Complete Information Regarding the Pug Dog
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Older Pug Dogs
How Old is Your Pug?
We've all heard it before, that a dog ages 7 years for each human year. However, in regard to toy dogs such as the Pug the aging process is slightly different.
You may know your Pug's birthday, but do you know how old your Pug really is in comparison to humans? One important element to understanding the age of your dog is so that you can adjust such things as feeding and exercise.
An energetic adolescent dog have much different needs than an aging older dog. In addition, an older Pug will have a higher risk for certain health ailments and diseases. As a responsible owner, you can keep an eye out for certain symptoms that would point to an impending health issue.
See Normal Health Issues
You may know your Pug's birthday, but do you know how old your Pug really is in comparison to humans? One important element to understanding the age of your dog is so that you can adjust such things as feeding and exercise.
An energetic adolescent dog have much different needs than an aging older dog. In addition, an older Pug will have a higher risk for certain health ailments and diseases. As a responsible owner, you can keep an eye out for certain symptoms that would point to an impending health issue.
See Normal Health Issues
A Pug will age in the following way: 5 dog years = 30 human years and it continues on as such: 6 = 40, 7 = 44, 8 = 48, 9 = 52, 10 - 56, 11 = 60, 12 = 64, 13 = 68, 14 = 72, 15 = 76, 16 = 80, 17 = 84, 18 = 88, 19 = 92 and 20 = 96. If you have had your Pug for a while, it may be hard to believe that your 12 year old dog is the equivalent age of 64 human years; however this is a guideline to that refers to the breakdown of the body's ability to fend off disease, level of exercise one is able to handle and so forth. A Pug owner can have a dog of 16 that still loves to run around the park!
How to Care for Your Older Pug Dog
As your Pug dog grows older, you may notice some small changes. They will not be as faster as in their youth. Your dog may show a bit of difficulty when rising from a laying down position. They may walk slower up a staircase. When your dog reaches the age of 12, it will be time to give a bit more attention to certain grooming techniques. This will also be the time when it is important to bring your Pug to the vet for more frequent checkups. Your vet should be performing more thorough tests, especially for sugar levels. Eye exams are very important, as well.
Just as with humans, an older Pug dog may be more susceptible to getting diabetes, arthritis, have problems with joints and their bones may be more brittle. This will be the time to make sure you are feeding your dog a food that has a higher count of nutrients specifically for aging pets. Supplements are a good idea, as there are specific dog supplements that will help with joint issues.
As the years go by, older Pug dogs will be more susceptible to infections. For this reason it is suggested to take extra care in grooming. One of the most vulnerable parts of a Pug is the wrinkles on their face. Take some extra time to gently clean these areas, making sure that the folds are left dry and clean. As your dog gets older, it is recommended to do a wipe each day. Making this part of a normal routine will help make this easier for both owner and canine.
Exercise should be cut back a bit. It is still important to walk your Pug so that their heart stays healthy; movement is very necessary. However, once your dog is becoming elderly you do not want to overexert activities as an older heart will not be able to handle what a younger heart was able to.
During the last couple of years of a Pug's life, they may show signs of confusion and or anxiety. It is during this time that you want to make the household as quite and peaceful as possible. Unless you absolutely must, do not move your furniture. Your Pug may become very confused if there are changes made to his or her environment. The ability to hold elimination may weaken. During this time, you may use doggie diapers. As odd as they may look, this will help you, your Pug and your home stay sanitary. If your elderly dog does have any accidents, never scold or punish them. This is a normal process of aging. A loving owner, will of course, want to spend every moment that is left by showing compassion and care.
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Just as with humans, an older Pug dog may be more susceptible to getting diabetes, arthritis, have problems with joints and their bones may be more brittle. This will be the time to make sure you are feeding your dog a food that has a higher count of nutrients specifically for aging pets. Supplements are a good idea, as there are specific dog supplements that will help with joint issues.
As the years go by, older Pug dogs will be more susceptible to infections. For this reason it is suggested to take extra care in grooming. One of the most vulnerable parts of a Pug is the wrinkles on their face. Take some extra time to gently clean these areas, making sure that the folds are left dry and clean. As your dog gets older, it is recommended to do a wipe each day. Making this part of a normal routine will help make this easier for both owner and canine.
Exercise should be cut back a bit. It is still important to walk your Pug so that their heart stays healthy; movement is very necessary. However, once your dog is becoming elderly you do not want to overexert activities as an older heart will not be able to handle what a younger heart was able to.
During the last couple of years of a Pug's life, they may show signs of confusion and or anxiety. It is during this time that you want to make the household as quite and peaceful as possible. Unless you absolutely must, do not move your furniture. Your Pug may become very confused if there are changes made to his or her environment. The ability to hold elimination may weaken. During this time, you may use doggie diapers. As odd as they may look, this will help you, your Pug and your home stay sanitary. If your elderly dog does have any accidents, never scold or punish them. This is a normal process of aging. A loving owner, will of course, want to spend every moment that is left by showing compassion and care.
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