What Are The Most Common Pug Health Issues?

The Pug breed are believed to have originated in China and then brought to Europe where they quickly became popular with the royals. They do have some health issues, especially breathing problems, mainly due to their brachycephalic faces. Obesity is another common issue with Pugs, too.

Common Pug Health Problems

Below are the top ten Pug health problems, along with helpful insights on how to identify them, treatment options for each condition, and prevention.

#1: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS) is common in Pugs. Brachycephaly refers to an abnormally short head shape accompanied by, in at least some cases, shortened upper jaws and noses. BAOS refers to the suite of respiratory problems associated with this brachycephaly.

While the facial bones are shortened, the soft tissues inside are unchanged and squeezed into a much smaller space. This causes narrowing and resistance to normal airflow in the dog’s nose and its  upper airways.

When It Develops

Pugs can show signs of BOAS as puppies. However, it ordinarily becomes noticeable between 1-4 years old.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are the typical symptoms of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome  in Pugs:

• Loud Breathing: Snoring, wheezing, or snorting sounds.
• Gagging or Choking: These dogs might gag or choke, especially following eating or drinking.
• Cyanosis: This is a blue-looking tint to the dog’s tongue or gums.
• Coughing: Frequent coughing may be a sign of airway obstruction.
• Heat Intolerance: Pugs with BOAS may overheat easily.
• Intolerance to Exercise: Pugs with BOAS may tire quickly.
• Collapse: In severe cases, Pugs might collapse due to lack of oxygen.

Treatment

• Weight Management: Keeping your pug at a healthy weight can reduce the severity of symptoms.
• Avoid Overheating: Preventing your pug from overheating is crucial, as heat can exacerbate breathing difficulties1.
• Harness Use: Using a harness instead of a collar can help reduce pressure on the airway2.
• Medication: Short-term medications to reduce inflammation may be prescribed1.
• Surgery: Surgical interventions may be necessary. This includes shortening of the soft palate, widening the dog’s nostrils, or removing laryngeal saccules.

Prevention

Prevention of BOAS in Pugs is much the same as treatments for the condition.

• Vet Check-ups: Early detection of this condition is important to a better quality of life for your Pug.
• Healthy Weight: Appropriate exercise along with a healthy weight are both major factors in managing BOAS.
• Avoid Overheating: Be sure to limit your pug’s outdoor time during hot, humid weather.
• Use a Harness: Using a harness as opposed to a collar can help lessen pressure on the airway.

#2 Skin Issues

Just as with other short nosed, brachycephalic breeds of dog, Pugs are prone to skin problems. Their characteristic skin folds make it easy for skin allergies and infections to develop because moisture and irritants get stuck in them. It’s not at all uncommon for Pug skin allergies, bumps, and rashes to develop over the course of your Pug’s lifetime.

When It Develops

Pugs can develop skin issues at any age. Puppyhood, middle age, adulthood, or as seniors.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some signs and symptoms of skin problems in Pugs:

• Itchiness and/or Scratching
• Weird Smells
• Rashes and Bumps
• Hair Loss
• Inflammation and Redness
• Discharge or Pus

Treatment

Treatment for skin issues in Pugs involves various approaches:

• Antibiotics for skin infections
• Antifungal medications for fungus infections
• Allergy testing to identify allergens causing skin issues
• Antihistamines
• Topical ointments
• Keeping skin and skin folds clean
• Oatmeal or aloe vera gel baths

Prevention

Regular grooming and keeping your pug’s skin folds clean are basically about all you can do to prevent skin issues in Pugs.

#3. Pug Dog Encephalitis

Also known as Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis (NME),this is a very serious and always fatal disease of Pugs that causes inflammation and death of the dog’s brain tissue. It is believed to be of autoimmune inherited origin, with genetic markers. There is no cure. It’s estimated that approximately 1.2% of Pugs die from this condition. Most Pugs will die within a few months of the disease manifesting itself.

When It Develops

NME typically shows signs in young adult Pugs before the age of seven. Younger aged, fawn colored females are particularly susceptible to developing this condition.

