FYI:Pugs are very sturdy and compact for a toy breed, but there is some known inherited problems that can occur in the Pug dog. If your Pug's Tail is uncurled or droopy, this can be a sign that he is not feeling well. Older Pugs sometimes lose the muscle ability to keep their tails curls. Hip or back troubles can also cause a tail to be droopy.Anytime a Pug refuses to eat can be an indication that she is not well. Since Pugs like to eat so many things they can easily have a pancreatic attack if something harmful is ingested. If your Pug showns any signs of a stomach ache, such as being hunched up or refusing to eat, lethargic, look for evidence of her eating something...such as stuffing from a pillow...get her to a vet promptly.
Pug puppies should be vaccinated at the ages of 8, 12 and 16 weeks old. However, some Pugs have had near fatal allergic reactions to their vaccinations. Their faces swelled up so much that it was cutting off their airways. Make sure you have atleast 4 hours to watch your Pug after its shots. Some people ask their vets for 1/2 the dose but this is illegal in some states.You may notice a little tender knot at the sight of the vaccination. It should disappear within a few days.
Pugs are also sensitive to Anesthesia and should be put under with the gas 'Isoflourane'. It is the safest for this breed. Because it is fairly new, and more expensive, many vets do not have it. Pugs have flat faces and when put under, they have been known to swallow their tongues and choke or their heart simply ceases to beat. The owner of a Pug should make certain that their vet uses a heart monitor and oxygen tube on their Pug during surgery and that these remain in place even after a successful surgery has occurred as the recovery period is still crucial to the Pug. If possible, the owner should either remain and monitor Pugsley until he awakens while watching the monitor, or the vets nurse should remain to monitor Pugsley until he is fully and completely awake. Please go to "Cares and Bewares" and scroll to "Pugs and Surgery" For complete information. (Main Pug House Page)
Normal temperature in a Pug should be between 100.4-102.2 (38-39 C) and anything above is considered a fever. To take your Pug's temp. use a RECTAL thermometer only. Never use an oral one. Coat the thermometer with vaseline and stick it gently in the about an inch. Leave in about 2-3 minutes and hold onto it as well.
This does not cover all medical problems that you may encounter, but, it is a reference guide for some of the more common health problems seen in Pugs.
Many times, people who are wanting to own a Pug will read all of the common problems prone to this breed and panic. They wonder if the Pug is a high maintenance breed prone to high medical bills. The only answer I can give to these inquiring questions is that the lists compiled for the Pug breed has been compiled due to the fact that these problems typically happen in our breed.
Do they afflict every Pug? No, of course not, however, the Pug is a short and cobby little dog. He has small legs with a broad body, a flat face with virtually very little nose. Obviously he is prone to problems. The medical list is compiled to let you know what you, as a Pug owner may encounter. Some will tell you they are a high maintenance breed, with vet bills to prove it, while others will tell you they have had very few problems with their Pug. Regardless of the best breeding and the best breeder, because the Pug is a toy breed with a cute little body, he may have problems that other breeds do not have. When you own a Pug, you must consider the cost of having such a cute face. He may cost you a lot, or he may not. Nobody can tell you for sure if you will encounter any of the below problems, but you must be aware of them and you must know that they can occur in your Pug because of his breed and build.
The one problem that I have seen most often in Pugs, is skin allergies. That is the one thing I have seen mostly occur in Pugs. They chase their tails and try to bite them and they scratch and itch. Of course skin allergies can be eliminated or alleived. They are minor to many of the other problems addressed below. However, if I had to tell you one thing I feel you will more than likely see occur in your Pug, it would be skin allergies.
The next thing on my list to tell you to watch for would be Arthritis when your Pug ages. Arthritis can also be alleviated relatively inexpensively. Hip Dysplasia has become more common in Pugs. Soon, we are hopeful breeders will be required to have their breeding Pugs X-rayed to rule out Hip Dysplasia just like the big dogs, such as German Shepards are X-rayed to rule out this problem. We do not want to breed Pugs with HD because this is passed on to their offspring. However, at this time, I do not believe HD is common in Pugs, only that it can and has been ocuring.