Complete Information Regarding the Pug Dog
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Pug Dogs Getting Colds
A reader sent in a question regarding colds. As a new Pug owner, he wishes to know just how serious colds are and if there are any remedies.
Q: I am new to this community and have recently brought home a Pug (her name is Pugsy, almost by default!) She is 5 months old!). I have been reading a lot of tips and info about Pugs and general dog care on the web. I understand that Pugs generally tend to suffer from colds more frequently, than the other dogs with normal snouts!
I would really like to know if its a cause of concern and is it required to visit a vet every time my pug shows symptoms of cold? She is otherwise very active and in good health! As an alternative I would like to know if there is a home remedy for such frequent colds and runny nose!
Thanks in anticipation! Neil, Dubai, UAE
Q: I am new to this community and have recently brought home a Pug (her name is Pugsy, almost by default!) She is 5 months old!). I have been reading a lot of tips and info about Pugs and general dog care on the web. I understand that Pugs generally tend to suffer from colds more frequently, than the other dogs with normal snouts!
I would really like to know if its a cause of concern and is it required to visit a vet every time my pug shows symptoms of cold? She is otherwise very active and in good health! As an alternative I would like to know if there is a home remedy for such frequent colds and runny nose!
A: Hi Neil, we welcome you as a new PetPugDog Member! This is a very good and important Pug dog question. Studies have shown that Pug dogs do not suffer from colds more often than other dog breeds. Why do people think they do? Because the Pug dog shows more symptoms.
When another breed gets a cold, they may have a bit of a runny nose. But when a Pug dog gets a cold, it is extremely noticeable. As you say, their snouts are different that most other dog breeds. So, when your Pug gets sick she will let you know very loudly!
If Pugsy seems to have cold a lot, this could actually be allergies. Dogs can suffer from allergies just as humans do. The symptoms can be the same as a cold. If she is sneezing, has a runny nose, is coughing and/or making more than normal heavy breathing noises...she may have an allergy. Dogs can be allergic to the dog shampoo you use on her, the carpet cleaning solution in your living room or even Hay Fever or dust allergies.
When should you bring Pugsy to the vet? If it does seem as if she gets colds a lot, bring her to rule out an allergic reaction. Tests will show if this is the case and on-going pet allergy medication can help her very much. If it turns out that Pugsy suffers from colds, you will need to make a decision on a case-by-case basis. Bring her if:
To sum it up:
1. Bring her to the vet to rule out allergies - prescribed pet medication can help tremendously
2. If she is indeed suffering from colds, there is no need to rush to the vet each time
3. Bring her to the veterinarian if she is not better in 3 days or shows severe symptoms - she may need antibiotics
When another breed gets a cold, they may have a bit of a runny nose. But when a Pug dog gets a cold, it is extremely noticeable. As you say, their snouts are different that most other dog breeds. So, when your Pug gets sick she will let you know very loudly!
If Pugsy seems to have cold a lot, this could actually be allergies. Dogs can suffer from allergies just as humans do. The symptoms can be the same as a cold. If she is sneezing, has a runny nose, is coughing and/or making more than normal heavy breathing noises...she may have an allergy. Dogs can be allergic to the dog shampoo you use on her, the carpet cleaning solution in your living room or even Hay Fever or dust allergies.
When should you bring Pugsy to the vet? If it does seem as if she gets colds a lot, bring her to rule out an allergic reaction. Tests will show if this is the case and on-going pet allergy medication can help her very much. If it turns out that Pugsy suffers from colds, you will need to make a decision on a case-by-case basis. Bring her if:
- She is having an extremely difficult time breathing
- Her symptoms of runny nose, coughing and other, do not go away after 3 days - a cold can turn into an infection. A Pug may develop an ear, nose or throat infection that will need antibiotics from the vet.
To sum it up:
1. Bring her to the vet to rule out allergies - prescribed pet medication can help tremendously
2. If she is indeed suffering from colds, there is no need to rush to the vet each time
3. Bring her to the veterinarian if she is not better in 3 days or shows severe symptoms - she may need antibiotics
