Pugs are a unique breed of dog with large, expressive eyes, a tightly curled tail, and noticeable wrinkles. Their friendly nature endears them to people of all ages. Like all dogs, pugs require meticulous care. They should receive regular grooming, cleaning, and healthy meals. In addition, pugs must get enough exercise to stay fit.Â
Pugs can be difficult to care for due to their health issues. Their facial wrinkles require regular cleaning to avoid infections. Also, pet owners must manage their diet well to prevent overweight pugs. Vet visits are necessary to minimize hip dysplasia, dental troubles, eye problems, and other problems.
Let’s learn the basics of pug care before bringing this pet into your family.
Obesity
Pugs often gain weight because of their genetics. These dogs can become heavier if they don’t move around much. Owners tend to give their pugs too many treats and oversized portions, which leads to obesity.
Healthy pugs need regular exercise and a balanced diet. Since they like being the center of attention, playful activity can help them stay in shape. It’s critical to give them high-quality dog food in the proper amounts. Also, cut down on snacks.
Eye Infections
Pugs have large eyes that often get infected. Their eyelids are longer than most, and the lower lids turn inwards. This causes their eyelashes to scrape against their eyeballs, especially when they blink. If their eyes get scratched or irritated, pugs can develop corneal ulcers.
Difficult to Train
Pugs are stubborn and easily distracted. Training them takes longer than other breeds. You will need patience. Try coming up with fun ways to make them want to listen. For example, use their favourite treats and give them plenty of affection. Short training sessions that seem more like playing than learning work best for keeping them interested.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia describes a genetic condition that loosens the hip joint. As a result, pugs can suffer significant pain when they stand up or sit down. Their discomfort will increase as they age, leading to arthritis in their joints.
Slipped Kneecap
Patellar luxation describes a slipped kneecap. The kneecap slides out of the grove, causing leg instability. A dog with a slipped kneecap will skip or hop as they walk. Although a pug can live with a patellar dislocation, it will gradually become more painful. Your dog will eventually develop knee arthritis.
Mast Cell Tumours
Mast cell tumours are the top cause of pug death. This cancer manifests as red, swollen lumps that may get bigger or smaller at different intervals. Unfortunately, other than these lumps, there are no other visible symptoms.
Oral Melanoma
Pugs are prone to melanoma. They might get a bleeding growth inside their mouth or notice a lump on their skin under their fur, specifically around the cheek area. They could lose their appetite, drool more than usual, show facial swelling, and have bad breath.
Surgery can remove cancerous masses in pugs, whether MCTs or melanoma. It’s a two-week recovery and, luckily, most pugs bounce back quickly.
Don’t Over-Exercise
A pug should have limited exercise – some but not much. Avoid hot temperatures. Be careful in the summer months, and do not exercise them outside during extremely hot days. A pug is comfortable in air-conditioned environments.
Warning Signs
Adult pugs should be taken to the vet once a year. Pugs over eight years old are considered senior dogs and should be taken every six months.
Your pug may have difficulty exercising, be sensitive to heat, have noisy and laboured breathing, experience vomiting, coughing, or struggle with sleep apnea. These are all indications that your dog may have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS.
If you notice these signs or others, bring your pug to a vet to have it evaluated for BOAS and/or other pug-related health conditions that may require accommodations. A health condition like BOAS will place additional strain on the heart and increase a pug’s risk of high blood pressure. Do not let a health issue go undiagnosed or untreated in your pug, as it will increase its risk of premature death.
Regular Supply of Supplements
To combat these health issues, many vets supplement pugs. This may or may not include different amounts of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, vet-approved glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Pet Insurance
For any pug owner, it is strongly recommended to anticipate the health problems mentioned and register for pet insurance. This way, you will be ready and able to cover surgery and vet appointments tied to these issues.
