Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day: How Specialist BOAS Surgery Gave Archie the Pug Room to Breathe

Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day is observed every year on September 13 to educate pet owners about congenital conditions, promote responsible breeding practices, and highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and vital support for pets with special needs.

To mark this important day, Melbourne’s Lort Smith Animal Hospital shared the story of Archie—a nine-year-old Pug who was recently given a fresh start and a lot more room to breathe.

Archie’s Journey

Archie came into Lort Smith’s care after his previous family could no longer look after him. Upon his arrival, the veterinary team identified that the nine-year-old Pug was affected by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)—a congenital respiratory condition that commonly affects flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs.

What is BOAS?

BOAS occurs when anatomical changes in a dog’s airways restrict the flow of air. Key signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• Noisy or difficult breathing

• Excessive panting

• Exercise and heat intolerance

• Coughing, gagging, and regurgitation

• In severe cases, collapse

Many pet parents assume that snoring, snorting, or noisy breathing is simply "normal" or part of the breed for flat-faced dogs. However, these are actually warning signs that a dog is struggling to take in air.

Surgical Intervention and Specialist Care

For Archie, surgery was recommended to improve his upper airways and make breathing easier. The delicate procedure was performed by specialist surgeon Dr Ben Mielke.

“BOAS surgery aims to improve airflow by addressing areas of narrowing throughout the upper airway,” Dr Ben explained. “Every patient is different, so careful assessment and surgical planning are important.”

Operating on flat-faced breeds requires advanced expertise and careful planning. “Brachycephalic patients can present some unique challenges during anaesthesia and surgery, which is why specialist assessment and management are important,” Dr Ben said.

The ultimate goal of BOAS surgery is to help dogs breathe more comfortably, boost their exercise tolerance, and support a significantly better quality of life. For Archie, the operation was a success, granting him a fresh start and the opportunity to enjoy his next chapter with ease.

What Pet Owners Should Do

If you share your home with a flat-faced dog, don’t assume noisy breathing or difficulty exercising is just an inherent breed trait. Speak with your veterinarian immediately if you notice any signs that your dog may be struggling to breathe.

To learn more about advanced surgical options and expert care, explore Lort Smith specialist veterinary surgery in Melbourne.

Cases like Archie's also highlight broader national trends in breed health—with recent data revealing that French Bulldog surgeries have risen 2075% in recent years, reinforcing the need for early detection and awareness.

Pet Birth Defect Awareness: Educational Hub

Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day (September 13) aims to improve early detection, support responsible breeding, and empower pet owners with knowledge about managing congenital conditions. Explore our related health guides to learn more:

• Brachycephalic Health: Is your dog snoring or snorting? Read our guide on flat-faced dogs and noisy breathing to understand why it’s never just 'normal for the breed'.

• Congenital Spinal Conditions: Learn about symptoms, causes, and management in our detailed overview of Spina Bifida in dogs.

• Special Needs Care: Pets born with vision loss can lead happy, fulfilling lives. Debunk common misconceptions with 5 myths about blind dogs and expert advice.

VetPartners Backs Veterinary Wellbeing with Sponsorship of Flynn’s Walk Sydney

Dog owners and animal lovers heading to Coogee this weekend can step out for a great cause as Flynn’s Walk returns to Sydney on Sunday, 13 September 2026. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in the city, the community event aims to bring together pet owners and veterinary professionals to foster open conversations around mental health in the industry.

Leading veterinary care network VetPartners has stepped up as a major sponsor for this year's Sydney event, supporting the charity’s mission to shine a light on the unique stressors faced by veterinary staff.

Supporting the People Who Care for Our Pets

Veterinarians and clinical teams deal with demanding workloads, emotional fatigue, and high-pressure situations daily. Studies from the Australian Veterinary Association highlight the severity of these challenges, indicating that a veterinary professional is lost to suicide approximately every 12 weeks.

Flynn’s Walk was established in Melbourne in 2018 in memory of Dr Flynn Hargreaves (BVSc). The registered health promotion charity works to build compassion and mental health literacy across the sector while providing welcoming, grassroots spaces for community connection.

Jack Levitt, Founder and President of Flynn’s Walk, emphasised the impact of community support:

“We recognise that improved wellbeing within the veterinary community is a huge priority and one that we are passionate about contributing to. Our events are a significant opportunity for those in the industry, and the wider animal loving community, to come together, openly chat, show support and strive for a strong future together providing essential care for the whole community.”

