Pug pooch problems

Pugs are a very popular breed among pet owners, however, they do
come with some predisposed health problems. Due to their head
shape, many of these health problems are related to their
breathing. Petplan has given a rundown of some of the
most common Pug health problems.

Breathing:

Due to their compressed faces and reduced skull length, the
Pug’s airways are obstructed by soft tissue that causes major
breathing difficulties. The narrower airways can also become lodged
with fluids and debris and create a ‘reverse sneeze’ type action in
order to clear what is stuck there.

One of the major health problems that can affect Pugs is a
Collapsed Trachea. This is commonly a birth defect where cartilage
in the dog’s windpipe collapses and causes strain on their
breathing. The major signs of this are trauma in their chest or an
increase in sneezing.

Stenotic Nares is an increasingly problematic disease that
causes breathing difficulties among Pugs. Similar to a Collapsed
Trachea, every time they take a breath, the tissue in the windpipe
collapses resulting in a blocked airway making it harder for your
pet to breath. This usually occurs in the nasal cavity leaving them
to breathe through their mouths to gain the necessary oxygen. The
major signs of Stenotic Nares is a build-up of foamy discharge in
the mouth or excessive breathing through the mouth when
excited.

With all breathing problems, it is important to stay vigilant
throughout the early life of your Pug. These breathing problems may
also restrict physical activity and could make them more
susceptible to heat stroke. If symptoms persist or worsen, a vet
should be contacted immediately with some being able to be
corrected through surgery.

Eyes:

The eyes of a Pug protrude due to their compressed faces,
leaving them with a greater chance of problems relating to their
eyes. Due to their flat face, they have shallower eye sockets
allowing for their eyes to be more prominent than other breeds.
Because of this, the Pug is at a much greater risk of injury as
well as the chance that their eyes will actually pop out of their
socket.

One of the major eye problems is dry eye. Some Pugs cannot
completely close their eyelids resulting dry eyes and ulcers.
Complete closure over your eyelids is what moistens them, leaving a
Pug with very painful dry eyes that can lead to blindness.

Most of the eye problems in Pugs are related. The symptoms of
these are usually cloudy eyes, discharge, excessive blinking, and a
milky appearance. If not treated immediately these can lead to
blindness and in some cases when the eye is so badly infected, they
may need to be surgically removed.

Spinal:

Their stunted stature can lead to a compression of their spinal
cord. Pugs commonly have deformities of the bones of the spine
which can lead to a continuous pain and if not treated sharply, the
loss of back leg functions.

Like every dog breed, a Pug can suffer a wide range of illnesses
and injuries that are not breed specific. However, due to their
select breeding over the years, the Pug has been shaped into a
breed that may be more susceptible to a large number of health
problems. In saying this, many of these health problems can be
treated by the vet if acted upon quickly. Maintain a close bond
with your pet and continuously check on them for
irregularities.