How Vets and Veterinary Teams Can Positively Influence The Welfare of Brachycephalic Dogs

In this program, participants will consider the complexity of the issues surrounding brachycephaly in dogs and develop their own personal plans for how they can contribute to improving the welfare of brachycephalic breeds. The current popularity explosion for certain brachycephalic breeds has resulted in enormous welfare issues related to breeding these dogs on an industrial level as commodities that are traded nationally and internationally. Brachycephalic breeds have long breed histories that have created strong belief systems about what is normal for these dogs; these beliefs have led to challenges when it comes to implementing changes based on new evidence. Such change requires inputs from many stakeholders outside the veterinary profession. Other important players include current and prospective owners, breeders, kennel clubs, charities, academia, and government.