“Having the support of VetPartners is a huge boost for us—receiving their backing and participation helps us to reach more people and increase awareness of our mission and ultimately, celebrate those within the industry.”

What to Expect at the Coogee Event

Participants can look forward to a dog-friendly coastal walk designed to promote social connection and break down mental health stigma.

As part of their sponsorship, VetPartners will have operational and clinical staff taking part in the walk, as well as providing a complimentary coffee cart service for all attendees on the day.

Dr Russell Harrison at VetPartners noted:

“We’re proud to support the organisation—the work that Flynn’s Walk does is incredibly important to an industry that relies on exceptional veterinary specialists. It’s important for those within the industry to have such a forum to speak openly about certain aspects of the job, as talking about issues faced can provide a huge support.”

2026 Event Tour & How to Join

Beyond its flagship walks, Flynn’s Walk creates free online resources and runs tailored workshops funded through donations. The Sydney walk wraps up an extensive 2026 national tour that has already visited communities across Australia:

• Melbourne: Sunday, 3 May 2026 (Completed)
• Townsville: Sunday, 24 May 2026 (Completed)
• Brisbane: Sunday, 19 July 2026 (Completed)
• Wagga Wagga: Sunday, 16 August 2026 (Completed)
• Sydney (Coogee): Sunday, 13 September 2026 (Upcoming)

Event Summary

• Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
• Location: Coogee, Sydney
• Cost: Free (Registration required)
• More Information: To register or support the cause, visit the official Flynn’s Walk Website.

Photography Credit (all): Flynn's Walk Facebook page

Class is in Session for Westy: How Guide Dogs SA/NT’s Facility Dogs are Transforming Community Wellbeing

As Australia pauses to reflect on the importance of mental health and staying connected for R U OK? Day, there’s a new classmate in the school corridors of Hope Valley making sure no student ever feels alone.

Meet Westy, the newest Guide Dogs SA/NT-trained Facility Dog, who has officially been welcomed by the students and staff at Torrens Valley Christian School. As the second Facility Dog placed within an independent school in South Australia, Westy’s mission is simple yet profound: support student wellbeing, ease morning drop-off anxiety, and help kids stay engaged with their education.

Teacher Margaret Garland and Year 4 student Layla enjoying a walk with Westy, the school's facility dog, on the grounds of Torrens Valley Christian School.

For Year 3 student Jessie, Westy’s presence has already proven life-changing.

“Sometimes I find it hard to come into school, but Westy comes and meets me in the carpark, and I get to walk to class with him. He makes me so happy.” - Jessie, Year 3 Student

Torrens Valley Christian School Principal Anton Visser echoed that sentiment, noting how quickly Westy has become an essential part of the school community.

“Westy has already been an incredible asset to our staff and students. The sense of ease and comfort he brings those students struggling with transitions and emotional regulation has been wonderful to watch... We are very blessed to have him.” - Principal Anton Visser

A Legacy of Four-Legged Lifesavers

While Westy is just beginning his journey in the classroom, he joins an elite workforce of highly trained Guide Dogs SA/NT Facility Dogs who are breaking ground across South Australia.

Whether working in courtrooms, classrooms, airports, or mental health clinics, these dedicated working dogs undergo over two years and $50,000 worth of specialised training to operate calmly in complex environments:

• Elmo (Adelaide Airport): Making history as the first internationally-accredited Facility Dog at any Australian airport when he started in 2022, Elmo continues to be a beloved, reassuring presence for nervous travellers and families navigating hidden disabilities through the busy terminal.
• Marley (headspace Mount Barker): Trailblazing in youth mental health, Marley became the first Guide Dog-trained Facility Dog placed at a headspace centre in Australia. By sitting quietly in counselling sessions, Marley offers grounding comfort that helps young people aged 12–25 open up during tough conversations.

  

  Marley, Australia's first Guide Dog–trained Facility Dog placed at a headspace centre, pictured at headspace Mt Barker. (Credit: headspace Mt Barker Facebook)

• Bonnie (Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia): Sworn in during a special ceremony as the first Facility Dog to serve in a federal jurisdiction in South Australia, sweet-natured Bonnie provides vital, trauma-informed emotional support during family law proceedings. Trained by Guide Dogs SA/NT to reduce the stress of court processes, Bonnie offers calm reassurance to children, witnesses, and vulnerable litigants—whether sitting quietly beside people in court hearings or playing a set of toy drums as a fun icebreaker for kids!

