HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PUG

How Do I Brush My Pug?

The Pug has a short, smooth coat and needs a brush perfectly suited to this type of hair. A curry comb is ideal for effectively removing dead hair from your pooch. Brush your Pug once or twice a week outside of moulting seasons, in spring and autumn, and daily during these periods of increased shedding. Be careful not to brush too violently, at the risk of damaging your dog's skin and coat. Make gentle, measured movements, as any bad experience, especially when your Pug is still a pup, could risk traumatising your dog and turning them against you. Finish off with a softer boar bristle brush to smooth out the coat.

Brushing your Pug isn't just about maintaining their coat. It also constitutes a special bonding moment for you and your dog, helping you to strengthen your relationship. These intimate moments are precious, especially with a dog breed like the Pug who develops a close attachment to its master. Additionally, brushing your dog’s coat lets you check for any parasites that might be burrowed there or any skin infections which may have arisen.

How Do I Bathe My Pug?

Supplement brushing with one or two baths a year. Be careful not to bathe your dog more often than this, to prevent the onset of sensitive skin conditions. Given the size of your Pug, you won’t have any trouble getting them in the bathtub, shower, or even the sink. Use lukewarm water, between 35 and 36°C. Never use water that is too cold or too hot, as this could be dangerous to your Pug’s health.

Choose the products you use on your dog carefully. You should never use human shampoo on your dog! Dogs have a different pH from humans, so human products are not suitable for your Pug's skin. A good dog shampoo respects your dog's hair, but also their skin type (dry, oily, etc.).

Complementary Health Care for a Pug

In addition to regular brushing and the occasional bath, you also need to take care of your dog’s eyes, teeth, nails, and ears. Eyecare is very important for your little Pug, who is susceptible to eye problems. Use cotton pads and saline solution to clean their eyes at least once a week. Wash your hands well before cleaning your Pug’s eyes. Avoid using cotton wool or Q-tips which may leave cotton fibres behind. Proceed gently so as not to injure your dog. Take a pad soaked in the saline solution and run it over your dog's eyes to sweep away any impurities. Start from the inside of the eye and move outwards, so as not to allow other dirt to get in. 

Next, the teeth. The mouth is an all-too-often overlooked part of the dog’s anatomy. However, oral hygiene is very important to your Pug’s overall health. Diet plays a huge part in this, as does brushing your dog’s teeth. Teach your Pug to accept a toothbrush and toothpaste from an early age.

Remember to also trim your Pug's nails whenever they get a little long. You can use a nail clipper, being careful to locate the quick of the nail before cutting to avoid injuring your pooch. The quick is the live part of the nail which contains blood vessels and nerve endings, recognisable by its pink colour. If you’re worried about doing this yourself, you can always ask your vet or take your dog to see a groomer.

Clean your dog’s ears at least once a week with a suitable ear cleaning solution. It’s especially important to inspect your pup’s ears after a walk in the countryside, to check no parasites have lodged here. To clean the ears, place the cleaning product inside your Pug’s ear canal, then massage gently to allow it to penetrate the ear. Wipe the remaining product off with a cotton pad, until no trace remains. 

Finally, don't forget about preventive medical care for your Pug. Make sure to take your dog for regular deworming treatments and anti-parasitics against ticks and fleas, and to keep all their vaccines up to date. Choose a high-quality diet for your Pug to help preserve their life expectancy. Don't forget to also buy your dog all the appropriate accessories (dog bed, toys, etc.), especially if you live in an apartment with your Pug. You want to make sure your dog stays happy and entertained while you’re gone; mental health is just as important as physical after all!