Genaral Care

Pugs like any other breed require ongoing care and attention. At first glance it might seem like a lot but can actually be a rewarding bonding experience for both Pug and parent and only takes a few minutes each day.

Facial Wrinkles

The wrinkles on a Pugs face are called folds, These folds serve as a great place to gather all sorts of unwanted stuff as your Pug pushes his face everywhere it should and should not be. Along with tears and mucous you end up with a pug who’s face smells like a damp umbrella. It is the parent’s job to keep these wrinkles clean. This is an easy task but getting the Pug used to it at an early age is a good idea as cooperation will make the task much easier.

Some owners recommend using an Ear Bud or Q-Tip, We would not recommend this as the slightest struggle from your Pug could cause an eye injury, instead use a flannel with it’s corner dipped in cooled previously boiled water and run the corner of the flannel through the folds. We tend to do this daily and usually find even done this regularly that there is loose hair and dirt embedded inside.

Eyes

Great care must be taken with a Pugs eyes. They should be cleaned once daily preferable in the morning to remove sleep, you can use an eye wash or previously boiled water. Clean around the eyes ONLY, DO NOT put anything into the eye. ALWAYS use a DIFFERENT cloth for each eye. NEVER use same cloth for both eyes, as you could potentially cross infect. If you notice the dog squinting or any discharge at all, bathe with, cooled, previously boiled water with a pinch of salt. IF IN DOUBT SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. We always carry a tube of Golden Eye cream with us for emergency use.

Ears

Some Pugs will require there ears cleaned more often than others, every Pug is different, you can use ear cleaner dispensed by your vet or use previously boiled water and a flannel. You should clean as far into the ear as possible but not past the point of entering the cavity within the head. If you are unsure you can ask your vet or veterinarian nurse to show you how it is done. As with the eyes, use a new cloth for each ear, to prevent potential cross infection.

Teeth

This is one of the most overlooked and undervalued area of Pug care (indeed other breeds also). A high quality dry food diet can assist with cleaning there teeth but it is still necessary to clean them using an appropriate paste. Again it is best to get your pug used to this during puppyhood but you may find that you can’t find a small enough brush, if this is a case use a little past on you little finger to apply the past and get your Pug used to being handled in this way. You should use toothpaste designed for dogs and is available in many flavors such as chicken, beef or turkey to help encourage your Pug. NEVER use HUMAN TOOTHPASTE as it is not designed to be swallowed. Regardless of how well you pug is trained, it's unlikely you'll get him/her to rinse and spit!

Most people do not realise that plaque on your Pugs teeth will release harmful toxins into there digestive tract and bloodstream. This can be potentially life threatening. Also, regular cleaning will help prevent your pug from requiring a general anesthetic to have their teeth cleaned.

Nails/Claws

Pugs nails grow fast and are one of the strongest materials known to man. You’ve got 3 choices here. You can start learning how to do this yourself, take your Pug someplace to have it done such as the Vets or groomers which is recommended if you are squeamish. If you’re not squeamish, and your Pug does not mind too much, you can buy a good set of clippers and do it yourself, If you accidentally cause a nail to bleed you can put some Potassium Permanganate Powder on it to seal the vein and stop the blood flow. You should only cut the very tip (curved part) cutting off just a small amount more often is probably the best way (about every two weeks).

Both our dogs have above average exercise for Pugs (probably 3-4 miles a day) so once past the puppy stage and out walking you can take advantage of the 3rd option and let them wear down naturally.

Coat

It is recommended you brush your Pug twice a week or as needed, this will help keep fur around the house to a minimum but more importantly keep your Pug looking good. This once again can also be enjoyable for both Pug and Parent. A soft stainless steel brush or a grooming mit should be used. You should groom in the direction of the coat. Being lapdogs a little of a high quality doggy deodorant can also be used there are a few good ones on the market that contain Aloe Vera and/or Tea Tree Oil.

If you’re going to use a table to put your Pug on for brushing, make sure you hold your Pug securely, get down to their level and brush them on the floor or on your lap.

Bath Time

We have bathed our Pugs from 8 weeks old, the breeder our boys came from bean bathing from very young (something you will find necessary with a Pug puppy). Whilst a puppy your Pug will need bathed often and should be done as necessary. Once they are able to clean themselves you can still bath them once every couple of weeks with a good quality shampoo, we use human baby shampoo with a no tears formula, this does not seem to be too harsh or strip their coat of important oils needed to stay healthy and look good. ONLY bath coat as required. Our boys need regular bathing as we live in the countryside and run through woods and farmland everyday.

Archie having his bath.

That’s it you're done! 5 minutes each day is all it takes. One person can usually bath the pug in the kitchen sink. We often bath as a pair, simply because we enjoy this experience. Keep puggy indoors until dry. Especially in cold weather. Puggies do not cope with cold well, (nor do they cope well in weather that is too warm)

Other Usefully Health Tips

No Smoking

This is an obvious rule but one that many people still ignore, Pugs have enough problems breathing, don’t make it worse by breathing smoke around them, be considerate for their little lungs. Don’t feel embarrassed about asking others not to smoke around your Pug, If they are a friend they won’t mind.

Temperature

Pugs are extremely sensitive to temperature both hot and cold. If your Pug gets to hot he or she could die. Never leave your Pug in a Car on a hot day (Pugs shouldn't be left in a car anyway for fear of Kidnapping!!!)

Pugs like to lay in the sun, you should limit the time they spend to just a few minutes. Be careful not to exercise your Pug in hot weather, in the summer walk them either in the shade or at either end of the day when the sun is at it’s weakest.

Even if a Pug doesn't show signs of heat stroke, over heating can cause damage to organs such as the kidneys, Heart and liver. If you do suspect your Pug has heatstroke, cover them in a cool damp towel, use a fan if you have one handy and give them plenty of access to water. Lastly get them to a vet.

Pugs also feel the cold due to the fact they are small and therefore have a small body mass and they only have one coat unlike most dogs that have two. If you are out and about in cold weather you Pug will greatly benefit from a warm coat, fleece or hoodie. If it is raining water proof clothing should be used, your Pug should also be dried off once you are back in the dry.