PUGS HOT WEATHER TIPS
Pugs are super fun and friendly dogs who LOVE to explore their neighborhoods. However, due to their facial structure, which affects their breathing and makes them particularly sensitive to heat and humidity there are precautions you can take to keep you Pug safe
In order to help keep your Pug safe during the hot summer months, it is important to learn the signs of heat stroke and to follow some of these simple pugs hot weather tips.
Signs of Heat Distress in Pugs
Brachycephalic, or flat-faced breeds, have flat faces and short skulls which are likely to cause breathing problems. This can be exacerbated when your Pug becomes overheated, overexcited, and especially overweight which could lead to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a very real risk for brachycephalic breed dogs like the Pug and the symptoms can come on quickly and escalate to the point of being deadly within a very short time. To make sure that your Pug doesn’t suffer from heat stroke, take precautions, like always carrying water, and learn to recognize the symptoms:
- Fast & Noisy Breathing
- Excessive Panting
- Very Dry Nose & Mouth
- Excessive Drooling
- Sunken Eyes
- Disorientation
- Trouble Walking
If you notice your Pug suffering from any of these, move your dog to a cooler area immediately and call your vet.
The Vet may have you do a number of things. They may just have you monitor your Pug, however if your pug has a really high temperature, 103° or higher, they may instruct you to soak the pug’s entire body with cool water (make sure the water isn’t too cold as it could potentially cause your Pug to experience shock). It will also be important to make sure your Pug is hydrated. If the Pug’s symptoms continue then he should be taken to the vet for testing.
One surefire way to put your Pug into danger is to leave him in a parked car. No dog should be left in a parked car but a Pugs unusual face make it especially susceptible to the dangers of a hot car. The best policy is simply to follow the rule that you never leave Pugs inside parked cars, even if it does not seem that hot outside. This is one of our pugs hot weather tips but also all pets and children!
Several states have laws protecting animals left in parked vehicles. Is your state one of them?
What’s a pug owner to do to keep a pug healthy in the summer?
If you are left wondering how your pug can get any outdoor exercise in the summer the answer is yes.
The first of our hot weather tips for pus is that it’s usually cooler in the morning and later in the evening making those times ideal for a pug walk. You should still make sure that you bring water along for your Pug. If you live in an extremely hot climate you might invest in a cooling vest for your Pug. There is also a product called a cool collar that you can use to help your pug stay cool while on a walk. Also keep in mind that hot concrete or asphalt, or sand for that matter, can be really painful for your Pugs paws. And finally, remember Pugs can sunburn.
Another great exercise for Pugs is swimming. Many Pugs really love to get in the water and swim. Be sure to use a safety vest to keep your little guy safe. This one bears repeating – Another one of our hot weather tips for pugs is to remember that Pugs can sunburn.
The main thing to learn here is that it is much easier to prevent health problems in your Pug than it is to treat them. This is true whether they are heat related or food related or anything else. Preventing Obesity is way easier than helping you Pug lose weight. It is easier to prevent you pug from hyper ventilating than it is to stop it. The best way to keep you Pug safe is to remember to always bring water and take precautions in hot weather. Please use these pugs hot weather tips, enjoy your walks and “Welcome to the Grumble”.
