Brachy Breeds!

It’s summer in DFW and the temp is topping out at 104°F today.

We go outside and we sweat to cool down. But our dogs don’t sweat. Instead they pant. For a hound or a lab or a German shepherd, with their long noses and giant slobbery tongues, this is a pretty effective cooling method.

Unfortunately for dogs like the Pug, the English and French bulldogs, the Boston terrier, the Pekingese, the Boxer, the Lhasa Apso, with their short noses and flat faces, panting is not very effective and these breeds do not tolerate high temperatures well. These breeds and many others are known as brachycephalic. Look here to see an AKC list of brachycephalic breeds.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/brachycephalic-dog-breeds

These breeds are very popular among dog owners as they have a tendency to be very cute because of these short noses and flat faces – the same factors that make them so susceptible to heat exhaustion. Breeding over the years to keep the cute look has caused smaller tracheas, narrowed nostrils, excess tissue that can block airflow, and an elongated palate – all traits that make breathing more difficult, especially when overheated. These traits often lead to a medical condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, or BOAS.

For a discussion of this syndrome, its diagnosis, management and treatment see this link https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/brachycephalic-syndrome

If you have a dog from one of these breeds, or if you want one, be aware of this risk and be cautious with your dog. If you can’t stand the heat, your dog certainly can’t either. If you have to be outside with your dog, keep it short. This way you can have a Happy Dog in a Happy Home throughout the dog days of summer!

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(Photo by Александр Македонский from http://pexels.com)