US (Washington Insider Magazine) – A Nationwide® analysis of 50,000 dogs has confirmed that brachycephalic breeds, including French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs, face significantly higher health risks than non-brachycephalic dogs.
Key Findings:
- Increased Breathing Issues:
- Brachycephalic breeds are 3x more likely to submit claims for breathing problems, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
- French Bulldogs are 17x more likely, English Bulldogs 12x, and Pugs 10x more likely to develop BOAS.
- Additional Health Risks:
- BOAS is linked to other conditions like pneumonia, spinal disease, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Brachycephalic Popularity:
- French Bulldogs (3rd), English Bulldogs (7th), and Pugs (16th) are among the most popular Nationwide-insured breeds.
Impact and Veterinary Recommendations
Nationwide urges early disease recognition and proactive care for brachycephalic dogs. They plan to release communication tools for veterinarians to better educate pet owners on health risks and interventions.