How To Spot Symptoms

Generally, symptoms of this condition are vague in the beginning, becoming more obvious as time goes on and the disease progresses. Lethargy and depression moves on to more serious signs, including:

• Blindness
• Seizures
• Circling
• Abnormal gait
• Disorientation
• Weakness

Treatment

As there is no cure, treatment usually focuses on managing symptoms. This might include steroids and/or other immunosuppressive drugs to lessen inflammation and pain.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent Pug Dog Encephalitis. Since it’s thought to be genetic, dogs with this disease should not be used for breeding.

#4: Eye Problems

The large, bulging, and expressive eyes of these little dogs are considered a Pug hallmark. However, as cute as they may be, these eyes mean Pugs are at a higher risk of various eye problems such as corneal ulcers, dry eyes, and entropion, which is an inward rolling of eyelashes and lids. Any of these issues can affect your dog’s vision.

When It Develops

When eye issues may develop in Pugs depends on the particular issue. Here are some of the most common eye problems in Pugs and when they might develop:

• Entropion: This is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation and damage to the cornea. It might be present from birth or develop later..
• Cherry Eye: In this condition, the gland of the third eyelid prolapses. It often shows up in young Pugs, usually under 2 years of age.
• Corneal Ulcers: Corneal ulcers may occur at any age due to dry eyes, trauma, or infections.
• Cataracts: These may develop due to aging, genetics, or diabetes, ordinarily appearing in Pugs between 6 months to 6 years.
• Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): This chronic condition can develop in Pugs of any age, and leads to insufficient tear production with dry, very irritated eyes.

How To Spot Symptoms

Pugs, with their bulging eyes and shallow eye sockets, are prone to eye problems. Some of the symptoms of these problems may include the following:

• Rubbing the Eye
• Redness
• Cloudiness
• Difficulty Opening the Eye
• Discharge
• Vision Loss
• Protrusion of the Eye
• Squinting

Treatment

Treatment of eye issues in Pugs will depend on the specific problem. For example, dry eyes may be treated with lubricating eye drops or ointments. Infections may be treated with antibiotic eye ointments or drops, and/or oral antibiotics.

Entropion requires surgery to correct the problem of inward turned eyelids. Cataracts usually require surgical intervention, as well, as does Cherry Eye. Corneal ulcers are commonly treated with antibiotics and eye ointments.

Prevention

• Daily Cleaning: Clean your pug’s eyes at least once a day.
• Avoid Irritants: Keep your pug away from aerosol sprays, smoke, and other irritants..
• Gentle Play: Avoid rough play that could lead to eye injuries.
• Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to catch any potential eye issues early.
• Protective Measures: Don’t let your Pug hang its head out of the car window or other potential scenarios for trauma or eye irritation.
• Monitor for Changes: Pay close attention to any changes in your pug’s eyes.
• Regular Vet Checkups: Have your Pug’s eyes monitored by the vet at regularly scheduled visits.

#5 Dental Issues

Dental problems are one of the most common of all health issues in Pugs. This is due to their small mouths and short snouts which often cause crowded, misaligned teeth. Periodontal disease is another typical problem in Pugs. as is tooth decay.

When It Develops

Dental problems in Pugs may start to develop at an early age, often when the dog is 2-3 years of age. However, these dental issues can and do appear at any age.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of dental issues in Pugs might include:

• Swollen gums
• Reddened gums
• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty chewing food
• Tartar and/or plaque build-up
• Missing or loose teeth

Treatment

Treatment for dental problems in Pugs will be dependent on the particular problem. For example, infected or abscessed teeth will require antibiotics and possibly tooth extraction. Gum disease usually entails regular brushing and regular cleanings. Tooth problems can be quite painful, so medications to alleviate pain and discomfort are often used.

Prevention

Regular tooth brushing, providing dental chews that massage the dog’s gums, a healthy diet of crunchy food and treats, regular vet check-ups, and avoiding potential trauma to the dog’s teeth such as pulling or yanking at objects in its mouth when playing…all of these can help prevent dental problems in your Pug.

