For Pug's Sake - Pug Care and Feeding

The Care and Feeding of a Pug

I have found that caring for a Pug is very rewarding, fun, and somewhat frustrating at times. Here are some tips from my experience in pug parenthood.

Feeding

Here is my number one tip when it comes to feeding a Pug. Don't let him/her eat whenever they want. Pugs will eat anything, even if they are not hungry. Get them on a feeding schedule right away and stick to it! Pugs will push you on this issue (they can be very stubborn). I find that 1/3rd cup in the morning, 1/3rd cup at lunch time, and 1/3rd cup in the evening keeps Pug on a regular potty schedule and keeps them from eating everything in site. I feed him Iams® dog food. I am a firm believer in buying the best dog food, the cheap food leads to an unhealthy overweight dog.

Water is a touchy issue if your pug is not yet potty trained. When it is warm out pugs need lots of water, but unless you are there to take them out every 15 minutes, try watering on a schedule as well. I work during the day so what works for me is giving water with the first two feedings, and then as much water as he wants until bed time. This avoids accidents while I am at work.

Grooming

Pugs do not need tons of grooming, this is the schedule that I use. Two important areas to watch are their face wrinkles (especially the one above the nose) and ears. Pugs shove their faces into everything and therefore get lots of dirt and food in their nose wrinkle, this can cause infection if you don't clean it. I check it every day, generally before bed time when he is tired and he is more favorable to having his face probed. I run my finger under his wrinkle, and sometimes put a little Vaseline on a cue tip to keep it from chaffing. If you notice anything wet or foul smelling in your pug's wrinkles, make sure to get in touch with your vet right away. I also rinse out his ears twice a week with a special dog ear rinse. Pugs are prone to ear infection and this just keeps it nice a clean.

Brushing I do about once a week if he will let me, he hates brushing, so I try to keep it at a minimum. I use the standard slicker brush to collect as much hair as possible. Don't think that because pugs have short hair that they don't shed, because they shed! Regular bathing and brushing can keep shedding to a minimum. I give him a bath once or twice a month. Make sure to use moisturizing shampoo as pugs are very prone to dry skin. Also be careful not to get any shampoo into those sensitive pug eyes!

About once a month I also clip his toenails. This can be frustrating, and takes two people to hold him down. I suggest from day one start touching pug's paws and toenails all the time to keep him/her from being squeamish when it comes to nail clipping time.

Health & Exercise

Pugs are generally healthy, there are just a few things to be aware of.

Pugs have no way of regulating their body temperature. Most dogs have a long wet nose that is used to cool their bodies. Pugs do not have this, therefore they can become over heated very easily. On hot days if left in the house, they should be in an air conditioned room. If they are outside playing, they should have plenty of water. If your Pug becomes over heated place a cold compress on their belly until they cool off.

Daily exercise is good for your pug, but it doesn't need to be extensive. A walk around the block will do, if you can get her to go that far. They are more willing to walk when it is cooler outside but not cold. I use a doggie fleece in the winter, and only walk in the morning or late evening when it is hot outside.