One of todays most popular dog breeds is the Pug and anyone who is thinking about adding one to their family should become familiar with the specifics of pug dog health care.

This breed has been known to man for over three thousand years, and is a member of the AKC Toy group where it was first recognized in 1885. This breed is one of the most easily recognized with it’s flat wrinkly face, thickset body, and curly tail. Pugs generally weigh between 13 and 20 pounds and are about 10 to 14 inches tall.

This is one of the cutest dog breeds but some of the very things which make a pug so cute and adorable are also the very things that require a little bit of extra care in order to avoid some of the health problems specific to the breed.

First, there is the dog’s wrinkly skin. Unfortunately, your pug’s adorable skin folds are prone to infection — you must consult your veterinarian immediately at the first signs of infection. You should bathe and clean your pug 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).

Another factor which could cause pug dog health problems is its eyes. Because of its peculiar shape and location on the face, the pug’s eyes are not protected properly and are prone 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.

If allowed, pugs will eat to excess. Watch your pet’s food intake carefully to keep him at a healthy weight — being overweight could adversely affect a pets health as much as it would a person’s.

Pugs are very sensitive to heat and humidity, so don’t leave your dog outdoors without shade or locked in a car during the summer. An overheated pug can have a hard time breathing, so make sure that you don’t leave him anywhere where he might be subjected to high heat for any length of time.

Of course, like any dog, taking proper care of your pug and taking him to the vet for regular visits is the best way to insure good pug dog health. Take care of your pug responsibly and you’ll have your companion healthy and happy for many years to come.

By: Lee Dobbins

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In recent years, one of the most popular dog breeds has been the Pug. Prior to bringing a Pug dog home, you must realize that it will require special care. This breed has long been a recognized one, and is a member of the AKC Toy group where it was initially recognized in 1885. The Pug’s flat and wrinkly face, along with its thick body and curly tail, make it a breed which is easy to recognize. The standard size for a Pug runs from 10 to 14 inches high and weighs between 13 to 20 pounds. Although these dogs are adorable in their own way, an owner has to be aware of special health concerns in this breed.

Starting with the folds in the skin, you must carefully inspect between them for any sign of infection. This happens regularly in Pugs. Any infection should be immediately treated by your veterinarian. Consistently scheduled baths to remove excess dirt from between the skin folds will help to prevent skin infections. Not bathing between the wrinkles can cause bacteria build up which could lead to infection.

Overeating is a problem with many Pugs. Keeping your Pug at a healthy weight by watching its’ food intake is important. Being overweight can be detrimental to them in the same way that it can be for humans. Heat can bother a Pug tremendously, so make sure there is ample shade available if left outside. As with any living thing, they should never be left in a car during the summer. High temperatures can cause difficulty in breathing in Pugs, so you should not leave them exposed to high temperatures.

Another place a Pug manifests health concerns is their eyes. The special shape of a Pug’s face and the location of its’ eyes are generally the cause of many eyesight problems. Consistently checking should alert you to any immediate inflammation in the eye. Any signs of inflammation is a signal to get your dog to the vet right away.

Going to the vet when needed and providing basic pet care are the best ways to keep your Pug in good health. For those that are responsible in their pet’s care, they can be rewarded with many years of companionship.

By: Debbie Foster

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