Welcome to our Q & A Page

The Pug
Caring for your Pug
Health Issues
Trees, Plants and Food that are poisonous to your Pug
Things you will need for your new Pug
Micro chips and your pet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pug

Question: What is the difference between a Pug and a Chinese?

Answer: Nothing, Pugs are known as Pug Dogs, Pugs, and Chinese Pugs. There pups are often referred to as Puglets.

Question: Do Pugs Snore?

Answer: Yes, most pugs snore very loudly, and will probably out snore any member of your family. If you are lucky, you will get one that does not snore. They snore because of their short noses. Pugs also snort and pass gas.

Question: Do Pugs Shed?

Answer: Yes, mounds of hair. Pugs have a top coat and under coat. The top coat is made up of longer hair, while the under coat is a softer fluffy hair. They do not require a lot of grooming, but if you do not groom at all, expect a lot of hair around your house. I also recommend a shedding comb to remove excess hair and a soft brush to bring out the oil in the coat.

Question: Can Pugs stay outside in the winter and summer?

Answer: No, pugs can not tolerate the cold or heat. Dogs cool off by panting and their long tongues and noses give them more cooling area, but Pugs lack this cooling area. Pugs can (and will) literally over heat and die in less than 30 minutes outdoors in high heat and/or humidity.

Question: How much daily care do they actually require?

Answer: Very little. On a weekly basis, you should brush their coat, keep their faces clean and check their eyes for problems. Monthly, you should also trim their toe nails, and maybe give them a bath if they need it. Lots of people find using a shedding comb monthly greatly reduces the amount of hair that turns up on their clothes and carpets.

Question: Which is better for just a pet - a male or a female?

Answer: I prefer females, but some people believe males make the better pets. Males tend to lift their legs to mark their territory, if they are used for stud. A neutered male tends not to do this, if he is fixed before he starts to lift is leg. I think it is just a matter of personal preference.

Question: How long do Pugs normally live?

Answer: Being a small breed, healthy Pugs normally live from 12 to 15 years, but can live for many more. I had a pug that lived until she was 17 years old.

Question: Do Pugs make good watch dogs or guard dogs?

Answer: No. Some Pugs may alert you that that someone is at the door, but will end up licking them to death when you let them in. Pugs do not bark a lot and in general are just over friendly.

Question: Do Pugs really like to dress up in costumes?

Answer: Actually, they usually do. Pugs love to be dressed up and carried around in a doll carriage. Our kids did this with our female pug, but the male would have nothing to do with this. They love the attention.

Question: Will everyone tell me my Pug is "so ugly it's cute or that it has a face only a mother could love?

Answer: Yes, some people just do not appreciate the looks of a nice looking pug. It's wrinkles on the fore head give the pug its expression.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caring for your Pug.

Question: How often should I bath my pug?

Answer: You should bath your pug no more than once a month. Over bathing tends to dry the skin causing itching. When bathing use an oatmeal pet shampoo, never use human's shampoo or detergent. The oatmeal shampoo has lots of conditioners.

Question: How often should I brush my pug?

Answer: Pugs require regular brushing every other day. Brushing keeps the short coat looking good, shiny and its skin healthy. I use a shedding comb to remove excess hair, when they are loosing their winter coats.

Question: What about nail clipping?

Answer: Nail clipping should be done monthly for an adult dog and every 2-3 weeks for a puppy. This can be done by yourself, a veterinarian, or a grooming place.

Question: How do I clip the nails?

Answer: Pugs have black nails, so this makes it more difficult to clip them. So you start at the tip of the nail, careful not to cut the "quick", clipping just a little at a time. On some dogs, you will notice a little hook on the nail. Do not cut past this hook or the nail will bleed. If the nail bleeds, use a styptic powder,or baby powder to stop the bleeding.

