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Owners of flat-faced dogs urged to monitor noisy breathing
The number of French bulldogs, pugs, and bulldogs being registered with The Kennel Club has fallen so far this year.
Many owners still unaware of breathing assessments.

Owners of brachycephalic dogs have been urged to monitor signs of noisy breathing that could indicate welfare issues.

The appeal has been made by the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), which was launched in 2016 to improve the welfare of flat-faced dogs such as French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs.

The group has appealed to owners to seek veterinary advice if their dog’s breathing is noisy either while resting or during light exercise.

A 2022 survey by the British Veterinary Association found that while breathing issues were the most common heath problem for flat-faced dogs, veterinary surgeons estimated that only 13 per cent of owners were aware of health tests such as the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFG).

Dan O’Neill, chair of the BWG, explained: “If a dog has noisy breathing at rest or when lightly exercising – including snoring, snorting, wheezing or raspy breath – owners should know that this is not ‘normal’ or healthy.

“Some owners might not recognise air hunger as a problem, but sadly it means that their dog is suffering continuously from respiratory disease, and they should speak to their vet or visit an RFG assessor.”

Although the popularity of brachycephalic breeds has risen significantly since in the last 15 years, there are signs that health warnings are standing to have an impact.

So far this year, the numbers of French bulldog, pug, and bulldog puppies being registered with The Kennel Club have all fallen by more than a third.

Dr O’Neill added: “The key message to the public here is that noisy breathing at rest or light exercise in flat-faced dogs is never normal and these dogs are suffering. Anyone thinking about acquiring a flat-faced dog is urged to ‘stop and think first before buying’.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.