Home Virginia Tech expert: Tips to help at-risk dog breeds survive climate change
Climate, Virginia

Virginia Tech expert: Tips to help at-risk dog breeds survive climate change

Crystal Graham
dog outside in yard
Image courtesy Virginia Tech

As climate change worsens, dogs with short snouts may suffer, and the reason comes down to science.

Lisa Gunter, an assistant professor in the School of Animal Science at Virginia Tech said dogs including pugs, boston terriers and bulldogs face challenges due to their restricted ability to thermoregulate.

Brachycephalic dog breeds also have narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates and narrowed windpipes.

“These physical limitations make breathing difficult, causing these breeds to be particularly susceptible to heatstroke more so than other dogs in surprisingly mild weather and humidity,” Gunter said.

Struggling to breathe can also limit the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, straining the hearts of brachycephalic dogs and making them more susceptible to heart problems.

“All dog owners, but especially those of brachycephalic dog breeds, have to be incredibly careful about the most quintessential dog-owner activity in extreme heat: dog walking.”

Gunter, who spent nearly a decade in Phoenix, Ariz., saw these challenges for pets and their owners first-hand.

Climate experts say that this type of heat will continue to become our new normal; and when air conditioning isn’t readily available, it could turn deadly for these breeds.

“Owners of brachycephalic dogs need to be much more aware of the heat and its devastating effects than typical dog owners,” said Gunter. “Seemingly routine activities with brachycephalic dogs, like a mid-day potty break in the backyard or coming along on a car ride, can be deadly in extreme heat if they’re accidentally forgotten about or closed in a space without air conditioning for just a few minutes.”

Gunter recommends that dog owners pay close attention to the time they schedule walks, where they walk, and how long the walks are.

“That becomes essential as does carrying water, no matter the outing’s duration,” said Gunter.

These breeds already have a short lifespan, making it more challenging. Gunter recommends pet owners do what they can to help their dog maintain a healthy weight.

“Excessive weight, which is something that can easily accumulate on brachycephalic dogs and can be exacerbated if they’re overfed and/or under-exercised.”

It’s also important to identify possible breathing problems that need veterinary attention.

“For dogs with moderate to severe breathing problems, surgery may be necessary to widen their nostrils and shorten their soft palate for better breathing.”

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.

Latest News

isaac mckneely
Basketball, Sports

Analysis: Tony Bennett is letting his Virginia team try to do more in transition

elijah gertrude
Basketball, Sports

Virginia Basketball Notebook: Tony Bennett on Elijah Gertrude, Jordan Minor

Virginia coach Tony Bennett and freshman combo guard Elijah Gertrude had agreed before the start of the season that Gertrude should redshirt this year so that he could focus on rehabbing his knee.

chesapeake bay
Climate, U.S. & World

Maryland moves to curb striped bass fishing in spring spawning season

Spurred by slumping striped bass reproduction in Maryland waters, the state Department of Natural Resources is moving to curtail fishing for the popular migratory species during its spawning run next spring.

earth globe
Climate

Roddy Scheer: How do enhanced geothermal power plants differ from regular geothermal?

climate change
Climate

Roddy Scheer: War is horrible, and it is no less so for the environment

earth
Politics

Tom H. Hastings: Guerrilla war in cities and other evolutionary missteps

veteran uniform
Politics

Robert C. Koehler: War does nothing but create the certainty of more war