#6 Heart Conditions

Pugs are prone to several heart related problems, including mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. Mitral Valve Disease, or MVD, is the most common in Pugs, and is a condition in which the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart, deteriorates and subsequently leaks, which causes the blood from the heart to flow backward. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a  condition involving the heart muscle in which it becomes weak and enlarged, resulting in poor function of the dog’s heart. Additionally, there are other heart conditions that might affect Pugs.

 When It Develops

Heart problems may be present at birth in Pugs or develop at almost any time during their lifetime. Congestive Heart Failure is normally seen more in older Pugs, as is Mitral Valve Disease. Some heart problems are considered hereditary and others aren’t. It depends on the specific heart issue, but generally speaking, the majority of heart problems are seen in older dogs.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of heart disease in Pugs are typically these:

• Coughing: Often persistent and can worsen at night or after exercise.
• Lethargy: Reduced energy levels and reluctance to exercise.
• Difficulty Breathing: Rapid or labored breathing, especially during physical activity.
• Fainting: Episodes of collapse or fainting due to poor blood circulation.

Treatment

Treatment of heart problems in Pugs varies based on the problem. Typically, though, it will consist of:

• Medications such as diuretics such as Lasix to reduce excess fluid and ACE inhibitors to improve heart function.
• Diet and appropriate exercise to avoid obesity, which will exacerbate heart issues, and aid in overall good health for your Pug.

Prevention

Regular vet visits for check-ups can help catch heart problems early, potentially helping to start treatment early. Along with that, help your pug maintain a healthy weight as obesity can contribute to heart issues, as well as skeletal and joint problems, respiratory problems and digestive disorders. Feed a high quality, well balanced diet and sufficient exercise on a regular basis.

#7 Obesity

Obesity is a common health issue with Pugs due to their small size and their propensity to gain extra pounds easily. Being obese can lead to all sorts of other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, bone and joint problems and more.

Fortunately, this is something that you, as a dog owner, can basically control. Still, it’s important to keep your Pug from becoming overweight since it’s easier to keep it off than shed those excess pounds once your dog has already gained them.

When It Develops

Obesity in Pugs can develop at almost any age, but is more prevalent in middle aged or senior dogs. This makes sense because as dogs get older, they tend to slow down on physical activity and so are more likely to gain weight. Adult pugs average weighing between 14.3 pounds and 17.6 pounds. If it weighs less or more than that, your dog may be underweight or overweight. It’s believed that the Pug breed may be genetically predisposed to obesity.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of obesity in Pugs are:

• Fat rolls around the dog’s neck and back
• Low tolerance for exercise
• Looks bloated or overstuffed
• You can’t feel the dogs ribs

Treatment

The only treatment for obesity in Pugs is to decrease their food intake and increase their physical activity. Pugs are known for having hearty appetites and overeating. So, putting your Pug on a diet probably will not be a popular move, and the dog may beg for more food. You’ll have to be strong and not cave to its pitiful attempts to coax you into giving more treats or more food of any kind.

In addition to cutting back on food, you’ll need to make sure your Pug engages in exercise. Again, obese Pugs aren’t going to be thrilled with more exercise and would probably prefer being a couch potato, so you’ll have to take charge and stand firm on this weight loss treatment, too. Don’t overdo the physical exertion. Just see to it that your dog has at least one moderate walk a day.

Prevention

Preventing a Pug from developing obesity may be more of a challenge than with many breeds, simply because they love to eat. However, it’s up to you as the owner and preparer of your dog’s meals to feed it a healthy, well balanced diet of high quality food with enough protein to meet its needs, especially while still a puppy.

No table scraps. No sweets. No greasy, fried or fatty foods. These aren’t healthy anyway, obesity aside, simply because these types of foods can bring on Pancreatitis in dogs, which can potentially be life threatening.

#8 Ear Problems

According to a study by Primary Veterinary Care in the UK, ear infections are one of the most common of all health issues in Pugs. They may be extremely painful for your dog, and if untreated, the infection could lead to more serious complications such as hearing loss or even complete deafness. There are 3 main types of ear infections in Pugs.

