathing difficulties, which can be especially challenging in warm weather. Breathing issues linked to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) can affect their ability to play, exercise, and even rest comfortably. Plus, a snoring dog can be a pain!
Beyond these respiratory issues, flat-faced pups can also face eye problems, such as corneal ulcers, because of their big, wide eyes. Their doggy wrinkles, while cute and unique, can also trap moisture that leads to skin infections, and their small mouths make dental care more challenging.
What to Do About the Heat
Brachycephalic dogs tend to struggle to cool down as easily as other breeds, so they need extra care in hot weather.
When summertime rolls around, you can set up a shady, cool spot for them to relax away from direct sunlight, and try to schedule your daily dog walks during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, to prevent overheating.
Offering cooling mats, vests, or even a gentle fan can give your pup extra relief on particularly warm days. Plus, you should always keep fresh, cold water ready to help them stay hydrated and refreshed.
How to Manage Their Weight
Maintaining a healthy dog weight is essential in flat-faced breeds, as extra pounds can make breathing even harder.
Regular weigh-ins, daily exercise, and a balanced diet are all it takes to keep your pet healthy. Some vets even offer dog weight management programs for struggling pups that can help you create a tailored plan for their needs. You can manage portion sizes and eating speed with items like slow feeders, and talk to your vet about lower-calorie pet food if your pup is looking a little chubby.
How to Exercise Flat-Faced Dogs
To manage weight, exercise for dogs is important. Like all dogs, flat-faced pets thrive on regular activity, but it’s important to avoid over-exerting them to keep them safe.
Shorter, more frequent walks are better than extended periods of exercise, and gentle indoor puppy play sessions are a good idea, too. These will give your pup the exercise they need without risking overheating.
Outdoor exercise should take place during cooler parts of the day, and you should watch out for signs of fatigue or breathing difficulty. Moderate activity helps maintain a healthy weight, supports cardiovascular health, and boosts your pet’s mood and energy levels, keeping them happy and balanced.
How to Care for Their Eyes
Flat-faced dogs are more prone to eye issues because of their big, prominent eyes, so regular eye checks should be part of your weekly routine.
Keep an eye out for any unusual discharge, redness, or cloudiness, as well as behaviors like pawing or rubbing at their eyes, which show they’re uncomfortable.
It’s also a good idea to gently clean around their eyes to prevent the buildup of gunk that might irritate them and cause an infection. If you notice anything strange, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
How to Groom Them
Grooming plays an important part of any dog’s healthcare routine, but the adorable floppy skin on wrinkly dogs means that on they need extra care to keep them clean and healthy.
Skin folds can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, leading to irritation, bad smells, or even infections if left unchecked.
Gently clean these areas regularly with pet-safe wipes or a soft, wet cloth, focusing on removing any buildup.
Daily checks and regular baths with a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo will also work wonders, keeping their skin fresh and irritation-free. On top of this, always make sure their folds are thoroughly dry after cleaning.
How to Care for Their Dental Health
Flat-faced dogs often experience something called dental crowding, which means that regular dental care is not only more important but also slightly trickier.
Crowded teeth can lead to serious plaque buildup, gum disease in dogs, and other painful dental issues if left untreated.
As a pet owner, you should be brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste and scheduling professional cleanings with their vet to keep their mouths as healthy as possible.
Your vet can recommend pet-friendly dental products, like toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste, to make brushing easier and less unpleasant for your pooch. These will not only prevent health issues but make their lives more comfortable overall – even if they’re unimpressed with the process.
How a Vet Can Help
No matter what you notice, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if you have any concerns about your brachycephalic dog’s health.
While researching online can help you gain a better understanding of how to care for your pooch, nothing compares to the expertise of a qualified professional who understands the specific needs of these unique breeds.
Schedule regular vet visits to check up on your dog’s health and catch any potential issues early on. You’ll have more peace of mind knowing that everything is okay.
