What Common Problems Do Pugs Have?

Pugs are one of the most popular dog breeds we have today. They are commonly known for their wide smiles, adorable wrinkles, and expressive eyes. They fit an amazing personality into their stocky and small bodies and are cheekily wilful, affectionate, and love having fun.

These dogs are also known for their love for food. Due to this, they should be fed a nutritionally balanced and healthy diet especially because of their waistline.

Pug owners are supposed to supplement the diet of their dogs with healthy substances to help with some common problems associated with pugs.

In addition to a healthy diet, pug owners need to make sure that their dogs exercise regularly without overdoing it to help the dogs stay fit and healthy.

However, even though pugs are not expensive to maintain, their owners need to understand the most common problems associated with the dogs. They include;

Seizures

Seizures are a common problem with pugs. If you notice your pug experiencing seizures, you need to consult a veterinarian immediately.

The good news is that with today’s online vet service, pug owners can get access to a veterinarian at any time whenever their pugs have problems.

A problem with seizures can indicate that a pug has epilepsy. However, you do not have to worry about this since with the right medication and check-ups, the problem can be treated.

Sometimes, seizures are caused by a condition known as Pug Dog Encephalitis. This is an inflammation of the dog’s brain.

Apart from seizures, other common symptoms of Pug Dog Encephalitis include problems with muscle coordination, or the pug seeming listless and lethargic. With the right medication, all these symptoms can be controlled in a bid to get rid of Pug Dog Encephalitis.

Joint and Bone Problems

Pugs have a sturdy body supported by small legs, something that exposes them to joint and bone problems. One of the most common conditions with pugs is called Luxating Patella. It is a condition that dislocates the knees in pugs due to their weight.

If you notice your pug finding it difficult to get up and down, walking or playing with one leg, jumping, and hoping, it could be battling this condition. Luxating Patella is mostly caused by excessive weight.

Other pugs might have spinal problems. This exerts a lot of pressure on the dog’s spinal cord, something that leads to a lot of pain and problems with its back leg. Always ensure that you check these conditions and do not encourage your pug to jump from high places.

Skin Disorders

Allergies leading to itchy skin are a common problem with pugs. Due to their size, pugs have wrinkled folds on their skin which can trap moisture and dirt. This might provide an environment for bacteria to flourish, leading to skin infections.

A problem, known as Pyoderma, is common when this happens. This condition has symptoms such as blisters, red bumps, and pimples on the skin. The symptoms are common on the skin folds as well as the dog’s feet and hips.

If you notice this, consult a veterinarian. They mostly use medicated shampoos or change your dog’s diet to treat this condition. However, you should make sure that your dog is always on a healthy diet to avoid such conditions.

Eye Problems

Pugs have bulging eyes making them prone to different eye problems that can cause a lot of pain and irritation. To start with, their large eyes can accidentally be hit by obstacles that the dog runs into.

Sometimes, you might notice that your pug is bumping into items in the house or even outside, has discolored eye spots, weeping eyes, or a discharge from the eyes. When this happens, your pug might be having an eye problem and you need to consult a veterinarian for help.

Respiratory Problems

A condition known as BAOS (Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome) is common in pugs due to their small skull length. It is caused by excessive soft tissues that are common in their airways and that make air flow difficult.

The most common symptoms for dogs with this condition include difficulties in breathing and gasping. Dog owners whose pugs have these problems should consult a veterinarian immediately.

However, you can use some home remedies to help your pug if it is going through this problem. Some of these remedies include ensuring that your dog is not overweight, takes a lot of freshwater, gets the right amount of exercise, and is always cool especially in hot weather.

Conclusion

If you follow the right guidelines to manage the problems discussed above, you will be able to give your pug a long, happy, and healthy life. It is important to always consult a veterinarian if your pug is going through any problems.

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