2. Brachycephalic Syndrome

The brachycephalic Syndrome is characterized by a short muzzle, compact skull and compressed upper respiratory system, all of which combined can cause severe breathing problems. Naturally, some small dogs experience only slight difficulties, while others may suffer from a life-threatening condition.

Signs of the brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome include noisy breathing and snorting.  The most severe cases can lead to a complete airway collapse. The biggest concern is the fact that breeders want to breed small dogs with small noses because owners find little noses adorable, without being aware this could cause serious respiratory problems.

Besides breathing difficulties, many of these brachycephalic dogs have eyes that protrude due to their skull structure – it is easier for eye traumas to occur and it is not uncommon for small breeds to lose an eye.

Flying with dogs affected by this syndrome can be very dangerous.  According to Pet Flight.com, From May 2005 through September 2012, 93 of the 176 dogs that have died while flying have been brachycephalic dogs.