Pug Facts
Is a pug right for you?
The answer might be yes!
Every pug owner will tell you they are so, so worth it! However, pugs generally require more veterinary care than other breeds, so be aware that they can be more of a financial investment since all of the things that make pugs so cute and sweet seem to contribute to their health issues.
Like all breeds, there are certain issues that can affect pugs more often than other breeds such as Pug Myelopathy, Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease, luxating patellas, collapsed trachea, stenotic nares, bladder and kidney stones, allergies, and skin infections.
Fun Facts about Pugs
But there is much more to learn about pugs!
Pugs are a toy breed
- Pugs require a lot of brushing as they can shed a tremendous amount. They need their nails trimmed often, and some of them can be cantankerous about it.
- They can adapt to many situations - from outdoorsy families who like to hike to home bodies or apartment dwellers.
- Pugs require a lot of brushing, as they can shed a tremendous amount. They need their nails trimmed often, and some of them can be cantankerous about it.
Pugs don't do well in heat
Dogs use their airways to cool themselves and pugs’ airways are smaller, which predispose them to overheating.
To keep your pug safe, follow these guidelines:
- Provide constant access to cool, clean water.
- Avoid taking your pug outside as much as possible during hot days, as well as avoid strenuous exercise during hot weather.
- Pugs can experience respiratory distress quickly and they should be monitored for heavy breathing that can escalate quickly.
Pugs are prone to eye issues
- Corneal ulcers require urgent medical treatment. In pugs they can quickly progress to deeper ulceration, requiring surgery.
- Approximately 50% of pugs are affected with Pigmentary keratitis. When severe, vision is affected, and some pugs go blind.
- Eye trauma is also a common issue, which makes it extremely important to keep their eyes lubricated.
Pugs must be kept clean
You must be ready to constantly brush, be diligent about skin and teeth, and be mindful of the symptoms or issues that may affect them, especially as they age.
- Those cute wrinkles can gather food, saliva, dirt, and other debris, therefore they need to be cleanded weekly. Run a cotton swab along the folds and around your dog’s nose and eyes, but do not let the swab make contact with their eyes, nostrils, or mouth.
- Clean their ears at least weekly to help prevent inflammation from forming, as they have narrow ear canals.
- Pugs have smaller jaws and their teeth are close together, as a result they tend to collect food between them. For this reason, pugs require regular dental care, tooth brushing, and dental work from your vet.
Their love makes it all worth it!
While many pugs live long and healthy lives, they do require vigilance and diligence on the part of their owners to keep them healthy and provide proper veterinary care as soon as any symptoms are detected.
There are other tips about how to take care of your beloved companion!
