The Pug Breed Council Health Sub-committee have a website dedicated to trusted pug health information. They aim to provide and share information to help all Pug owners and breeders make educated decisions to ensure that their Pugs lead a long, healthy and happy life. They are promoting health testing and ethical breeding and are totally committed to conserving the Pug Breed that we all know and love. Visit their website for more information about pug health and their 5 star health scheme: www.pughealth.org.uk
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS):
Click here to read Dick White Referrals’ useful leaflet about short-nosed breeds, whose anatomy can lead to secondary problems.
You can also follow The Cambridge BOAS Research Group, consisting of clinical researchers, surgeons/nurses, and geneticists, investigating respiratory disorders in brachycephalic dogs. Their research aims to improve the breed health and latest treatment options: (1) Cambridge BOAS Research Group | Facebook
Latest Pug Health articles by PDWRA Vet Advisors:
NEW: Atopic Dermatitis (Itchy skin).
Atopy is where an allergic reaction to inhaled substances (allergens, such as pollen and household dust), expressed in dogs as itchiness of the skin (atopic dermatitis). These dogs have a genetic predisposition to develop allergies and unfortunately, is another condition common to pugs. It can also be due proteins in the diet (food allergy).
Atopic Dermatitis (Itchy skin!). | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
The disease Brucella canis.
Parting from the usual subject of pug health issues, this article highlights the disease, Brucella canis, being brought in to the UK via imported dogs. It is concerning as it can cause significant illness in humans (known as a zoonotic disease) especially in people who are immune-suppressed.
PDWRA Vet Advisor Helen discusses Canine Brucellosis | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE).
PLE is an umbrella term for a group of diseases that damage the gut to such an extent that it not only has difficulty absorbing nutrients but also leaks protein out of the body.
To read our article on this, go to: Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE). | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Spinal conditions.
Not uncommon in Pugs, unfortunately because they have been bred to have flat faces (brachycephalic), is the associated abnormal development of their spines and early degeneration of their discs.
Please read more on this by Vet Advisor, Malcolm, at: Spinal conditions in Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Various health issues overrepresented in Pugs.
PDWRA Vet Advisor, Helen’s own grumble illustrates the number of health issues that are pug breed related or over-represented in pugs.
Please see: Vet Helen’s Grumble Health Issues | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Mast Cell Tumours.
Unfortunately, Mast Cell Tumours, are quite common in pugs, and since the tumour can take the guise of so many different lumps and bumps, it needs to be identified and addressed promptly.
Please see the full article: Mast Cell Tumours – by PDWRA Vet Advisor, Helen. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Seizures.
Unfortunately, seizures are something that a significant amount of pug owners may experience. There are many reasons why pugs are especially susceptible to this, please read Helen’s feature:
Seizures in Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Obesity.
Being overweight for a pug is a health issue, plus it exacerbates other issues that pugs are already prone to. Therefore, the importance of weight management is essential for them to live long, healthy and happy lives.
Please see our webpage dedicated to this with advice and tips on: FIT not FAT! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Dental Disease.
Because pugs are brachycephalic (Little/no nose/muzzle), their jaws are an abnormal shape, and as a result, they are more likely to have dental problems.
To read a little more about this, please see: Dental Disease in Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
For some general tips on dental health, please read: Pet Dental Health Month. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Pet Insurance.
As pet insurance can be quite a minefield out there, as with any insurance, Helen provides some advice on it:
PDWRA’s vet advice on Pet Insurance | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
During the various seasons of the year we have different potential health challenges and hazards for our pugs, so please see this section for the most current seasonal information;
Please see: Seasonal Hazards for Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
