But sadly the dogs could be making these sounds because their flat faces mean they aren’t able to breathe properly.
French bulldog puppy Dory was often gasping for air when she arrived at the RSPCA’s Bath Cats & Dogs Home earlier this summer.She was diagnosed with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which affects short-nosed animals and can often lead to severe respiratory distress.
On Tuesday, she underwent life-saving surgery costing £1,800 to widen her nostrils and remove tissue from inside her airways.
‘But she can’t lead a normal life because she has difficulty breathing.
‘Worryingly, on several occasions, Dory has been left gasping for breath as a result of being starved of oxygen.Help your pet be the best pet he can be. Train your pet by setting him up to succeed. There’s a reason for everything your dog or cat does, and the reason rarely if ever involves being deliberately disobedient.
‘She needed this life-saving surgery just so she can lead a normal life – but she’ll probably always struggle and will need to have limited exercise and take it easy during hot weather.’
This has resulted in some flat-faced dogs, like Dory, struggling to breathe when walking, running or playing.
Caroline Allen, chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA, said: ‘The public see videos of them snorting and snoring and think it’s cute – but it isn’t.
‘It’s the dog gasping, trying to suck enough air into their body.
‘It’s really important that people understand this and that, as a society, we’re doing our best to produce dogs without these severe health problems.
‘Whilst there are breeders working hard to breed healthier dogs, poor Dory is a perfect example of how poor breeding has impacted the individual dog and affected their quality of life.’
To donate towards the cost of Dory’s surgery you can visit her Just Giving page.Most animals are creatures of habit. It will be important to develop a consistent schedule to follow with your new pet. Potty breaks at regular intervals, feeding at the same time(s) every day, playtime, walks – everything needs to be scheduled. At first, this can seem overwhelming but soon enough, you and your new pet will be on the same schedule.