  

  Bonnie, the first Facility Dog to serve in a federal jurisdiction in SA, pictured at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia alongside her official swearing-in certificate.

• The Wider Pack: Alongside Westy, Elmo, Marley, and Bonnie, the Guide Dogs SA/NT team includes Canine Court Companion Zeb, as well as school wellbeing dogs Iris, Apollo, and Scout.

Turning End of Leash into a Force for Good

Guide Dogs SA/NT Chief Executive Officer Dan Cox emphasised that training facility dogs allows the organisation to extend its positive footprint into every corner of the community.

“Facility Dogs like Westy are trained to the highest level to work safely and effectively in complex environments. Having Westy working within the school can help students feel more settled and supported, creating an environment where they can focus on their learning and wellbeing.” - Dan Cox, Guide Dogs SA/NT CEO

Whether it’s greeting anxious students at the school gate, easing flight anxiety at the airport, offering a gentle paw in therapy sessions, or bringing comfort to a courtroom, Westy and his fellow Facility Dogs prove every day that a dog’s love and training can truly transform human lives.

Lead photo credit: Torrens Valley Christian School featuring Seema (Year 12), Layla (Year 4), Cameron (Year 8), and Westy.

*Source: Information provided via media releases from Guide Dogs SA/NT, Adelaide Airport, headspace Mount Barker, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. For more information on their facility dog programs, visit Guide Dogs SA/NT.

A Living Tribute for National Pet Memorial Day: World-First Mushroom-Grown 'FurEver' Pet Urns Launch in Australia

Grown from mycelium and upcycled hemp fibres, these 100% biodegradable urns offer dog lovers a natural way to honour a beloved pet's legacy—either kept safely at home or returned to the earth as part of a garden memorial.

Fresh off the news of Australia's very first human mushroom coffin burial in the Blue Mountains, Dutch green innovation company Loop Biotech has officially expanded Down Under—bringing its world-first, dedicated FurEver™ pet urn range to Australian and New Zealand dog lovers.

Timed meaningfully alongside National Pet Memorial Day on Sunday, September 13, this new option gives grieving pet parents a sustainable, deeply personal way to honour their dog's memory.

Already trusted by more than 10,000 families across 12 countries and recognised as one of TIME's Best Inventions, Loop Biotech is transforming the future of memorialisation by turning the end of life into a force for nature.

Distributed locally through memorial specialists Arrow Bronze, the FurEver™ line is grown rather than manufactured in the traditional sense. Each vessel is created using mycelium—the underground root network of mushrooms—combined with upcycled plant fibres like hemp. The result is a lightweight, completely natural memorial urn that enriches the soil rather than leaving a long-term environmental footprint.

"The Beginning of New Life"

Loop Biotech founder Bob Hendrikx pictured in Sydney with the human Loop Living Cocoon™. The company has officially launched its dedicated FurEver™ pet urn range across Australia.

"For many people, losing a pet means losing a member of the family," explains Loop Biotech inventor and founder Bob Hendrikx. "We wanted to create a memorial that reflects that bond while also giving something back to nature. FurEver turns the end of one life into the beginning of new life."

Designed specifically for companion animals, the natural, velvety texture of the mycelium vessel gives pet parents complete freedom in how they choose to remember their dog:

Families can paint or decorate the soft natural surface of the FurEver™ urn as a therapeutic, personalised tribute to their dog.

• Personalised Tributes: Families can paint, draw, or write personal messages directly onto the exterior of the urn as a therapeutic, creative part of the grieving process.

• Kept Close at Home: Because the mycelium remains completely stable while kept dry indoors, families can keep their dog’s ashes safely on a display shelf or mantel for as long as they wish.

• Backyard or Tree Planting Memorial: When the time feels right, burying the urn in a garden bed or planting it beneath a new memorial tree allows the mycelium to naturally decompose in surrounding soil, returning vital nutrients back to nature.

The Science: Fast Decomposition & Soil Restoration

Supported by a scientific summary from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the technology behind these urns offers remarkable environmental benefits:

• Decomposes in 45 Days: Under optimal soil conditions, the mycelium composite material biodegrades completely in just 45 days—a fraction of the time traditional wooden or synthetic vessels take to decompose.

• 100% Safe & Non-Invasive: The specific fungal species used is non-invasive, globally occurring, and feeds exclusively on dead plant fibres, posing zero ecological risk.

