The UK’s largest dog charity says they are seeing more animals suffering pain and discomfort due to the way in which they’ve been bred.
The Dogs Trust say trending breeds like pugs and French bulldogs are being brought in with serious health issues.
They say Scotland is in the middle of a dog welfare crisis and they’re warning urgent changes to breeding laws are needed.
At a rehoming centre in Glasgow, French bulldog Blaze is recovering from high-risk surgery after being diagnosed with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
Bred to have a flat, squashed face, he needed three different procedures just to help him breathe.
Dog’s Trust senior vet Charlie Dobson said: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking when you see patients come into the clinic. They can’t walk, can’t breathe. It’s really sad.
“It makes me upset too when owners who adore that pet but they are surprised by this when they are warned something might happen. They can’t exercise or go outside in hot weather. Dachshunds, for example, can jump off a sofa and break their back.
“Unfortunately I’ve seen that multiple times in that same breed type. We want to get the message out there to help prevent these dogs being bred in the first place.”
Charlie says dogs with shortened snouts have the same amount of soft tissue in their heads as they did before they were selectively bred for that trait, meaning excess tissue can become crowded at the back of the throat and partially block the windpipe.
“It presents as snoring and snuffling, and they struggle to exercise and sleep,” she added. “They usually can’t live a normal life.”
STV NewsBlaze will be also on lifelong pain medication and may require future surgery on his spine and legs.
“He’s got an abnormal spine because of his breathing,” Charlie said. “Whoever takes him will have to be careful with him.”
Dogs like Blaze have become extremely popular in recent decades.
But poor breeding practice putting looks over welfare has meant dogs now face serious health issues.
The Dogs Trust want stronger breeding rules to prevent dogs from suffering.
Public affairs officer LeeAnn Howieson said: “There’s a dog welfare crisis in Scotland at the moment. We’ve written an open letter the Scottish Government and we need the Scottish public to sign that letter. We need to act urgently to tackle this problem.
“People might see a dog on social media and think that’s cute and normal. It’s not. These features can cause real suffering and, in the worst circumstances, a dog can die as a result of those health issues.
“We’re calling to strengthen legislation and guidance that can help people recognise at-risk breeds, improved breeding licences.
“At the moment we are failing dogs and they deserve better.”
STV NewsThe call is backed by other rescue groups, like the CuppaPug café in Edinburgh.
According to research by the Royal Veterinary College, pugs are almost twice as likely to experience health disorders annually compared with other dogs.
Director Sam Firnan is showing off Wilf, a pug who is a firm favourite with visitors.
“You can sort of see with Wilf that his nose is quite flat in. He’s quite lucky in the sense it doesn’t affect him, but with a lot of pugs that haven’t been bred properly, it causes their airways to be too tight.
“We’ve seen a lot more over recent years with backstreet breeding. With pugs especially; people want fancy colours.
“People want to make some money, they’re not caring for them, they keep the puppies in the cage, just hoping they will get sold.”
Ultimately breeders are fulfilling demand.
Welfare groups say while tighter legislation will help but that it’s also up to those wanting a dog to choose health over looks to prevent animals from suffering.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving and protecting animal welfare. The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020 increased the maximum penalties for the most serious animal welfare offences, and last year a review of the Act confirmed that it is robust and fit for purpose.
“We encourage anyone thinking of buying a puppy to only buy from licensed, reputable breeders or consider rehoming a dog instead.”
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