Pugs need to be kept indoors because they are very sensitive to heat and cold. Pugs easily catch colds, and if the weather is too hot and humid they will have difficulty breathing. Their short face makes them suffer from poor ventilation, which is an ongoing thing, and hot weather makes it worse, especially if the pug is being active. You may let your pug out to play in the fenced yard once in a while, but remember to make sure it is not too cold or too hot outside. If the temperature is somewhere from 30 to 65 degrees, it is safe for your pug to be out; if it is around 70, be careful, do not let the pug to be out too long and to be overly active; and if the temperature is getting over 75, letting the pug out is dangerous.
The most common health problem for pugs is obesity. They love eating and don’t know when to stop. Even a well-fed pug will act hungry most of the time and beg for food as soon as it sees it. You should ration your pug’s food, and you should be firm with it. Obesity puts even more pressure on the pug’s already challenged breathing, and on the heart. Obese pugs live shorter lives. It is best to limit their diet to dog food only, no scraps from the table. The pug will ask for human food each time you sit down to eat; the answer should be, “No, not for Pugsley.”
Some people think that pugs are supposed to be a little on the fat side, but that is not so. A normal, healthy, not overweight pug is stocky and muscular, but not fat. You should be able to see its waist, and when you pick the pug up you should be able to feel the ribs. Let that be your guide on feeding. If the waist is disappearing, reduce the ration.
Exercising is good and important, but don’t overdo it. Pugs love playing and going for a walk, but they are usually incapable of being active for a long time because of the above mentioned breathing difficulties. If the pug starts wheezing, take a break and let them calm down. If you are on a walk, you might have to pick the pug up and carry it for a while. Also, if you’re taking the pug for a walk, it should always be leashed.
Pugs are prone to skin problems and allergies. If you see any redness, hair loss, or pimples, consult with your vet. Allergies can be seasonal or permanent, but there are ways to help both.
The pug’s large, beautiful eyes are very delicate. Watch out for dryness and redness. Sometimes the pug’s tear glands do not produce enough moisture for the eyes. If you see redness and excessive mucous in the pug’s eyes, that may be the cause. Consult with the vet to make sure. Two other common eye problems are inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) and corneal ulcers. If the eyes are watery, weepy, there may be an ulcer on the cornea. Ulcers require immediate veterinary help since they may cause the loss of an eye.