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title: "Pug - Health and diseases | Pedibase"
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+11
Health
# The Pug's health
China
The Pug is an endearing dog but its brachycephalic morphology requires particular vigilance. Its very short muzzle can promote breathing difficulties, especially in case of intense effort, heat or overweight. Its exposed eyes and its skin folds also require regular maintenance to limit irritations, infections and inflammations. With attentive monitoring, a well-controlled weight and an adapted lifestyle, many Pugs nevertheless live beautiful years with the family.
Longevity
## Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Pug is generally between 12 and 15 years. This longevity depends greatly on the quality of breeding, weight control, respiratory and eye monitoring, as well as the prevention of orthopedic and skin disorders. A calm lifestyle, without overheating or excessive exertion, often helps to preserve its health over time.
Constitution
## Is this a robust breed?
The Pug shows average robustness. It is not fragile in all aspects of daily life, but its particular conformation exposes it to several well-known points of vigilance, notably at the respiratory, ocular, cutaneous and orthopedic levels. Serious selection, regular care and good lifestyle hygiene have a significant impact on its comfort and overall stability.
Things to watch for
## What to look out for
This breed requires more attentive preventive monitoring than many other companion dogs. It is important to detect early any sign of shortness of breath, eye irritation, skin discomfort in the folds, or weight gain, because these problems can quickly degrade its comfort. Regular veterinary follow-up is particularly relevant for the Pug.
- Brachycephalic syndrome: The very short muzzle can cause breathing discomfort, worsened by heat, exertion, or excess weight.
- Eye conditions: Prominent eyes promote irritation, corneal ulcers, pigmentary keratitis, cataracts, and other eye problems.
- Skin problems in folds: Facial folds can retain moisture and promote infections, irritation, pyoderma, or fungal infections.
- Patellar luxation: This orthopedic condition can cause intermittent lameness, discomfort, and limited movement.
- Dysplasia: Cases of hip or elbow dysplasia exist and justify careful selection of breeding dogs.
- Obesity: Weight gain is common in the Pug and worsens its respiratory, joint, and thermal comfort.
Climate
## Tolerance to cold and heat
The Pug tolerates heat poorly and is also not very comfortable in severe cold or during prolonged damp weather. In summer, walks must be short, at cool times of day, with water available and without intense effort. In winter, it may need to be spared during outings depending on the conditions. This breed lives better in a temperate and monitored environment.
Weight
## Prone to weight gain
The Pug has a marked tendency to gain weight, which worsens its breathing difficulties and increases the load on its joints. A well-adjusted ration, few table scraps, limited treats and moderate daily activity are essential. Visual monitoring of the silhouette and regular weigh-ins make it possible to intervene quickly in case of drift.
Everyday care
## Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor weight each month and adjust the ration quickly in case of weight gain.
- Clean the eyes regularly and consult in case of redness, discharge, or discomfort.
- Dry and inspect the facial folds to prevent irritation and infections.
- Avoid outings and exertion during hot hours, especially in summer.
- Consult without delay in case of noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, or malaise.
Vaccination
## Pug vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Pug need? Like all dogs, Pugs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Pug vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
| RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
| Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
| PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
| Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
| LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Pug booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Pug need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
[Plan booster shots](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-and-cat-vaccination-schedule?breed=pug)
Choosing well
## Adopting a healthy Pug
A regular veterinary examination with attention paid to the eyes, respiratory tract, knees and hips is recommended. Depending on the lines and clinical signs, screenings focused on the patella, hips, certain eye conditions and meningoencephalitis may be relevant. A serious breeder must be able to document their breeding dogs and explain the precautions taken.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
## The best prevention starts with a good breeder
Choose a breeder who screens their breeding animals for inherited conditions. We'll help you find one.
[Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-pug)
## Compare Pug with other breeds
- [Pug vs. French Bulldog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/pug-vs-french-bulldog)
## Discover other breeds
[Pekingese
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/pekingese)
[Shih Tzu
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shih-tzu)
[Boston Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/boston-terrier)
[French Bulldog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/french-bulldog)
[Chihuahua
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chihuahua)
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