| Pugs are a special breed of dog. They are cute, | | | | for certain knee and hip conditions that are more |
| adorable, lovable and make one of the greatest | | | | common in this breed. If you notice a change in their |
| companions you can find. But they also require special | | | | walk or a difficulty in jumping or going up or down |
| care and it's best to keep a few very important | | | | stairs, it's worth calling this to the attention of your |
| points in mind when you look for a veterinarian to | | | | veterinarian as quickly as possible. Your vet is the |
| take care of your special little friend. The breed goes | | | | best source of advice for maintaining the health of |
| back hundreds of years and they are unique not only | | | | your little friend. |
| in appearance and disposition but in their physical | | | | So, where do you find a Pug friendly vet? The best |
| characteristics as well. When searching for a doctor | | | | place to start is with the breeder where you got |
| for yourself or a family member you wouldn't think | | | | your Pug. Reputable breeders take great care in |
| twice about taking the extra time to find the right | | | | knowing where to go for expert medical advice. |
| professional so it's entirely logical to do the same | | | | Another place is from any other Pug owners that |
| thing for your Pug. As cute as they are, this breed | | | | you know. Word travels quickly in that network |
| has special care requirements that you want to make | | | | about top veterinary care. If you do not have access |
| sure your veterinarian knows about. | | | | to either of those sources of information, don't be |
| We have the greatest respect for veterinarians but, | | | | shy about calling the veterinarians in your area and |
| just as there are areas of specialization in medicine, | | | | asking about their experience with this adorable little |
| there are some vets who have more experience | | | | breed. This is especially true in rural and farm areas |
| with Pugs than others. That special knowledge and | | | | where a veterinarian may do ninety percent of their |
| experience can be very important and make a big | | | | business with horses, livestock and other farm |
| difference in the care of your Pug. For example, Pugs | | | | animals. |
| are a brachycephalic breed. This means they have | | | | As a final note, it is also worth taking the time to |
| short muzzles or flat faces. Although it's one of the | | | | investigate what emergency facilities are available in |
| things that make them absolutely adorable, it also | | | | your area before you actually need them. When |
| poses a higher risk for certain problems and | | | | humans get hurt the automatic response is to bring |
| conditions. Pugs are more prone to breathing | | | | them to a hospital emergency room. They are open |
| problems than other dogs. Not only should they | | | | 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are usually |
| never become overheated (which could result in | | | | equipped to handle major injuries. Your veterinarian |
| respiratory distress) but they should also always be | | | | may not able to supply the same around the clock |
| watched for constricted nostrils and other blockages | | | | service to your Pug. The good news is they will |
| of their respiratory system. It will take a veterinarian | | | | usually be part of a network of veterinarians who |
| with some Pug experience to know what to look for. | | | | work together to care for your Pug no matter what |
| This is especially critical if your dog is undergoing | | | | time of day it is. In choosing a veterinarian make this |
| anesthesia for spaying or neutering or other surgery. | | | | emergency care assessment part of your analysis in |
| The wrinkles in a Pug's face and their prominent eyes | | | | getting the best medical care possible for your Pug. |
| make them almost irresistible but these charming | | | | Please don't get the impression that Pugs are, by |
| characteristics can also make them candidates for | | | | nature, sickly or unhealthy. Do not think for a |
| other problems. Because of their eye structure, Pugs | | | | moment that you have chosen a problem breed. All |
| are more prone to eye injuries and other disorders. | | | | pure dog breeds are prone to certain conditions. The |
| And because of the wrinkles in their skin, extra care | | | | intent here is only to make you aware of certain |
| needs to be taken to clean these areas carefully to | | | | health conditions that are more prevalent in Pugs |
| avoid skin conditions that can develop into serious | | | | than in other breeds. Most Pugs are healthy and do |
| problems. Again, a knowledgeable and Pug | | | | not have the conditions mentioned here. Most Pugs |
| experienced veterinarian can be a great source of | | | | live healthy lives for twelve to fifteen years or more. |
| expert advice not only for treatment but also | | | | They are loving, lovable and will never tire of being |
| prevention of these potential problems. | | | | your best friend! |
| The bone structure of the Pug can also be a problem | | | | |