Question: How do I express the Anal Gland

Answer: Most pugs express their own anal glands naturally through defecation, but sometimes they need to be expressed when they fail to empty normally. This can result in impacted and is more common in small breeds. Every dog has 2 anal glands or sacs on each side of the anus. The secretion from this gland is a brownish liquid, and has a unpleasant odor.
It is best to express the gland when you are bathing the dog. I recommend doing this only if you notice you pug dragging his behind along the ground.

Question: How do I care for their wrinkles?.

Answer: There nose wrinkles need to be wiped gently with a moist cloth with a 50% solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Do not use cotton swabs, or q-tips, because the cotton will stick to the dog, and the cotton tip may get stuck in the wrinkles.

Question: Do pugs get pimples?

Answer: Yes, they sometimes do. They get them on their face and chin. Treatment is washing the pug's face after every meal. Also frequent washing of their dog dishes in hot soapy water will also help. It is also believed, that plastic dishes are the cause of acne. The cracks in the plastic trap bacteria, so it may be a good idea to discard plastic bowls, that have started to crack or peel. Some people use human acne wash products such as Phisiohex or Hexadene. Check with you vet before using any acne product.

Question: How do I clean the pug's ears?

Answer: The pugs ears need to be cleaned on a regular basis. I usually do this when I am bathing the dog. Ears can be cleaned with a Q-tip and an ear wash which is available at the vets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Issues

Question:What is PDE?

Answer: PDE is the swelling of the brain, and is characterized by seizures, usually before the age of 2. The seizures increase in length and severity and cannot be controlled by the use of medications as can epilepsy or acquired encephalitis. PDE cannot be positively diagnosed other than an autopsy on the brainstem.. Research is ongoing on for PDE, but at this time it is thought to be genetic in origin and therefore follows in a "line" or "family" of Pugs.

Question: What is Encephalitis?

Answer: Encephalitis is the medical term for inflammation of the brain which can cause seizures. This is a very serious condition and should only be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.

Question: What are Corneal Ulcers?

The cornea is the transparent, shiny membrane which makes up the front of the eyeball. The cornea is composed of three layers. The most superficial layer is the epithelium, which is comprised of several very thin layers of cell. Below the epithelium is the stroma, and the deepest layers s Descements membrane. Because all of these layers of the cornea are clear, it is not possible to see them without special stains that colour particular cells and highlight them when looked at with an ophthalmoscope There are several cause of corneal ulcers in dogs. The most common is trauma, An ulcer mad result from blunt trauma, such as a dog rubbing his eye on the carpet, or due to laceration such as a cat scratch or a sharp object. Another common cause is chemical burn of the cornea. This may happen when irritating shampoo gets in the eye.

Less common cause of corneal ulcers include bacterial infections, viral infection and other diseases. These may originate in the eye or may develop secondary to a disease elsewhere in the body. Examples of other diseases include:

Epithelial Dystropy - a weakening of the cornea which can be inherited in breeds. Drying of the cornea due to decreased tear production, call keratorconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or dye eye) While normal dogs eyes are lustrous, dogs with dry eye have eyes lacking in luster and appear textured. This condition is caused by the lack of tear production. This can be due to lack of nerve stimulation of the tear glands, failure of the tear glands, or blockage of the ducts that carry the tears to the eyes. Treatment will be dependent upon the cause and severity of the condition.

Endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) and hypothroidism.

How does a corneal ulcer affect by dog?

Answer: A corneal ulcer is very painful. Most dogs rub the affected eye with a paw or on the carpet in an attempt to relieve this intense pain. To protect the eye, they keep the lids tightly closed. Occasionally, there will be a discharge that collects in the corner of the eye or runs down the face.

Question: What is Entropian?

Answer: Entropian (the rolling of the eyelid/s into the eye) Due to the shape of the Pug's head, placement of the eyes and the over the nose wrinkle, this condition is common. It will cause the hairs or eyelashes to rub on the eye causing irritation. Generally, it will be only the inner corner of the bottom eyelid involved and as the Pug grows and matures the problem self-corrects. Surgery can correct this problem, but should be one only after the Pug has stop growing (usually around 3 years of age) as surgery before this could cause bigger eye problems in the future.

