Pugs are one of the high maintenance breeds primarily because of their brachycephalic features – short nose and a flat face, that triggers breathing difficulties and other health issues. Their big eyes are also a cause of concern, leading to proptosis, i.e., bulging out from the socket if not cared for well. Hence, regular grooming, monitoring their diet, and taking them for a routine check-up is needed to keep the pugs in sound health.
Health Care
- Make sure that you give them their daily dose of exercise, but nothing over the top, just for about 30-40 minutes, at a stretch. An exhausted pug could pant increasingly, struggling to breathe, which might even result in a stroke.
- Be extra cautious about the temperature you keep them in since pugs cannot withstand extreme heat because of their short nose that prevents them from cooling the air they inhale. Overheating may lead to panting and vomiting, proving fatal if it has become too severe. To bring down its body temperature take it to a shaded place and give it water in small amounts at intervals; too much of it could cause vomiting. Wipe its body gently and even take its temperature if possible, 101°F – 102°F being the normal range.
Grooming
It is a low-grooming dog, requiring just the primary care from combing to taking care of its eyes, ears, and teeth for overall hygiene.
- Brush it two times a week, or even thrice during the shedding season with a slicker or bristled brush.
- Bathe it once in three to four weeks, or a little earlier if it has gotten messy. Choose a vet-approved shampoo, perhaps those with a pH level between 6.5 -7.5, since these dogs have sensitive skin and are prone to developing allergic reactions easily.
- Clean the folds of its skin about three times a day, mainly after each meal, to keep infections at bay.
- They have protruding eyes, and any debris is stuck within could cause irritation to the extent of the eyes popping out of the socket. Use a wet washcloth and moist cotton balls to clean the area around and inside the eyes.
- Clean its ears every week with a moist cloth, as it is more susceptible to ear infections than many other breeds.
- Dental hygiene is a mandate. Brush its teeth thrice a week with good quality dog toothpaste. Also, take it to the dentist once a year for an overall teeth checkup.
Diet
They tend to get obese, so keeping a check on their diet is the need of the hour. High-quality store-bought food or a nutritious diet at home with adequate nutrients is required. Watch out on the treats you often pamper him with as too much of it may lead to weight gain, trigger health problems.
The care regime is the same when you have just brought a newborn pug home, though you need to be double cautious. Do not miss out on the vet checkup and the scheduled vaccinations that a baby pug should get right after birth.
