Top Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Pug Breed

How to Keep Your Pug Healthy (Without Losing Your Mind)

Taking care of a pug is sort of like taking care of a extremely cuddly, flat-faced toddler who believes that everything is edible and has a tantrum if you’re late for walk time by three minutes.

Yes, pugs are cute. Yes, they’re soft little bundles of affection. But no, they are not low-maintenance. Their adorable little faces come with a long list of health idiosyncrasies you have to get in front of—or else.

Special Pug Problems (That Come with Extra Snorts)

Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, aka “squished face with breathing problems.” That squish might capture hearts, but it captures them frequent flyer miles to the doctor’s office as well.

Look for these:

Breathing Difficulties: If your pug is like Darth Vader snores in a tunnel, then maybe it is time for an appointment.
Weight Woes: A chubby pug is adorable until it’s waddling into joint disease and respiratory distress. Keep snacks under control.
Eye Drama: Their little eyes protrude like small marbles, so even the slightest gust of wind can irritate or harm them.
Joint Sass: Their wee legs weren’t designed to jump off sofas like action stars. Supplements can assist, and so can you—by picking them up like royalty.

Pro tip: Grooming, exercise, and food do a world of good. Yes, pug folds too deserve more care than your WiFi router.

Unique Health Quirks of the Distinguished Pug

Because why be normal when you can have a breed that comes with a user manual?

Respiratory Problems: Their airway is literally shaped like a flexible straw. Snoring, wheezing, or Oscar-worthy sighing = warning signs.
Eye Trouble: Their “big ol’ anime eyes” are magnets for injuries. If they’re red, cloudy, or teary call the vet.
Skin Folds: All those cute wrinkles? They are stealthy dirt holders. Get rid of ’em unless you desire the pungent odor of stinky socks trailing you behind.
Joint & Bone Problems: These heavy weights are likely to develop hip dysplasia and knees popping out like characters from a toon

A Balanced Diet: Because Pizza Crust is Not a Food Group

Feeding a pug is more “deliberate meal preparation” and less “just throw them a bite.” Their body may be tiny, but their stomach is that of a Great Dane.

Most Important Nutrients:

Protein: To make muscles strong, so they can bend when chasing squirrels.
Healthy Fats: Great for the skin, coat, and energy (but don’t give them too much, or they’ll be a sausage on legs).
Carbs: For fuel, but not the type that puts them into a food coma.
Vitamins & Minerals: A multivitamin smoothie—but doggy-style.
Fiber: For silky. you know. potty stops.

Vet tip: Your pug isn’t a buffet patron. Keep portions in check, watch for allergies, and don’t worry about saying “no” to those pleading eyes

Exercise: Because Couch Potatoes Get Squishier

Your pug may enjoy lounging like a Victorian lord, but regular exercise keeps their small ticker ticking.

Cardio: Walks are the key. But short ones. In inclement weather. With plenty of sniff stops.
Muscle Tone: Not to flex in Instagram selfies, but to keep their chunky little bodies together.
Brain Games: Puzzle toys, training exercises, and hide-and-seek (with treats, naturally) to avoid boredom tantrums.

Weight Management: Don’t Let Them Become a Roll with Legs

A fit pug is a happy pug. An heavy pug? That’s a vet bill waiting to happen.

Pug Weight Survival Kit:

Stick with Dog Food: Human food is for human consumption. Your pug doesn’t require fries, Karen.
Daily Walks: Even if they give you the “I’d rather nap” look, walk them.
No Table Scraps: Even if they appear betrayed, hold firm.
Vet Visits: Because weighing them on your bathroom scale while in your arms isn’t always the most reliable.
Warning: Don’t go off the reservation with crash diets or exercise regimens. Always consult the vet first.

Hydration: A Well-Watered Pug Is a Happy Pug

Dehydration? Not on my watch, Lucifer.

Fresh Water Always: Restock it daily—unless your pug thinks mud puddle water is nice.
Multiple Bowls: Water stations around the house. Technically a hydration spa.
Keep an Eye On Intake: Not enough water? Time to call the veterinarian.
Cool Water: Particularly for summer. Nobody likes a heat-stroked potato.
Pet Fountain: Because running water = fancy and entertaining.

Vet Visits & Vaccinations: For Pug Peace of Mind

Nobody enjoys a visit to the doctor, and neither do pugs. But frequent trips to the vet are how you prevent dramatic health surprises.

Look for:

Strange behavior (stranger than normal).
Red gum, stinky breath, or T-rex breath.
Weight fluctuations and coat health.

Vaccines You Don’t Want to Skip:

Distemper: Creepy stuff. Extremely contagious.
Parvovirus: Also frightening. Fatal, too.
Stick to the schedule. Vaccines save lives and cut down on drama.

Pug Dental Care: Because Bad Breath Shouldn’t Be a Weapon

Dental care isn’t all flash. Pugs are susceptible to dental catastrophes if you don’t pay attention to their teeth.
Brush Up: Use dog toothpaste. Not your minty human kind (unless you want a pug with a tummy ache).
Dry Food: Crunchy food = less plaque.
Check Frequently: Red gums or bad breath = time for vet.

Grooming & Maintenance: Keep That Pug Glowing

Brushing, bathing, and wrinkle-cleaning—your pug is basically a high-maintenance influencer.

Brushing: Twice weekly with a soft brush. Bonus: less fur on your couch.
Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks. Rinse well or they’ll be itchy drama queens.
Ears: Clean weekly with a vet-approved ear cleaner and a cotton ball.
Nails: Clip every 2–3 weeks. Bonus points if no one cries.
Teeth: Daily brushing is best. At least try for three times a week.

Behavioral Shenanigans (And How to Handle Them Like a Pro)

Pugs are 50% dog, 50% personality. That personality sometimes requires. direction.
Aggression: Typically results from bad socialization. Correct it with patient, consistent training—not screaming.
Hyperactivity: Zoomies are okay. Spinning like a blender at 3 a.m. is not.

Training Tips:

Positive Reinforcement: Praise and rewards. Not bribes—inspiration.
Consistency: Train every day. Even if it’s only 5 minutes.
Socialization: Allow them to meet dogs, people, and that strange vacuum they fear.

Final Word: The Secret to a Healthy, Happy Pug? You.

Having a pug is half caretaker, half comedian, half personal assistant. But if you get the fundamentals right, your squishy friend will flourish.

Regular vet check-ups: Don’t miss them, even if your pug shoots you the side-eye.
Personalized nutrition: Not all kibble is made equal.
Regular exercise: Daily walkies, even if it’s just around the block.
Grooming & hygiene: Don’t neglect the folds!
Brain food: Keep ’em amused or face the aftermath (munching on shoes, anyone?).

Happy pug = healthy pug = snorting, joyful ball of fluff who believes you hung the moon.