The All in One Pug Care Guide
Are you getting a new Pug? You might be wondering about proper Pug care.
Bringing a new puppy home is always exciting. Puppies are cute, fun, and lovable. They make a perfect addition to the family. But, having a puppy at home comes with a few responsibilities of its own.
But, they’re worth it all!
In this blog post, we’ll share our all in one Pug care guide. After reading this, you’ll know everything you need to before bringing your pup home.
Let’s begin.
Here’s What You Need to Do Before Getting Your Pug Home!
There are a few things you’ll need to get before bringing your Pug home. This will make it easier for your new puppy to get used to your home.
And you won’t have to make a last-minute run to the store.
You’ll Need Puppy Proof Your House
Puppy-proofing the house is often overlooked, but it is very important. There are many things in your home that may be dangerous to a puppy. It’s best to avoid accidents by taking precautions. This is the basics of Pug care.
Puppy Eye View
This may seem crazy, but it works!
Crawl around in your house so that you’re at your Pug puppy’s eye level. You have to check to see for things your puppy can bite, chew, get tangled in, squeeze through, etc.
Trust me; you’ll find many. This is an essential step in Pug care.
Hide the Electrical Cords!
When I first got my Pug puppy, I didn’t realize that his sharp teeth could chew through the table lamp cord! Your puppy can electrocute himself by chewing cords. Don’t leave anything plugged in if you’re not using it.
And, hide all the cords.
Pet Gate for Stairs
There may be some areas of your house that you wouldn’t like your Pug puppy to explore. You can use a baby gate to close off these areas. Use a pet gate to block off the stairs as your Pug may hurt himself.
Hide Your Food!
Some of your favorite foods may be toxic to your Pug. So, it is a good idea to keep your puppy’s paws off of human food items. Onions, grapes, coffee, tea, sugar-free chewing gum, etc. are toxic to dogs and cause bad reactions.
Hide Medication
Just like the food items, your medication may also not be safe for your puppy. Dogs have a teething instinct and don’t know what they can and can’t chew. So, they’ll get their mouths on just about anything.
Your Pug can have a bad reaction to your medication. It is essential for proper Pug care that you keep all your medication where your Pug can’t reach them.
And when you take your pills, be sure to take them over your kitchen sink. Better to have a pill fall in the sink rather than the floor where a fast Pug can gobble it up.
Puppy-Proof the Yard
Are you planning on letting your pug out in the yard?
In that case, you’ll have to puppy-proof it. Many plants are harmful to dogs, so you’ll have to section them off. If you use pesticides, it’s best to keep your dog away from the plants. If you have a pool, you’ll need to puppy-proof that as well.
In the end, it’ll all be worth it. Preventing a crisis is an important element Pug care.
You’ll Need to Get Some Supplies
It’s not the best idea to get puppy supplies in a rush at the supermarket. Especially when you’re bringing your new Pug puppy home.
You’ll always forget something.
Instead, you should buy the supplies beforehand. This way you can enjoy bringing your new Pug home. No stress!
A Dog Bed
Pug care requires a safe space for your new furry friend, you’ll need a bed. We recommend getting a comfortable bed that your Pug puppy can grow into.
Puppy Food
Pug puppies love food. You should ask the breeder about the kind of food your puppy likes to eat, and buy it. It is best to stick to what they’re feeding him. Changing homes is a big transition for your puppy. He’ll find comfort in the food. You can slowly switch his food to something new after he is comfortable in his new home.
Food and Water Bowls
You should get two, high-quality dog bowls for water and food. Stainless steel bowls usually work the best.
A Comfortable Blanket
Pug puppies love their blankies and find comfort in them. My Pug still loves his blanket, even after all these years! That’ll keep him warm and calm when she’s alone.
Puppy Toys
Do you like your furniture and shoes?
Then, you must get some toys for your Pug puppy to save them from destruction! When teething, puppies with chew anything and everything. It’s best to teach them when they can and can’t teeth on.
Treats
Treats are a great training tool as they make an excellent reward for good behavior. You’ll find many high-quality treats on the market. Some are even enriched with vitamins and minerals! Good Pug care may cost you a little extra money, but worth it in the end.
Pee Pads
Your Pug will have accidents at home. All puppies do. That’s where pee pads come in handy. You can train your Pug puppy on the pad. They’re super-absorbent and mess-free.
Harness and Leash
It’s necessary to care for your Pug by taking your puppy out on walks. It is best to get these as soon as you can to help your pup get used to them.
A Crate for Transportation
For safe and stress-free transportation, you should get a crate for your Pug puppy and line it with some pee pads to avoid accidents. The crate will keep your puppy safe during the car ride home. Start proper Pug care for the day you pick him up!
Pug Care 101: How to Care for Your Puppy When He’s Home?
Now that you have prepared your house to welcome your new furry friend, let’s get over a few things you should do to take good care of your Pug.
Food and Creating a Feeding Schedule
High-quality and nutritious food is very important for your Pug’s care of overall health. You should go for a kibble that contains at least 30-40% protein. This helps keep your pug’s weight in check.
