Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs

Brachycephalic airway syndrome

SignsLoud snoring, harsh labored breathing, purple tongue after exercise, fainting when excited, regurgitation

PreventionNo obesity. Avoid excitement, heat and long exercise. Use a harness. Discuss nostril/soft palate surgery at a young age

Heatstroke

SignsWide-mouthed panting, drooling, dark red tongue, staggering, vomiting, reduced consciousness

PreventionAvoid going out above 25°C. Air conditioning 24 hours. Walk only early morning or at night. Never leave in a car, even for minutes

Skin fold dermatitis

SignsRedness deep in facial or tail folds, odor, moist raw skin, rubbing the face from itching

PreventionWipe deep in the folds daily with damp gauze, then dry with a cloth so no moisture remains. Always wipe after meals

Corneal ulcer

SignsSquinting, tearing or discharge, cloudy white eye surface, rubbing the eye with a paw. Protruding eyes are easily injured

PreventionDo not let the dog rub its face. Avoid tall grass on walks. See the vet the same day if squinting (it can perforate within days)

Intervertebral disc disease

SignsYelps when picked up, arched back, wobbly or paralyzed hind legs. French Bulldogs often have hereditary spinal malformations

PreventionPrevent obesity. Ramps for steps. No jumping. Support chest and hips level when lifting

Allergic dermatitis

SignsItchy paws, armpits, ears and belly, redness, hair loss, ear inflammation. Common in French Bulldogs and Pugs

PreventionWeekly shampoo. Identify food allergies with a therapeutic diet. See the vet early to find the cause

Eye injury or proptosis

PreventionProtruding eyes easily bump into objects. Pad corners of low furniture. Beware of face contact with other dogs

First aidIf the eyeball pops out, do not touch it; cover with moist gauze and go to emergency care at once. Do not let it dry out

Heatstroke (on a walk)

PreventionWalk only below 25°C, early morning or at night. Carry an ice-pack vest and water

First aidIn the shade, pour water on the body and use a fan or breeze. Do not let the dog walk; carry it and go to the vet immediately

Intervertebral disc injury

PreventionNo jumping onto sofas or beds. Ramps for steps. Mats on hard flooring

First aidPlace on a board or in a crate without moving the spine and go to the vet immediately. Do not pick up even if in pain

Aspiration (regurgitation)

PreventionSlow-feeder bowl. Avoid exercise or excitement after meals. Raise the bowl slightly

First aidCoughing or labored breathing after regurgitation may mean aspiration pneumonia. See the vet the same day

Pasteurellosis

RouteBites, scratches, mouth-to-mouth feeding

PreventionWash wounds under running water right away. No mouth-to-mouth feeding or kissing. See a doctor if a wound swells

Rabies

RouteBite from an infected dog (Japan is rabies-free but imported cases occur)

PreventionAnnual vaccination is a legal duty. If bitten by a dog abroad, see a doctor immediately

Dermatophytosis (ringworm)

RouteTouching the skin or fur of an infected dog

PreventionSee the vet if you find circular hair loss. Wash hands after contact. Separate bedding

Toxocariasis (dog roundworm)

RouteEggs in feces reach the mouth via hands or soil

PreventionRemove feces promptly. Regular deworming. Avoid defecation where children play

Food

• Complete and balanced food 2–3 times a day in a slow-feeder bowl
• Obesity worsens breathing. Keep a body shape where ribs can be felt
• Place the bowl on a slightly raised stand to prevent regurgitation

Water

• Always fresh water. In summer float ice and provide several spots
• Always carry water and ice packs on walks

Toys & play

• Soft rope or rubber toys (short sessions)
• Puzzle toys and scent games use the brain without excitement
• Avoid rough tug-of-war and ball throwing

Nest, bed & hideout

• A crate in a quiet, air-conditioned spot
• A cushion that lets the dog sleep with its head raised (easier breathing)

Bedding & litter

• Aluminum or gel cooling mats in summer
• Non-slip flooring (cork or rubber mats)
• Indoor toilet. Change pee pads every time

Cage / housing material

Well-ventilated steel crate (avoid enclosed types)

Size & space

Room to lie down, stand and turn (about 75 cm deep)

Layout

• Crate against a wall where the air-conditioning reaches
• Both a water bottle and a heavy water bowl
• Cooling mat and non-slip surface on the floor

Placement notes

• Never in direct sun, by a window or where heat builds up
• In summer, place a thermometer at dog height and confirm 25°C or below

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Twice a day, 15–20 minutes each. Stop if breathing becomes heavy
• No walks at 25°C or above or humidity 70% or above
• Harness required. A collar compresses the airway

Temperature & humidity

Temperature20–24°C. Above 25°C is the heatstroke danger zone

Humidity40–60%. High humidity worsens breathing and skin

Summer & winter

• Summer: air conditioning 24 hours, walks only around 5 a.m. or at night
• Winter: dry heated air blocks the nose. Use a humidifier

Nail trimming

Every 2–3 weeks. Do not let the dog get excited during trimming; stop if breathing becomes heavy

Brushing, skin & coat care

Rubber brush twice a week. Wipe and dry deep in the folds daily. Weekly shampoo

Other care

Check the eye surface daily and wipe discharge. Brush teeth daily. Wipe the base of the tail too

Protection from predators

• Heartworm from mosquitoes (monthly preventive)
• Ticks (full-body check after walks)
• Face contact with other dogs (prevent eye injuries)

Foreign-body ingestion

Greedy eaters that gulp socks, toys and food wrappers whole. Narrow airway means high choking risk. Do not induce vomiting; go to the vet immediately

Being stepped on

Clings to your feet and is easily stepped on. If breathing becomes labored after being stepped on, go to the vet immediately (chest compression can be fatal)

Getting pinched

Tails and paws get caught in doors and sliding doors. Use door stoppers and close doors slowly in rooms where the dog is

Falls

Jumping off sofas or beds injures the spine and knees. Install ramps. Hold the dog only while sitting

Escape

An escape on a hot day leads to heatstroke within tens of minutes. Gate at the entrance, license tag and microchip. If it escapes, do not chase; search with water in hand

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving and say "drop it" in a quiet, low voice
2. Lift the dog's hind legs or pull its body backward
3. Splash water or distract with a treat
4. Once released, isolate in a cool room and let breathing settle

After the release

Wash the wound under running water for 10 minutes and apply pressure to stop bleeding. Check the dog's breathing too. If it swells, see a doctor

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Time of onset, room temperature, walk time, photo of vomit, current medications. Keep cooling during transport

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Call the dog's name and pinch the ear to check response
• Check breathing by chest movement (normal 15–30/min)
• Check pulse at the inner thigh (normal 80–130/min)

Stopping bleeding

• Press firmly with a clean towel for 5 minutes or more
• Raise limbs above the heart
• If it will not stop, keep pressing and go to the vet immediately

Transport

• Air-conditioned car, ice packs wrapped in a towel against the body
• If unconscious, extend the neck and pull the tongue forward to open the airway