Breed Overview
Pugs are small companion dogs known for their affectionate, people-oriented temperament and highly adaptable personality. Bred primarily as house dogs, they usually do best in close contact with their family and are not built for prolonged heat or intense exercise. What makes the breed unique also drives many of its health risks: the shortened muzzle, prominent eyes, heavy facial folds, and compact body shape can increase the likelihood of breathing trouble, eye injury, skin fold disease, and some spinal problems. Pugs are also notably food-motivated, so weight management is a major part of lifelong health care.
Common Health Issues
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
Pugs are a classic brachycephalic breed, and noisy breathing should not automatically be assumed to be normal. Signs can include snoring, exercise intolerance, heat intolerance, gagging, labored breathing, or collapse in hot weather. Dogs with moderate to severe signs need veterinary assessment, and some benefit from airway surgery.
Eye disease and corneal injury
Their prominent eyes raise the risk of corneal ulcers, exposure-related irritation, pigmentary keratitis, and dry eye. Squinting, redness, cloudiness, discharge, or rubbing at the face should be treated as same-day vet concerns because corneal ulcers can worsen quickly.
Pug dog encephalitis (PDE/NME)
The Pug Dog Club of America includes PDE, also called necrotizing meningoencephalitis, among recommended breed health screenings. It is a serious inflammatory brain disease associated with the breed. Emergency signs can include seizures, circling, blindness, head pressing, behavior change, or sudden neurologic decline.
Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia
OFA and the Pug Dog Club of America recommend screening for patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Affected dogs may skip, bunny-hop, limp, show stiffness, or become less willing to jump or play.
Hemivertebrae and pug myelopathy
Pugs can develop congenital vertebral malformations and chronic spinal cord disease affecting the rear limbs. Warning signs include hind-end weakness, wobbliness, dragging nails, trouble rising, pain, or urinary/fecal accidents.
Skin fold dermatitis
Facial folds can trap moisture and debris, leading to irritation or infection. Owners may notice redness, odor, discharge, itching, or rubbing around the nose and face.
Preventive Care Schedule
Pugs need the same core preventive care as other dogs—regular exams, parasite prevention, and vaccination based on age, lifestyle, and your veterinarian’s recommendations—but breed-specific screening matters. The Pug Dog Club of America’s CHIC recommendations include OFA hip evaluation, patellar luxation screening, an eye examination, and PDE/NME DNA testing; second-tier recommendations include pyruvate kinase deficiency, bile acids, and elbow dysplasia screening. Because BOAS may develop or worsen with age, ask your veterinarian to assess breathing, exercise tolerance, weight, and heat sensitivity at every annual visit; OFA’s Respiratory Function Grading Scheme is available for Pugs and recommends annual veterinary health checks for dogs tested before 24 months of age. Daily dental care is especially important because crowded mouths and small breed size can contribute to dental disease. Keep your Pug lean, avoid overheating, clean facial folds as directed by your vet, and seek prompt care for any eye redness, squinting, or neurologic changes.
When to Use Telehealth for Your Pug
Telehealth can be especially helpful for Pug owners because many early problems start with subtle changes at home. A virtual vet visit is a good fit for reviewing noisy breathing that is mild and not causing distress, deciding whether facial fold redness needs in-person treatment, discussing weight gain, exercise plans, heat-safety strategies, dental home care, chronic skin issues, or what to monitor after a previous BOAS or eye diagnosis. Telehealth is also useful for triaging limping, hind-end weakness, sleep/snoring changes, and questions about breeder health testing. However, a Pug should be seen in person urgently or emergently for labored breathing, blue or gray gums, collapse, overheating, eye pain, a bulging or injured eye, seizures, sudden weakness, or severe neurologic signs.
Pug Health FAQs
Are breathing noises normal in Pugs?
What health tests should a Pug breeder be doing?
Why are Pug eyes such a common concern?
How can I help prevent health problems in my Pug?
When is a Pug emergency?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.