Dogsey

Facelifts for bulldogs and pugs have surged, it was reported last night.

The Royal Veterinary College has revealed the number of operations on dogs to remove excess skin has risen by more than 80 per cent in the past four years.

Without facelifts, some pets can be at risk of going blind or dying because their airways are blocked - but the surgery can set owners back up to £2,000.

It was reported last night that the rise in celebrity ownership of the animals was behind the rise in the number of operations.

The number of procedures has increased from an average of 30 five years ago to more than 260 a year, according to Dr Gert ter Haar, senior lecturer at the Royal Veterinary Collegs.

Celebrity owners such as Johathan Ross, Kelly Brook and Kelly Osborne have fuelled the rise in popularity of owning pedigree pooches.

Dr Haar told The Daily Telegraph: 'We are treating a lot of pugs but it is because they are very popular due to celebrities.

Dr Haar said he handles four to five of pet facelifts every week - but only do so if there is a medical reason.

He said: 'Breeding has led to shortening of muscles in their faces.Most are fine, but we see the ones that have problems because of their breeding.'