Pug Health Problems that are Common

Pugs are so cute especially as puppies. It is the eyes and the little flat snouts that make them look so cute. Pug health problems that are more common will be listed. They do have some health problems that are attributed to Pugs as a breed, but also can be found in other breeds. One way to protect yourself is to buy from a reputable Pug breeder, who will have a family history on your pet. This does not mean that your pet will not become ill, but it will lessen the chance.

Pug Dog Encephalitis is an inflammatory brain disease that affects Pugs of both sexes. The disease was considered to affect just Pugs; however, a similar disease has been seen recently in Maltese, Pekingese and Yorkshire terrier breeds. If you have a Pug that is under one year or over 5 years that starts having seizures you should take your pet to the vet to have it checked out for this disease.

Hip Dysplasia is found mostly in bigger breed dogs, but it has also been found in Pugs. This is a debilitating disease to an animal. This is a painful disease, and you will start to see the effects of it when your Pug is still a puppy. There is no cure for this, and it does leave the dog disabled from being able to walk.

Tracheal Collapse is another one of the pug health problems to look out for.  It is caused by a narrowing of the windpipe due to a loss in rigidity of the cartlidge in some small breed dogs, like Toy Poodles, Yorkies, Miniature Pincher, Maltese, Chihuahuas and other small dog breeds. Symptoms include a cough, especially after exercise, noisy breathing and gagging, and a goose honk which is so named due to the sound.

This requires treatment for the life of your pet in most cases as it is progressive. It can be acquired or hereditary. Cushing’ disease can also cause it. There are medical treatments, which are cough suppressants, antibiotics, steroids, weight loss, and keeping your pet away from irritants. In severe cases surgery is needed to place a stent to hold the trachea open.

Other pug health problems that you may see are Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease which is a bone disease that small breed puppies, who weigh less than 24 pounds, can get. Intervertebral disk disease is common and can leave your pet in severe pain, loss of coordination and paralysis. It is most common in breeds of dogs called chondrodystrophoid breeds, like a Pekingese, Pug, Basset Hound, American Cocker spaniel, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Welsh Corgi; this is a serious health problem. These are just a few of the more common diseases that your Pug may be more subject to, but your pup may be just as subject to be healthy.