ABSTRACT
Recent research has identified that owners may choose a brachycephalic dog based on their appearance, size and perceived good nature around children. While some may be aware of, and concerned by, the health problems their dog may face, others may have no idea. Veterinary professionals have a dual animal welfare responsibility – to treat animals presented to us, while concurrently advocating for solutions to known root causes of common problems. Educating owners about brachycephaly-related problems is a good example of this. This chapter discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with talking to current and prospective owners about common health issues encountered by brachycephalic dogs. Along with updates on current research into owner motivations, it includes frameworks to use when discussing breed choice with people who express an interest in acquiring a brachycephalic dog, what to cover in a first brachycephalic puppy consultation and how to sensitively frame health information for owners of older dogs.
