Yes, Pugs overheat very easily and can die from heatstroke. Their compromised airways can't cool air efficiently. Keep them in air conditioning during hot weather, avoid exercise in heat, and watch for signs of overheating: excessive panting, drooling, collapse. Heat is a life-threatening emergency for Pugs.

Pug Health Guide

Q: Why do Pugs have breathing problems?

Pugs have Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) due to their flat face. Their airways are compressed: narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, narrow trachea. This causes snoring, snorting, exercise intolerance, and in severe cases, life-threatening breathing crises. Surgery can help severe cases.

Q: Why are Pugs' eyes so vulnerable?

Pugs have shallow eye sockets causing their eyes to bulge. This makes them extremely prone to eye injuries, corneal ulcers, and proptosis (eyeball dislodging). Their eyes can be damaged by minor trauma. Daily eye checks and avoiding rough play are essential.

Q: How do I care for Pug skin folds?

Pug facial folds trap moisture and bacteria. Clean the folds daily or every few days with a gentle wipe, and dry thoroughly. Check for redness, odor, or discharge—signs of infection. The nose rope (fold above the nose) needs special attention.

Q: Do Pugs have spine problems?

Pugs are prone to several spinal conditions including hemivertebrae (malformed vertebrae) and Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), a fatal brain inflammation. Signs of spinal issues include weakness, wobbling, paralysis. PDE causes seizures, circling, and is unfortunately fatal.

A beloved companion breed with serious structural health challenges—their flat face affects nearly every aspect of their health.

12-15

Years Lifespan

14-18

Pounds

Very High

Health Risk

#28

AKC Popularity

Heat is Life-Threatening

Pugs can die from heatstroke very quickly. Their compromised airways cannot cool air efficiently. Keep them in air conditioning during hot weather, never leave in cars, avoid exercise in heat, and know the signs of overheating. This is a true emergency.

Why Pugs Have Health Problems

Pugs were bred for an extremely flat face, which creates multiple health challenges:

BOAS (breathing problems): Compressed airways cause chronic breathing difficulty
Eye injuries: Bulging eyes are extremely vulnerable to damage
Heat intolerance: Can't regulate temperature—heatstroke risk
Skin fold infections: Facial wrinkles need daily cleaning

Major Health Conditions

1. BOAS (Breathing Problems)

Affects most Pugs

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome affects nearly all Pugs to some degree. Their airways are structurally compromised: narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, narrow trachea, and everted laryngeal saccules.

Signs:

• Loud snoring and snorting
• Exercise intolerance
• Gagging, regurgitation
• Blue gums during exertion
• Sleep apnea

Management:

• Keep lean (obesity worsens it)
• Air conditioning in heat
• Harness not collar
• Surgery for severe cases
• Avoid stress and excitement

2. Eye Problems

Very high risk

Pugs have shallow eye sockets, making their bulging eyes extremely vulnerable. Minor trauma can cause serious injury. Proptosis (eye dislodging) is a real risk.

Common issues:

• Corneal ulcers
• Pigmentary keratitis
• Dry eye
• Entropion
• Proptosis (eye pops out)

Prevention:

• Daily eye checks
• Avoid rough play
• Keep nails trimmed (scratches)
• Lubricating eye drops
• Immediate vet for injuries

Emergency: If your Pug's eye pops out (proptosis), keep it moist with saline, don't try to push it back, and get to an emergency vet immediately. Time is critical for saving the eye.

3. Skin Fold Infections

Very common

Pug facial folds, especially the nose rope, trap moisture and bacteria. Without regular cleaning, infections develop quickly.

Signs of infection:

• Redness in folds
• Foul odor
• Discharge
• Itching, rubbing face

Prevention:

• Clean folds daily or every few days
• Dry thoroughly after cleaning
• Use vet-approved wipes
• Check nose rope especially

4. Spinal Problems

Breed predisposed

Pugs are prone to hemivertebrae (malformed vertebrae) that can compress the spinal cord, and Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE)—a fatal brain inflammation.

Hemivertebrae signs:

• Hind leg weakness
• Wobbling gait
• Incontinence
• Pain

PDE signs:

• Seizures
• Circling, head tilt
• Behavior changes
• Unfortunately fatal

5. Obesity

Very common

Pugs love food and can't exercise much due to breathing problems—a recipe for obesity. Extra weight makes every health issue worse.

Why it matters:

• Worsens breathing dramatically
• Increases heat stroke risk
• Stresses joints
• Shortens lifespan

Prevention:

• Measure food precisely
• Limit treats
• Regular weigh-ins
• Short, gentle walks

Essential Pug Care

Daily Routine

Check eyes: Look for redness, discharge, squinting
Clean skin folds: Wipe and dry facial wrinkles
Monitor breathing: Know their normal breathing sounds
Temperature control: Keep cool—AC in summer is essential

Emergency Signs:

Blue or purple gums (oxygen deprivation)
Collapse or loss of consciousness
Eye injury or proptosis
Heatstroke signs (excessive panting, drooling, collapse)
Severe breathing distress

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lifespan of a Pug?

Pugs typically live 12-15 years. However, their quality of life is often compromised by breathing difficulties. Maintaining healthy weight and keeping cool are essential.

Why do Pugs have breathing problems?

Pugs have BOAS due to their flat face—compressed airways with narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea. This causes snoring, exercise intolerance, and breathing crises. Surgery can help severe cases.

Why are Pugs' eyes so vulnerable?

Pugs have shallow eye sockets causing bulging eyes that are extremely prone to injury. Daily eye checks and avoiding rough play are essential. Proptosis (eye dislodging) is a real risk.

Can Pugs overheat?

Yes, Pugs overheat very easily and can die from heatstroke. Their compromised airways can't cool air efficiently. Air conditioning is essential in hot weather.

How do I care for Pug skin folds?

Clean facial folds daily or every few days with gentle wipes, dry thoroughly. The nose rope needs special attention. Check for redness, odor, or discharge.

Do Pugs have spine problems?

Pugs are prone to hemivertebrae and Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE). Signs include weakness, wobbling, seizures. PDE is unfortunately fatal.