Pugs and Hot Weather

Pugs are sensitive to heat and humidity, and because of this it is important to be aware of the conditions outside, and how long your Pug is outside. Temperatures above 80-85 degrees can be hazardous to your Pugs health and have been known to cause heat stroke, which is potentially deadly.   

In addition to something immediate such as heat stroke, it’s also possible that over- exposure to high temperatures can cause long term damage to your Pugs organs including the heart, kidney and liver. It’s not at all uncommon for Pug owners to find their Pugs enjoy laying outside, but please remember that your Pug really doesn’t know any better and it’s up to you to be careful.

A good rule to follow is to keep an eye on the temperature outside during the warm weather months and make sure that your Pug doesn’t stay outside for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Now, your Pug may be outside for 15 minutes in temperatures around 80 degrees and seem absolutely fine, and if this is the case, you may be tempted to leave him outside a little while longer…Don’t! Heatstroke can come on quickly, in a matter of seconds, and it could cost your Pug his life.

If your Pug does appear to be overheating, which can be indicated by a heavy and persistent panting, you should feed her cold water and cool her off with towels watered down with cool water, or a cold water bath. But the best treatment for a Pugs vulnerability to hot weather related problems is preventative…Be aware of the temperature, be vigilant about keeping your Pug inside and air-conditioned and don’t take any chances.

Remember, it is up to you to protect your Pug from overexposure to hot weather…they can’t protect themselves!