The pug is a fashionable dog. This term has a negative connotation. As a pug lover, you don't have your dog because it's fashionable. You love its sweet personality and loyal gaze. This cheerful little companion will stick with you through thick and thin. Unfortunately, this otherwise robust breed has inherent health problems. Some interesting information and tips will help you understand and manage these.
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Historical facts about the Pug
This ancient dog breed originated in Imperial China. Around 2,000 years ago, these dogs were bred from mastiff-like animals. Even then, the pug was a privilege of the ruling house in Beijing.
This breed of dog only arrived in Europe in the 16th century. From Holland, it conquered the fashionable ladies. Many historical paintings attest to the Pug's presence in privileged society. These depictions document the original head shape with a small nose. In 1927, the original Pug was depicted in "Brehm's Animal Life."
Only when this breed became a real fashion dog did the muzzle become increasingly flatter. These deliberate breeding practices are now considered cruel breeding practices, as they cause serious health problems for the dog. In 2010, the FCI finally listened to animal welfare concerns and responded. The breeding standard: "protruding eyes, barely visible nose, flat side profile, thick nasal fold" was amended.
What is a Retro Pug
Due to the massive accusations from animal welfare organizations, responsible breeders are trying to reverse this "cruel breeding." Unfortunately, decades of breeding abuses cannot be eliminated overnight. Small steps are being taken in the right direction.
There have already been breeding successes, and a pug with a nose is not just a dream of the future; rather, it is already a reality. The Netherlands is a pioneer in animal welfare. There, a breeding ban applies to pugs whose nose length is less than at least one-third of the length of their head.
Breeding a Retro Pug in a species-appropriate manner means a longer muzzle, allowing for better breathing. This results in more agile and healthier dogs. Under no circumstances should the Pug's character and characteristics be altered.
The goal is to revive the Pug of the 1950s and 1960s through breeding. These four-legged friends were somewhat larger and more athletic. Their heads were not quite as rounded, and they had a longer nose.
What is a Frops
This breed originates from America. A French Bulldog is a cross between a French Bulldog and a Pug. The purpose and goal of this breed is to prevent the damage caused by overbreeding.
In America, this "new breed" is called the Frenchie-Pug. The appearance and coloring of these small dogs vary, depending on the degree of genetic inheritance of each parent.
What you need to consider when making a purchase
Pugs, vintage pugs, and floppy ears are offered at the pet market. Most importantly, don't buy from the "black sheep" of the industry. Check with the associations for reputable breeders. These dogs come at a price. Don't be tempted by a "special offer" at the pet market. The average price for a puppy from a good breeder is between €1,000 and €2,000 (sometimes more). Offers below €1,000 are usually dubious.
You can find help from the Pug and Pekingese Association , or MPRV for short. This association was founded in 2001 and has taken a stand against cruel breeding practices. The MPRV and its affiliated breeders have the health of these breeds as their breeding goal.
What health problems can a pug have?
This article will discuss the two most important problems of a pug
If you need further medical information about
If you want to have your favorite, you can find more information on Katrin's practice blog .
breathing
The most noticeable symptoms of breathing problems are:
- snoring
- wheezing
- Cough
- Strangle
- breathing pauses
The reasons for these limitations are the small nostrils and minimal nasal cavity. This results in a noisy intake of oxygen. Another issue is the soft palate. In the Pug, it is too long and positioned backward, further obstructing breathing.
This constantly reduced oxygen supply can become a major problem during exercise and heat. During physical exertion, the required oxygen cannot be absorbed sufficiently. If increased body weight (obesity) is added to this, circulatory collapse can occur.
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Shortness of breath makes the typical panting in dogs difficult. This heat regulation mechanism is lacking in pugs. You have to take care of cooling your pet down. You have to prevent the small dog's body from overheating so that summer or vacation doesn't become a serious problem for your four-legged friend's life.
It is precisely these major breathing problems in pugs with extremely short noses that should be improved by breeding a pug with a nose.