• Enriches Soil Quality: Rather than sitting as waste, the breaking down of mycelium adds a rich source of carbon and energy into the soil, boosting soil biodiversity and actively helping to neutralise organic toxins and heavy metals.

Sized for Every Dog Breed

Unlike human burial products in the Loop range, the FurEver™ pet urn features a distinct, rounded design crafted specifically for pet ashes and is available in three sizes:

• 4.0 Litre (Ideal for large & giant dog breeds)

• 1.5 Litre (Perfect for medium dog breeds)

• 0.5 Litre (Suited for small breeds or keeping token keepsake ashes)

Availability in Australia

The FurEver™ pet urn range is now actively rolling out across Australia through Arrow Bronze and its national network of pet memorialisation providers, local funeral partners, and pet cremation services.

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*Research source: Scientific summary on mycelium composite performance and biodegradation by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). For product specs and research details, visit Loop Biotech.

A Portable Leather Keepsake for Everyday Remembrance

With National Pet Memorial Day celebrated on September 13 (and the entire month of September observed as National Pet Memorial Month), it is a poignant time to reflect on honouring the bond we share with our pets. 

Whether as a personal keepsake for everyday companionship or a gift of remembrance for a loved one, new Australian brand Pawmoir offers a subtle, touchable way to keep your dog close.

Behind the Brand

The idea for Pawmoir was born out of everyday life with Kimi, a rescue dog living with megacolon whose daily care routines inspired his owner to seek a quiet, tangible reminder of their bond during time spent apart.

Co-Founder Testimonial:

"Life with a dog is made up of countless small, heart-warming moments—their paw prints, the warmth of them curled up beside us, and the soft fur left in their brush after grooming. Like most dog parents, I wanted something small and real that could come with me when Kimi could not. Pawmoir began with this idea—not as a replacement for a collar, photograph, or favourite toy, but as a real, touchable, quiet way to keep a physical connection close.

Clipped to my handbag or keys, it looks like a small leather paw keyring. What others cannot see is the little piece of Kimi tucked inside and the memories it holds for me. When someone notices it and asks what is inside, I get to tell them about Kimi, his personality, his little habits, and the everyday moments we share."

— Co-Founder, Pawmoir (and dog parent to Kimi)

A Keepsake for Everyday Life

That simple thought sits behind the Pawmoir Personalised Pet Fur Keepsake Locket: a small leather paw that arrives empty, ready to fill with fur from your own dog at home.

It can be clipped to a handbag, backpack, keys, or travel bag, so something familiar can come along on ordinary days as well as the bigger journeys.

☑️ Self-Fill at Home: Pawmoir ships the locket empty. Owners simply collect loose fur from a brush, blanket, or coat during regular grooming and place it inside at home. 

Note: Pawmoir does not receive, handle, store, or insert customer fur.

☑️ 6 Colour Options: Available in Amber Glow, Glacier Blue, Sakura Pink, Pearl White, Midnight Noir, and Amethyst Mist.

☑️ Personalised Engraving: Optional custom machine engraving/name stamping is available (up to 12 characters) for names, dates, or special messages ($59.00 engraved vs $39.00 standard).

☑️ Australian Assembly: Components are produced by a specialist manufacturing partner in China, with final personalisation, machine engraving, hand assembly, and quality checks completed in Sydney, Australia.

☑️ Gifting Ready: Presented in a beautiful keepsake gift box, making it a thoughtful gift for family members, partners, or trusted dog sitters who share that special bond.

Materials & Dimensions

• Locket Dimensions: 5.5 cm x 6 cm (9.2 cm total length including hardware ring).

• Body: Premium full-grain vegetable-tanned leather featuring stitched edges and a polished finish.

• Lining: Soft suede microfibre lining to hold fur securely.

• Hardware: Durable 316L stainless steel snap button paired with a gold-tone alloy split ring and connector.

Leather Care & Maintenance

• Wipe leather with a soft, dry cloth to maintain its natural finish.

• Avoid prolonged contact with water, perfume, or chemicals, and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• Store in the included gift box when not in use.

• Note: Full-grain leather naturally develops a rich patina over time—a characteristic feature of natural leather, not a defect.

Pricing & Shipping Summary

• Standard Locket (Unengraved): RRP A$39.00

• Personalised Locket (With Name Engraving): RRP A$59.00

• Shipping: Free standard shipping on Australian & New Zealand orders over $50 (flat-rate shipping applies for orders under $50).

