Pugs are adorable, sweet, and loyal pets for many families. Unfortunately, the breed is vulnerable to many health issues, ranging from eye problems to obesity. To learn how to keep your pug healthy and when they need care from an animal hospital, check out the list below.

How to Keep Your Pug Healthy

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight 

If your pug’s waist is slightly concave, that’s an indicator they’re at a healthy weight; if not, they may need to drop a few pounds and exercise more. Overweight pugs are vulnerable to diabetes, heart problems, joint malfunction, and breathing issues. Like all dogs, pugs need regular exercise, so walk them at least twice a day for short distances when the temperature is below 85 degrees. Additionally, visit your local animal hospital for advice on a diet that’s right for your pet. 

2. Watch for Breathing Problems

All dogs pant when it’s hot out, but pugs especially don’t do well in the summer due to breathing problems. While it’s normal for pugs to snore or breathe more loudly than other dogs, you should still monitor them by listening for any changes. If you notice a difference in their breathing, take them to an animal hospital to find out if there are underlying issues. Wheezing or gasping in pugs can indicate congestive heart failure.

3. Monitor Their Eyes 

One of a pug’s most precious, endearing features is their large, dark eyes. However, since their eyes are so prominent, they’re more prone to injury. Ask your vet if your pet is a candidate for canthoplasty, a surgery that helps make the eye opening smaller and reduce the risk of injury. If your dog’s eye does get injured, visit the animal hospital right away. Indicators of problems, such as frequent pawing or scratching at their eyes, eye-watering and redness, or excessive blinking, may mean they have an eye ulceration. 

Whether you have a pug or not, your pets are family. At Animal Health Center in Enterprise, AL, they understand the importance of your pet’s health, and they provide the highest quality of care in a warm, welcoming environment. They offer services including immunization, boarding, grooming, geriatric care, nutritional consultations, and 24/7 emergency care. For more information on how this animal hospital can help, visit their website or call (334) 347-0544 to schedule an appointment today.