Dr. Huzaifa Shayan (Veterinarian/ Deep Researcher)
Here’s an overview:
Introduction: Common Health Problems in Pugs
Every pug inherits certain physical characteristics
Allergies and skin problems in pugs
As a Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Introduction: Common Health Problems in Pugs
Common Health Problems in Pugs might quickly take over one’s entire heart with their adorable personalities and their flat little skulls but pugs have a habit of getting into trouble health wise. Therefore, pug owners should always be educated about the typical pug-related health issues.
Pug’s Significant Pug Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic syndrome: Pugs have flat faces and don’t have an elongated snout, as a result this causes issues while breathing.
- Skin Issues: Due to wrinkles on their skin there is a high possibility of bacteria breeding in those area leading to infections.
- Obesity: With rapid growth through life without sufficient attention, obesity is another growing concern for pug owners, however, that can lead to further problems later in life.
- Eye Problems: Since pugs have bulging eyeballs, this also composes a variety of diseases.
- Hip Dysplasia: This specifically relates to the joints, hip joints to be precise and in some cases can make it difficult for the pet to walk.
All in all, having a knowledge of these health issues will not only assist you in getting your pet treated but will also help you in successfully identifying these problems.
Every pug inherits certain physical characteristics
which tend to be the features of a flat-faced short-skulled dog and Common Health Problems in Pugs that automatically leads to lung-related problems. Highlighted below are few issues faced by parents:
The following examples are included:
- Stenotic Nares: Nasal openings that are too narrow which results in difficult breathing,
- Elongated soft palate: An iteration of the soft palate that is much longer than it should be leading to airway blockage.
- Everted laryngeal saccule: Enlargement or growth of tissue within the throat lining that leads to airway blockage.
Some of the signs and symptoms because of brachycephalic syndrome involve:
- Labored breathing: One popular breed, the pug, has a tendency of making weird noise while inhaling and exhaling.
- Exercise intolerance: Pug has difficulty during physical exercise.
- Cyanosis: Respiration due to which the tongue, gums, and even the skin might appear bluish.
- Heat intolerance: A pug has difficulty maintaining its body temperature.
Working with this syndrome requires regulating weight, controlling stress, and if need be, conducting surgery. Consistent checkups with a pugs’ doctor are important and cannot be missed.
Allergies and skin problems in pugs
There are quite a few skin problems and allergies a Common Health Problems in Pugs is prone to that need specific care and attention and some include the listed:
Atopic dermatitis
In most cases it occurs due to environmental allergens.
- Pyoderma
- Caused due to bacterial skin.
- Demodectic mange
Skin conditions caused due to mites that cause intense hair fall and itching.
- Yeast infections
Found in pigmentary degeneration of the skin, in sunshine regions below the skin, a warm and moist environment allows yeast growth.
Food allergies
Food allergies in signs include itching, ear infections, and recurring stomach issues.
Working with these conditions include:
- Obtaining regular and constant bathing with pH balanced shampoo.
- Basins/ skin folds to be cleaned and dried always.
- Recognizing and handling allergens.
Seeking guidance from a veterinarian for relevant drugs and food modifications
Common eye Problems in Pugs
Due to their large round eyes, pugs suffer from a lot of eye problems. Some of these are:
- Proptosis: Proptosis is the relocation of eyeballs from the eye socket.
- Dry Eye: This condition occurs when there is not enough tear production and as a result the eye becomes irritated and dry.
- Entropion: This is when the eyelid turns inward resulting in the lashes scraping the eye.
- Pigmentary Keratitis: A pterygium condition leads to the brown pigment granules to develop on the cornea, leading to chronic eye sight problems.
Consistent and timely visits to the vet and early interventions can help manage these conditions.
Joint and Bone Problems
Given the pug’s structure, they are susceptible to various bones and joint problems. These include:
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetically inherited condition which does not allow the hip joint to settle in appropriately leading to arthritis and pain.
- Patellar Luxation: The displacement of the kneecap supports the partial and full lameness of the leg accompanied by pain.
- Spinal Issues: Actions or deformities such as hemivertebrae could very well result into pain and affect mobility.
Management Tips:
- Professional Cleanings: Once a year, see a vet for a professional professional cleaning.
- Dental Chews: Use office dental chews to prevent a collection of bacterial plaque.
- Inspect Teeth: Regularly look at the pugs’ teeth and gums and make sure there are no problems.
Tips for Preventative Care
A good preventive care can greatly increase the quality of a pug’s life.
- Regular Check-Ups: Ask the veterinarian for regular check-ups, this way they can identify health concerns as soon as possible.
- Weight Management: Stick to a proper diet with enough exercise to maintain the ideal weight.
- Ear Cleaning: Wash their ears every week to lower the risk of infection.
- Skin Care: Regularly check and wash their skin using suitable shampoo and ointments if necessary.
- Eye Care: Ensure their eyes are clean and watch for any signs that may indicate infection or inflammation.
- Hydration: Provide enough water at all times and even more during seasonal heat.
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
This will help sit aside the most common problems which usually develop in pugs, such as climatic ostial syndrome.
The veterinarian shall:
- Routine blood and urine testing can help you understand how well the organs are working.
- Observing physical factors like body weight will help deter the risk of gaining excessive weight.
- Screening for eye and ear infections and other irregularities might be helpful too.
- Routine Parasite Control and Immunizations should stay in order as frequent visits provide great assistance in talaing any already existing ailments and provide help towards leading a prolonged healthy life with Pugs.
- Regular check-ups with the vet are necessary to stay ahead of any further concerns entailing one’s health.
As a Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Check ups with the vets coupled with a healthy way of living helps in remediating the robust challenges that are faced when dealing with Pugs. Owners have to remember to consider the following:
- Eating Properly: Helps with keeping fitness in check.
- Visiting the professionals regularly: Paves Ways For Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Nominal Issues.
- Noticing their Breathing Patterns: Vital because of their Brachycephalic nature.
- Proper care for the area around their nose: Aids With Regular Maintenance of the skin folds area so that it doesn’t become infected.
Not only does being educated about the breed helps one. It also helps with extending the life of a Pug.
