Common Pug Skin Problems

One of the most common issues that Pugs and their owners have to deal with is the Pug’s skin issues.  At some point most Pugs will have some sort of skin problem related to their diet or environment.  We have worked to compile a list that  certainly does not include everything, but does a good job of covering the more common Pug skin ailments.

Atopic Dermatitis

This is a general sort of description for a condition where dogs become hypersensitive to a particular allergen – some common ones are dust and pollen, chemicals from household products, etc.  Atopic Dermatitis is most commonly a seasonal condition and is one of the more common skin problems.  Your Pug will generally scratch and bites at the affected areas, most frequently the belly, feet and face. Other symptoms can include a discharge from the eyes and nose and sneezing. The excessive scratching and biting can also lead to new bacterial infections.

Many dogs that suffer from seasonal Atopic Dermatitis suffer from this condition all year long eventually. There is no cure for this as of yet, but symptoms can be managed with the help of your vet.

Pyoderma

Pyoderma is a skin infection in which pustules discharge thick white pus.  Often the armpits will become infected and  can appear reddish and moist. Between the unpleasant  smell and the constant licking it would be difficult to miss.  If Your Pug is licking and scratching at the areas in question all night Pyoderma might be a good bet and require a vet visit.

Treatment is generally determined based on the severity of the case. In mild cases, topical antibiotics by be prescribed to kill the bacteria and corticosteroids to help alleviate any inflammation and itching and to promote healing. The hair around the affected areas will also be clipped. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary in order to completely eradicate the issue.

Pyoderma, when it does occur, is often found around a Pugs folds and wrinkles.   Pugs that are overweight are more likely to be affected. To help prevent this condition, you should feed your Pug a healthy diet and make sure to help them maintain a healthy weight.  Regularly cleaning the skin folds and keeping them dry can help  to decrease the chances of infection.

Ringworm

Ringworm, or Dermatophytosis, is one of the common pug skin problems and is caused by a fungus that commonly lives in the ground.   This disease occurs in dogs, cats, and other species of animals, including people. It is diagnosed more commonly in young individuals than in adults.

Symptoms of ringworm in dogs often include some combination of the following:

• Hair loss, maybe circular
• Broken hairs and poor hair coat                                                   
• Reddened or ulcerated skin                                                                         
• Dandruff (scales)
• Darkened skin                                                                                                                                             
• Crusting of the skin
• Itchiness may be present

As a result of ringworm you pug may for lesions on their skin.  It is not uncommon for these lesions to be attacked by other bacterial infections that can form pustules and papules. This is especially the case with dogs with weak immune systems. It will rarely happen to healthy dogs.

Dogs often catch ringworm through direct contact with animals or people who have ringworm themselves.  Often these animals may have little or no clinical evidence of the disease. Ringworm fungus can also be spread through contaminated objects like bedding, brushes, clippers, and cages. Some species of ringworm live in the soil, and dogs can become sick after being in contact with dirt that is home to these parasitic organisms.  In order to be sure that it’s ringworm you’re dealing with, your vet may conduct a so-called Wood’s Lamp test. And in order to figure out what specific fungal species are causing the problem, a Dermatophytosis culture can be conducted. This infection is usually treated with topical antifungal preparations or rinses.

Ear Mites

This the most common mite in dogs and a common pug skin problem.  The most common symptoms of this disease are head shaking and ear scratching. This is a very easily transmittable disease among dogs, so if you multiple Pugs ( or other dogs)  it’s highly likable that all of them will get infected.

Ear mites live in the ear canals, as they feed on the tissues and tissue fluids within the ears. They can spread to the head and entire body if you don’t treat them causing yet another skin problem.

Just like with ringworms, it’s more likely that puppies will get attacked by ear mites than adult dogs with stronger immune systems.

Demodectic Mange

This is another common Pug skin problem. Demodectic mange is a consequence of Demodex Canis mite. It’s mostly dogs with weak immune systems that get affected, as healthier dogs are usually immune to mites.

Demodectic mange is displayed through lesions on the dog’s body – either on the entire body or just in some parts. In addition, hair can fall out and inflammations can happen. Your pug may also be dealing with change in appetite and refuse to eat.

If you start noticing these signs, you should take your dog to the vet for an examination. If it’s demodectic mange you’re dealing with, your vet will come up with a treatment plan for this pug skin problem. It usually includes shaving hair off from the areas in question and using special shampoo and/or solutions that kill mites.

Allergies

Allergies are common with dogs and pugs are no exception. Most common are allergies from the environment, insect bites and food. As a result of allergies, this common pug skin problem can occur.

Common symptoms of allergies are runny nose, watery eyes and scratchy skin. A dog with skin allergy will scratch and bite and can create bold spots from the scratching. It’s also not uncommon for pugs to be allergic to fleas. Those that are can have really big reactions on their skin.

Finally, food allergies are also very common. A pug that’s allergic to a certain kind of food can cause skin problems and irritations. It’s usually grain or meat sources in the food that’s causing problems with dogs and in these cases it’s recommended to change your dog’s diet. However, these are not the only allergens, so you have to make sure your dog is tolerating whatever it is you’re feeding him/her.

It’s vital that you talk to your vet that will run tests and determine what it is your dog is allergic to, so that you know what to eliminate from your dog’s diet and what to supplement it with in order to treat these common Pug skin problems.

Keeping Your Pug’s Skin Healthy

As you can see, there are many common pug skin problems. It’s important to be aware of that so you can be observant for their signs.  This way you can do your best to prevent common pug skin problems from happening. It’s vital that you inspect your pug’s skin on a regular basis and look out for any swelling or other issues.

A very important thing when it comes to this is keeping the skin folds dry, in order to keep the skin folds healthy. As it’s usually at the skin folds problems occur, you have to pay extra attention to these areas. Observe for redness, odor, selling and changes in behavior, such as scratching and biting.

• If you were to notice anything similar, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. The earlier you get a diagnosis, you can start the treatment and your pug can get better soon.