If there’s any downside to owning a Pug, it’s that they don’t live as long as we do.
It’s good to know how long Pugs will live if you’re intending on buying or adopting a pup. You’ll know how long you can expect them in your life. Plus, you also get to think of ways to keep them healthy.
This article will also tackle common health problems Pugs deal with. This helps you ensure they are given the best care possible while they are living with you.
Table of Contents
Pug’s Average Lifespan
Pugs are among the smallest breeds of dogs. While that may seem like a disadvantage, smaller dogs actually tend to live longer than big dogs.
The average lifespan of a Pug is from 12 to 15 years. They can also live longer than their average lifespan if they are healthy. That’s why it’s essential to know how to take care of them properly.
There are many instances wherein a Pug has lived up to the ripe old age of 17 or 18 years old.
Additionally, a healthy and fit Pug will live longer than underweight or obese dogs. The best weight is between 10 and 25 pounds. That said, never overfeed them and make sure they exercise daily.
Common Health Problems
Pugs are adorable. They have a sweet and friendly temperament (maybe a little too sweet, even). Plus, they’re also energetic and fun-loving dogs.
But Pugs are high-maintenance. These dogs have a flat nose and a small skull—something that decreases their way of life.
Every Pug has a problem with their breathing due to a narrow passageway. You have to be careful not to get them too tired. Even a small amount of exercise is enough to make them gasp for air.
Always let them stay in a cool place as well. They will get extremely uncomfortable when it’s too hot. It will also restrict their breathing.
Once you see signs of difficulty in breathing, bring them to the vet as soon as possible.
The following are health issues common to Pugs. Pack yourself with knowledge of these problems to help increase the lifespan of your pup.
Pug Dog Encephalitis
According to research, 1.2% of Pugs die because of Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE). PDE causes inflammation in your dog’s brain. Symptoms include seizure, abnormal gait, ataxia, and blindness.
This is progressive and can prove to be fatal. Research also says female fawn Pugs are more prone to PDE.
Eye problems
Pugs have flat faces and bulging eyes. These features make it easy for your dog to catch eye problems.
Their corneas can get scratched when they hit their faces. Or they can get eye inflammations.
It can cause redness, swelling, weeping, and discolored eye discharge. They may also bump frequently into objects.
Obesity
Obesity plays a huge role in decreasing your Pug’s lifespan. Most of all, it’s one of the health issues your pup may get easily.
Pugs have a reputation for putting on weight easily. Letting them play or walk around is essential as these serve as a form of exercises. They need it daily but not to the point where it’s hard for them to breathe.
Besides that, don’t overfeed these dogs. Follow a scheduled feeding program to track their food intake.
They can be fed four times a day with ¼ to ½ cup of puppy food when they are 8 to 12 weeks. As they grow older, you can increase the amount of food and decrease how many times they eat.
When they turn 8 months old, feed them ⅓ to ½ cup of dog food two times a day. You can continue this feeding program until they grow into adult dogs.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is also known as kneecap dislocation and is self-explanatory. It is hereditary and common among many dog breeds.
Symptoms of patellar luxation include occasional skimping and sudden lameness of the hind limb. They may also have an abnormal gait.
Different treatments exist to fix this depending on the severity of the problem.
How to Take Care of your Pug
All of us wish to prolong the lives of our pets. You can do that with your Pug by doing the following:
- Provide them with a safe place to live. Make sure you have barriers around your pool if you have one. Pugs are not the best swimmers and can drown.
- Give them access to high-quality and healthy food and clean water. Dry kibbles are good. But choose something that fits them to promote proper chewing.
- Take your pet to the vet for a regular checkup. Health problems can be treated faster with early detection.
Conclusion
It’s sad when our dogs go before we do. But it’s fulfilling to know that they have lived the best life possible with the family that loves them.
