How to Keep Your Pug Healthy and Happy
If you are thinking about getting a pug, I recommend completing your research first and spending some time caring for one.
They are a highly dedicated, active, and affectionate breed – and yes, they are adorable – but they are not an accessory. Taking in a pug comes with a lot of responsibility. It's almost as if you're expecting a child.
Your Social life will change over time.
Have I mentioned that pugs are the best thing ever and that you want to spend the rest of your life with them? They are also dedicated tiny animals who follow you like shadows, making separation anxiety possible.
It is entirely unreasonable to abandon this breed at home for extended periods. So consider how much time you have to spare or whether you can regularly rely on someone to look after your dog.
Your Clothing will never be the same again.
Fawn pugs have a double coat and stink like hell. And a lot of it. The days of going out the door in a hairless garment are long gone.
Vacuuming becomes a daily occurrence, and you avoid transferring people out of concern that they will escape like the abominable snowman.
They consume as if there is no tomorrow.
With such a small species, you'd think they'd have a small amount of food, but they make a lot. This directly affects their waistline.
They must control their food consumption and portion sizes or become obese quickly. Could you not succumb to their pleading looks? They know how to have a good time with you.
Grim grooming may be necessary.
Pugs' eyes are notoriously wet. A nice juicy eyeball generally waiting to be brushed away or hastily rubbed on your clean white T-shirt.
Clean the skin folds on your face every day. Those cute tiny folds can harbour terrible bugs, especially if Pugs dip their entire face into the food bowl while eating. Their ears also need to be cleaned, which I do with dog ear wipes.
After experimenting with them, I recommend holding it back and going in with a Malacetic cleaning wipe.
Avoid getting any product in your eyes by going to the back of the crease. Then, using a clean cloth, dry it well. After your workout, reward yourself with a sweet treat.
Some pugs require frequent vet visits to empty their anal glands (this is something you can do yourself).
Their claws should be clipped regularly. This is the worst thing you can do to a Pug. They loathe anyone who gets near their tiny little paws with those massive nail clippers and wiggle furiously to beg them to quit. Yes, good luck with that.
Yes, there are health issues linked with this breed. Because of their tiny snout, their airways are constrained.
Most brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are less healthy than their long-nosed counterparts. This is critical since Pugs will probably require BOAS surgery to live properly (widening the nostrils and reducing the elongated soft tissue). If possible, choose a Pug with a longer nose, and do not support breeders who keep sick Pugs!
A Pug collar is not recommended because it can further obstruct the airway. Always use a harness and an appropriate tie so that the pug can always wear its ID.
Expensive veterinary appointments are possible.
Pugs are prone to eye ulcers, epilepsy, skin fold infections, kidney stones, crooked teeth, and acne.
Every pedigree has unique health issues. Check that your pet is adequately insured.
They dislike rain.
Or water, for that matter. No puddles, ponds, or hoses, please.
They can be heard before they can be seen.
Due to their shorter snout, pugs may breathe quite loudly. They snore as well. Loudly. This is a very lovable trait. Nothing rivals the sound of a pug snorting as it searches the floor for crumbs.
They are not appropriate for long-distance running or hot summer days.
A pug is probably not the dog for you if you want to spend long sunny days on the Cornish coast with your dog. They strive hard to keep up, but they tire easily and are best suited to frequent short walks.
Warmer weather exacerbates Pugs' respiratory issues. As a result, they should be maintained in the shade. DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN THE CAR. They will perish as a result of overheating.
They don't understand the notion of personal space.
Is that your mug? A great place to sit.
In the classic sense, they are not “doggy” dogs.
Maybe it's just my pug, but Wilma refuses to play in the park. I've seen other pugs chase balls and swim. That is unworthy of her. When you throw a ball to her, she runs away.
She is hesitant to paddle in the water in warmer weather, but fetch and frisbee are out.
That isn't to suggest they aren't having a wonderful time. When pugs are having fun, they sprint around the living room for 5 minutes. They like to chase.
You will never be alone again.
A quiet trip to the loo? Think about it again. Pugs were initially bred to entertain Chinese emperors, and they excel at it.
They are a great breed; Wilma makes me laugh every day, and her devotion is unwavering. You should join a rescue pug adoption waiting list if you want a pug.
Many people are surprised to learn that pugs are routinely abused. Charming, yet their beauty often causes them to be exploited as money-making breeding machines.
Interesting Facts
Queen Victoria, who had many pugs in the nineteenth century, strongly supported the breed.
A ruckus is a swarm of pugs!
Pugs are a centuries-old breed that was developed for ancient Chinese emperors.
They were viewed as aristocracy and regular people were prohibited from owning them.
Pugs were created to be companion dogs so they enjoy humans.
They were not bred to work but rather to entertain their human partners.
Adoption organisations include The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/) and Muffin Pug Rescue (https://www.muffinpugrescue.co.uk/).
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