Pug Health Problems

Common Pug Problems 

 Pug health problems are numerous, and while it may seem that pugs have a lot of problems, remember that most of them are healthy and live great long lives.

Here are some common pug health problems:

Cataracts

Cataracts looks like a whitening of the eye.  It is the lens turning white resulting in reduced visibility and often leads to blindness.  Cataracts are fairly common in pugs.

Corneal Ulcers

Due to the pugs large eyes, the eye is prone to trauma.  A corneal ulcers is an abrasion of the eye which is an extremely painful conditions requiring immediate veterinarian care.

Elongated Soft Palate

This is the reason what a lot of pugs reverse sneeze a lot when the are excited.  Some pugs seem to be always making snoring sounds and this is why and usually is causes no harm.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that good pug breeders should test for and try to remove form their breeding lines.

Hip dysplasia which is an instability in the hip joint often leads to arthritis and mobility issues.

Pug Dog Encephalitis

Pug dog encephalitis (PDE) is a chronic form of glaucomatous encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain.  It is usually a fatal disease, and usually appears between 6 months to 3 years of age in some pugs.

Entropion

Due to the large amount of skin on the head some folds of skin can rub up against the eye resulting in entropion.  The hair from the skin irritates the cornea resulting in corneal ulcers.  Surgery is often required for this condition.

Dystoica

Due to the pugs small size and large head, dystocia, or difficulty giving birth is common.  It is not recommended that you breed your pug.  But if you do decide to breed your pug make sure you work closely with your veterinarian preparing for its pregnancy.

Skin Dermatitis

Skin fold dermatitis is common in pugs as well.  Due to the large amount of skin, some folds can be quite deep.  these deep skin folds are a great place for bacteria and yeast to grow, especially when moisture gets into the skin folds.

Demodex

Demodex is a common skin parasite which sometimes can grow out of control.  While demodex is present on most dogs it is normally only a problem in dogs or puppies with weakened immune systems.

A common signs of demodex in pugs is hairless patches.

Respiratory Problems

Due to their short snout and elongated palate, pugs can be prone to tracheal collapse, pneumonia, and other severe respiratory diseases.

Conclusion

As you can see pug health problems are common and can be quite severe.  it is important that you take your dog to the veterinarian at least once a year for an annual physical examination.