• International Availability: Currently shipping within Australia and New Zealand only.

Explore the collection online at Pawmoir.

Australia fell head over heels for the Cavoodle during the pandemic. Now those puppies are growing up, and new Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) claims data reveals the illnesses, injuries, and unexpected veterinary costs affecting the nation's much-loved companion.

A cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, the Cavoodle remains Pet Insurance Australia's most popular insured dog breed in 2026*.

Cavoodles have surged in popularity among Australian pet owners, with new Pet Insurance Australia data revealing the breed’s share of active policies has increased by almost 72% since 2019. In December 2019, Cavoodles accounted for 5.25% of PIA’s active policies. Today, they represent 9.01%, highlighting just how dramatically the breed has grown within Australia’s insured dog population.

“The rise of the Cavoodle has been extraordinary,” says Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. “We’ve watched them go from just over five per cent of our active policies in 2019 to around nine per cent today. That’s an increase of almost 72% in their share of our insured pets, and really demonstrates how firmly the Cavoodle has established itself as one of Australia’s favourite dogs.”

“There's no question Australia fell completely in love with the Cavoodle, and during the pandemic we watched their popularity soar,” says Crighton. “Those pandemic puppies aren't puppies anymore. They're growing up, and we're now seeing an interesting picture emerge through the conditions Cavoodle owners are claiming for.”

The $11,600 Cavoodle Claim

PIA's 2026 Cavoodle claims data shows just how quickly veterinary costs can escalate. Flynn the Cavoodle (pictured below) recovering post-surgery after ingesting a fish hook is a prime example of how quickly foreign body ingestions can lead to emergency vet bills. You can read Flynn's full recovery story here.

Traumatic injuries recorded the highest maximum claim at more than $11,600*, followed by heart conditions and tissue trauma/fractures at more than $7,800*.

Gastrointestinal conditions have resulted in maximum claims exceeding $7,600*, while foreign body ingestion has climbed beyond $7,500*.

Cruciate ligament maximum claims have reached more than $6,500*, while allergy claims have reached more than $5,000*.

“What surprised us wasn't one particular condition, but the range,” Crighton says. “We're seeing everything from allergies and ear problems through to cruciate ligament conditions, heart conditions, gastrointestinal problems and significant traumatic injuries.”

Cavoodle Claims at a Glance

Condition	Average Claim	Maximum Claim
Traumatic injury	$700+*	$11,600+*
Heart conditions	$400+*	$7,800+*
Gastrointestinal conditions	$450+*	$7,600+*
Foreign body ingestion	$600+*	$7,500+*
Cruciate ligament	$900+*	$6,500+*
Allergies	$240+*	$5,000+*

Crighton says the difference between an average claim and the highest claims is an important reminder of how dramatically the cost of treating the same broad type of condition can vary.

“An owner might look at an average claim of $600 or $700 and think they could comfortably manage that,” she says. “But when something becomes complicated or requires surgery, diagnostic imaging, hospitalisation or specialist treatment, suddenly you're potentially looking at thousands of dollars.”

More Than a Teddy-Bear Face

With their soft curls, playful personalities, and almost toy-like appearance, Cavoodles have become a fixture in Australian homes. But Crighton says their popularity makes good health education increasingly important.

“The teddy-bear appearance can make the Cavoodle seem almost indestructible, particularly when they're young,” she says. “But they're still dogs. They get sick, they have accidents, they swallow things they shouldn't and, as they grow older, their health needs can change.”

PIA is encouraging Cavoodle owners to become familiar with what's normal for their individual dog and seek veterinary advice when something changes.

Early warning signs that warrant investigation include:

• Persistent limp
• Repeated vomiting
• Increased thirst
• Ongoing scratching or recurring ear problems
• Changes in exercise tolerance or unusual behaviour

Experts also recommend watching for gradual weight loss, an ongoing loss of appetite, persistent changes in your pet’s stools, or any new lumps and bumps—particularly those that appear to be growing or changing in size.

“Knowing about potential health problems isn't about frightening owners or expecting their Cavoodle to become sick,” Crighton says. “It's about recognising changes early and understanding that the tiny puppy you brought home during lockdown is growing up. Their healthcare needs grow with them.”

*PIA Data 2026

Disclaimer / Disclosure:
Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.