This year World Animal Day is being used to raise awareness about the health and welfare of flat-faced dogs. 

Dogs such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and British Bulldogs suffer serious health issues because they’ve been bred to look a certain way. 

Australian Veterinary Association president Doctor Paula Parker said the day is an opportunity to celebrate the important role that animals play in people’s lives and consider what can be done to ensure pet owners adhere to their responsibilities and duty of care. 

Last year, the association worked with the RSPCA to launch the Love is Blind campaign which raises awareness about flat-faced dogs.

“Because they (flat-faced dogs) don’t have normal muzzles, they can’t easily cool themselves in warm weather, and the soft tissues in their throats can swell and block the passage of air,” Dr Parker said. 

“They may faint, collapse or overheat, sometimes fatally, when exercising or excited. These dogs often need major surgery to improve their quality of life.”

World Animal Day is an opportunity for the community to consider how to give flat-faced dogs a better future, Dr Parker said.