How to Prevent Allergies in a Pug

A pug is a breed of small dog with a short, smooth coat and a wrinkled, "squashed" muzzle. These personable dogs are energetic but also susceptible to allergies. There are steps you can take to help your pug deal with allergy symptoms and the discomfort that comes with them as well as prevent the onset of new allergies.

Things You'll Need

  • Antihistamine
  • Organ meat
  • Poultry
  • Allergy shampoo for dogs
  • Allergy skin cream for dogs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Never give your pug chocolate. Pugs are very sensitive to chocolate, which can turn toxic in their digestive systems, manifesting as severe, uncomfortable allergic reactions. Chocolate also contains caffeine and theobromine, which can affect your pub's cardiovascular and central nervous system, causing symptoms such as rapid breathing and heart rate, extreme excitement and muscle tremors. These side effects can be fatal to small dogs, including pugs.

    • 2

      Start your pug on an antihistamine regimen prior to the beginning of the local allergy season to help prevent suffering from seasonal allergies. Consult your veterinarian regarding the proper dosage and when to administer the antihistamine to you pug.

    • 3

      Remove grains from your pug's diet. Corn, wheat and other grains are often a source of allergens to pugs, so eliminating them from your dog's diet could prevent an allergy from developing. Grain-free dog food are readily available in pet stores.

    • 4

      Include plenty of calcium and protein in your pug's diet. A well-nourished pug is more likely to have a strong immune system that is able to fight off allergies. Organ meat and poultry are good sources of calcium and protein, as well as duck neck meat.

    • 5

      Limit the amount of dairy products, such as cheese and milk, your pug eats as they are known allergen sources for dogs. Also avoid feeding your dog processed foods that contain preservatives which can cause skin irritations and discomfort to your pug.

    • 6

      Keep your pug's skin clean to prevent skin allergies from cropping up. Using special allergy shampoos and skin creams can help get rid of dry skin, then keep it soft and healthy. Pay special attention to your pug's wrinkles during bathing. Gently wash away any dirt that may be stuck in these areas.