Pug Health Care

Pugs have health concerns particular to their breed.

Known for their generally outgoing personalities and playful temperaments, pugs are popular both as companions and as show dogs. While pugs are susceptible to diseases like any other dog, they also are prone to certain ailments. Owners should be aware of these issues before they come up, as well as a few guidelines for maintaining their pets' health.

Birthing

Pug puppies need help being born.

Since pugs have flat faces, they tend to have difficulties with breaking through the amniotic sack when they are born. In that case, the struggling animal requires assistance. Therefore, some breeders choose to have their dogs delivered via Caesarean section. Additionally, some newborn pugs also experience difficulties dealing with their umbilical cords.

Hereditary Diseases

Pugs should be monitored for the aforementioned diseases.

Owners should be aware that pugs are prone to a number of hereditary problems, including cleft palates (distortion of the upper mouth area), entropion (inward folding of the eyelids), hemi-vertebra (underdevelopment of the vertebra), hip dysplasia (abnormal joint structure in the hip region), patella luxation (slippage of the patella), leg-perthes disease (the breakdown of the femoral head) and Pug Dog Encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissue). Owners try to avoid these diseases by purchasing their pugs from a reputable breeder.

Breathing and Eyes

Pugs' facial structure impact their health.

Other potential issues that owners should monitor involve the basic structure of the pug dog. Pugs' eyes generally protrude more than other breeds of dogs, so they are more susceptible to eye injuries. Also in comparison to other breeds, pugs have shorter heads and therefore flatter breathing passages, which can stifle their air intake and put them at a greater risk of suffering heat stroke. Pugs experiencing heat stroke must be given cold water and taken to a vet immediately.

Obesity

Pugs easily become obese.

Pug owners need to stricly adhere to serving suggestion guidelines on dog food, and limit the amount of treats that they give their pugs. In addition to having large appetites, pugs do not generally get a lot of exercise, as they are mostly lap dogs. However, owners should encourage their pugs to exercise, as obesity leads to a number of problems such as type II diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Skin Care

Dirt and moisture can collect in a pug's wrinkles.

Pugs need some extra skin care, particularly because of the wrinkles on their faces. Brushing once or twice a week and cleaning inside the wrinkle creases helps to prevent irritations and/or infections from forming in those sensitive areas. If the pug is not properly cleaned, Skin Fold Pyoderma may result, which is marked not only by irritation and inflammation but also a foul odor due to the moisture in the folds.

References

• American Kennel Club: Introduction
• Pug Information: Introduction, Birthing, Hereditary Diseases, Breathing and Eyes, Obesity, Skin Care
• Pug Information: Obesity
• Canis Major: Hereditary Diseases, Breathing Problems
• Pugman: Skin Care