8 Common Pug Health Problems to Look Out For (Vet Answer)
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Pugs are full of character. They’re surprisingly intelligent dogs with an affectionate nature, quirky behaviors, and a knack for playing with children. However, despite their lovely nature and seemingly humorous traits, Pugs are prone to several health conditions including breathing issues, allergies, spinal disease, eye ulcers, meningoencephalitis, luxating kneecaps, dental disease, and obesity.
Most of these issues can be attributed to genetics and breeding. The desire to breed dogs with the “squashed-face” appearance, referred to by vets as brachycephaly, has compromised their health. This article will delve into eight common Pug health issues, with the purpose of helping Pug owners understand what they should be looking out for.
The 8 Common Pug Health Problems
1. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a serious and common breathing issue in Pugs. The compressed facial anatomy of Pugs leads to a few changes:
- Abnormally narrow nostrils (stenotic nares)
- An overly long soft palate (roof of the mouth)
- Narrowing of the windpipe (tracheal hypoplasia)
- Eversion of saccules near the larynx due to increased breathing effort (everted laryngeal saccules)
- Inability to open the larynx due to stress on cartilage (laryngeal collapse)
Some dogs only exhibit one or two of these changes, but other dogs are affected by all of them. The problem with these structural changes is that they increase the effort required to inhale air. Mildly affected dogs will have noisy breathing and snoring that otherwise causes no issues. Severely affected dogs tire easily when exercised, collapse, faint, and become prone to developing heat stress. Coughing, retching, and vomiting are fairly common.
Dogs with mild or intermittent signs of BOAS can generally be managed by keeping them calm and avoiding exercise in hot/humid conditions. Dogs suffering an acute or life-threatening episode of BOAS require admission to a vet hospital for fluids, sedation, oxygen, and anti-inflammatories. Unfortunately, the only way BOAS can be fixed or corrected is via surgery. This involves opening up the nostrils, trimming the soft palate back to normal length, and removing the everted laryngeal saccules. This procedure should always be discussed with your veterinarian to decide if it is appropriate.
2. Allergies
Pugs appear genetically prone to skin allergies. In the vet world, this condition is termed atopy or atopic dermatitis, meaning grasses, pollens, and other harmless environmental molecules trigger an immense allergic response. This condition generally “flares up” seasonally, resulting in inflamed, itchy, and poor-smelling skin. Pugs with atopy are also more likely to develop ear infections. Generally, atopy is a problem that exists for life, though it can be managed with environmental control and medications.
3. Hemivertebrae
Due to the screw in their tail, some pugs experience spinal problems. Hemivertebrae are abnormally formed spinal bones present from birth; they can be wedge-shaped or fused together. Hemivertebrae may or may not cause issues. Some dogs live problem-free with hemivertebrae, whereas others experience compression of the spinal cord, causing pain and weakness. Diagnosis of this condition requires some form of imaging study. X-rays are a good starting point and can be performed at most general practice clinics, but CAT scans may be required.
4. Eye Ulcers
Eye ulcers occur when there has been damage to the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. Pugs and other brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to traumatic eye ulcers, as the eyes “stick out” more than they do in long-faced breeds of dogs. Due to their anatomy and altered tear film production, these ulcers can be challenging to heal. Signs of eye ulcers in Pugs include squinting, swelling, redness of the eye, and discharge from the eye. These should be taken seriously, and prompt veterinary intervention leads to the best outcome.
5. Meningoencephalitis
Encephalitis in dogs is commonly referred to in veterinary circles as MUO—meningoencephalitis of unknown origin. The meninges are the thin layers of tissue that encase the brain, so MUO refers to a condition in which the brain, as well as its “casing” and surrounding fluid, have become inflamed. This is an auto-immune condition, and Pugs can inherit a gene that predisposes them to develop a particularly nasty form of the disease.
It is sometimes referred to as Pug Dog Encephalitis or PDE. Generally, the signs of encephalitis include seizures, muscle tremors, blindness, head tilt, walking in circles, abnormal or dull behavior, and wobbliness. Treatment can be attempted with medications to suppress the immune system but, unfortunately, the long-term prognosis is poor.
6. Luxating Patellas
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella), which normally sits in a groove in the thighbone (femur), pops out of this groove. It is a common congenital and developmental problem in small-breed dogs, meaning it is caused by misshapen bones—usually a thighbone groove that is too shallow. Luxating patellas cause an “on-and-off” limp, with dogs seeming to skip or carry the leg when the patella is luxated, then resuming a normal gait when it pops back into the groove. Vets use a grading system for luxating patellas: Grade 1 is very mild and Grade 4 is permanently luxated. Most Grade 1 and 2 patellar luxations can be managed with medications and rest, but Grade 3 and 4 luxations tend to require corrective surgery.
7. Dental Disease
There are two forms of dental disease that commonly affect Pugs. The first is dental overcrowding, and this is generally attributed to the compressed facial anatomy. While Pugs won’t feel self-conscious about their dental crowding, it can cause discomfort and food impaction.
The second problem, which can be related to food impaction, is periodontal disease. This refers to an accumulation of plaque on the teeth, causing bad breath, inflammation of the gums, and loss of the bone in which the teeth are embedded. Periodontal disease is very common in dogs; it can be prevented by daily tooth-brushing, or cleaning up under anesthetic by a registered veterinarian. Sometimes, with both of these dental problems, teeth need to be extracted.
8. Obesity
Obesity in Pugs is not caused by genetics or anything complex, but vets do report lots of overweight Pugs. This is most likely attributed to the fact that most Pugs have a ravenous appetite, are very food-driven, and that they have the propensity to be lazy. A good diet and sufficient exercise are all it takes to prevent Pugs from gaining weight. Additionally, keeping Pugs at their ideal body weight helps reduce the issues associated with BOAS, hemivertebrae, and luxating patellas.
Conclusion
It can be scary reading a list of health issues associated with Pugs. However, it is always helpful as an owner to know what problems commonly affect your dog, as early detection and intervention are more likely to lead to a good outcome. Additionally, while Pugs are prone to the health issues mentioned above, this certainly does not mean that all Pugs are affected by these health issues.
If you’re a Pug enthusiast, always look for a reputable breeder who is promoting good breed standards and performing testing for common genetic conditions.
Featured Image Credit: Tamara Hastings, Shutterstock