Question: What is Distachiasis?

Answer: Distachasis (eyelashes growing on the inside of the lid)is not as common as entropian. It causes irritation on the eye as the dog blinds. Can be one hair or many, and can be corrected surgically.

Question: What is is Trichiasis?

Answer: Trichiasis (in grown eyelashes of the upper eyelid) causes irritation of the eye. This condition can be surgically corrected.

Question: What is Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy?

Answer: PRA is a hereditary eye disease causing the breakdown of the cells of the retina. The breakdown is gradual leading to mid-life (age 5 - 7) blindness

Question: What is Pigmentary Keratitis?

Answer: Pigmentary Keratitis (brown film covering the eye) At the onset it looks like a small black or dark brown glob of pigment that begins on the white of the eye in the inside corners. It will gradually grow and spread across the eye completely covering it. The brown pigment blocks the vision and the Pug cannot see through it-rendering the dog blind.

Question: What are Bilateral Cataracts?

Answer: Bilateral Cataracts (film covering the eye) Cataracts in dogs can be identified as opaque spots on the lens of the eye. These spots may cause total or partial loss of vision. Some cataracts are hereditary while others are not. In some cases surgery may help the dog recover.

Question: What is Hemi-Vertebrae?

Answer: Hip Dysplasia is the hip bone out or loosely seated in the socket). Mild dysplasia is usually without symptoms in the Pug due to their stocky, muscular build. Severe dysplasis can lead to pain and arthritis in later life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trees, Plants and Food that are Poisonous to you Pug.

Question: What trees and plants are poisonous to Pugs?

Answer: The following are: Almond, Apple tree leaves, and stems Apricots,
Balsam Pears, Cherry, English Ivy, Ficus (Cuban Laurel), Ficus Lyrata (Fiddlehead), Japanese Plum, Jasmine, Matrimony Vine, Peach, Philodendron (Devil's Ivy), Virginia Creeper, Wild Cherry, and Yew (American, English & Western)

Question: Are onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins poisonous?

Answer:Yes, large amounts can be toxic which will cause vomiting, diarrhea, signs of kidney failure after 24 hours. A dog would need to eat 9 ounces to 2 pounds at one time to be at risk

Question: Is chocolate poisonous to Pugs?

Answer:Yes, chocolate is toxic to dogs and can lead to death if large amounts are consumed. Chocolate is toxic in the following amounts - Milk Chocolate 2 oz. per pound of dog (an 18 pound dog needs to eat 36 oz. or 2 1/4 pounds. Semi- Sweet chocolate 1 oz. per 3 lbs. Of dog. Baker's Chocolate 1 oz. per 9 lbs. of dog.

Question: Are sugarless candies poisonous to pugs?

Answer: Yes, sugarless candies contain "xylitol" which can cause liver damage.

Question: What other foods and beverages can be harmful to your Pug?

Alcoholic beverages can cause intoxication, coma, and death.

Baby food Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to dogs. (Please see onion below.) Can also result in nutritional deficiencies, if fed in large amounts.

Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.

Cat food Generally too high in protein and fats.

Coffee, tea, and other caffeine Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous systems.

Citrus oil extracts Can cause vomiting.

Fat trimmings Can cause pancreatitis.

Hops Unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.

Human vitamin supplements containing iron Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.

Large amounts of liver Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones.
Macadamia nuts Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.

Marijuana Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, and changes in the heart rate.

Milk and other dairy products Some adult dogs and cats do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhea. Lactose-free milk products are available for pets.

Moldy or spoiled food, garbage Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.

Mushrooms Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.

Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.

Persimmons Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.

Pits from peaches and plums Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.

Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

Raw fish Can result in a thiamin (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly.

Salt If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.

String Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."

Sugary foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.

Table scraps (in large amounts) Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.

Tobacco Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.

Yeast dough Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things you will need for your new Pug.

Question: Where will your Pug sleep?

