Pug Health Problems
Pug health problems can be off putting with this cute and loveable breed, but not all pugs are beset with health issues. If you choose your pug from a reputable breeder, feed and exercise him correctly, he is more likely to live a long and healthy life.
If you are considering getting a pug you need to take a realistic look at all the issues involved and make a decision based on an objective analysis of all the various concerns, good and bad.
Common Pug Health Problems
Pugs have been bred to have shortened faces which produce the wrinkles and the endearing pug look with expressive but protruding eyes. This often leads to respiratory difficulties and vulnerable eyes that need special attention and care.
- Breathing difficulties. The compact snout of the pug makes temperature regulation more difficult for these little dogs so care must be taken with them in hot and humid weather. An elongated soft palate, pinched nostrils and a delicate windpipe can aggravate the problem. Excessive snoring and labored breathing are a couple of signs that your pug is experiencing respiratory distress.
- Eye problems. There are several conditions which can cause pug health problems relating to their eyes. These include Pigmentary Keratitis, Dry Eyes, Corneal Ulcers, and Proptosis. Sometimes they might have more than one condition at a time. Entropian causes the eyelid to roll in which results in irritation to the eye from eyelashes touching the surface. Any redness, discoloration, scratching or discharge associated with the eyes should be investigated. Most conditions can be successfully treated or corrected surgically if caught in time. Untreated eye problems can eventually lead to blindness.
- Face wrinkles. The many folds on a pug’s face can collect dirt, sweat and hair. If they are not cleaned regularly, these sites can become a source of irritation and infection.
- Joint problems. Pugs have a tendency to develop Hip Dysplasia and other disorders affecting the hip area. Their knees can also be affected by a condition known as Luxating Patellas, where the kneecap becomes unstable.
- PDE. Pug Dog Encephalitis is a serious disease causing inflammation and death of brain tissue. It is fatal and incurable and has no known cause, though it is believed to be inherited.
Other Pug Health Problems
There is one health problem endemic to pugs that can lead to a whole host of other problems. It can be entirely prevented however, with proper feeding and care.
- Obesity. Everything conspires against a pug when it comes to weight issues. They love food, will do anything to get it and their cute expressive little faces are hard to resist. As pugs are not high activity dogs, they can become obese quite easily if they are allowed to lead a sedentary life. They have sturdy bodies and short legs, so a pug carrying excess weight will experience more joint problems and have a harder time breathing than one without weight issues. Pugs should therefore get a moderate amount of exercise and be fed according to their size to ensure that their weight does not add to an already compromised body.
Pugs can present with several or none of these health issues. If you choose your pug carefully, maintain his health with the correct amount of exercise and food and are vigilant about his condition, you should be able to either prevent or easily manage any pug health problems.
