How To Take Care Of A Pug Puppy? Your Guide To A Happy Pooch!
Do you consider yourself a Pug fan? If you already have one as a pet or just planning to adopt, you may be asking yourself: “How to take care of a Pug puppy the right way?” Well, you are not alone in your inquiry and your passion for the breed! Join the club of the thousands of other Pug enthusiasts! Some include Hollywood stars like Paula Abdul, Billy Joel, designer Tommy Hilfiger, and a Millennial socialite Paris Hilton. This toy breed has won the hearts of many pet parents and is still one of the most popular breeds in the canine world.
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Its history goes deep into Ancient Egyptian times. Northern African Pharaohs kept Pugs as their most prized possessions. These pancake-faced were serving as loving companions and some of the most devoted guards. Their masters were always alerted if there was an unwelcome stranger in the royal headquarters.
Later on, in history, Pugs re-located to Asia and Europe. There they quickly gained enormous popularity and captivated a lot of European monarchs’ soles. In case you want detailed information on the Pug care guide, we will discuss it right here a little later. But for now, let’s talk about the main Pug facts for all existing and future Pug parents’ awareness.
Thinking About Getting a Pug? A Few Interesting Facts About the Breed.
So, if one decides to get a Pug as a pet, here’s some information about the breed:
- Appearance: Pugs are usually about 10-13 inches in height (males) and 9-12 inches for females. The latter will always be smaller in weight as well: up to 18 pounds and their male counterparts can reach up to 20 pounds in weight. Pugs tend to overeat. Therefore it’s imperative that a pet parent takes a firm grip on his/her pup’s food portions and monitors any changes in their weight to prevent obesity.
- Temperament: a “happy-go-lucky” type of dog. It is one of the friendliest and cuddliest in the “canine zodiac.” Pugs have this ingrown ability to elevate anybody’s mood if they see that somebody is down. No matter if it is a two-legged or a four-legged creature. An added breed’s bonus: gets along with kids great!
- Activity Level: doesn’t require much physical activity, only a couple of walks a day to go potty. Can play inside the house, but doesn’t need a lot of room to feel comfortable. Can benefit from having a few play partners: either canine or human, doesn’t matter. Pugs don’t tolerate extreme temperatures well: extreme heat and cold can cause breathing problems since the breed is considered brachycephalic. It is best to limit its activity when the sun is the strongest and in extreme freezing temps in the winter.
- Health: as briefly mentioned above, these wrinkle-faced are suffering from a brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome. Therefore needs to be watched for any hyperventilation signs like heavy panting, lip-licking, and pacing back and forth. Among other health issues, one can name cardiovascular diseases, thyroid, eye, and skin problems. Since Pugs are known for those big bulging eyes, they are easily susceptible to all sorts of infections and even cataracts. The breed is prone to allergies and thus would get rashes, ulcers, and extreme irritation in the affected spot.
Now, let’s discuss how one could be taking care of a Pug so the latter stays happy and healthy for a long time.
Related Reading: Many Ask Why Do Pugs Sleep So Much
How to Take Care of a Pug Puppy?
Here we are going to talk about the main Pugs’ care needs, such as accommodations, exercise, nutrition, health, and personal hygiene. Discussing all these main pointers will help you as a Pug owner to figure out how to make your pooch one of the happiest canine campers on Earth.
- Accommodations: A pug is a very unpretentious little pal. Thanks to its size, it doesn’t need a lot of roaming space. Live in an apartment complex? Don’t worry, your pancake-faced pooch will be just fine as its activity level is low. It just needs its own space, like a remote corner of a room with a fluffy, comfortable bed that can become a mutt’s retreat after a long, fulfilling day.
- Exercise: A Pug is not a very active hound. It is considered one of the most low-maintenance dogs in Dogdom. As long as you take it to go potty at least 3 times a day, it will be plenty. As an added exercise option, you can buy your Pug a Kong toy, stuff it with his favorite treats, and let it figure out the food puzzle while you are doing chores or watching TV. Some Kongs are designed to bounce in all different directions, therefore making playtime that much more exciting.
- Nutrition: so how to take care of a Pug puppy nutrition-wise? Try to buy your pup the best quality dry food to prolong its lifespan and keep it full of energy for years to come. In case you are not sure which foods would be the best option for your toy breed doggie, you can always ask your veterinarian to give you a few good recommendations. Remember: do not overfeed a Pug! It is prone to obesity, hence cannot be free-fed.
- Health: we briefly touched upon this pointer in the above section where the obesity issue was mentioned. Yes, Pugs are, unfortunately, prone to weight gain and diabetes as well. That’s why it is so important to monitor its portions and stay away from the temptation to give it a lot of snacks (I know, it can be tough to say “no” to this cute little smushed face). Among other issues: are cataracts, hyperthyroidism, allergies, and strokes. A responsible pet owner will monitor his/her dog’s well-being by visiting a veterinary clinic at least every six months (for puppies and seniors) and once a year for adult dogs.
- Personal Hygiene: Pugs are heavy-shedders, therefore they need constant brushing. Try investing in a high-quality de-shedding brush and help your beloved pal get rid of some of those extra hairs. Examine its skin regularly for any rash or heavy irritation signs. Nail clippings, as well as routine baths, are also very crucial for the overall pooch’s welfare.
Curl-Up
Owning a Pug is fun, it gives you a chance to acquire a new best friend, a cuddle partner, and an exercise buddy all in one bundle. However, pet parenting will always come with a lot of responsibility and may raise some questions like “How to take care of a Pug puppy the right way?”
If you truly care about your pooch, you will try to follow the directions we’ve just discussed in detail. Doing so will ensure that your smushy-faced mutt will live a healthy and happy life!
Related Reading: How To Raise A Pug
Family Dog Expert Author
Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.