Is it more common than not?

[mishoga]

That the pug breed has so many health problems? I read the posts on here as I'm up every night several times with these two pups and it makes me very nervous. I almost feel like it's inevitable that they will have major health problems.

Is there percentages on this breed or mortality rates?

As it is I have a child with a debilitating lifelong disease that causes stress everyday. I can't imagine having poor little pug babies with major health issues

[Snifter]

Remember that on an internet forum you will get an impression of problems being more common than they actually are, because people don't often join a forum until they have a problem.

Pugs are prone to certain issues, as is any breed. Careful breeding minimises the risks of ill health but cannot guarantee a healthy pug. Major health problems are not inevitable; however I have found myself at the vet more often than I would like with both my boys. Mind you, I am always at the vet if I have even the slightest worry.

[Hellas]

Agree with Snifter. Neither of my two has any health problems so far. No allergies, no tummy problems, no skin problems, no luxated patella. Winston does have an elongated palate but is still able to run and do agility, so I consider him healthy despite that. The only problem we do have is with eye injuries, and that has mostly stopped since they reached adulthood. Winston had repeated small scratches on his cornea as a youngster, but that's mostly stopped. Keep them trim and fit with good quality food and excercise, and odds are good that your pups will remain healthy.

[*Leenie*]

My MIL had 4 pugs, I adopted one last may. Hes totally healthy. But Sophie died shortly after of a auto-immune disease common in pugs (forgot the name) and then Max has a huge mast in his lung which is only a matter of time before he succumbs to it. If his breathing problems get any worse there's no choice but to put him down. She works for one of the best vets in the state so hes in good hands. And Maddie is almost 11and is fine besides normal old age joints.

So 2 outta 4 have/had fatal health problems. But Both sophie and max came from puppy mill seizures and Benny and Maddie came from good breeders so it really depends on the stock the said pug is coming from.

[PugMa]

We've had a total of 4 pugs. Our first, Smoosh, had skin problems and allergies but we know now that this was related to diet. The three we have now, though MuShu had a time as a puppy initially (diarrhea, reaction to kennel cough vaccine, his fontanel was slow to close, etc, etc) are very healthy. Both the girls have an elongated palate, Joy's worse than Kaya's but so far no indication for surgery. The main thing is being educated and proactive about diet and health. Many pugs would over eat if allowed and an over weight dog, no matter what the breed, is more likely to have health problems.

[Tinker's mom]

Tinker is from a BYB and has had knee surgeries and developes bladder stones.She also has PK. I think pugs require much more intense maintainence but what a joy they are! They really are people dogs, loving, smart & totally loyal.

[mishoga]

Remember that on an internet forum you will get an impression of problems being more common than they actually are, because people don't often join a forum until they have a problem.

Yes, you are right. I remember when my son was diagnosed with Crohns Colitis I tried to find out as much information as I could because honestly I knew nothing about the disease (unfortunately he has an aggressive one). Anyway, the forums scared the crap out of me. I sat in bed at night crying like crazy. The doctor told me those are the extreme cases and that people who are living a healthy life are doing just that and not posting on forums.

Thanks for reminding me of that. I have the tendency to be a worry wart.

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

Yes, you will hear more on forums, however, I would say that pugs, due to their brachycephalic anatomy...and with the corkscrew curled tails and bulgy eyes are more prone to certain diseases, conditions and injuries. The single most important thing you can do for your pug to minimize health issues is keep him/her lean throughout his life. The tendency for pugs to overeat coupled with their breed specific anatomy can cause them a ton of problems.

If you love your pug and want to maximize the odds for them to be a healthy and happy companion for many years....keep them lean and on healthy, non-processed food/chews/treats. In fact keeping treats to a bare minimum for training purposes is best.

Take care,
Lisa

[mishoga]

OMG, what a disaster. I went to petsmart and purchased some cow hoofs. I gave one to each and turn my back one moment to close the gate and the boy took the girls bone while securing his. She tried to take it back and he attacked her. She was screaming. OIY!!!

Had to break them up for awhile. She definitely was like a little baby and all upset crawling on my lap.

BTW, I refuse to feed them table food, scraps or human food of any kind. Didn't do it with my other dogs and they lived a long life.

[Pat's Crew]

I have not had any health issues in my pugs and they both came from a super breeder........show parents too.
Max came abused so he did have some issues when he came but not as a result of the breeding

Gus is a bulldog and bought as show
he is deaf
that is from way way back in the generations they say
and he had a good show breeder too