Breeding wrinkled dogs leads to rise in operations
THE CELEBRITY-DRIVEN popularity of bulldogs and pugs has seen a surge in the number of medical procedures carried out on the pets.
The Royal Veterinary College worries that many buyers are unaware that the flat-faced dogs can suffer serious breathing problems after being bred to look “more attractive”.
Operations to reduce the distinctive folds, which threaten their airways and sight, have surged five-fold over the past four years, the central London college said.
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Hide AdDemand for the dogs has dramatically increased as a result of high-profile celebrities favouring the breeds, including Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh, singer Miley Cyrus and footballer David Beckham.