As a Pug owner, what common health issues should you be aware of?

Eye Disorders – One of the breed’s most recognisable physical attributes, the prominent eyes are one of the reasons that Pugs are prone to eye disorders. Corneal Ulcers and Dry Eye are just a few things to watch out for.

Pug Dog Encephalitis – This disease is especially common in Pugs and results in inflammation of the brain.

Skin Disorders – Pugs are prone to skin issues as a result of food and pollen allergies.

You will be pleased to know that Pugs are a low maintenance breed and one of the reasons for this is that they have a short and glossy coat. Another reason is their penchant for staying indoors, and fewer muddy walks mean fewer baths at home. However, that being said, they are a high shedding breed so you need to prepare yourself for the amount of dog hair you will have to hoover up but brushing your pet every other day can help to minimise this.

Pugs tend to be sedentary dogs, but they require around an hour of exercise each day to keep them healthy and require variety with their walks to keep them interested. A Pug is happy to lounge around the house all day so it is essential that you have the motivation to make dog walks a daily occurrence in order to keep your pet’s weight in check.

So, what are our top tips when it comes to training your Pug? You will need patience, planning and consistency. This smart and strong-willed breed has a stubborn streak therefore training them or housebreaking them can be quite challenging. However, while Pugs are notoriously tricky to train, the key is to use something they love such as a treat or a toy as a reward for following commands. This breed is food-motivated so find a treat they love and you can’t fail to get your pet’s attention.

As your pet’s primary care giver, you will want to know your dog’s growth and development are on track. Pugs are a small dog and as a result, they usually reach full maturity quicker than larger breeds. You can expect your Pug to be fully grown at around nine months old.

Pugs are expected to live between 12 to 15 years on average, but some pugs do go on to live for 20 years. The lifespan of your pug will depend on the general health of your pet and but if you want to prolong your pet’s lifespan, it simply comes down to your dedication to providing high quality nutrition and a regular exercise regime.

Pugs are generally healthy dogs but can be prone to a variety of common health concerns, so having pet insurance can help to protect you against those unexpected vet bills. You can find out more about your cover options benefits with Asda Money Dog Insurance here.