Five dog breeds that you should avoid according to vet

Five dog breeds that you should avoid according to vet Despite loving these breeds, the vet says that they come with health issues A veterinary expert has revealed five dog breeds he loves but would never personally own. Speaking on his TikTok channel, Dr Alex Crow explained that while he is very fond of these breeds and enjoys seeing them in the clinic, they are often associated with a range of serious health problems. Describing his reasons as "hard to hear", he emphasised that his concerns are not directed at the dogs themselves or the people who own them. Dr Alex Crow, who is also a veterinary adviser for Pooch & Mutt, said his views stem from concerns about the way these breeds have been selectively bred, which has contributed to a number of inherited health and welfare issues. 'These are 5 dog breeds I would avoid' These opinions are Alex's only, not those of Pooch and Mutt. In his video's caption, he writes: "As a vet, there are five breeds I genuinely love but wouldn’t take home myself, and it comes down to what I see on the table week after week. Before anyone gets upset, this isn’t a go at the dogs or the people who own them. It’s about how we’ve bred them." 5. Daschund. That elongated spine comes with significant risks. About one in four develops IVDD, a spinal disc condition that can lead to severe pain and, in some cases, paralysis. 4. Pug. Their brachycephalic (flat-faced) features can cause serious breathing difficulties because their airways are often too narrow. Their prominent eyes are more vulnerable to ulcers, and many also experience spinal abnormalities. According to the vet, these health issues can make even everyday activities a struggle for the breed. 3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This is the breed he finds particularly difficult to talk about because he’s so fond of them. Unfortunately, many develop syringomyelia, a painful condition caused by the skull being too small for the brain, leading to pressure on the spinal cord. In addition, most are likely to develop mitral valve disease by the age of 10, making serious health issues common throughout the breed. 2. French Bulldog. As the UK’s most popular dog breed, it has been identified by the Royal Veterinary College as having higher rates of multiple chronic health conditions than nearly any other breed, says Alex. Common problems include breathing difficulties, slipped discs, eye disorders, and skin conditions. 1. English Bulldog. Taking the top spot, he points out that the breed’s physical characteristics have become so extreme that many females are unable to give birth naturally. They also struggle with exercise because they can overheat quickly, and their deep skin folds make them especially susceptible to skin infections. Alex adds that the breed was effectively banned in Norway in 2022 due to animal welfare concerns. In fact, the Independent noted that Norway banned the breeding of British Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels in the country. In his caption, he added: "None of this means these dogs can’t have a lovely life, and if you own one you can give them a brilliant one. The real issue is that we’ve put looks ahead of health for generations. If you’ve got your heart set on one of these breeds, buy from health-tested parents and go in knowing what you’re taking on." Why does my dog's breath smell? Speaking on the official Pooch and Mutt TikTok channel in a separate video, Alex warned that bad breath in dogs can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition. He explained: "Most of the time, bad breath in dogs is a sign of dental disease. Plaque and bacteria build up on the teeth, harden into tartar and start to irritate the gums. "Over time, that can lead to infection, pain, loose teeth, and eventually, tooth loss if not managed." Sharing some "good news" he said, brushing your dog's teeth at home can help prevent this. In fact, "it's the most effective thing you can do". And it’s not surprising, considering we brush our teeth twice a day to help prevent dental problems and tooth loss. "Even a few times a week can make a big difference," according to Alex. The expert added that if "the smell is really strong, suddenly worse than usual or you notice red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating or your dog going off hard food, then that's your sign to see the vet because they may already need treatment." Stressing that "bad breath isn't just a mouth problem", Alex said that "in some cases it can be linked to digestive issues or even heart and kidney disease." Ending his video, he said that "if your dog's breath could clear a room, don't ignore it. Prevention is always better than a cure."