Pug owners just can’t get enough of this flat-faced breed. Their intelligence and sweet natures bring joy to everyone in the family, and their huge personalities somehow fit into their tiny bodies.
Sadly, the very characteristics that make Pugs so endearing can cause seriously compromised health for these loving pooches. As a flat-faced dog, the Pug is predisposed to many health difficulties, which means owners need to be aware of these specific problems.
Whether you’re considering giving a home to a Pug or you’re currently a Pug parent, read along to find out more about the common Pug health issues that can plague this adorable breed.
Yes, unfortunately, Pugs are prone to many health conditions, with a lot of them being caused by the extreme body shape of the breed. Pugs are classed as “Category Three”, which is the highest level of health concern because of their physical characteristics.
Over the years, Pugs have been bred to have a certain unique appearance, and sadly, this means that they frequently suffer from health and welfare issues. It’s now believed that, from a health perspective, a Pug can’t be considered a typical dog because of the long list of potential health problems.
This includes:
Below you’ll find some common health concerns that may affect your Pug.
PDE is a debilitating and severe disease that causes inflammation and even death of the brain tissue. Sadly, this is a fatal condition that’s specific to Pugs and is still not fully understood.
An affected dog usually has seizures, becomes blind, starts running in circles, and ultimately falls into a coma before sadly passing away from the disease. It’s believed that PDE is hereditary.
Although there’s no cure for it, early diagnosis means the condition might be manageable, allowing the dog to live a good quality life for as long as possible.
The squashed noses are part of what makes the Pug so charming, but they can also cause breathing difficulties and a failure to cool down properly. This is also known as brachycephalic syndrome.
BOAS is a common condition that Pug owners must be aware of. Keep an eye on your dog and schedule an appointment with your vet if you spot any of these signs:
Your dog has to keep stopping when out on a walk
This is because the protruding eyes are very easily injured, especially since Pugs have fun-loving temperaments and a tendency to be mischievous!
Aside from injuries, eye ulcers are something else to look out for. These are usually accompanied by teary eyes and red corneas, so be keep an eye out for these symptoms. If your Pug does develop an ulcer, contact your vet as soon as you can.
Other eye problems your Pug may suffer from include dry eyes, infections, or abnormalities like entropion, which is hereditary.
Although insurance won’t provide a reduced risk of illness, it can protect against expensive vet bills. This means that your Pug will always have access to the treatment it needs and you won’t have to pay out of pocket. Because of their high vulnerability to developing severe health difficulties, insurance for your Pug is definitely a good idea.
If you decide to get insurance, follow these tips below:
Like all small dog breeds, the Pug has a relatively long life span of up to 12-15 years. However, because of the many severe health issues that this dog breed faces, many don’t live this long.
A high-quality diet, regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and regular wellness checks by a vet can all help your pup live as long and as healthily as possible.
Hopefully, this article has educated you on the potential health difficulties that can plague Pugs. If you’re set on having a Pug, only buy from a responsible and reputable breeder whose breeding stock is tested for things such as respiratory function and genetics for PDE.
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