Pug Care

Wrinkle Care

Since pugs lack a long snout, when they investigate their surroundings they put their entire faces into it. This can be trouble if owners are not vigilant in cleaning out their characteristic face wrinkles. Take a wet cotton swap to the wrinkle every few days, followed by a dry wrinkle to dry out the area. If you notice a strange, unpleasant odor coming from the wrinkle, call your vet immediately. Pug wrinkles can become infected if you aren’t careful, and this can be a painful, and expensive, medical issue.

Shedding

Pugs are shedding machines, like many other short-haired breeds. It is important, for the sake of your clothes and home, to control this shedding through bathing and frequent brushing. Bathing should be done no more than two or three times a month using a moisturizing shampoo to prevent dry skin. When it comes to brushing, the rule is the more the better. Using a professional-style de-shedding tool is the best option. Find one that specifically states that it removes the undercoat for best results. Since most pugs enjoy brushing, it should be no problem to get them to sit still while you lavish your attention on them. You should brush your pug at least three times per week but for best results you should brush him everyday. Be sure to reward him with a treat after wards to help ensure they look forward to brushing.

Ears

Pug ears seem particularly susceptible to infection. To keep ears healthy, simply clean them out with a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. It is important not to venture down the ear canal; clean only the parts that are visible. If you see a lot of buildup or other signs of possible infection, call your veterinarian.

Nails

Pug nails grow fast, and it can be harmful to them if you allow the nails to grow too long. Walking your pug on a surface such as the sidewalk or asphalt will help keep nails under control, but in order to keep your pug comfortable, you should cut his nails every week. Be sure you aren’t trimming nails to short, or you can nick the quick, the thick vein that feeds nails. Keep some q-tips handy; if you see blood, stop it by holding the q-tip against the end of the nail until the bleeding stops. If you clip one nail too short, take less of the next nail. There are other tools than clippers on the market to keep nails trimmed, so look into all your options. If trimming your pug’s nails makes you nervous, a vet or groomer will often perform this service for only five dollars or so.

Weight Maintenance

As a breed, pugs have a tendency to become drastically overweight. They love eating, and are often unable to stop themselves from eating anything that seems tasty. Your best option is to regularly walk your pug and find healthy treats and snacks (fruits and veggies, but NO grapes). Be careful about walking pugs in hot weather; their short noses make it hard to regulate body temperature. If your pug starts wheezing, he needs to stop. You may need to carry your dog home if this occurs. Placing a cold, damp washcloth on their stomach or putting them in a bathtub with a thin level of lukewarm water will help tremendously. Do not throw your pug in a tub of cold water, as the shock can be stressful.

It may seem like a lot of work, but any pug owner will tell you it is well worth it to own such a wonderful breed. These tasks aren’t a chore, they are an opportunity to spend quality time with your pug. With regular maintenance, you can keep you pug happy and healthy for years to come!

See pet fence underground .