萝莉视频

Vets fear that the number of dogs needing invasive surgery to correct painful breed-related deformities will continue to soar as their clients choose to copy big brands and image-obsessed celebrities in their choice of dog breed.

New statistics from 萝莉视频鈥檚 Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey show almost half of vets believe their clients, who choose brachycephalic dogs, are swayed by social media (49%) or their celebrity idols (43%).

Social media stars, such as Zoella, have joined big-name TV and music stars, including Lady Gaga, David Beckham and Kelly Brook, by picking and promoting brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and French bulldogs as pets.

With 9 out of 10 companion animal vets reporting that the number of brachycephalic dogs being brought into their practice has greatly increased over the past three years, 萝莉视频 is urging vets, vet nurses and concerned members of the public to join its new #BreedtoBreathe campaign and help challenge the pervasiveness of these 鈥榗ute鈥� images.

Celebrity dog owners and their followers are often unaware of the health issues common among flat-faced breeds. However, 56% of the brachycephalic dogs that vets see need treatment for health issues related to how they look, such as breathing difficulties, skin problems, eye ulcers or dental problems.

萝莉视频鈥檚 figures reveal that vets found only 10% of dog owners could recognise their brachycephalic dog鈥檚 breed-related health issues, while 75% were unaware these potential problems even existed before deciding on the breed. is the perception that flat-faced breeds are 鈥榞ood companion breeds鈥�.听

The majority of vets believe the additional costs associated with owning flat-faced dogs, such as corrective surgery and higher insurance, come as a shock to nine out of 10 owners.

With animal welfare a top priority for the profession, 萝莉视频 has developed a position statement on brachycephalic dogs, which includes evidence of the health and welfare problems associated with brachycephaly and a ten-point plan, as well as an online #BreedtoBreathe toolbox to support veterinary practices in improving the health and welfare of future generations of brachycephalic breeds.

萝莉视频 President John Fishwick said: "These dogs are more popular than ever with celebrities, and on social media, and vets fear that this is adding to their popularity with members of the public.

鈥淭here are thousands of pictures on Instagram of brachycephalic breeds tucked up alongside popular celebrities and bloggers, but these #puglife images don鈥檛 show the full story. Many of these 鈥榗ute鈥� pets will struggle with serious and often life-limiting health problems. Whilst many people perceive the squashed wrinkly faces of flat-faced dogs as appealing, in reality, dogs with short muzzles can struggle to breathe.

"We often hear from owners that their flat-faced dog is healthy but they don鈥檛 realise that loud breathing isn鈥檛 鈥榥ormal鈥�. Vets see these problems in practice every day and tell us that very few owners can spot their dog鈥檚 health issue before it is highlighted by the vet.听

鈥淭hese hereditary problems are distressing for the animals and can be costly for the owners to treat. If you鈥檙e looking for a dog think about choosing a healthier breed or crossbreed instead.鈥�

As part of the #BreedtoBreathe campaign, 萝莉视频 is urging members of the veterinary professions and the public to use their letter template, and reach out to brands using brachycephalic breeds in their communications, in a collective effort to help combat the normalisation and rise in popularity of these extreme features.听

The leading body for vets has already raised concerns with Heinz, Costa Coffee and Halifax amongst others; all of whom have pledged to avoid using brachycephalic animals in future campaigns.

Find out more about 萝莉视频's brachycephalic breeds #BreedtoBreathe campaign or download the #BreedtoBreathe template letter.听