Medical Precautions and Common Issues

Anesthesia

It is important for the health and well being of your pet to have them spayed or neutered and to have routine teeth cleaning later in life. These are common practices and should not be avoided for fear it will cause them harm. Since Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, special caution needs to be taken when under going any procedure which requires them to be under the influence of Anesthesia. Please discuss with your vet the practices that he or she uses during these procedures. A good vet will use modern practices and your pet will be on oxygen with close monitoring the whole time of the procedure. You should also only use a vet that uses the lower risk anesthetic called Isoflurane.

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Allergic Reactions to Medications

This is starting to become more of a common occurrence with Pugs.  So far, two of our Pugs have experienced an allergic reaction to medications. One was due to a simple K-1 Vitamin shot and another to the rabies vaccine.  After a vaccine is administered, stay at your veterinary office for an additional 15 minutes so that if a reaction does occur, your vet will be able to administer the correct drug to counteract it.  One of the key signs that your Pug is having an allergic reaction is itching and scratching.  You might first see this by your Pug rubbing his face on you, his leg, or anywhere convenient.  The face will start swelling, but this might be hard to notice at first due to the wrinkly face.  Allergic reactions are life threatening as your Pug's throat my swell restricting or cutting off his airway.

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Demodectic Mange

This is one of the more common issues associated with Pug's skin.  We do not recommend the use of Mitaban dips for treatment of this condition as it can kill your dog.  The use of Ivermectin by injection or oral suspension is proven safer as well as effective and less costly.

Read this article for more information on Demodex