Keeping your Pug happy and healthy will help him live a long life. Plus, taking care of him now will help prevent him from developing health issues as he gets older. Making sure your doggy gets enough exercise, attention and is being fed the right food are just a few tips you should follow.
Also, don't forget to take him to his annual vet visits! Your vet not only gives him the right shots but gives him a check up too. If your Pug is important to you, you'll make time for what'll keep him happy and strong.
Here are more tips from Pug Village that'll have you and your Pug smiling!
1. Keep Your Pug Slim and Trim: Many people figure that a Pug is supposed to be fat, but that’s not true. Pugs are muscular and solid dogs, with round features. Follow these easier said than done food tips, and your Pug will be well on her way to being slim and trim: Don’t feed your Pug people food, use dry chow instead of canned, limit the treats and consult your veterinarian regarding how much your Pug should eat.
2. Exercise Your Pug: Pugs sleep 14 hours a day on average and while there’s nothing wrong with that, it doesn’t mean a Pug should always be sleeping. Pugs need daily exercise. In part because it keeps their weight down, and in part because it’s good for their heart and lungs. Pugs don’t need a lot of exercise, just a little—daily.
3. Don’t Smoke Around Your Pug: This isn’t an anti-smoking lecture aimed at smokers. If you want to smoke, then go for it. It’s your body. If you do smoke, do your Pug a favor and smoke someplace she isn’t.
4. Fence Your Pug In: All dogs, (assuming you live in a house) should have a fenced in yard or run.
5. Leash Your Pug: When you’re out of your house or fenced in yard, your Pug should be on a leash. Why? Because your holding your Pug is no guarantee he won’t get away from you.
6. Check the Thermometer: Yes, you’ve heard this a million times but it bears repeating again and again and again. Why? Constant over-exposure to temperatures over the 80 degree mark can, and often does do unseen, long term damage. Show me a 7-year-old Pug with “mysterious” kidney problems or an unexplained damaged heart, and I’ll show you a Pug that is suffering the results of constant over-exposure to heat. Take it seriously folks.
7. Care For Your Pugs Teeth: How does their teeth fit into having a longer, healthier life? A Pug with healthy teeth will digest her food better than one that gums her food, thus reducing the chances of intestinal blockages and stomach related illness. Rotting and unhealthy teeth lead to abscesses, which can cause an array of secondary infections, some of which can be serious. On top of this, brush your Pugs’ teeth from time to time. It’s not that hard once you learn how and by all means ask your vet for advice on how to do this.
8. Protect Your Pug From Parasites: Fleas and Ticks aren’t your only concern, though they are major concerns. You also need to consider worms, such as hookworms and roundworms. How do you protect your Pug from worms and other parasites? Consult your vet and use flea and tick repellent such as Frontline or whatever product you and your vet prefer.
9. Take Your Pug on Some Special Trips: A happy Pug is a healthy Pug. Pugs love cars and you love being with your Pug, so why not take your Pug for a nice long drive once in a while?
10. Give Your Pug Daily Attention: When you’re overwhelmed, and even when you’re not, remember you’ve got a little furry Pug just waiting to cheer you up, or make you happier than you already are. Not only will you cheer up by going to your Pug when you’re down, but your Pug will cheer up too.They love your voice almost as much as they love food. Pugs need attention to be truly happy dogs, and a happy dog lives longer. It’s that simple.
