Are pugs more likely to have health complications then other dog breeds?
Jul.28, 2010 in
Pug Info
I’d really like to get a pug, but some websites say they are more prone to health complications such as like Entropion, obesity, heatstroke, granulomatous meningoencephalitis, and other things. Pug owners, is this true?
July 28th, 2010 at 1:39 am
Pugs, like other small domestic dogs do have health complications that are not as prevalent in other breeds.
I own two pugs of my own, and work as a veterinary assistant while I go to school.
I can tell you for certain that pugs, having been bred for generations for the same characteristics suffer frequently from a narrow trachea. Keep in mind I say frequently because it is the main problem we see happening time and time again, not because the hospital is full of nothing but pugs.
We usually will see it once every month or so. I am not by any means saying we see a lot of pugs. It is just when they do come in for treatment, it is a fairly good chance the narrow / collapsed trachea is the culprit.
This can cause breathing problems. A medication called theophylline (or another bronchial dialator) is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms, and is from what i’ve seen fairly effective.
To make a long story short, pugs do not have any more health problems then any other dog breed.
German shepards, due to their size suffer from hip dysplasia while daushounds have legs that are disproportionate to the rest of their body. Pomeranians very commonly have knees that pop out of their joints etc.
The list goes on! Most all dog breeds have some form or risk of complication associated with the breed, but don’t let that put you off owning a pug!
Every dog has problems, but there is no reason to believe pugs have more of them.
If you have any other concerns, I would recommend talking to a veterinarian.
July 28th, 2010 at 1:39 am
My grandmother has owned pug for years and she has never had any trouble with her dogs.
Just because they are more prone to have those health problems. Does not mean that they all do.
just be aware of the medical problems that you can encounter with the breed. So that if you get one and it does develop complications you can be educated and prepared to deal with them.
Good luck
July 28th, 2010 at 1:39 am
While Pugs tend to be a healthy, hearty breed that can easily live into the mid and upper teens, there are some health problems you should be aware of and some health problems you can prevent to help your Pug live the longest, healthiest life possible. This guide is meant to introduce you to some of the common health problems seen in Pugs. It is not intended as a guide for home diagnosis or treatment and is not a substitute for regular veterinary care. We’ll start with some general health considerations, and then break down some specific health problems by type, such as eye problems, skin problems, etc.
As mentioned, Pugs tend to be a healthy breed. Probably the number one problem seen by veterinarians is overweight or obese Pugs. Pugs will eat till they burst and always "act" hungry, even if they are well-fed. A recent study by Purina showed that lean dogs live an average of two years longer than overweight dogs and the lean dogs have far fewer health problems. There are many wonderful foods on the market – the key is to feed the proper amount. You base the correct amount on what your dog looks like, not what the bag says or how much the bowl holds. You should just be able to feel your dog’s ribs and be able to see a waist.
General upkeep of your Pug should include keeping his nails short, either by cutting them or perhaps grinding them with a rotary grinder, like a Dremel Mototool. You need to pay special attention to your Pug’s ears and clean them regularly with an ear wash. It is time to see your vet if you notice any redness, heavy discharge, odor, or headshaking. You also need to clean your Pug’s nose roll and wrinkles. You can use some of your ear wash if you are careful to keep it out of the eyes. Some Pugs need their faces cleaned daily, while others can go several days or longer. Sometimes the nose roll gets infected and requires veterinary care.
Pug mouths tend to have a lot of teeth in a small space and they are crowded and crooked. It is hard to visualize the teeth, let alone brush them but you should try and do your best. Your vet may have some products that are easy to use and pointers on keeping the teeth nice. Getting your Pug to chew on nylabones or other special bones can help keep the amount of tartar down and there are special foods made to help as well.
With their short, pushed in face, Pugs can have trouble breathing, especially if there is high heat and humidity. They must be kept cool and exercised with caution in the summer. Part of the short-faced or brachycephalic syndrome can involve having pinched nostrils and an elongated soft palate. Your vet will need to examine your Pug to see if the nostrils are too tight to let air flow freely. There is a surgery to correct this problem. If you notice your Pug snoring excessively or gasping to breathe, it could be that his soft palate (at the back of his mouth) is too long and is in the way. Again, there is a surgery to help correct this problem. While overheating is the biggest weather-related problem, Pugs should also not be exposed for very cold temperatures for long periods of time. They were bred to be housedogs and companions.
Although Pugs were not bred to do any specific work to help out man (except provide wonderful companionship!), Pugs are very trainable. Pugs compete in every sport which they are eligible for, including obedience, agility and tracking. There are wonderful training books and videos available and training classes are offered all over the country. Check around for an experienced trainer who uses positive, motivational methods.
Many people get a female Pug and decide perhaps they should breed a litter or get a male and decide to use him at stud. Both of these decisions require much thought, research, time and money. There is no benefit to the female to have a litter. Pugs frequently need caesarian sections to deliver their puppies. Any time a Pug is used for breeding, extensive health testing should be done first to ensure no health problems might be passed on. In spite of the growing popularity of Pugs, or perhaps because of it, there is also a growing need for Pug rescue across the country. Unwanted Pugs are surrendered every day and if you let your Pugs reproduce, you are responsible for any pups produced for the rest of their lives. You must be willing to take any dogs back that are no longer wanted, for whatever reason. Dogs will live healthier, longer lives if they are spayed or neutered, so we highly recommend this be done.
July 28th, 2010 at 1:39 am
Im thinkign yes i hear because of all there deformation they done to get them to lookt he way they did, but they done live as long as other dogs and im guessing they r probably at more rick of health issues too
July 28th, 2010 at 1:39 am
I HAVE 2 AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM….EXCEPT FOR A DRY NOSE…BUT WHAT DO YA EXPECT? LOL. GREAT DOGS AND COMPANIONS..LOADED WITH PERSONALITY.