Watch for Signs of Heatstroke in Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Other Breathing-Impaired Breeds During Heat Wave
EMERGENCY ALERT: As record-breaking heat waves rip through the U.S., it’s critical to remember that French bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs, boxers, and other breathing-impaired breeds (BIB) are at risk of suffering—or even dying—from heatstroke.
Breathing-Impaired Breeds Are More Likely to Suffer From Heatstroke
Because BIBs have flat faces and abnormally small airways, they’re twice as likely to suffer from heatstroke than other breeds. These dogs have been bred for a particular look, resulting in drastically shortened airways that make it hard for them to breathe and stay safe—or even alive!—in the heat.
Be on High Alert for Signs of Heat Illness in Breathing-Impaired Breeds
Gasping and rasping, shortness of breath, and panting may be mistaken as “typical” types of behavior for BIBs—but these are all signs of distress and can lead to fatalities in heat waves. In July alone, a French bulldog came close to dying from heatstroke, even though he was sitting in the shade; a bulldog with heatstroke collapsed in public; another died in a greenhouse; and yet another died from the heat at a doggie daycare—and those are just the reported cases.
Breeding Dogs Into a Lifetime of Suffering Is Cruel—Take Action Now!
According to a recent veterinary study, BIBs can no longer be classified as “normal dogs” because of their genetic health defects. Restrictions have been imposed on them in the Netherlands, and in Norway, a court ruling established a precedent for the recognition that flat-faced breeds suffer more and should no longer be bred.
It’s time to save dogs’ lives by banning their breeding and sale in the U.S. You can help by taking the pledge to adopt and never shop:
