Don’t leave the folds damp, as this could cause further irritation. Dry them with a towel or a dry cotton swab. While this is recommended as a once-weekly routine, you can do it as often as necessary if you notice your pug starting to smell.
Brushing your pug regularly will also help keep their hair off of everything you own.
Do not push the cotton balls into the ear canal or use cotton swabs, as this could damage the dog’s ear. In you notice deep wax blockages, talk to your vet.
Make sure to rinse your pug thoroughly after shampooing it. Its folds will hold onto soap, so check carefully to make sure your pug is completely rinsed. Be sure to cover its sensitive eyes while you rinse them, too.
Injury to the quick can be very painful for your pug. If you cannot see the quick because your pug’s nails are dark or opaque, it is best to have a professional trim your their nails instead. [5] X Research source
Remember that food packaging indicates the maximum your pug should eat for a day. If you feed your pug twice a day, divide the maximum serving in half to get the proper meal size. Learn to feel for your pug’s ribs. Ideally you should be able to feel the ribs with minimum pressure but not see them. If the ribs are difficult to feel, your pug may be overweight.
There are also specialized diets for specific medical issues, such as low protein and phosphorus diets for dogs with kidney disease. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a specialized diet is right for your pug. [7] X Research source
The appropriate amount of food your dog should eat depends greatly on its specific body and how much exercise and activity it gets.
Stick to small treats with your pug, such as training treats. Treats meant for larger dogs should be broken or cut into small pieces. Try to use treats consistently for one or two behaviors, such as after a walk or a bathroom break. Avoid giving your pug extra treats outside of these times so you can limit the dog’s calorie intake.
Ideally, a healthy adult pug should get two 15-20 minute walks a day, along with smaller play times with toys throughout the day. If your pug has health problems, walks may need to be shorter.
Avoid walks during very windy or excessively rainy days, as these can cause eye problems. Pugs are prone to heat stroke if the weather is hot enough. Be sure to never keep them out in the heat on an especially sunny day and make sure that the pug stays hydrated when you are exercising it.
Dog harnesses are available at all pet stores and can be purchased online.
Teaching your pug how to sit, stay, lay down, and come can be very useful for day to day interactions with your dog. They can be especially helpful if you are trying to discourage bad behaviors, such as chewing or aggression. You may also want to teach it how to play games, such as fetch. If your pug is especially adept at responding to your commands, consider teaching it how to run through a little obstacle course.
Teaching your pug how to sit, stay, lay down, and come can be very useful for day to day interactions with your dog. They can be especially helpful if you are trying to discourage bad behaviors, such as chewing or aggression. You may also want to teach it how to play games, such as fetch. If your pug is especially adept at responding to your commands, consider teaching it how to run through a little obstacle course.
Pugs, especially young pugs, are energetic and eager to please. Enrolling in training will help them learn how to channel that energy into constructive behaviors and help you learn how to manage destructive tendencies.
Consider putting the space in the corner of a well-used area in your home. This way, even if you cannot pay attention to your pug for a moment, they do not feel alone. Remember that pugs are sensitive to very hot temperatures and rapid temperature changes. Avoid setting up their space in areas with continued direct sunlight or near heating and cooling vents.
Your personal schedule may change, but it is important to you try to keep your pug’s schedule the same. Ask a friend or neighbor to help you out with feeding and walks on nights you know you’ll be home late.
Your vet will be able to check for common pug health complications and make suggestions for care, such as what to feed your new dog.
Talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate check-up schedule. Younger pugs may need to see the vet more often until they are spayed or neutered and have completed their first course of shots. Your vet will help you work out a preventative care schedule for things like annual shots, heartworm treatments, parasite elimination, vaccinations, microchipping, and teeth cleanings, all of which are important parts of keeping your pug healthy.
This is especially important if you have children in the house. Teach your children how to recognize when your dog is anxious or fearful, so that they know when to back off. For example, if a guest is petting your pug and its tail is between its legs, it is likely scared and/or uncomfortable. To make your pug comfortable, politely ask your guest to take a couple of steps back, crouch down to the dog’s level, and hold out their hand so that the dog can come to them.
