WHY DO PUGS HAVE BREATHING PROBLEMS
- The Pug is prone to a condition called brachycephalic syndrome, characterized by pinched nostrils and an elongated soft palate. Because of it, Pugs can have breathing problems, especially in hot or humid weather or they are overweight. It’s essential to keep Pugs cool, limit their exercise on hot days, and restrict the amount of food so they maintain a healthy weight. For Pugs who snore excessively or gasp for air, surgery can correct both the pinched nostrils and the elongated soft palate.
Other Pug Problems and Diseases
- A breed-specific disease called Pug Dog Encephalitis, or PDE, is an inflammation of the brain that causes seizures and. There is no cure and no way to prevent the condition.
- Pugs, like other short faced dogs, can be born with a spinal condition called hemivertebrae, in which the bones of the spine are deformed. Some Pugs have only minor deformities and don’t show any signs, while others develop a stagger; a weak, uncoordinated gait; or can become paralyzed. This usually occurs when a puppy is 4 to 6 months old.
- Pugs can also suffer from a condition known as luxating patellas, where their kneecaps often easily slip out of place . Sometimes the condition is minor and requires no action, but severe cases may require surgical correction.
- Pugs can also develop serious dental problems because their teeth are crowded into their flattened faces. It may be necessary to have some retained puppy teeth pulled to allow room for permanent teeth to grow, as well as more frequent dental cleanings .
- The Pug can be also be predisposed to hip dysplasia, despite being considered a toy breed, with the incidence of occurance being surprisingly high. However, unlike in many large-breed dogs, Pugs with HD are less likely to need hip replacement surgery.
- Pugs also exhibit a high incidence of a liver defect known as portosystemic shunt, which may require expensive surgery.
- Pugs’ large eyes that protrude from the face, leave them more prone to eye injuries. Eye problems may include developing dry eyes, corneal ulcers, pigmentary keratitis, distichia (extra eyelashes that cause irritation) and entropion (a condition in which the eyelids curl inward and hairs on the outer eyelid can scratch and damage the cornea).
What Can You Do???
- Not all of these conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it can be hard to predict whether pug breathing problems will be present, which is why you must find a reputable breeder and insist on seeing independent certification that the parents of the dog (and grandparents, etc.) have been screened for these defects and deemed healthy for breeding. That’s where health registries come in.
- The PDCA participates in the Canine Health Information Center, a health database. The CHIC tests required for Pugs to achieve registry are Orthopedic Foundation for Animals evaluations for hip dysplasia and patellar luxation at 2 years of age, the DNA test for PDE from the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California at Davis, and a Canine Eye Registry Foundation exam every three years. A dog need not receive good or even passing scores on the evaluations to obtain a CHIC number, so CHIC registration alone is not proof of soundness or absence of disease, but all test results are posted on the CHIC website and can be accessed by anyone who wants to check the health of a puppy’s parents.
- If a breeder tells you she doesn’t need to do those tests because she’s never had problems in her lines, her dogs have been vet checked, or any of the other excuses bad breeders have for skimping on the genetic testing of their dogs, walk away immediately.
- Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live good lives. If you’re getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the ages of the dogs in her lines and what they died of.
- Will your Pug get any or all of these diseases? Not necessarily, but it’s smart to know the possibilities.
- Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the more common Pug health problems: obesity. The breed standard calls for the Pug to weigh a svelte 14 to 18 pounds, but it’s not unusual for some to reach twice that weight. Some of those larger Pugs are fit, but if you can’t see your Pug’s waist or feel (but not see) his ribs, it’s time for him to cut back on the snacks. Keeping a Pug at an appropriate weight is one of the easier ways to extend his life. Make the most of diet and exercise to help ensure a healthier dog for life.
