Common Pug Dog Health Problems
Understanding the characteristics of your dog's breed will allow you to care for your best friend easier and more thoroughly because you are aware of any potential health risks. It can positively impact their well-being, especially in their older years because you the prevention you have taken will result in fewer health problems.
Hip Dysplasia is actually a common problem among many dogs, particularly larger breeds, but pugs are also particularly susceptible to this condition. A lot of pain may be caused in cases of hip dysplasia to the dog due to the malformation of the hip joint and femur bones and in the some cases, will need immediate surgery, or in the worst case, will need to be put to sleep. A proper diet along with a pattern of exercises on a regular basis are the best methods for handling milder cases.
Pugs are prone to cardiac issues due to the strain put on their hearts, which become abnormally enlarged, by their nostrils. They oftentimes are constricted or narrow, a nasal abnormality is known as stenotic nares. Signs of this condition, which can be corrected with surgery, include mouth breathing and nasal discharge that is foamy.
A problem in which the pet's eyelids will roll in making the lashes to rub irritably against the pet's eyes is termed entropion, and is an important health concern because it can facilitate other issues such as ulcerations, scratches and irriation of the pet's eyes which only makes a bad situation worse. The most widely used method for clearing this up is surgery and can remedy the situation; however, to find the problem and begin taking care to fix it is crucial to your pet's welfare and healthiness.
Dry Eyes is another condition that can fairly commonly occur in pugs. A disorder of the eyes leading to poorly functioning ocular surfaces is Dry Eye, in which tear liquid is not produced as fast as it is evaporated. When not enough tears are being produced by our tear ducts, this may be caused by blockage of the duct or the lack of nerve stimulation, and treatment depends on how severe the condition is.
There are two varieties of demodectic skin mites and they are a common problem with many dogs. With the first form, localized demodectic mange, appearing as small hairless patches of skin, is seen in dogs under one year of age. The second form is generalized demodectic mange, which appears in one large patch of hairless but healthy looking skin and can appear in a dog of any age.
There are many more health conditions that you should look out for if you own or intend to own a pug, so if you suspect that your dog has any of the problems listed above or problems that may not be listed make an appointment with your vet and have your dog evaluated.
Your dog's health is important. And there are some health issues common only to particular breeds of dog. If you're a pug owner, or thinking of adding a pug to your family, you'll want to find out all you can about pug health issues.
Published June 19th, 2008
Filed in Pets
