Health Symptoms for Pug Dogs

Pugs are gentle, playful and sociable making them popular companion dogs. These dogs have been bred in China since 400 B.C.,states the American Kennel Club. Although pugs have small, sturdy bodies and look like they have a perpetual smile on their face, they are actually prone to many health issues. Pug ailments range from ear problems, facial infections, respiratory problems, obesity and brain disease. Many pug health conditions are preventable through diet, exercise and regular grooming.

  1. Ears

    • Pugs have small, floppy ears that are susceptible to bacterial ear infections. The ears collect moisture in the pug's ear canal. If the pug is shaking its head, scratching its ears and has a fungal smell, then it most likely has an ear infection. Veterinarians prescribe ear drops for the infection, which contain both an antibiotic and an anti-fungal agent. It normally takes two weeks of treatment before the ear infection goes away, Pug Health.org.

    Skin Folds

    • Wrinkles and skin folds can lead to infection from moisture and debris.

      Moisture and debris gather in the skin folds and wrinkles of a pug's face, causing irritation, dermatitis or skin infections. Daily cleaning wherever a pug has skin folds---including the tail---is necessary to prevent infections. If the pug does develop dermatitis or skin infections, the area is shaved and topical antibiotics are applied to the infected area.

    Breathing

    • The flat face of a pug causes excessive panting.

      The flat faces of pugs cause many respiratory problems. Pugs are born with small nostrils and elongated soft palates making it hard to breathe. They loudly gasp for breath, especially when overheated.

    Overweight

    • Obesity is common in pugs.

      Pugs have small bodies, so it does not take much food for them to put on weight. They also love to eat. Since pugs cannot exercise, weight gain is inevitable. Obesity causes many illnesses in pugs including overheating, hyperthermia, arthritis, and heart and back problems. According to Ugly Mug Pug.com, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for the longevity of the pug.

    Brain Infection

    • Necrotizing menginogencephalitis, commonly known as pug dog encephalitis is a brain infection. Symptoms of encephalitis in pugs are seizures, depression, circling, blindness, tremors and tilting the head. Veterinarians prescribe antibiotics, anti-convulsants and steroids to treat the disease. Treatment lasts for up to six months, states the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina University.