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The Pug is generally a healthy and hearty breed with a lifespan well into the mid to upper teens. However, like all breeds of dogs, there are some health problems seen in Pugs. One common problem with the Pug is obesity and it is therefore important for the dog's overall health to keep his weight in check. The Pug is a brachycephalic breed and should not be left outdoors! Heat and high humidity can easily cause death in this breed due to the flatness of their faces. They may have trouble breathing and should be kept cool and exercised carefully during the summer months. The Brachycephalic syndrome can also involve having pinched nostrils and an elongated soft palate. Signs of this include excessive snoring and gasping for breath.
Additional health concerns include, but are not limited to:
- Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) — PDE is a fatal inflammatory brain disease usually seen in young dogs. Signs of the disorder can happen very rapidly, within a few days or weeks, and include seizures, circling, blindness, coma and finally death. It is believed to be of a hereditary nature and the Pug Dog Club of America, along with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, are sponsoring research projects to learn more about the disease.
- Epilepsy — Pugs have been known to have idiopathic epilepsy, or seizures for no known reason. Generally, medication can control the seizures quite successfully.
- Eye Problems — Pugs can have some serious eye problems including Corneal Ulcers, Dry Eye and Pigmentary Keratitis (PK) — this is commonly seen in Pugs and quite often occur together — Dystichia — extra eye lashes that rub against the eye causing irritation and sometimes ulcers.
- Hemi-Vertebra — A condition which involves deformed, misshaped vertebrae of the spine. It is a problem commonly seen in short-faced breeds, including the Pug. Signs of the disorder include a staggering, uncoordinated and weak gait and generally occurs in puppies between 4 to 6 months of age. The disease can get progressively worse and may lead to paralysis.
- Hip Dysplasia — Pugs are second only to Bulldogs in the amount of Hip Dysplasia seen in the breed. However, unlike some of the large and giant breeds affected with Hip Dysplasia, most Pugs can lead normal, healthy lives without requiring surgery.
- Legg-Perthes Calves Disease — This is a common disease seen in many of the toy breeds which, like Hip Dysplasia, involves the hip joint. In Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur is compromised.
- Luxating Patellas - Another common disorder seen in toy breeds and some larger breeds. In affected dogs, the kneecap or patella slides to the side and the joint is unstable, rather than riding up and down as it usually does.
This information is just general information, to make you aware of problems which can occur.
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