Coco

Coco had all the health problems of flat-faced breeds

Just over a year ago we met Coco the British Bulldog. When we talk about the health and welfare issues of brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds then she was, sadly, suffering from them all.

Skin issues

You can see she has deep and exaggerated folds of skin on her face – without daily cleaning and drying, these folds harbour bacterial and yeast infections in between. She also had a skin allergy, with patches of alopecia on her rump.

Once in our care, she received medicated washes to get her skin healthy, but she will need daily care for the rest of her life.

Breathing problems

All flat-faced breeds that we get in have an exercise assessment test – put bluntly, we need to find out if they can breathe. Even though she has wide nostrils, we could hear Coco’s intake breath at rest, and after 3 minutes light exercise, we didn’t need a stethoscope to hear her breathing issues. She was marked at Grade 2 – the scale is 0-3 with 3 at the severe end. 

Under anaesthetic, we examined her soft palate which was, as thought, over-long and needed surgical shortening to open up her airways in her throat.

As we did this operation, we also neutered her and we could see that she had had puppies by caesarean – frustratingly continuing her unhealthy traits to another generation. 

Coco is only about 3 years old, she should be able to walk for 3 minutes without struggling to breathe. This isn’t normal. 

If you are looking to get a flat-faced breed of dog or cat as a pet – please read more about brachy issues before making your decision. 

Read more on the RSPCA advice and welfare website

LINK  » www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/brachycephalic

And if this frustrates you as much as us? Join the RSPCA campaign #SaveOurBreath and send an email to your MP – a pre-written option is available on

LINK » www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/saveourbreath

Coco’s story ends happily

After this major surgery and weeks of recovery, Coco was breathing better and ready for a new beginning. She was adopted into a loving family and at our 6-month catch up we received back this lovely photo and note: 

“Coco is doing amazing, she is loving her new life being spoilt rotten by my mum and the rest of the family, she adores my youngest son.”

Top tips for caring for your brachy pet

If you already own a flat-faced cat or dog, be mindful of the symptoms of their breed and do your best to make them comfortable and safe.

• Keep an eye – or really an ear – on their breathing. If they are loud when breathing after light exercise, snoring, if they need to prop open their mouth with a toy to sleep – these are signs they are having trouble breathing so get them checked by a vet.
• Go steady with exercise and playtimes. For walking dogs use a harness, not just a collar, to stop pressure on their neck.
• Keep cool in hot weather as panting and breathing is harder with restricted airways. There is no need for walks on hot days, and make sure cats and rabbits have cool areas to go to.
• Control their weight, as extra weight puts pressure on an already stressed body. Ask your vet for your pet’s ideal weight and diet and stick to it by weighing out their daily food, compensating for treats.
• Take care of their teeth – the squashed-shaped skull makes for squashed-together teeth, so keep them clean and go for regular dental check-ups at your vets.
• Eyes are often large and bulging, so may need care to avoid dry eye and ulcers. If they are unusually rubbing at an eye, get them checked out as soon as possible.
• Take care of their skin, clean and carefully dry between their folds several times a week, or daily if they are deep folds.