Do you have a snub-nosed dog? Know the risks and how to improve their life.

They say dogs are man's best friend, and therefore, humans are obligated to keep their canine in good health. However, there are some types of dogs that require more care, such as "brachycephalic" dogs like pugs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, shih tzus, and bulldogs.

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Under this premise, these types of dogs exhibit an abnormal cranial morphology for canines, characterized by a very short and wide snout. According to a National Geographic report, this condition causes breathing difficulties, digestive problems, exercise intolerance, thermoregulation problems, and even cardiac complications resulting from the continuous effort required simply to breathe.

Since when has this condition occurred?

According to information revealed by this media outlet, brachycephalic breeds began to emerge at a time when veterinary knowledge was not as advanced. But as time has passed, this phenomenon has become more widely studied, and veterinarians and ethologists have begun to warn about the ethical and health risks.

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Among the characteristics of these canines are: stenosis of the nasal orifices (with very narrow nostrils), an elongated soft palate that partially obstructs the larynx, an upper jaw that is disproportionately short compared to the lower jaw, and a narrower-than-normal trachea.

Therefore, medicine has advanced so much that corrective surgery is now possible. Experts emphasize that it works, but it doesn't completely solve the problems of brachycephaly. However, it does drastically reduce respiratory symptoms and improve exercise and heat tolerance.

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