It’s called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and increasingly in the U.S., this is a cause of early death or at the very least impaired quality of life for many dogs, especially some pretty popular breeds including Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs and others. Dr. Boaz Man explains HERE what is physiologically going on with these dogs, what to watch out for and how to treat these dogs with surgical intervention and why this is so important.

Sadly, especially in the U.S. breeders have over the years bred more and more for this extreme look. Years and years ago, these breed didn’t look so extreme and were likely healthier as a result. In Europe, the good news is that breeders are paying more attention but not in the U.S. so much, which the American Kennel Club has something to do with.

He says that dogs shouldn’t have to breathe with open mouths, have exercise intolerance, has sleep apnea and difficulty sleeping. All of this, he say, may impact the dogs’ temperament. These dogs are seriously suffering.