Complete Information Regarding the Pug Dog
 
Your Subtitle text
Pug Breathing Problems

Why Pugs Have Breathing Problems

Long ago, societies would breed dogs in order to achieve a very precise appearance of the dog.  The Pug, it was decided, would have a very flat face and wrinkles on the forehead.

Since most canines have snouts, this is such a common physical attribute of a dog, as the bloodlines were bred and the Pug dog became a dog without a snout, this made the dog very unique and precious.

Those in China believed that the flat face and wrinkles were to be considered good luck.  Ironically, it is these features that make breathing issues for the Pug.  A pug dog will have a hard time catching their breath if exercising or hot and will have other issues as well.











   

What are Normal Pug Dog Breathing Problems?

The Pug dog will have breathing issues that are considered "normal".  Although they may be quite alarming to new, unsuspecting owners, the following are common traits more than they are problems:

Snoring - The Pug dog will snore when sleeping and has no control over this noise.  The nasal passages are so short and inadequate, almost every Pug dog will indeed snore.

Snorting noises - Aside from nightly snoring, this dog will also make what may seem like worrisome noises; but are in fact just part of being a Pug!  This breed will wheeze, grunt and gasp a bit.  Sometimes it will sound as if this dog is having to catch up to breath and need to occasionally gasp in a big breath.

Helping a Pug Breath

There are ways that you can help.  When a Pug dog is hot, it can put more strain on their respiratory system.  Therefore, many owners find that placing a fan beside their dog while he sleeps is very helpful.  The cooler, fresh air will help the dog to breath.  It is recommended that at all times, do not allow your dog to become hot.  Outside activities in warm weather must be restricted if you want to help your Pug breath easier.  He will overheat very quickly and this can lead to the breathing pr
oblems.  When inside, regulate the inside air temperature to a comfortable 68 degree Fahrenheit (20 degree Celsius)



Serious Pug Dog Breathing Problems

Putting aside the breathing issues that are normal and daily occurrences, the Pug dog will be vulnerable to some respiratory medical issues.  This is also because of the way in which they were bred.

Trachea -  A Pug dog can become victim to a collapsed trachea.  This medial problem can be found at birth or your dog may develop this over time.

What happens? The Pug's trachea will litteraly fall out of place.

What are the symtoms?  Your dog will have a rough cough,  very loud difficult breathing and gasping.  This will be at a level far greater than the normal Pug dog breathing noises and must be looked at immediately by a veterinarian.

How is this fixed?  Luckily, this medical issues can be fixed with surgery. 

ESP - No, this does not mean your dog is psychic!  Rather, this is a very serious breathing condition of the Pug dog; ESP stands for Elongated Soft Palate.

What happens? The soft tissue of the dog's palate becomes swollen or grows larger and blocks the breathing passage of the Pug.

What are the symptoms?  The only symptoms may be excessive and severe gasping for breath; no matter if laying still or moving. The secondary symptom will be a blockage near the vocal box which in effect gives the Pug what may seem like laryngitis. Your dog will not be able to bark, growl, etc. or the sounds will be very forced and not natural.

How if this fixed?  This will be fixed by an experienced veterinarian with surgery to adjust the palate.

Stenotic Nares - This is a rare condition but is more common in the Pug dog than other breeds.

What happens? The Pug dog's nostrils will be too small and therefore the dog will not be physically able to gather enough air to breath.

What are the symptoms?   Your dog will be able to breath adequately through his mouth, but not his nose.  When his mouth is closed, you will notice very forced breathing through the nostrils and it will be quite obvious that the dog is having problems.  If this is left untreated, this can progress into even more serious issues such as an enlarged heart and bronchitis.  The dog's entire body will be affected by the strain that is exerted continually.

How is this fixed?  As with the most serious breathing problems, the dog will need surgery to correct this.  The nasal passage ways will be enlarged during an operation in which the Pug dog is under anesthesia.