Pugs are affectionate, clownish, and endlessly loyal—but their flat faces and compact bodies make them prone to certain health issues. Knowing what to watch for can make all the difference in your pug’s quality of life. Below are the ten most common health problems in pugs, with examples of what owners often experience and what veterinarians recommend.
1) Allergies
Overview: Many pug owners notice their dogs scratching after a bath or sneezing when the seasons change. Seasonal triggers, food sensitivities, and harsh shampoos are all common causes. One owner reported her pug’s itching cleared up almost overnight when she switched from a perfumed shampoo to a sulfate-free, plant-based formula.
Signs: Itching, redness, sneezing, coughing, and chronic ear infections.
Management: If you've tried alternating your pug's diet with no relief, change to a gentle, sulfate-free shampoos to protect the skin barrier.
PawPurity offers Intensive Nourishing Shampoo that is known to work so well that customers don't even need allergy shots. It's made with natural organic ingredients: Olive Oil-Based Cleanser. Argan Oil. Calendula. Mullein Extract. Aloe Vera Oil. Rosemary Extract. Yucca. Lavender. Colloidal Silver. Vitamin E. Lemon Balm Hydrosol. Comfrey. Ginger. Vegetable Glycerin. Distilled Water. Apple Cider Vinegar. Witch Hazel. Horsetail. Red Clover. Nettle. Salt. Essential Oils: Frankincense, Lemongrass, Sweet Marjoram. This shampoo does not suds and take very little to cover a pug. One to two ounces are plenty for a medium sized pug. Apply to a wet coat and leave on for five minutes.
Intensive Nourishing Shampoo is Great for Senior Pugs - My Story
My rescue, Little Guy, was a Boston-pug mix that struggled with chronic skin issues in his later years due to frequent urination accidents. At 19 years old, he required gentle half baths twice a day to keep his skin clean and comfortable. I relied on my Intensive Nourishing Shampoo, which never caused irritation despite such frequent use. Instead, it helped soothe his sensitive skin and maintain a healthy coat, proving how important truly gentle, natural grooming products are for senior dogs with special care needs.
2) Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS)
Flat faces and narrow nostrils make pugs vulnerable to noisy breathing. Owners often describe their pug as “snoring while awake.” A Las Vegas vet recently explained that mild cases can be managed with weight loss and medication, while severe cases may require corrective surgery. Quick action can prevent dangerous airway distress.
Signs: Snoring, noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, overheating.
Management: Weight control, exercise moderation, and surgical intervention in severe cases.
3) Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a hereditary eye condition that causes gradual blindness. Some owners notice their pug struggling in dim light or freezing when bright headlights flash past. While there is no cure, vets may recommend supplements and lifestyle changes to slow progression. Responsible breeders screen for PRA to reduce the risk in future generations.
Signs: Night blindness, light sensitivity, and difficulty navigating in dim environments.
Management: No cure; early veterinary diagnosis and supportive supplements may help slow progression.
4) Elbow Dysplasia
This joint disorder often appears as reluctance to play fetch or difficulty getting up from a nap. One pug owner noticed her dog refusing to climb onto the couch, which turned out to be early arthritis linked to elbow dysplasia. X-rays at the vet’s office confirmed the diagnosis, and pain management plus weight control helped restore mobility.
Signs: Lameness, stiffness, reluctance to play or climb stairs.
Management: Weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases, surgery.
5) Patellar Luxation
Sometimes called a “trick knee,” this condition makes the kneecap slip out of place. Owners often see their pug hop on three legs for a few steps before returning to normal. Mild cases may not need treatment, but moderate to severe luxation usually requires surgery.
Signs: Intermittent limping, hopping gait, or sudden leg extension.
Management: Mild cases may only require monitoring; moderate to severe cases often require corrective surgery.
6) Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD)
Most common in young pugs, this hip condition reduces blood flow to the femur, causing bone damage. It often starts with subtle limping that gets worse over weeks. A vet in California shared the story of a one-year-old pug who recovered fully after surgery and physical therapy. Early detection gives the best outcome.
Signs: Progressive limping, reluctance to bear weight, reduced mobility.
Management: Surgical correction combined with rehabilitation therapy.
7) Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia can shorten a pug’s lifespan if untreated. Owners often notice their dog struggling to climb stairs or hesitating on walks. Vets may recommend supplements, physiotherapy, or surgery. Keeping your pug lean is one of the strongest preventive measures.
Signs: Difficulty rising, reluctance to exercise, decreased activity, hind-limb weakness.
Management: Anti-inflammatory therapy, physical therapy, weight control, and surgical options in advanced cases.
8) Phosphorus Deficiency (Hypophosphatemia)
Hypophosphatemia is rare but serious. A pug with this deficiency may appear lethargic or collapse suddenly. One emergency case involved a pug who had been fed an unbalanced homemade diet. The vet corrected the phosphorus levels with supplements and guided the owner on a complete nutrition plan.
Signs: Weakness, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, and muscle tremors.
Management: Immediate veterinary intervention, dietary correction, and phosphorus or vitamin D supplementation as prescribed.
9) Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
Bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary care. Owners describe the dog’s belly swelling and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. One family shared how rushing their pug to the vet within an hour saved his life. Prevention includes smaller meals, avoiding vigorous play after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Signs: Abdominal swelling, retching without vomiting, drooling, restlessness.
Management: Emergency surgery is often required. Preventive measures include smaller, frequent meals and avoiding vigorous activity after eating.
10) Obesity
Because pugs adore food, weight gain is one of the most common problems. A chubby pug may look cute, but excess pounds strain the joints and make breathing harder. One owner reduced her pug’s daily calories and added short morning walks; within months, the dog’s energy levels returned, and the snoring lessened. contributing to joint stress, breathing problems, and reduced lifespan.
Signs: Excess weight, reduced stamina, worsening respiratory issues.
Management: Balanced nutrition, portion control, regular low-impact exercise, and ongoing weight monitoring.
Maintaining Pug Health
With consistent balanced nutrition, weight management, and gentle grooming practices, many of these health challenges can be prevented or effectively managed. Pug owners should remain proactive, as early detection significantly improves outcomes and enhances quality of life.
FAQ
Q1: What health problems are most common in pugs?
A: Pugs are prone to allergies, breathing difficulties (BAOS), eye conditions such as PRA, joint problems including hip dysplasia, and obesity.
Q2: Why do pugs have so many breathing problems?
A: Their flat, brachycephalic faces result in narrowed airways, making them more likely to snore, wheeze, and overheat.
Q3: How can I prevent my pug from becoming obese?
A: Monitor calorie intake, feed a balanced diet, and ensure regular low-impact exercise such as daily walks. Weight management is crucial for pug health.
Q4: Are pugs more likely to have skin allergies?
A: Yes. Pugs often have sensitive skin that reacts to food, seasonal allergens, and grooming products with harsh chemicals. Using a gentle, natural shampoo can help reduce flare-ups.
Q5: What should I do if my pug shows signs of bloat?
A: Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) is a life-threatening emergency. If your pug has a swollen belly, retching without vomiting, or is restless, seek veterinary care immediately.
