Pug Health Issues

Common Problems 

Hip Dysplasia is a common problem found among many kinds of dogs, but Pug is highly susceptible to this condition. Hip Dysplasia occurs when there is some malformation of the hip joint and the femur bone does not fit correctly, which can cause the Pug a lot of pain, and in severe cases the Pug may need surgery or have to be put down. A proper diet along with a pattern of exercises on a regular basis are the best methods for handling milder cases. 

Pugs are prone to cardiac issues due to the strain put on their hearts, which become abnormally enlarged, by their nostrils. Often, they are constricted or narrow, a nasal abnormality is known as stenotic nares. Breathing from the mouth and a foamy type discharge may be indications of this problem and can be fixed with surgery. 

Entropion is a condition where the eyelids can roll inward causing the eye lashes to rub against the eye, which is a serious problem as it can cause ulcerations, scratches and irritation of the eye.  The usual way to treat your puppy dog for this malady is surgery, but it's important to note early on the signs and symptoms for it to be successfully controlled. 

Dry eyes is another condition that can fairly commonly occur in pugs. A disorder of the eyes leading to poorly functioning ocular surfaces is dry eye, in which tear liquid is not produced as fast as it is evaporated. When not enough tears are being produced by our tear ducts, this may be caused by blockage of the duct or the lack of nerve stimulation, and treatment depends on how severe the condition is. 

Demodectic skin mites is a common problem among many dogs and comes in two forms. With the first form, localized demodectic mange, appearing as small hairless patches of skin, is seen in dogs under one year of age. The second form, generalized demodectic mange, appears as a large patch of skin that is hairless but healthy; this can appear on dogs of any age. 

Pug Vaccination 

If you intend to get a Pug, you need to look out for certain health conditions, so if you think that your Pug may have problems listed above or some other types of problems make an appointment with the vet to have your dog go through an evaluation to ensure he is okay.  Pet lovers do know that it's very important to actually vaccinate their dogs, however how often and how much are 2 questions which are currently on their brains also on minds of the vet community on the whole. While vets do agree that it's still vital to give an vaccination to a puppy of 6 weeks for measles and distemper if they didn't nurse it during the very few hours after the birth and again during their 8, 12, & 16 weeks for Canine Infectious Hepatitis, distemper, Para influenza, Leptospirosis, Corona virus, Parvovirus (DHLPPC), there have been many questions to whether to recommend traditionally (as it is required in some states) annual vaccinations should be given. Puppies are vaccinated for rabies when they are six months old and these, too, are to be repeated every year. 

The concerns which some Pug pup owners have are if the repeated vaccinations are needed really necessary and if they are, of any use. They always work by stimulating the immune system of the dog, makes it to produce antibodies for fighting against particular types of viruses and bacteria. By provoking the immune system like this way comes at a cost - the introduction of the agent offending in a form to the Pug pup's system, which concerns vets and dog lovers alike. 

The question on the minds of concerned people are "is it quite dangerous to vaccinate the dog each year repeatedly" and "how much of vaccine should every dog get and how often?" .The experts agree that the solution to the 1st question is a big "no." While there are some rare cases which have become very serious or even dead due to vaccination, there is zero evidence to tell that this practice possess any danger to the pup. The dogs which got affected adversely might have been sick already, unknown to their owners, also they might have had some allergy to a particular part of the vaccination. The solution to the 2nd question is not encouraging as, the fact is; none knows it surely, how much of vaccine is necessary and how must it be given. This is a current topic of much debate and discussion in the vet circles.  

The very best advice for Pug owners is to continue to give vaccination for their pups according to the local laws and recommendations of their docs. As the yearly vaccines are of no harm to the pups in any way, there is no need for being alarmed and there's no harm in pursuing the routine till the vet community makes its collective decision that a change is needed with regard to the pup accinations.