Unleashed - Episode 86 Struggling for Every Breath: The Crisis Facing Flat-Faced Dogs

In this eye-opening episode of Unleashed with Cheryl Kaye, we examine how breeding dogs for extreme physical appearances has crossed a dangerous line—leaving many beloved breeds struggling simply to breathe. Joined by PETA’s Jakob Shaw, manager of strategic initiatives, the conversation exposes the hidden suffering behind flat-faced “designer” dogs like French and English bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers. Shaw explains why panting, snorting, and wheezing are not “cute,” but signs of serious distress caused by distorted airways, chronic pain, heat intolerance, and dramatically shortened lifespans. Together, they explore why aesthetic preferences continue to trump animal welfare, what health risks breathing-impaired dogs face daily, and how guardians of these dogs can reduce suffering. The episode also highlights the broader solution—ending the breeding and sale of these dogs and embracing adoption—to ensure a healthier, more humane future for dogs of every shape and size.

EPISODE NOTES: Struggling for Every Breath: The Crisis Facing Flat-Faced Dogs

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