Be Aware Of These Pug Health Problems

When thinking of a dog to adopt many people want something cute and small ergo they think of a pug - compact, cute, flat faced and more than eager to make you happy. However before you rush off to the rescue to find your perfect puppy you should be aware of some of the more serious Pug health problems. The breed is prone to skin problems and the puppy should be checked very carefully for a form of puppy mange known as demodex, also the adorable flat face opens the breed up to breathing problems and eye problems later in life.

Many people do not know that while the pug's face is so cute, it is also a problem area. First off, the bulging of a pug's eyes is caused by the face's shape and eye placement. This can cause the eyes to get cut if they rub up against the food bowl or any other object. This should be carefully watched for, however it is not a life threatening issue.

The Pug's face shape can be related to the problem of an elongated soft palate. In a Pug, this soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth can be longer than it should be, and can restrict the airway. The wheezing and odd breathing that is common in Pugs can be one symptom. It may also cause loud snoring and coughing up their food. Thankfully this can be corrected with surgery.

Sadly, there are two other Pug health problems that are much more serious in nature.

A fatal disease which generally affects Pugs from two to three years old is known as Pug Dog Encephalitis. Some common symptoms of this disease may include swelling of the brain, seizures, muscle weakness, and trouble walking. There is not a lot of information about this disease, except when it strikes it is fatal. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean he or she has Pug Dog Encephalitis, but you should take your pet to a Veterinarian immediately.

The other is called hemi-vertebrae which is a congenital abnormality. If your dog has this abnormality you will probably have to euthanize him. While there isnt much you can do about this, you can avoid the heartbreak of adopting a dog with this condition. The abnormality can be detected by x-ray. What happens is that the vertebra do not mature properly, causing a spinal imbalance. As the dog grows this imbalance causes pressure on the spine which can lead to paralysis of the hind legs.

Pug health problems are something that any one considering getting a Pug should think about. Luckily, these problems are not common, so don't obsess about them too much when making your decision.

-->