Complete Information Regarding the Pug Dog
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Pug Dog Fur Loss
A Member writes in, asking about unexplained fur loss on her Pug dog. The veterinarian does not seemed concerned. Is this a reason to worry?
Q: My 7-year old black Pug, Sophie, is going bald under her armpits and at the bottom of her tail (by her little butt) - I took her to the vet and he marked on her sheet " abnormal, no problem source". I adopted Sophie 7 months ago and have never had a pet in my life so I am clueless as to what the problem may be. I am feeding her 1/2 scoop of food in the morning and late afternoon (half dry and half wet food) and the brand is Member's Mark (dry) and Pedigree (wet) from Sam's Club. She currently weighs 22 lbs and loves to eat. However, I don't think she is fat (I am sending 2 pics for you to see). Does she need vitamins? If so, what kind?
Thank you so much for your help. ~ Arlette
Thank you so much for your help. ~ Arlette
A: Hi Arlette. Sophie does not look overweight. Although it is best to make sure that she gets exercise very day. However, let's address this fur loss issue as it can be quite serious. We are concerned that your Pug's vet was not concerned! He should have only written such a comment if extensive testing was done. If he wrote this without running a series of tests on your Pug dog, then shame on him and please find a new veterinarian right away.
Fur loss that is not caused by shedding and causes actual bald areas as you describe is called Alopecia. There are many causes and it is very, very important that you find a veterinarian who will test for all of them:
Fur loss that is not caused by shedding and causes actual bald areas as you describe is called Alopecia. There are many causes and it is very, very important that you find a veterinarian who will test for all of them:
- Diabetes
- Low Thyroid
- Allergies - your dog maybe be allergic from anything from an ingredient in her food to the dog shampoo that you use
- Cancer
- Parasites
Other reasons: Stress / Loneliness/ Separation Anxiety
A dog may also lose hair due to stress. This is also quite common. Once your Pug has been checked for the above medical issues, if nothing is found we must look to other reasons.
Pugs are very sensitive and emotional dogs. Their feelings can be hurt very easily and they need a lot of hugs, kisses and tons of attention.
Is your Pug dog home alone too much? Even just 2 or 3 hours is too much for some Pug dogs. If you must be away from home, as most of us need to be for work/ school/ etc, you can do several things. You can try to set up a room or area of the house just for Sophie. Fill it with toys that are meant to keep a dog very busy. There are toys that hide treats inside and a dog must work and play for hours to finally get the yummy dog treat. There are also dog toy dispensers, that pop out a dog toy every hour or so. You would fill it up before you leave and then it would keep your dog busy for the day.
If you are gone from home for 6-8 hours, it would be best if a friend/ neighbor/ family member/ dog sitter could check in on your Pug and take her for a walk, give treats and pay some attention to her. This will help even if it is for 30 minutes per day or every other day.
Pugs may also be lonely when you are home. If you are busy cooking, cleaning and doing other things while at home, be sure to stop every 20 to 30 minutes to give her a hug and toss around a toy for a while. Make sure to go for walks and have designated play time each day. Having a schedule that you follow each day is best for a Pug dog. They will look forward to the events that are planned daily. Everyday should include time for: dental care, grooming, exercise, feedings, and play time.
What to do in the meantime:
While your Pug must be checked for allergies, you can make changes right away. One of the most common elements that a dog will be allergic to and can cause balding areas is their dog shampoo. Dry skin can also cause a Pug's fur to fall out. Immediately switch to a gentle, hypo-allergenic dog shampoo. We highly recommend . It contains aloe, oatmeal and Borage seed oil, perfect for soothing the raw skin, helping those bald areas heal and to keep the remaining fur healthy.
Also, while you are using a shampoo such as the one above and waiting for the test results, make sure to offer your Pug dog a very soft area to lay, rest and sleep. Put a soft baby's blanket in your dog's dog bed and put one down on the floor in places where Sophie lays down.
Regarding the vitamins:
Unless an experienced and reliable veterinarian has determined that your Pug has a certain vitamin deficiency, your Pug should be given a high quality, multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. Our favorite pick is . It is liver-flavored, so Pugs usually love the taste and will help keep your dog healthy with all the nutrients that she needs. Only if a vet determines a specific deficiency, such as an unusual decrease in calcium would you then need to add additional supplements.
A dog may also lose hair due to stress. This is also quite common. Once your Pug has been checked for the above medical issues, if nothing is found we must look to other reasons.
Pugs are very sensitive and emotional dogs. Their feelings can be hurt very easily and they need a lot of hugs, kisses and tons of attention.
Is your Pug dog home alone too much? Even just 2 or 3 hours is too much for some Pug dogs. If you must be away from home, as most of us need to be for work/ school/ etc, you can do several things. You can try to set up a room or area of the house just for Sophie. Fill it with toys that are meant to keep a dog very busy. There are toys that hide treats inside and a dog must work and play for hours to finally get the yummy dog treat. There are also dog toy dispensers, that pop out a dog toy every hour or so. You would fill it up before you leave and then it would keep your dog busy for the day.
If you are gone from home for 6-8 hours, it would be best if a friend/ neighbor/ family member/ dog sitter could check in on your Pug and take her for a walk, give treats and pay some attention to her. This will help even if it is for 30 minutes per day or every other day.
Pugs may also be lonely when you are home. If you are busy cooking, cleaning and doing other things while at home, be sure to stop every 20 to 30 minutes to give her a hug and toss around a toy for a while. Make sure to go for walks and have designated play time each day. Having a schedule that you follow each day is best for a Pug dog. They will look forward to the events that are planned daily. Everyday should include time for: dental care, grooming, exercise, feedings, and play time.
What to do in the meantime:
While your Pug must be checked for allergies, you can make changes right away. One of the most common elements that a dog will be allergic to and can cause balding areas is their dog shampoo. Dry skin can also cause a Pug's fur to fall out. Immediately switch to a gentle, hypo-allergenic dog shampoo. We highly recommend . It contains aloe, oatmeal and Borage seed oil, perfect for soothing the raw skin, helping those bald areas heal and to keep the remaining fur healthy.
Also, while you are using a shampoo such as the one above and waiting for the test results, make sure to offer your Pug dog a very soft area to lay, rest and sleep. Put a soft baby's blanket in your dog's dog bed and put one down on the floor in places where Sophie lays down.
Regarding the vitamins:
Unless an experienced and reliable veterinarian has determined that your Pug has a certain vitamin deficiency, your Pug should be given a high quality, multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. Our favorite pick is . It is liver-flavored, so Pugs usually love the taste and will help keep your dog healthy with all the nutrients that she needs. Only if a vet determines a specific deficiency, such as an unusual decrease in calcium would you then need to add additional supplements.
