Pugs are relatively low maintenance but do shed a lot, especially in summer, despite their short coat. To help with the shedding and to keep the coat looking healthy, your dog should be brushed regularly and bathed around once a month.
This breed has unique facial wrinkles which will need special care. Whether it’s using a baby wipe or a cotton ball, the creases of the wrinkles should be dried well after baths. They also need to be cleaned every once in a while, otherwise infection can occur from the dirt and dampness. Their large, protruding eyes can be vulnerable to irritation and injury, so will also require special care.
You’ll need to check your dog’s ears regularly, trim their nails and brush their teeth.
Pugs are small and relatively calm indoors, so will do well in any home environment and make good pets for people who are older or who live in apartments. They’re well behaved, but can have an abundance of energy if they don’t get enough exercise. They love going on walks or having some playtime outdoors. But you should be careful and avoid exercise sessions if it’s too hot and humid, as their short muzzle means it’s hard to cool themselves and this can lead to heat stroke.
These adorable dogs are also known to snore, which should be considered by people who are light sleepers. Yes, it might sound cute when your pug is tucked up and dozing peacefully, but this is largely because of the breathing difficulties that this breed experiences. Pet parents will also find that their pug snorts.
Pug health risks
Unfortunately, this breed is predisposed to quite a few illnesses. These are a few Pug health problems you need to be aware of:
- Entropion
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
- Liver Shunt
- Pug Dog Encephalitis
There’s also a chance of allergies and corneal ulcer, although these are only minor concerns.
A Pug’s breathing problems is just one of the possible issues they can have. Does your insurance cover these conditions? Browse and compare top pet insurance providers to find the best option for you and your dog.
Entropion
Have you noticed your dog squinting or perhaps pawing at their eye? It might be due to entropion — this is when eyelashes rub against the eyeball because the eyelids are inwards. This can affect both eyelids but is usually the lower one. This will be very uncomfortable for your dog and surgery will be required to treat it.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
If your dog has Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP) you’ll tend to know within the first year of their life. It’s an issue with their hip joint. If you’ve noticed them limping, this may be why. An X-ray will need to be carried out and potentially surgery will be required if it’s severe.
Liver Shunt
A portosystemic shunt — or a liver shunt — is when the portal vein (a blood vessel which enters the liver and detoxifies toxic elements) isn’t connected properly. As a result, blood will go back into the body without being detoxified. This may require a portosystemic shunt ligation which is a surgical procedure.
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Pug dog encephalitis (PDE) (also known as necrotizing meningoencephalitis) is a rare neurological disease and was once only found in Pugs. This is inflammation of the brain tissue, and most common when they’re aged between two and three years of age. Sadly, in most cases this is fatal.
Feeding a Pug — what’s the best diet?
Pugs generally do have a good appetite but can appear to be fussy eaters — and there’s a good reason for this.
Eating difficulties are common among flat-faced breeds that suffer from brachycephalic syndrome. The Pug is one of these breeds. Pugs have elongated soft palates which obstructs their airways, causing difficulty breathing and swallowing. These obstructions mean Pugs will sometimes regurgitate their food.
In addition, Pugs have a habit of swallowing their food without chewing, which can cause them to be sick. Their thick lips and awkwardly-shaped jaws can make it challenging to pick up food.
This is why it’s important to look for Pug food that’s specifically formulated for this breed. A high-quality dog food with a good source of protein — chicken, lamb or beef — as the main ingredient is a good place to start.
Pug puppies should be fed three times a day. Once full-grown adults, you can reduce this to twice a day.
You want your Pug to enjoy the best possible diet, don’t you? Not sure what to feed them? Take a look at the advice from our friends at Dog Food Advisor and discover the best dog food for small dogs.
