Care of your Pug
The following is only offered as a guide by other Pug owners
Pugs like any other breed require ongoing care and attention. At first glance it might seem like a lot but can actually be a rewarding, bonding, experience for both Pug and owner and only takes a few minutes each day.
Facial Wrinkles
The wrinkles on a Pugs face are called folds, These folds serve as a great place to gather all sorts of unwanted stuff as your Pug pushes his face everywhere it should and should not be. Along with tears and mucous you end up with a pug who’s face smells like a damp umbrella. It is the owners responsibility to keep these wrinkles clean. Although quite easy, getting the Pug used to it at an early age is a good idea as cooperation will make the task much easier.
Use a flannel with its corner dipped in cooled, previously boiled water and run the corner of the flannel through the folds. It is recommended to do this daily as you will find even done this regularly that there is loose hair and dirt embedded inside. Using an ear bud or Q-Tip is not recommended as they could potentially cause eye damage if your Pug was to struggle.
Eyes
Great care must be taken with a Pugs eyes. They should be cleaned once daily preferably in the morning to remove sleep, you can use an eye wash or previously boiled water. Clean around the eyes only. Do not put anything into the eye. Always use a different cloth to prevent cross contamination. If you notice your dog squinting or any discharge at all, bathe with cooled, previously boiled water with a pinch of salt. IF IN DOUBT SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. It is recommended you carry with you a tube of Golden Eye cream ointment for emergency use.
Ears
Some Pugs will require their ears cleaned more often than others, every Pug is different, you can use ear cleaner dispensed by your vet or use previously boiled water and a flannel. You should clean as far into the ear as possible but not past the point of entering the cavity within the head. If you are unsure you can ask your vet or veterinarian nurse to show you how it is done. As with the eyes, use a new cloth for each ear, to prevent potential cross infection.
Teeth
This is one of the most overlooked and undervalued area of Pug care (indeed other breeds also). A high quality dry food diet can assist with cleaning their teeth but it is still necessary to clean them using an appropriate paste. Again it is best to get your pug used to this during puppyhood but you may find that you can’t find a small enough brush, if this is a case use a little past on you little finger to apply the past and get your Pug used to being handled in this way. You should use toothpaste designed for dogs and is available in many flavours such as chicken, beef or turkey to help encourage your Pug. NEVER USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE as it is not designed to be swallowed. Regardless of how well you pug is trained, it's unlikely you'll get him/her to rinse and spit!
Plaque on your Pugs teeth can release harmful toxins into their digestive tract and bloodstream. This can be potentially life threatening. Also, regular cleaning will help prevent your pug from requiring a general anaesthetic to have their teeth cleaned.
Nails/Claws
Pugs nails grow fast and will need attending to. Regular exercise on hard surfaces should keep them wear them down naturally. If not, they will need to be trimmed manually. You can to do this yourself, or if you are not confident then take your Pug to have it done by your Vet or groomers. If you accidentally cause a nail to bleed you can put some Potassium Permanganate Powder on it to seal the vein and stop the blood flow. You should only cut the very tip (curved part) cutting off just a small amount more often is probably the best way (about every two weeks).
Coat
It is recommended you brush your Pug twice a week or as needed, this will help keep fur around the house to a minimum but more importantly keep your Pug looking good. This once again can also be enjoyable for both Pug and Parent. A soft stainless steel brush or a grooming mitt should be used. You should groom in the direction of the coat. Being lapdogs a little of a high quality doggy deodorant can also be used. There are a few good ones on the market that contain Aloe Vera and/or Tea Tree Oil.
Either use a table to put your Pug on for brushing, making sure you hold your Pug securely, or get down to their level and brush them on the floor or your lap.
Bath Time
Whilst a puppy your Pug should be bathed as necessary to keep their skin and coat clean and healthy. Once they are able to clean themselves you need not bathe them as often. Only bathe as required. Using a good quality shampoo that will not strip the coat of important oils needed to stay healthy and look good. Keep your dog indoors until dry, especially in cold weather.