There are many things you need to keep in mind when choosing the best dog food for Pugs:
- His activity level
- Any medical issues and problems
- Food sensitivities
- Age
For the right guidance, refer to your vet. He will be able to guide you about Pug care.
Different diets have become very popular such as the raw food diet, keto diet, etc. Your vet can help you figure out if they’re the right choice for your dog. With these diets, you need to take extra care to make sure your Pug is getting all the nutrients he needs.
- A healthy diet equals a healthy Pug.
- Growing Pug puppies need 55 kcals per pound bodyweight.
- Adult pugs need 40-45 kcals per pound bodyweight.
Now, let’s talk about the feeding schedule!
You should feed your Pug puppy at least three meals a day. Puppies nurse several times a day, and this feeding schedule helps ease the transition.
For puppies over six months in age, you can slowly transition to two meals per day. Some even prefer feeding their Pugs one meal per day, but I don’t recommend that. Ask any Pug, and they will tell you that proper Pug care includes two meals per day.
Grooming is More Important Than You Think for Pug Care
Grooming doesn’t just make your Pug look good. It’s very important for his overall health! Grooming is an important factor in Pug care.
By regularly grooming your Pug, you’re keeping potential health conditions at bay. You’ll also be able to catch certain problems early, making them easier to treat. Let’s take a look at a few things you can do:
1. Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
Did you know that 87% of dogs over the age of three have periodontal disease?
More than 80% of Pugs have some form of dental disease. Your furry friend won’t tell you he’s pain. He may not even show any signs of illness until it is too late! They affect his quality of life.
Brushing your Pug’s teeth regularly can help prevent these painful diseases. It’ll also save you a lot of money.
For the best Pug care, you should brush your Pug’s teeth at least three times a week for best results. For this, you’ll need:
- A good toothbrush: For best results, use a toothbrush made for small dogs. It will fit all the crevices without irritating or injuring your furry friend
- High-quality toothpaste: Never use toothpaste made for humans on your dog! It may have Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Many dog toothpaste come in yummy flavors your Pug will enjoy! You can also give dental treats and toys a try. They help decrease tartar buildup and keep your dog’s pearly whites squeaky clean.
2. Cleaning His Wrinkles
Pug care includes cleaning your Pug’s cute little face, too!
A Pug’s face folds certainly make him look adorable. But, these folds and rolls can collect a lot of dirt and grime. Sometimes, they’re the perfect hiding place for ticks and fleas.
Cleaning your Pug’s face folds is not rocket science.
All you need to do is to take a warm, wet towel and clean his face. There is also wipes for dogs that you can purchase. Be sure to care for your Pug properly by keeping those cute wrinkles clean.
3. Brushing Your Puppy’s Coat
Pugs shed like there’s no tomorrow.
You’ll find your clothes and furniture lined with Pug hair. They get everywhere! The best way to reduce shedding is by brushing your Pug’s hair. It’s a fool-proof solution.
We recommend brushing your dog’s hair at least three times a week for the best results.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits:
- A great bonding experience for you and your Pug
- Helps you pick up on anything unusual–like sores, lumps, and parasites
- Keep’s your Pug’s skin and coat healthy
- Makes your doggy look well-groomed
- Helps reduce shedding
- Overlooking this Pug care action may not be the best idea.
4. Trimming His Nails
Did you know that long nails in dogs are linked to causing arthritis?
Long nails change your dog’s entire posture, putting more stress on your furry friend’s joints. Not just that, long nails can easily split and break, which is very painful for dogs.
That’s not all, though.
They also cause many other paw issues!
So, trimming your Pug’s nails is a great idea. Nail trimming is something you don’t want to skip in your Pug care routine. Here are some tips:
- Never put in the entire nail in the clipper
- Only use a small clipper
- Cut as little as possible to make sure you don’t hit the blood vessel
- Cut them in a well-lit room
- Give your Pug a treat when you’re done!
- Don’t panic if you hit the vein–it happens to the best of us. Wash your dog’s paw with soap and water, and he’ll be good to go.
- Using a nail grinder is also an option.
With nail grinders, you don’t have to worry about the bleeding. This is a pain-free way to trim your Pug’s nails.
5. Bath Time!
You should give your Pug a bath when necessary. Experts suggest you bathe your pug once every four to six weeks. This helps keep your Pug dog clean and well-maintained.
You can bathe your Pug in the sink or the bathtub.
Brush your Pug’s hair before the bath: This’ll help reduce shedding as you bathe your Pug! It’s also great for your dog’s coat
Use a high-quality shampoo: Make sure that the shampoo you use is free of parabens, soaping agents, and artificial preservatives as they cause allergic reactions. All-natural shampoos are a good idea
Follow-up with a conditioner: A good conditioner will make your Pug’s coat softer and shinier
Don’t forget the tail: Don’t forget to put shampoo and conditioner on the tail!
Use cotton balls to clean his ears and eyes: People often forget to clean their Pug’s eyes and ears. Soak the cotton balls in water, and gently wipe the area around your Pug’s eyes and his ears
Use an absorbent towel: The towel will soak all the water. Make sure to wipe the area between his toes as it is prone to fungal infections
It’s Important to Exercise Responsibly
A wholesome diet, along with exercise, helps keep your Pug healthy and happy.
