2007-03-17 15:40:45 · 9 answers · asked by Pantherempress 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Genetic Health Risks Include...
Luxating Patella: Commonly referred to as “trick knees”, Luxating Patella is fairly common in Pugs, and other breeds of small dogs. In simple terms, it is the dislocation of the small movable bone in the knee called the Patella, from the femur where it is normally held in place by ligaments.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Essentially, PRA is the degeneration of the vessels around the retina. It usually begins with night blindness in younger dogs, and their vision deteriorates progressively leading to blindness.
Pigmentary Keratitis: The deposit of pigment on the white surface of the eyes, PK is the result of many factors that either irritate or inflame the cornea. If the factor causing the inflammation or irritation can be identified, PK can be corrected with surgery.
Elongated Soft Palate: Common in short muzzled breeds, ESP is the obstruction of the dogs’ airways. The standard snoring of a Pug is a degree of ESP in action, though more severe cases can be heard through sounds such as honking, gasping for air and the blocking of the dogs’ vocal box. ESP can be corrected through surgery.
Stenotic Nares: Is a birth defect found in breeds with short noses including the Pug and is essentially overly soft nasal tissue. When a dog with overly soft nasal tissues breathes, their nostrils collapse, leaving them to breathe through their mouths to get the necessary oxygen. You can identify a dog with SN by noting a foamy discharge when they breathe or excessive breathing through their mouths when they get excited. SN can be corrected through surgery.
Pug Dog Encephalitis: Commonly called PDE, Pug Dog Encephalitis is as the name implies, unique to Pugs. Little, if anything is known of the causes of PDE, which is essentially an inflammation of the brain. PDE tends to affect young to middle aged Pugs and feature seizure as it’s primary symptom. Lethargy or listlessness and loss of muscle coordination can precede the seizures. Accompanying seizures are several symptoms ranging from aggression to pacing in circles to pressing their heads against objects such as walls and people.
Other health risks include...
Fungal Infections in the facial and body folds.
Brachiocephalic related problems regarding extreme temperatures.
2007-03-17 15:51:39 · answer #1 · answered by imrielle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think pugs are absolutely adorable but...they do have some issues you should aware of. As noted in other posts, they can have breathing problems - mainly in pugs if you exercise them, they can get overly excited and have trouble - also - some pugs snore something horrible. Also they can get overheated - again when exercising them you should be careful with that. Any dog can actually, my little yorkie had convulsions once from overheating and it's no joke -ver serious. Pugs have skin issues - the main being - they can be smelly. The require skin care - ointment, bathing, conditioning. You just need to keep this in mind if you are thinking about getting one. Imagine a snoring smelly dog bed with you in the morning. But also imagine that cute little face and round chubby body.
2007-03-17 16:33:37 · answer #2 · answered by jodimode 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many inheritable eye problems found in Pugs, also skin and nasal problems, luxating patellas and a real tendency toward obesity. For the technical stuff I have added a website to check out. Do your research if you are buying a Pug and make sure the parents have been CERF tested. (Checked for eye problems). Then make sure you get them lots of exercise. I have seen some awesome Pugs in Agility and Obedience.
2007-03-17 16:02:07 · answer #3 · answered by agilesheltie 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pugs usually have trouble breathing.
2007-03-17 15:43:23 · answer #4 · answered by Captain 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, breathing and, they also get skin problems due to the folds, they have to be kept clean.
but i worked for a vet and they had the GREATEST personality!
2007-03-17 15:45:35 · answer #5 · answered by crct2004 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have a pool don't leave them unattended- their body type makes it nearly impossible for them to swim-- they roll backwards and could drown :( That's the one that I know of.
2007-03-17 15:44:02 · answer #6 · answered by Leigh 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here is some information for you.
http://www.barkbytes.com/bremed/pug.htm
2007-03-17 15:55:33 · answer #7 · answered by Pom♥Mom Spay and Neuter 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to watch them because the eat EVERYTHING.
They also think they are "big" dogs... so they get themselves into situations with people & other dogs.
2007-03-17 15:44:14 · answer #8 · answered by JPC 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dripping saliva on things
2007-03-17 15:49:07 · answer #9 · answered by Kelly K 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