The Day I Learned to Listen to My Pug: A Lesson Every Owner Should Know
June 15, 2025
Your pug just twitched their back leg and made a strange snorty noise, and now you’re searching Google to determine whether it’s serious or just “pug things.”
You’re not alone.
I’ve been in that situation before: pacing the living room at midnight while clutching my tiny, potato-shaped best friend like a baby burrito and wondering if the honking sound is typical or if we need to go to the emergency veterinarian once more.
Here’s the truth. Pugs are dramatic. They’re also fragile in ways most people don’t realize until it’s too late. But with the right care, they can live long, hilarious, cuddle-filled lives.
This post is everything I wish I had known when I first brought my pug home. No guilt trips. No vet-speak. From one pug parent to another, the real deal.
Let’s dive into what really keeps a pug thriving.
You know it. I know it. The vet receptionist definitely knows it.
Pugs are different.
They’re squish-faced little comedians with way too much personality packed into one compact, wrinkle-covered body. However, those distinctive appearances have a cost: health problems that call for a little more care.
They’ve got tight airways, shallow eye sockets, sensitive skin, and a talent for gaining weight faster than you can say “treat.” You’ll be a pro once you figure out how to work with their peculiarities rather than against them.
That snore may seem amusing right now, but believe me, it’s not always innocuous.
Pugs have short snouts and squishy airways that can make breathing feel like a workout. particularly when they’re overexcited or in heat.
What’s helped:
We only walk early morning or after dark
The AC is non-negotiable during summer
I never wore collars again because a soft harness was so much more effective.
If he starts reverse sneezing, I gently stroke his throat and keep calm
See a veterinarian right away if your pug is having trouble breathing or gasping while at rest.
Those face folds? Adorable. Extremely prone to bacteria.
When I ignored a slight redness that developed into an itchy, foul-smelling mess, I had to learn the hard way.
What I do now:
Clean his wrinkles every other day with a dog-safe wipe
Dry them gently with a tissue after
If I notice any gunk or odor, I call the vet sooner rather than later
Wrinkles are high-maintenance but worth it.
They are magnets for scratches, dryness, and general drama because their eyes stand out like little gooey balloons.
Lessons I’ve learned:
Keep nails short to prevent accidental scratches
Never allow them to stick their head out the window.
Use vet-approved eye drops when they get dry
I’ll go straight to the veterinarian if I notice squinting, discharge, or cloudiness.
Protect the marbles. They only get two.
My pug started bunny hopping after a long nap, and I brushed it off. Turns out, it was early joint pain.
These little guys are prone to knee issues and arthritis.
Now I do this:
Keep him lean (even when he gives me the “I’m starving” eyes)
Use a ramp for the bed and couch
No more jumping off furniture
We go on gentle, short walks daily
I added a joint-supportive food with vet guidance
If you see limping, skipping, or weird stiffness, don’t wait it out. Get it checked.
Pugs can look at a cookie and gain two pounds.
Indeed, even if they just had dinner, they will pretend that they haven’t eaten in three days.
What saved us:
A cup for measuring. Each and every meal. No guessing.
Carrots or green beans for snacks
A slow feeder bowl to slow down his eating
Regular, short play sessions (he loves indoor fetch)
The trick is setting boundaries… and then ignoring the guilt trip in their eyes.
I didn’t pay enough attention to his teeth until his breath was enough to topple a houseplant.
Pugs are known to have dental problems and have small, constricted mouths.
Now:
I brush his teeth every couple of days
I use a little dog-safe paste he tolerates (barely)
Vet cleanings every year or so
Dental chews help between brushings
Bad teeth = bad health. Don’t sleep on this one.
If you’re overwhelmed, start small. These are the habits that helped me the most:
Make it part of your routine. I keep his toothbrush and wipes in the bathroom as if he were a member of the family, which he is.
Pugs are sometimes overbearing.
Sneezing in reverse? Breathing too loudly? Running after two seconds of limping?
I used to panic over everything.
Here’s what I’ve learned to watch for:
Calling the veterinarian is necessary if
They can’t catch their breath or collapse after play
Eyes are red, bulging, or have goop
They refuse food or water
They limp, and it doesn’t get better with rest.
Not only do they look exhausted, but they also seem distant or weak.
Your gut is your best tool. If it feels wrong, make the call.
It is entirely dependent upon your pug. With the approval of my veterinarian, I use a couple.
What we like:
Omega-3 oil for skin and shedding
Joint supplements as he’s gotten older
Probiotics when he’s having tummy troubles
Calming chews before thunderstorms or travel
Supplements don’t work like magic, but when they do, they can change your life.
I didn’t realize how many little things at home were messing with his health until I fixed them.
Changes that made life better:
Non-slip rugs on tile and hardwood
Raised water bowls to help his posture
Cooling pads in the summer
A ramp to our bed so he’s not jumping down
Keeping windows closed during allergy season
Your space matters. Make it pug-friendly and watch them thrive.
Once my pug turned seven, I noticed things shifting.
He naps more. He’s not as bouncy after walks. He gets stiff if he lies in one spot too long.
I refer to this as his “wise era.”
What I’ve done:
Switched to softer beds with joint support
Scheduled vet checkups twice a year
Started more gentle play and massage
Gave him extra time to warm up before walks
They might slow down, but their love never does. Aging gracefully is a team effort.
You’re not going to get it perfect. And that’s okay.
Having a pug requires you to adjust quickly, clean up a lot of drool, and accept that your home will never be hair-free again.
However, your pug will flourish if you give them a lot of love, attend regularly, and never stop learning. not merely get by. Thrive.
Here’s to snorts, snuggles, and happy, healthy little gremlins.
Pug parent to pug parent: You’re doing better than you think. Keep going. Keep loving. And always keep the treats in your pocket.
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