Inflammations
Poor circulation can cause facial skin to become dry and flaky. Sometimes the bridge of the nose becomes calloused and crumbles. Another problem is the skin folds. Dust and dirt collect in them, which can lead to inflammation.
The Pug's large eyes are particularly vulnerable. Eye infections are not uncommon, as small dust particles can irritate the cornea without hindrance. Furthermore, the Pug's eye is not adequately protected by the eye socket, making eye injuries more likely.
How can you help your loved one?
Surgical procedures
Surgical intervention can improve respiratory symptoms. Enlarging the nostrils facilitates airflow. Another option is shortening the soft palate.
Soft palate surgery on a pug is a matter of trust. These little fellows are high-risk patients due to their restricted breathing. The veterinary clinic or practice must be experienced in such surgeries. The cost is approximately €700. The price level is determined by the federal state and the veterinary clinic or practice performing the procedure.
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Special skin care for the pug
Grooming the coat and paws is not demanding. Regular brushing of the coat and checking the paws after walks is sufficient. Depending on the length of the walks, you may need to trim the claws at regular intervals.
Regular bathing isn't necessary for your four-legged friend. It changes the pH of the skin, which could cause dryness and flaky skin. For special cases (such as rolling in mud or mud), use one of our mild natural dog soaps .
Your main focus is on the care of your face, eyes and ears.
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ears
You should check the ears regularly and clean them with appropriate care products. Never use sharp objects (such as ear swabs). Pugs are generally not prone to inflammation in this area; if they do occur, they often occur in conjunction with food allergies.
Eyes
The large, round eyes protrude slightly. A slight deposit may form on the eye or eyelid after sleeping. Wipe this away with a soft, damp cloth. If the eyes are watering heavily and/or are red, it could be a foreign body or an eye infection. Take your furry friend to the vet to have this checked out.
Face
The Pug has the following problem areas:
- facial wrinkles
- thick nasal fold
- bridge of the nose
Daily care of wrinkles is extremely important. Dust, dirt, and food residue can accumulate in the gaps. Sometimes you'll also find hair fragments stuck between the skin folds. All of these things can lead to skin inflammation.
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Wipe the wrinkles and gaps daily with a soft, damp cloth. No crusts should remain, which could potentially rub and irritate the skin's surface. Furthermore, rotten food residue can cause bacterial infections.
Depending on what your pug prefers, you can use cold or lukewarm water. Then, dry the area carefully and thoroughly. Warm and moist areas can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Keep the skin supple but not greasy. For skin prone to inflammation, you can use our Skin Repair Lotion , for example.
If your pet is causing a bit of a flood while drinking and slurping the water in a fit of excitement, you can do something nice for him afterward. Such drinking habits moisten the spaces between the skin folds. Wipe away the moisture with a dry cloth. Over time, your furry friend will enjoy this post-drinking ritual.
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The reduced oxygen supply can lead to a lack of oxygen in the upper parts of the skin. The result is dry, flaky, and crusty skin. The nasal area (bridge of the nose, area around the nostrils) is particularly affected.
Your job is to keep these areas supple so that this skin condition doesn't develop. Nose butter products from Yuki cares are ideal for this. The natural ingredients are completely harmless, and the cream absorbs quickly. This way, there's no greasy or oily film left behind, which would be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Your pet has a crusty and crumbly nose. That's no problem. Our nose butter products will help you treat it. Gently apply the cream to the affected areas. The nose butter is absorbed into the skin. The natural active ingredients dissolve the crusts, allowing nutrients to penetrate the skin and "repair" the deficit caused by the lack of oxygen. The result is a smooth skin surface. You'll notice this positive result after a few days of treatment. With regular use of nose butter, such skin defects will no longer occur.
Text by Balance Cure Tierheilpraxis & Textbroker / Pamina 2
Photos by Balance Cure Animal Healing Practice & Pixabay
