Pugs are generally quite sturdy for small dogs, usually living more than 10 years.
They are usually healthy dogs, but like all purebred dog breeds, there are some serious health risks for pugs.
Should you Purchase Pet Insurance for your Pug?
Pug pet insurance can help a pug parent pay for the cost of their squish faced friend’s care.
But first, a dog parent has to compare pug pet insurances to find which has offers coverage for the medical issues pugs are most likely to deal with.
These include:
- Breathing Problems: these dogs’ short snouts can restrict airflow, and if the condition is severe enough surgery may be required to reconstruct the airway.
- Eye Prolapse: like those of other short-snouted breeds, the eyes of Pugs are prone to becoming dislodged from the eye socket as a result of physical trauma or even a too-tight leash. A vet should be consulted if and when this occurs, and surgery may be necessary to stabilize the eyes permanently.
- Hip Dysplasia: these dogs may inherit a condition where the hipbone fails to fit correctly into the pelvis. Over time, wear and tear can cause these joints to become inflamed, resulting in pain and restricted movement. The condition can often be reversed with surgery. Owners are urged to ask breeders for confirmation that the hips of the parents are not affected, though this does not guarantee that puppies will not develop dysplasia.
- Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis: along with Chihuahuas and Maltese, Pugs are prone to a disease that attacks the central nervous system, resulting in inflammation of the brain. The cause is uncertain, though it may be linked to a malfunctioning immune system since immunosuppressive drugs can in some cases slow or halt the progress of the illness.
These lovable little dogs can get into mischief, and more than half of them will suffer from hip dysplasia to some degree.
Costs for managing conditions like these can add up to quite a bit, and are hard to predict; one way to take the guesswork out of financing your dog’s medical treatments is to purchase pet health insurance, which can reimburse you for of up to 90% of your vet bills to save money and financial future headaches.
About the Lovable Pug
The pug is instantly recognizable by its short legs, barrel chest, underbite, and uniquely wrinkled face.
The breed originated in China and was introduced to the West in the 1500s, where it became popular with European royalty.
Pugs are fairly small, usually standing a foot or less tall. These dogs are active, attention-loving and very attuned to their owners’ feelings, and they interact well with children and other pets.
For other types of dogs, check out our full list of dog breeds.
We own a lovely pug. They are the most affectionate little dogs- there is something wrong with people who don’t love pugs. We want to buy insurance for our pug but a lot of insurance companies offer plans that do not cover all of the health problems pugs are known to suffer from. This article was great as it clearly pointed out the conditions common in pugs. I am going to make sure that whatever insurance policy I purchase covers all the health conditions listed here before I purchase. Thank you so much for listing all the common pug dog health issues in such a clear manner!
We have pet insurance for Frank as we’re aware of the possible health issues for pugs. Also, having comprehensive insurance has meant that we’ve been able to claim his vaccinations, grooming and desexing. Works well for us but may not for everyone. We’re in Australia and have chosen RSPCA Pet Insurance.