Pugs aren’t high-maintenance when it comes to exercise and activity.
These tiny dogs do well with light to moderate exercise. Proper Pug care includes taking your Pug out for two 20-minute walks per day to meet all his exercise needs. Backyard access is also great for your furry friend.
You can also get your Pug some toys to keep him entertained throughout the day.
Exercise Restrictions for Pugs
Necessary Pug care means watching his breathing closely. Pugs have breathing issues, so strenuous exercise is out of the question.
Running, extremely long walks, jumping up and down the stairs, etc. would do your Pug more harm than good. You shouldn’t take your Pug out for a walk on a hot day. It will trigger breathing problems. Monitoring your Pug’s breathing is essential Pug care.
Avoiding exercise is not a good idea, though.
Pugs are prone to gaining weight and becoming obese. This puts them at risk of developing problems like heart issues, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, etc.
Controlled exercise is the best solution for excellent Pug care.
Staying on Top of Vet Appointments
This is one of the most important aspects of Pug care.
Even if your Pug is perfectly healthy, it is a good idea to take him to the vet every 9-12 months for a check-up. Pugs don’t let you know that they’re sick until it is too late–it’s an instinct.
So, even if your Pug dog seems perfectly fine, it may not be the case.
A vet will thoroughly examine your Pug to see if everything is okay. Vets keep a close eye on:
- Dental health
- Liver
- Kidney
- Heart and lungs
- Joints and bones
- Skin
- Digestive health
- Endocrine glands
By taking your Pug to the vet, you’ll be able to catch a disease early. This will help your dog get the treatment he needs on time. It may even save his life!
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are effective in building immunity and keeping away harmful diseases. In some cases, vaccines are the best protection against fatal illnesses like Rabies, Canine Distemper, etc. And vaccinations are mandatory for Pug care.
It’s important to make sure that your Pug gets all of his vaccinations on time.
It’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you’ll be taking your Pug abroad, it’s important to get additional vaccinations to make sure he’s safe.
Tick and Flea Medicine
Valuable Pug care happens in the spring and summer come, by preventing ticks and fleas.
These parasites are very common in dogs and cats. They are carriers for some transmittable disease–like Lyme disease and tapeworm. They feed on your dog’s blood and are very painful.
But there’s good news!
They are easily preventable and treatable. You can treat them using:
- Oral pills
- Over the counter powder
- Repellent spray
- Tick and flea dog collar
Your vet will help you select the best treatment for your furry friend.
Pug Care: Sensitivity to Heat and Cold
Pugs don’t do well in extreme weather conditions.
Let’s see why!
A Pug’s Sensitivity to Heat
Flat-faced dogs like Pugs are sensitive to heat and all that it brings with it–heat stroke, dehydration, etc.
Taking your Pug out on a hot summer day isn’t the best idea. Flat-faced dogs are at risk because they have Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) long soft palates and small nasal openings. This limits their airflow.
These dogs don’t make great swimmers, either. Pug care costs a little extra money, but be sure to buy him a life jacket if you’re taking him for a swim.
Pugs and the Cold
Pugs are short-haired dogs who don’t have an insulating undercoat. This makes them especially sensitive to the cold. It’s a good idea to buy your Pug a coat for winters to keep him warm and comfortable.
The Importance of Training Your Pug
Dogs and humans don’t speak the same language.
Training your Pug helps the two of you communicate with each other. Sometimes, it can be life-saving when your Pug is in harm’s way. It helps create a bond between you and your Pug.
Here are some benefits of training your Pug:
- It helps both of you: The two of you get to understand each other better. You have a well-behaved dog by your side everywhere you go!
- Makes your dog sociable: Untrained Pugs are all over the place. Sometimes in unsafe areas. A trained Pug does well around people, children, and other animals
- Safety: The Stay command can save your Pug’s life! Especially when he’s in harm’s way–like crossing the road
Training may not seem necessary for Pug care, but it certainly is.
Socialization is Key
Socialization helps turn your puppy into a safe, happy, and fun companion.
Well-socialized Pugs are great with children, strangers, and other animals. They know how to approach someone without scaring them. These Pug dogs don’t react to strangers with aggression and fear–they’re welcoming.
They mix well with your friends and family and will welcome a new addition to your family.
They live a happy and relaxed life.
And, it’s easier to leave them with someone if you’re going out of town.
Some dog borders don’t accept dogs that haven’t been socialized. They can be a threat to the staff and other pets.
You should begin socializing your puppy when he’s between 3-12 weeks old. 12-18 week old puppies, too, are easy to socialize as they’re accepting of new experiences.
Conclusion: Our Pug Care Guide
Did we go through everything you needed to know about Pug care?
Bringing a new Pug puppy to your family is an exciting time. But, you should be a responsible pet parent and take good care of your puppy. This will create an unbreakable bond between the two of you.
With this Pug care guide, we wanted to cover as many aspects as we could. We hope you got a lot to take away from this blog post.