Pugs are cute and hearty dogs that make great pets, however, just like any breed of dog, pugs are known for a few health problems that you’ll want to be aware of if you own a pug or are considering getting a pug. This article will help you understand the most common health issues for pugs and how to make sure that your pug lives a long and healthy life.
One of the biggest health issues for pugs is becoming overweight or obese. Pugs have a tendency to eat whatever is put in front of them and are always looking for more food, even if they have just been fed and should not be hungry. Feed your pug a diet of high-quality dog food in small portions to ensure that your pug is not overeating. Feed your pug only what he or she needs to be full and satisfied, not simply what is recommended on the food bag. Adjust portions if you notice that your pug has put on some weight around their mid-section.
Another common health issue for pugs includes skeletal problems like hip dysplasia. Making sure that your pug gets proper exercise and eats a balanced diet can help ensure a healthy life and healthy bones. But don’t push your pug too far with the exercise – they tend to do poorly in heat and humidity. A pug’s small “pushed in” face can cause some breathing problems, especially having pinched nostrils or an elongated soft palate. These problems cause a blockage of air and don’t allow the pug to breathe freely. If a pug is snoring excessively, gasping for air or looks like her or she is struggling with breathing when exercising, it may be necessary for a veterinarian to perform surgery to fix the problem. Pugs were bred to be household companions and generally do not fair well in the extreme heat or cold.
A pug owner also needs to be fastidious in cleaning a pug’s face and ears. Inspect ears often for redness or swelling that could be a sign of an ear infection. Cleaning a pug’s ear regularly with an ear wash will keep the ears clean and free of any discharge or odor. Cleaning of a pug’s nose roll and face is also an important part of pug care because infection can easily start in the wrinkles and folds of the pugs face when dirt and bacteria are allowed to collect for an extended period of time. If a pug’s nose roll gets infected, veterinary help will be needed. It’s also important to clean pugs’ teeth to reduce decay and mouth diseases. Pugs have a lot of small teeth in their tiny mouths, so cleaning the teeth can be a difficult, but necessary, task.
One of the most serious health issues for pugs is Pug Dog Encephalitis, or PDE. While not much is known about this inflammatory disease that can affect a pug’s brain between the years of 2-4, PDE almost always results in fatality. Although having seizures is one of the signs that a pug might have PDE, it’s best to consult a veterinarian if any unusual health issues crop up in a pug’s formative years.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Pugs are cute little buggers, but yeah, they sure can eat! Especially if they roam loose around the neighborhood.
Another thing I’ve noticed (not sure if it’s scientific at all) is that pugs love chasing cars more so than other dogs, and will run beside a car’s tire at a moderate speed for a long time! Obviously you can see the danger in this.
So maybe it is best to always remember the “household companion” idea if you have a pug!