Brachycephalic dogs have gained a special place in people's hearts. In 2018, the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia found that of the 5 most adopted breeds by Brazilians, 3 are brachycephalic: French Bulldog, Shi tzu and Pug. These dogs are usually cheerful and playful, but they also have the famous flattened muzzle and anatomical changes that cause predisposition to various diseases.If you want to adopt a brachycephalic dog, you need to understand the physiological problems and consequences that can affect them throughout their lives.

How did brachycephalic dogs come about?

Brachycephalic dogs arose through crossbreeding between dogs with smaller muzzles. Some years ago, breeders wanted to breed species of dogs with a short muzzle and a proportional jaw with these crosses. The lower jaw would not be affected, but the upper jaw should be shortened. Thus, these dogs with smaller muzzles were selected because of the aesthetic standard.They then gave rise to many breeds that today have the brachycephalic syndrome.

Brachycephalic dogs have changes in anatomy that cause health problems

Brachycephalic comes from the Greek "brachys" and "cephalic" means short from the brain. The syndrome is so named because the brachycephalic dog's skull is shorter. The main characteristic of these dogs is their flattened muzzle. The nasal orifices are reduced in size, resulting in stenotic (narrow) nostrils that make it difficult for air to enter. It is common for dogs of the breedsBrachycephalic animals become breathless as breathing becomes more laborious. These animals also have hypoplastic trachea, which means that this organ is not fully developed and has little space to pass through. It therefore has difficulty conducting and filtering the air that passes through it.

Another problem with brachycephalic animals is the elongation of the soft palate - which corresponds to the back of the roof of the mouth. This change causes the palate to vibrate during the passage of air, causing snoring-like noises. In addition, the shortened and recessed upper jaw gives little room for the teeth to develop. Therefore, they all grow together and at different angles, in a wayAnother alteration is the famous wide-open eyes, which are very exposed and dry, which facilitates the development of eye problems.

Dog panting, snoring and hyperthermia are some of the consequences in the pet's life

All anatomical changes contribute to the shortening of the respiratory tract, bringing consequences for the health and life of the pet. Brachycephalic dogs have great difficulty in breathing. Many can only do it through the mouth, quickly and briefly. They also snore a lot, due to the excessive vibrations of the elongated soft palate in contact with the air. Throughout the whole of theIn addition, the dog with wheezing also has to deal with coughing problems, aerophagia (when they "swallow" air), reverse sneezing and choking. In addition, eye diseases are common, due to the low tear production that leaves the eye unprotected.

Dental problems are also common due to uneven teeth. Another issue is hyperthermia. This condition is characterized by an excessive increase in body temperature. Normally, breathing helps in cooling the body when the nostrils humidify the air and reduce body temperature. However, brachycephalic dogs have narrow nostrils, consequently making it difficult to breathe.heat exchange.

Brachycephalic dogs require special care

If you want to adopt a brachycephalic dog, know that you will need to give it a lot of attention throughout its life. Visits to the vet and examinations need to be constant. In addition, the guardian must take precautions to facilitate the complicated life of his pet. Avoid going out with him at very hot times, especially in summer. Also do not walk for long periods of time.periods of time, as the puppy tires more quickly. It is important to keep him hydrated, so remember to always leave the water bottle full.

The panting dog needs to have its body temperature reduced on hot days, so use wet cloths and spray cold water on the paws. Another tip is to groom regularly. A large amount of hair can make your dog even hotter. Brachycephalic syndrome causes many inconveniences, but they can be circumvented with these precautions to offer more quality of lifeto the pet.