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:
Spinal conditions.
Not uncommon in Pugs, unfortunately because they have been bred to have flat faces (brachycephalic) and linked with this is abnormal development of their spines and early degeneration of their discs.
Please see: 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 of pugs, that are 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)
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)
Seizures.
Unfortunately, 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)
Pug Health in the News – Obesity.
Please also read: PDWRA’s Vet Advice on Pug Weight! | 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)
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)
Pug Health in the News! | 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;
Currently the temperature’s dropping:
It’s Getting Cold Outside!! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
To find out more, please see our section on: Seasonal Hazards for Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
