Before purchasing a Pug, the entire family should familiarize itself with the type of special Pug dog health that the breed requires. This breed has been known to man for over three thousand years, and is a member of the AKC Toy group where it was first recognized in 1885. The Pug is easily recognizable because of its flat and wrinkly face, its thickset body, and a tiny curly tail. On average, Pugs are between 13 and 20 pounds, and approximately 10 to 14 inches tall. The cuteness of the breed is undeniable, but the extra health care required specifically for the breed is often attributed to the very things that make them so cute.

First, there is the dog’s wrinkly skin and unfortunately, your pug’s adorable skin folds are prone to infection - you must consult your veterinarian immediately at the first signs of infection. These skin infections are easy to prevent by regular washing, to remove any excess dirt between the folds.

Another area of Pug dog health that can be a concern is the eyes. It is because of the unique shape and design of the fact that the eyes are not protected as well as other dogs, and therefore are susceptible to injury and other problems. The eyes should be examined regularly for signs of infection, and of course take the dog to the veterinarian if you see any signs of infection.

If allowed, pugs will invariably eat to excess. Obesity is as detrimental to dogs as it is to humans, so you should definitely make sure your dog’s food intake keeps him at a healthy weight. Shade is essential to any Pug left outside during the summer, as they do not handle heat or humidity well so for this same reason, never leave your Pug (or any dog) in a parked car during the summer. Because of their facial structure, an overheated Pug can have a particularly hard time breathing, so the breed shouldn’t be subjected to any high degree of heat for a prolonged time.

The key to good pug dog health is taking proper care of the dog and taking him to regular vet visits. For those that provide good health for their pet, they can be rewarded with years worth of companionship.