Pug Care Tips

Although these dogs are a rather small breed, especially pug puppies, a fair share of dog care is still required. First of all, they are “inside” dogs, as they cannot stand to stay too long in the heat or humidity, both of which can be lethal to them in a short half hour. This is because a dog’s cooling system consists of their noses and tongues, and this dog has by definition a small nose and tongue, depriving it of a way to blow off steam, so to speak. Their short muzzle also contributes to a high incidence of eye injuries, mostly puncture and scratching wounds.

Another physical trait that requires constant dog care are their characteristic wrinkles. Owners must make sure to pay attention to this folds, and thoroughly clean in between the creases, as they are likely to gather and accumulate dust and other materials, which can cause irritation and even an infection. Their narrow ear canals make this area also susceptible to infection, so keeping the ears clean and dry will prevent the onset of disease. This is why it’s very important to keep the ears of this small breed dry even while bathing the puppy.
Speaking of which, these dogs should be bathed at least once a week to keep undesired odors at bay, with warm water and using a mild shampoo and conditioner. A wash cloth should be used to scrub the hide and a towel to finally dry the dog. Water should be kept away from their eyes, which tend to be very sensitive.

Feeding is yet one more sensitive issue. If left to their own devices, these pug puppies will eat anything and everything that gets in their way, whether it was originally edible or not. This sort of behavior leads to overweight, and consequently, unhealthy pets. Owners must establish a strict feeding schedule for their pets, and be able to stick to it themselves, since Pug puppies have been known to manipulate their owners, just like a human child would.

Talking about rebelliousness, this small breed will most likely be averse to having its nails clipped, sometimes requiring two people to hold them down while the task is being performed. This is why it is advisable to undertake this chore at the end of the day when the dog is tired and less unruly, or even while it is asleep.
All in all, it would seem like this small breed is high maintenance, but they are indeed such small lap dogs that even the most exhaustive dog care shouldn’t take that long.