• Otitis interna – and infection to your Pug’s inner ear canal
• Otitis externa- an infection of the external lining of the dog’s ear canal
• Otitis media – an infection to the Pug’s middle ear canal

The most common, as well as least severe, of these types of ear infection is Otitis externa, which is easily treated. Both otitis media and interna might be more damaging and some cases might result in deafness and/ or partial paralysis to the Pug’s face.

When It Develops

Pugs may develop corneal ulcers at any stage throughout their lives.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some typical signs of ear problems in Pugs:

• Scratching the ear
• Head tilting or shaking
• Redness in the ear canal
• Lack of balance
• Dark discharge
• Musty/ yeasty odor
• Rapid eye movement (nystagmus)
• Musty/ yeasty odor
• Crusting/ scabbing in the ear
• Difficulty eating
• Any display of pain/ discomfort
• Musty/ yeasty odor

Treatment

Ear infections or other ear issues in Pugs are usually quickly resolved with antibiotics and good hygiene. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and/or antifungal medications may be used to treat ear problems in Pugs. In severe cases, some dogs will require surgical intervention.

For example, if your Pug’s ear infection is caused by a foreign body, tumor, or polyp, then this may need to be removed surgically by means of a total ear canal ablation (TECA) to remove any diseased tissue. This is quite rare. With proper treatment, most ear infections will be healed within about two weeks.

Prevention

While you can’t always prevent an ear infection or other ear issue with your Pug, one of the main factors in prevention is a good ear cleansing regimen. Keeping your Pug’s ears clean will go a long way to helping it stay free of ear problems such as infections. Try to minimize your Pug’s contact with irritants such as dirt and dust, and mold.

Keep your Pug’s ears dry. Adding Omega 3 supplements to the dog’s diet may be helpful in managing allergies, which are a main cause of ear infections in dogs. Regular check-ups at the vet’s can help with early treatment for ear problems like infections before they do a great deal of damage.

#9 Digestive Issues

Pugs are quite susceptible to digestive problems and may have very sensitive stomachs. There are nine main types of digestive issues in Pugs:

1. Gastroenteritis
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
3. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
5. Pancreatitis
6. Constipation
7. Flatulence
8. Gastric Ulcers
9. Foreign Body Ingestion

There are a variety of things that can cause or contribute to digestive problems in Pugs, including parasites, dietary factors, allergies, ingestion of foreign objects, and stress.

When It Develops

Pugs might develop digestive issues at any stage in life, but there are factors that influence onset of these problems. For example, when puppies are being weaned from nursing their mothers to eating regular food, they are prone to get an upset stomach until their bodies adjust to the new diet. Puppyhood is also a time when young Pugs are curious and sampling everything that they can get in their mouth.

Six months to two years—adolescence— is a period when food allergies and intolerance to certain foods may show up. Dogs of this age are also more likely to have gastrointestinal infections and parasites that can cause digestive issues. I

Ages two years to seven years is a time when Pugs might develop Pancreatitis or when their diet and lifestyle are causing digestive issues.

During a Pug’s senior years of 7 onward, they are more susceptible to issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis. This is also the stage when problems such as constipation or sensitivity to particular foods emerge.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of digestive issues in Pugs:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Changes in bowel movements such as hard stools
• Difficulty pushing out a bowel movement

Treatment

Treatment for digestive issues in Pugs may encompass a variety of approaches, depending on the specific problem. For instance, a dog with diarrhea will need antidiarrheal medications. Vomiting calls for antiemetic meds. Allergies are usually dealt with by determining which foods and allergens are affecting the dog, and withholding these things from its diet.

In many cases, resting the Pug’s stomach with a 12-24 hour fast is the best and most therapeutic thing that can be done. After the fast, it might be wise to feed your Pug a bland diet for a few days, such as boiled chicken and white rice.

In rare cases, like ingestion of a foreign object, medications to soothe the stomach and digestive tract may be given for a couple of days to allow the dog time to naturally pass the ingested object. If this doesn’t happen, surgery to remove whatever the dog ate may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of many digestive issues in Pugs can be accomplished by judicious dietary practices and keeping things out of reach that you don’t want the dog to eat. It’s also vitally important to keep clean, fresh water out for your dog at all times. Keeping your Pug hydrated will help avoid many GI upsets or constipation. Try to avoid stressful situations for your dog, as well.

