How to Raise a Pug Dog

Pugs might come in small packages, but they have a personality as large as life itself. Pugs are not easy dogs to care for and you should read the steps below if you’re considering adding a pug to your family.

Step 1: Like with any dog, when you bring your Pug home you should have him checked by a veterinarian to get an overall picture of his health. You should also have your Pug spayed or neutered, administered the appropriate vaccinations and be outfitted with a good fitting collar (with ID tag) and leash.

Step 2: With your veterinarian, determine the ideal weight of your Pug and establish a well-balanced dietary plan. Ask your vet for treat suggestions, as you will not want to feed your Pug table scraps. Overweight Pugs are susceptible to knee, hip and heart problems.

Step 3: Create a light exercise plan for your pug. Because of his short nose, Pugs cannot tolerate an intense exercise routine, but still needs and wants exercise. Plan to take your Pug on short walks through the neighborhood, monitoring his breathing along the way. Pugs are not capable swimmers and should only enter the water with a life jacket.

Step 4: Speaking of those short noses…Always keep an eye (and ear) on your Pug’s breathing. If your Pug begins to breathe from his mouth only or has discharge from his nose, he might be showing symptoms of a variety of conditions he is subject to and will need to visit the vet immediately. (Pugs are prone to sneezing, but if the severity or frequency increases, contact your vet.)

Step 5: Pugs are inside dogs. Again, because of their difficulty breathing, Pugs should not be left out in extreme cold, heat or humidity.

Step 6: A Pug’s large eyes are endearing, but are also very sensitive. If your Pug’s eyes get dirty or wet they need to be cleaned out with eyewash in order to prevent further problems.

Step 7: Likewise, a Pug’s nose is subject to various health concerns as well. Because of all of those adorable wrinkles, a Pug might develop a bacterial infection if the wrinkles aren’t cleaned out regularly. (You can use a baby wipe to clean his nose.)

Step 8: Because of the shape of their jaw, a Pug’s mouth is another area you want to pay particular attention to. Brush his teeth regularly and check his mouth and gum for any unusual problems.

Pugs might sound like a lot of work, but they are a very loving, playful breed of dog that would make a good addition to any family. Find more great ways to raise your pug and make life at home even more comfortable with a great dog beds.