Pugs are neat, cute, and soulful creatures to which you quickly become attached. And it’s very hard to suddenly lose such an affectionate pet. In order to be ready in advance for parting with your pet, you need to know how many years pugs live at home. This will maximize his life.
Life span
Pug owners should know that they have chosen a long-lived breed. If the average life span of a dog is 11-12 years, then the life expectancy of a pug is limited to 12-15 years. Pugs are small dogs, as a rule, in the canine world, compact breeds live longer than their large relatives. It is also important to remember that pug girls live longer than boys. The fact is that dogs are characterized by stubbornness, self-will, they often solve problems with a fight. All this leads to injuries and other diseases, and already these factors affect life expectancy.
Girls have a more flexible disposition, they are friendly, not aggressive, prefer to spend more time at home. Accordingly, the females have no reason to get involved in fights, so death due to an accident is unlikely, and therefore they live longer. Although it is generally believed that puppy girls at birth turn out to be weaker than their siblings, moreover, complications can also arise during the birth of females. However, practice shows that females live longer than males.
If you observe all the conditions of the dog and pay special attention to its health, then the pet will live for a long time. So, the longest-lived pug Martin lived for 16 years and was included in the Russian Book of Records.
Causes of premature death
If a pug dies at a young age, the following diseases are likely to be the cause.
- Congenital diseases. Pugs are not without the likelihood of being born with a serious vice that can shorten their life. These, for example, include heart ailments. It is impossible to prevent such an outcome, but if the disease is detected in time, it is possible to control its course and stop attacks in a timely manner.
- Infections Between the folds of the animal fungi and bacteria can accumulate, but they are not so dangerous in contrast to infections that can enter the dog's body through a wound or abrasion. Therefore, any damage to the skin needs timely treatment and disinfection. The infection lies in wait for a healthy animal, which was not vaccinated on time and was taken out into the street.
- Oncology. This is a fairly common cause of pug deaths. Most often, cancer of the skin, oral cavity, testicles, mammary glands, and lymphoma occurs. To prevent the formation of diseases of the genitourinary organs, the dog can be neutered or sterilized. It is believed that a sterilized animal lives longer, because the dog does not have to leave his health and strength during childbirth. Especially since pugs often give birth with complications.
- Encephalitis. Another disease often affecting pugs. Represents fatal cerebral edema. Symptoms include convulsions, lethargy, slowness, loss of coordination. This ailment is terrible in that it is rather difficult to identify in the first stages.
- Eye diseases. Perhaps the most vulnerable organ of the representative of this breed. These dogs have bulging eye sockets that seem to barely fit inside the skull. Therefore, even an insignificant eye injury received, for example, by an ordinary blade of grass, can provoke the formation of an abscess. In this case, expensive surgery and corneal transplantation will be required.
- Weak heart. These animals can suddenly die during a long run, from severe physical exertion, with a sharp temperature difference.
- Circulation. Dogs of this breed have a non-standard composition, which contributes to poor blood supply in the area of the femoral head. This process can provoke wear of the hip joint and muscle atrophy, resulting in tissue necrosis. In this case, the pug may not live up to 7 years.
- Respiratory system. Diseases of the ENT organs can also cause a deterioration in the well-being of the pug and its subsequent death. An ordinary walk in cool weather can lead to the disease.
- Excess weight. These dogs do not particularly like an active lifestyle, they prefer to spend more time in the house next to the owner, eat tasty and plenty, rest for a long time. All this leads to increased body weight, and from this there are already problems with digestion, breathing, and possibly the development of diabetes.
- Poor hygiene. The owner should pay special attention to this moment. Bacteria can accumulate in the folds on the face, so they need to be cleaned regularly. In addition, pugs have narrow auditory canals, which also require frequent processing.
If we figured out the diseases, then it is worth recalling the correct maintenance of the dog. Poor conditions, stress, illiterate care can significantly affect the pug's lifespan. From poor nutrition can worsen heart disease, blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract. An incorrect walk leads to a deterioration in well-being, and if you let the dog go for walk without a leash, then death from an accident is possible.
Even an elementary “awkward” attitude towards a pet can cause an early death.
How to extend the life of a pet?
In order for the four-legged friend to remain in the house as long as possible, it is necessary to pay special attention to the following points when keeping it.
Physical exercise
A pug is a breed for which both hyperactive jogging and a complete lack of physical activity are dangerous.Too hard work can not withstand the weak heart of this dog, and the lack of activity leads to obesity with all the ensuing consequences. Therefore, the content of the pug must comply with the "golden mean." Most suitable daily walks with light loads in the form of games.
Healthy eating
This is a very important criterion for keeping a pug. Representatives of this breed are prone to rapid weight gain. When feeding, it is important to maintain a balance of BZHU, as well as enrich the food with vitamins and minerals. In this regard, most veterinarians recommend feeding pugs with ready-made dry feed of premium and super premium class. The fact is that this product already contains all the elements necessary for the healthy development of the pet, which means that the owner will not have to count calories, proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
You can not feed the dog at its first request. Dry food swells in the stomach, therefore overeating is possible. It is better to get acquainted with the information on the feed packaging, manufacturers indicate quality products daily portion of a specific brand, taking into account the weight of the animal. An even better solution would be to consult a veterinarian. Let the doctor independently indicate in grams the daily portion, based on the weight, age and health of the particular dog.
Hygiene
It is important to monitor the skin of the pet, wipe its folds, examine for wounds and scratches after each walk, monitor the condition of the eyes and ears. Periodically, the pug needs a bath, it is also important to comb it regularly.
Cold Avoidance
In no case should the pet overheat or overcool. Do not place his couch near a balcony or heating devices. During a walk in cold weather Be sure to wear warm coveralls on your dog.
Visit to the veterinary clinic
Every 3 months treat the dog from worms and do not forget about the annual vaccinations. Remember that an unvaccinated animal cannot be walked outside. Even the owner himself can bring infection into the house on shoes. Vaccinations for a puppy begin from two months of age, that is, until this moment, the dog should only be in the house.
For any suspicious symptoms, take your pet to a specialist for examination.
Avoid Stress
Pugs are very sociable companion dogs, for which contact with a person is vital. It's important to give the dogs a lot of attention, Do not scold at trifles, play, caress, take care. It is very important for these dogs that a person feel love for them. The pug feels badly about himself and always worries about this. Give your pet as much love and care as possible, then he will live in your house as long as possible.
In the next video you will find the features of proper care for pugs.