Pug lovers, rejoice: Today is Pug Day! Recognized by the AKC back in 1885, these little pups have been melting hearts for hundreds of years. In fact, a 2021 survey showed that there are over 4 million pugs here in the U.S. A local Seminole, FL vet shines the spotlight on these charming little pooches below.
Pugs are short and stocky, and are characterized by their pushed-in faces. That smooshy face may be adorable, but it comes with a price: Fido’s shortened airways make him prone to a slew of health issues, such as brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS), eye injuries, and various respiratory issues.
Like any other breed, the pug has some specific care needs. The biggest thing to be aware of is the fact that they can lose their breath very easily. Because of those short air passages, Fido can quickly get into serious trouble if he overexerts himself. Don’t encourage your canine pal to run or play vigorously. Swimming is also a no, though your pooch may enjoy wading or splashing around in a kiddie pool.
Fido’s first job was being a companion to Chinese emperors, but he’s since become a beloved pet in many households. It’s not hard to see why people fall for these adorable little pooches. Pugs tend to be super sweet, charming, and affectionate. They’re also very loyal, and are quite smart. Fido is playful, but won’t need as much activity as many other pups. He’s a wonderful family pet and companion.
Believe it or not, pugs have often been used as watchdogs. To be fair, the sight of a pug probably isn’t going to strike fear into anyone’s heart. However, Fido has proved himself to be a worthy guard dog, despite his small stature and complete lack of athletic prowess. In fact, a pug saved the life of a prince of Holland’s royal House of Orange in 1572, by alerting his owner to the presence of an assassin. The pooch was rewarded by becoming the official mascot of the noble house. (We assume that he also got lots of treats and belly rubs.) This wasn’t Fido’s only association with royalty. We already know that he was a beloved pet of the Chinese nobility. A pug also traveled with William III and Mary II to England in 1688.
Please contact us, your Seminole, FL animal clinic, for all your pug’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