If you switch food or water, try to make the change gradual so it won’t be a shock to the dog’s digestive system. Regular check-ups at the vet will also help to catch possible digestive issues before they become a serious problem.

 #10: Heat Stroke

Pugs are exceptionally prone to heat strokes because their brachycephalic, short nosed, facial structure makes it hard for this breed to cool down efficiently. In addition, there are other factors at play that combine to make heat stroke a higher risk for Pugs than many other dogs:

• Heat Intolerance: Pugs are considerably less tolerant of heat and humidity compared to many other breeds.
• Short Muzzle: Short snout decreases the surface area for heat exchange during the dog’s panting.
• Thick Coat: These dogs have a double coat that traps heat, making it more difficult for them to dissipate that heat away from their body.

When It Develops

Heat stroke in Pugs can occur at any age, even as puppies, for the reasons shown above. However, older dogs have a greater likelihood of this simply because Pugs are subject to be obese in middle age and during their senior years, which causes heat stroke to be a larger risk than when they were younger.

How To Spot Symptoms

Below are some common symptoms of heat stroke in Pugs:

• Drooling: Excessive salivation
• Excessive Panting: Rapid, shallow, or distressed panting.
• Weakness and Lethargy: Unsteady on their feet or collapsing.
• Seizures: In extreme cases, leading to unconsciousness
• Confusion or Disorientation: Staggering or inability to respond to commands.
• Glassy Eyes: A sign of severe heat distress.
• Rapid Heart Rate: Increased pulse.
• Red or Pale Gums: Change in gum color indicating poor circulation.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Often accompanied by signs of distress.

Treatment

Heat stroke is definitely a medical emergency, and fast action is crucial to avoid severe complications or even death.

• Move to a Cool Area: Remove your Pug from the heat immediately, and into a cool, shaded, or preferably air-conditioned area.
• Cool Your Pug Down: Use cool, but not cold, water to wet all of your Pug’s body, with the focus on its neck, head, and underbelly. Wet towels may also be used.
• Offer Water: Try to get your Pug to drink small amounts of cool water, without forcing the water into its mouth.
• Use a Fan: Placing a fan where it will blow on your Pug will be helpful with cooling and evaporation.
• Get Veterinary Care: Even if your Pug seems to be recovering, you should take them to a vet right away. Heat stroke can cause internal damage that isn’t immediately apparent.

Prevention

Here are some practical steps you can take to avoid a heat stroke for your Pug:

• Never Leave in a Car: Don’t leave your Pug in a parked car, even with all of the windows cracked or down. Temperatures can rise and become fatal very quickly.
• Avoid High Temperatures: Keep your Pug indoors where it’s cooler during the hottest parts of the day, especially in the summertime.
• Use Cooling Products: Cooling mats, vests, and bandanas can help keep your dog cooler.
• Air Conditioning and Fans: Keep your home cooler for you and your Pug with fans or air conditioning during heat waves.
• Proper Grooming: Frequent grooming to remove excess fur will help your dog stay cool.
• Provide Shade and Fresh Water: Always, always make sure that your dog has access to cool, shady areas and enough fresh water.
• Limit Exercise: Hot weather is not the time for excessive exercise with a Pug. Instead, take your walks in the early morning hours or late evening.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Common Pug Health Issues?

In most instances, yes, it does. Pet insurance doesn’t ordinarily provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, but most policies will cover congenital or hereditary illnesses in Pugs. The best place to begin shopping around for the best pet insurance is online. For instance, there is a website called Insuranceopedia that offers free, comprehensive information about pet insurance.

It’s wise to familiarize yourself with the different types of coverage and rates, as well, before making a buying decision. You might decide that accident or injury only would be the best solution for your pet, or you may opt for a full coverage policy that would i nclude sickness and disease, too. If you own more than one pet and want to have insurance for all of them, you’ll find that most pet insurance providers offer attractive rates with multi-pet discounts.

Although pre-existing conditions are not usually covered, there are pet insurance policies that offer this coverage. It will almost certainly cost more, but will provide benefits when and if needed for your Pug.