Caring for working dogs
Typical Reasons Why You May Have To Take Your Pug To A Veterinary Hospital
Jose Reid
Pugs have steadily taken over the hearts of dog lovers in Australia. These undeniably cute pups with their human-like facial expressions and playful nature have taken over homes and hearts, and their popularity does not look like it will wane soon! Nonetheless, while pugs are an attractive dog breed, they are highly vulnerable to several ailments. These health problems typically stem from what makes them the lovable pups that they are — their facial features and overall build. If you will be adopting a pug soon or if you have a pup already, you must know about the potential illnesses they may succumb to. This piece lists three typical reasons why you may have to take your pug to a veterinary hospital.
Ocular conditions
One of the distinct features of pugs is their bulging eyes. Although this may make them look cute and innocent, the bulge does make their eyes susceptible to scratches on their corneas, regular dry eye or even ulcers on their corneas. It is essential to keep an eye out (no pun intended) for the onset of ocular issues since they can be extremely painful for your pet. Moreover, if a serious condition is not caught in time, your pug will be at risk of going blind. Symptoms such as regular pawing at their eyes or mucous oozing from their eyes should have you paying a visit to the veterinary hospital.
Respiratory problems
Another cute body feature of pugs is their flat faces. The flat face also comes with a short muzzle, and this can lead to respiratory problems for your pup. One of the ramifications of not being able to breathe properly is that your pug will be unable to regulate their body temperature, which is what dogs do by panting. Secondly, your pug could end up developing brachycephalic syndrome. If you notice any gurgling, snorting or gagging sounds from your pug when they breathe, it could be indicative of the beginning of respiratory problems.
Joint displacement
A good number of dog breeds will be susceptible to hip dysplasia, especially when they are older. Pugs, though, are vulnerable to joint problems from an early age due to their stature. If your pug is heavy, then they will be exerting a substantial amount of pressure onto their joints. As a result, their knee joint could become displaced, and this causes extreme pain for your pup. It is worth noting that joint displacement will require surgical intervention, so it is essential to monitor your pug for any signs of this issue.
For more information, contact a veterinary hospital like Wakeley Veterinary Hospital.
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We've always had a large property and our dogs are working dogs. They like to have freedom to run around and play with each other as well as helping us round up the sheep at the end of the day. We don't coddle the dogs by any means, but we do care for them deeply and want them to stay healthy. Sometimes our dogs do get into scrapes and do some silly things, like last year when my older dog ate some baited meat from a fox trap, and do need vet care. This blog has some tips on getting veterinary care for your beloved animals.