Answer: Your pug needs a suitable place to sleep. There are a large variety of beds, and crates available, so you will need to find one that fits your lifestyle, and budget. You will want one that is big enough for your pug when they are full grown, that is usually a medium size bed or crate. If you purchase a small one, then you will be buying another before the year is done.

Question: What type of dog dish should I buy?

Answer: Dog dishes come in a variety of sizes, material, and colors. I suggest a wide dish that is not to deep, because of the pug's eyes and wide head. They come in plastic, ceramic, glass, and stainless steel. Plastic bowls sometimes cause pimples on the pug's chin. Ceramic or glass break and chip easily. Stainless steel have been known to cause severe diarrhea in pugs. Which ever one you choose, it should be washed in hot soapy water every day.

Question: What type of dog food should I buy?

Answer: We recommend a brand name like Iams, or Pedigree puppy food. Once you pug is one year old, you can start feeding him adult dog food. We do not recommend no name dog foods or cheaper brands like Ol'Roy etc.

Question: What kind of collar will I need?

Answer: We do not recommend a collar, but prefer a harness, because pugs can choke themselves by pulling to hard. With a harness, the pressure is on the body, and there is no way that they could strangle themselves. I have have known two people that this has happened to. Leashes need to be approx. no longer than 8 feet, or a retractable one.

Question: What types of snacks or treats should I buy?

Answer: There are many varieties and brands available. You pug will let you know which ones he likes. I suggest you limit the number of treats because of the weight problem. Also check the ingredients watching sugar and fat.

Question: What types of toys should I buy?

Answer: There hundreds of toys available. The small Kong, raw hide chews,etc. Pugs love stuffed animals, but make sure they don't have eyes or plastic noses that may come off, and pose a choking hazard.

Question : Does my pug need a coat?

Answer: Yes, in the winter, your pug will feel the cold. The coats that come with Velcro closures are easy to get on and off. Pugs do not like sweaters that go over their heads, because of their eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microchipping your Puppy

Question: What is a Microchip?

Answer: A microchip is a very small capsule about the size of a grain of rice that contains a computer chip which stores an alphanumeric code that is unique and specific to the animal which receives the implant.

Question: Are Microchips Safe?

Answer:Microchips are produced of biologically inert materials, and individually sterilized and packaged. They do not cause a tissue reaction and have been found to be extremely safe both in the short and the long term.

Question: Why Microchip my Pet?

Answer: Microchips provide a permanent, unremovable means of animal identification that will not fade or be lost over time as can occur with a tattoo or ID tag. Owner information can be accessed immediately through the recovery database associated with the microchip. This ensures the quick and accurate identification of a lost pet, avoiding the delays and sometimes misinterpretations found with other forms of pet ID. It is also a system that knows no geographical boundary and is applicable throughout North America, making it the best insurance you can provide your pet in the event it becomes lost. d deep enough to allow the anti-migrating features to properly take hold.

Question: How is a Microchip Placed Within My Pet?

Answer: The microchip is injected under the skin and into the connective tissue of your pet with an instrument much like a hypodermic needle. It is no different than having your pet vaccinated, the process is quick, simple and causes minimal discomfort to your pet.

 

Question: Can a Microchip Move Once its Implanted?

Answer: Early versions of the microchip had a tendency to 'migrate' after implantation. Today's manufacturers have developed microchips with anti-migrating properties that have dramatically reduced this potential. The best way to prevent a microchip from migrating is proper implantation. This means following the instructions as laid out by the manufacturer and ensuring the chip is implanted.

Question: What is the Lifespan of a Microchip?

Answer: The microchip itself contains no internal battery but is powered by energy it receives from the scanner or reader. As such they enjoy an exceptionally long lifespan that far exceeds the life of the animal.

Question: How Does the System Work?

Answer; When a lost animal appears in a shelter, humane society, or veterinary clinic, it will be scanned for a microchip. If one is present, a specific alpha-numeric code will be displayed. With that code number in hand, a call will be made to the recovery database using the 800 toll free number. That code number can be traced to the pet owner listed in the database files, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.