The Pug Breed Health Issues – What To Look For
Posted by PetLover on Dec 4, 2008 in Dogs • No commentsPug Health
Taking care of a Pug requires special attention that other dog breeds do not, and if you want to adopt one, you have to become familiar with the extra steps required for Pug health. The Pug breed is a dog breed that has a long history with man, thousands of years worth, but only became an “official” breed in 1885, when it was recognized as part of the AKC Toy group. Pugs are distinguished because of their wrinkly flat face, thick body, and small curly tail. On average, Pugs are between 13 and 20 pounds, and approximately 10 to 14 inches tall. There is no denying the adorable nature of these small dogs, but their size and skin often lead to very unique health concerns that an owner has to be aware of.
- Image via Wikipedia
The first major source of infection is the dog’s adorable wrinkly skin so a veterinarian should be consulted at the first sign of infection. You should bathe and clean your pet regularly – particularly making sure you clean in between the wrinkles, removing any dirt or debris because that can cause bacteria build up (which could lead to infection).
The eyes are another major factor that causes Pug dog health problems. It is because of the unique shape and design of the fact that the eyes are not protected as well as other dogs, and therefore are susceptible to injury and other problems. Look for any inflammation in the eye regularly and take the dog to the Vet immediately if you identify any problem in the surrounding area.
Pugs will always eat more than they should if you allow them. Like humans, a Pug can easily overeat and become overweight, so their food should be carefully monitored to prevent this from happening. Because the breed is heat sensitive, never leave them in a parked car or outside without plenty of shade in the summer. Because of their facial structure, an overheated Pug can have a particularly hard time breathing, so the breed shouldn’t be subjected to any high degree of heat for a prolonged time.
Providing good pug dog health isn’t difficult, as all is that is needed is taking proper care of your pet and taking him to the vet when he needs it. If you take steps to insure proper health care, your pet will provide you happiness for many years.
It is very important that you do not take these potential pug health litely as they could potentially dimish the quality and length of life you pug has.
It would probably be a good idea to find a local vet who has a pug or has treated the pug breed before so that he or she has a solid understanding of the health problems associated with the pug dog breed.
Learn more about pug illness and other pug related topics at Dog Searcher
