Pug Owners’ Guide - Temperament, Health Issues & Care Tips

The tables below serve as a general guide, as dogs grow at different rates. A Pug's adult size is influenced by genetic factors and nutrition. If you're concerned that your Pug puppy isn't growing as expected or appears unwell, speak to your vet. 

Pug dogs are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming needs. They benefit from regular brushing, but as their coat is short and smooth, they don’t tend to mat or tangle. Daily brushing often won’t be required but it is recommended at least once every 3 days.

Pugs do shed fur, and quite a lot of it, so they’re not suitable for people with allergies.

One of the most common Pug health problems is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition causes Pug breathing problems due to a flattened muzzle, narrow nostrils, a small windpipe, and large amounts of tissue surrounding the opening of the airways at the back of the throat. Being brachycephalic also means that they are more likely to snore and that they are more prone to heat stroke and exercise-related breathing issues.

Any dog can get an upset stomach from too many treats and titbits, fatty or rich food. However, for some dogs, even dog food containing certain ingredients can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea and flatulence. Pugs often have sensitive stomachs, so choosing a dog food that suits them and sticking to it is a good idea.

Another health condition that Pugs are prone to is allergic dermatitis. Allergies to food, parasites, pollens, and other allergens can cause paw-licking, itchy skin, and skin rashes.

Many dog breeds, including Pugs, can be affected by hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball of the hip joint (the head of the femur bone) doesn’t fit well within the socket of the pelvis bone. This makes the hip unstable, causing extra movement, damage to cartilage, and pain. While hip dysplasia typically causes discomfort during young adulthood or late puppyhood, weight management can help reduce strain on the joints and minimise symptoms. Keeping your Pug at a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise is crucial in supporting joint health. Over time, scar tissue may form around the joint, offering some support and alleviating pain. However, dogs with hip dysplasia often develop arthritis earlier than other dogs, which can affect their mobility and quality of life. 

Because Pugs have eyes that protrude, a large portion of the surface of the eyeball is exposed to the air. The tear film will help to protect the eye, but if tear production or quality isn’t sufficient, a condition known as dry eye, then corneal ulcers can develop. Dogs with dry eye or corneal ulcers may squint or struggle to open their eyes, and their eyes may look red with lots of discharge.

Bladder stones can form for a variety of reasons, including diet and urinary tract infections. If your dog is prone to bladder stones, they usually require regular urine checks to look for crystals. Depending on the type of crystals or stones, the vet might recommend increasing their water intake or changing their diet.

It's important to feed your dog a nutritionally complete and balanced diet and feed them the right amount per day to maintain a healthy weight. If you're not sure how much food your Pug needs, check out our blog: How much food should I feed my dog?

Puppies:

Every puppy needs plenty of high-quality protein,vitamins and minerals to support healthy muscle, organ, and bone growth. However, different breeds have different needs. At Years, we’ve developed breed-specific puppy foods that are tailored to the needs of your pet.

Adults:

To be as healthy as possible, Pugs have specific nutritional requirements. Our adult dog food contains the Pug supplements listed below, to help combat Pug health issues.

Collagen is essential for healthy tissues, including bones and joints. Because Pugs can get hip dysplasia, as well as other orthopaedic conditions, a collagen supplement is recommended as a preventative measure or to help in cases where conditions already exist.

Banana powder is a great source of potassium, which is needed by the heart and all other muscles of the body. It’s also a great prebiotic and source of fibre, great for promoting gut health, which is especially important in dogs who are prone to gut sensitivity.

Rosehip powder is a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It promotes heart health, joint health, and healthy skin.

Carrots contain vitamin A, which is beneficial for the skin and coat. Because Pugs are prone to skin allergies, a diet rich in vitamin A can help.