The Day I Learned to Listen to My Pug: A Lesson Every Owner Should Know
June 15, 2025
Let’s be real for a second. If you own a pug, chances are you’ve already freaked out at least once over something that turned out to be just a pug thing.
But here’s the thing. While pugs are naturally a little dramatic (cue the reverse sneezing, honking, and random limp-walking), they’re also genuinely vulnerable when it comes to health scares. Their squishy faces, delicate joints, and compact bodies come with their own unique set of first-aid needs. Seconds count in a real emergency.
So this isn’t about turning you into a vet. It’s about making sure you’re not standing there frozen while your pug is in distress. Let’s talk prep, peace of mind, and pug-specific first aid.
The term “brachycephalic” refers to the fact that pugs have short snouts and even shorter airways. This implies that breathing problems can quickly become serious. A perfect storm is created when you combine their sensitivity to light, joint issues, and propensity to overheat.
However, power comes from knowledge. The more you know now, the less likely it is that you will be panicking and searching Google at 2 a.m. for an explanation of why your pug is wheezing.
You don’t need a duffel bag of supplies. Just a few key items can make a huge difference:
Gauze pads and vet tape
Blunt-tip scissors
Dog-safe antiseptic spray or wipes
Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting, only under vet instruction)
Digital thermometer
Instant cold pack
Tweezers
Styptic powder (for nail bleeds)
Eye rinse (vet-approved)
Benadryl (check with your vet for proper dosage)
A soft muzzle (in case your pug is in pain and snaps)
Emergency contact list (your vet, local ER vet, poison control)
Pro tip: Keep this kit in an easy-to-grab pouch. I keep mine right by the leash so I never forget it on trips.
Pugs do not tolerate heat. At all. For them, a warm day could feel like a sauna.
Signs: Heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, red gums, collapse
What to do:
Prevent it: No walks in the heat. AC is life. Cooling mats are pug-parent gold.
Because their throats are small and they inhale food like it’s a race, choking happens.
Signs: Pawing at mouth, gasping, panicking, blue gums
What to do:
Open the mouth and carefully look inside. Remove visible objects only
For small pugs, you can try holding them upside down by the hips and patting their back firmly
If not breathing, perform CPR (check with your vet for a demo or training)
Get to the vet immediately
Large eyes and low to the ground are signs of high risk. A scratch from a twig, a swipe from a cat, or even too much face-rubbing can cause issues.
Signs: Squinting, redness, pawing at eye, discharge, cloudiness
What to do:
Rinse with vet-approved saline
Don’t let them rub it
Call your vet right away. Eye problems get worse fast
Minor wounds are common, especially if your pug is a backyard explorer or carpet zoomie champion.
What to do:
Stop bleeding with gentle pressure using gauze
Clean with saline or dog-safe antiseptic
Apply vet tape if needed (not too tight)
Call the vet if it’s deep, gaping, or not healing
You clipped a little too far. We’ve all been there.
What to do:
Apply styptic powder (or cornstarch in a pinch)
Press with a clean cloth until bleeding stops
Give a treat and say sorry with your eyes
Keep an eye out, but not all stomach problems are urgent.
Mild case: Offer water and refrain from eating for 12 hours. Then feed a bland meal like boiled chicken and rice.
Consult the veterinarian if:
They vomit multiple times in a day
Blood is present
They seem lethargic or in pain
It lasts more than 24 hours
This sounds scary, but knowing what to do can be life-saving.
For a small dog like a pug:
Lay them on their right side
Compress the chest at 100 to 120 beats per minute
Breathe into their nose once every 6 compressions
Keep going until they respond or help arrives
Take a pet CPR course. Seriously. You’ll never regret it.
Stay calm. Your energy affects them
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is
Know your pug. Their normal behavior is your baseline
Keep your phone charged. You’ll need it for emergencies
Practice handling them. If they’re used to you checking their mouth, ears, and paws, they’ll be calmer when it matters
Ultimately, first aid is more than just using thermometers and bandages. It’s about being there when your pug most needs you. It’s about remaining calm when things get out of control. When things go wrong, they are protected.
You’ve already got the heart. Now you’ve got the plan.
So here’s to snorts, scrapes, and always being ready. Because when you’re a parent of a pug, a little planning goes a long way.
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