Pugs are one of the cutest and most popular dog breeds in the world. They are known for their cute personalities and wrinkly faces. So, if you’re thinking about getting one, you might be wondering, “How long do Pugs live?” The pug life span can depend on several factors. To ensure your furry companion receives the best care and lives a happy life, it is crucial to have a good understanding of these things.
What is The Average Pug Life Span?
The average lifespan of a pug is between 12 and 15 years. However, due to a number of factors, certain pugs may live longer.
Some pugs have even been known to live to be 17 or older with the right dose of care.
In general, female Pugs live longer than males. One reason is that female Pugs have lower amounts of the hormone testosterone, which can lead to health problems.
Female dogs are also less likely to do dangerous things or fight over their territory. This makes them less likely to get hurt or have an accident. Also, female dogs are less likely to have health problems with their reproductive systems than male dogs are. So, this could be a reason why they live longer. Besides these, there are many other things that affect a pug’s life expectancy.
Pug Lifespan Factors To Keep In Mind
Genetics and Breeding
Genetics plays a crucial role in a life expectancy of a pug. Reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of dogs can produce puppies with a lower risk of hereditary health issues, potentially contributing to a longer and healthier life.
Besides, pug parents also play an important role in their life expectancy. If the pup’s parents are healthy and don’t suffer from any illnesses, there is a high chance their pups will be healthy. In other words, your pug’s health depends on the health of their parents. So, when choosing a puppy, make sure the breeder shows you the health history of its parents.
Diet and Nutrition
A well-balanced and healthy diet is vital for a pug’s overall health and lifespan. Providing them with a high-quality diet that meets their specific nutritional needs can help prevent obesity. It also reduces the risk of certain health problems. In fact, it can significantly increase your pugs lifespan.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a diet for your pet is to read the label on the back. If you prefer feeding your pug with a dry kibble, make sure it features a high amount of proteins.
Besides, it should be free of additives and artificial colors. By-products and soy can be only some of the potential allergy triggers that can affect your pug’s health. Including high quality food in your pet’s life is one of the most important things to do.
Exercise and Physical Activity Extends The Pug Lifespan
Pugs need to get daily exercise to stay at a healthy weight and in good shape. The daily walks and playtime that they are urged to do are good for them both mentally and physically. Even though Pugs can’t go on long walks or do hard workouts, they still need to be active every day. Taking your dog for walks will help it stay in shape and keep it from getting fat.
Healthcare and Veterinary Attention
Pug owners have to take their pets to the vet visits as often as possible. Taking preventive steps can make a big difference in a pugs life expectancy and overall health. Some of them are getting regular checkups, getting vaccines, dental care, and trying not to get parasites.
Breed-Specific Health Concerns
Pugs, like all dog breeds, are predisposed to particular medical conditions. Their flat faces, known as brachycephaly, can make them prone to breathing issues. Besides, they need regular cleaning of their skin folds to avoid skin infections. Knowing about these risks and getting treatment for them quickly can extend a pug lifespan.
How the lifestyle affects the life expectancy of pugs?
The lifestyle and environment of a pug can have a significant impact on their life span. They’ll be happier and live longer if you keep them from worrying about their safety and well-being.
Top Causes of Death for Pugs
No matter how much you adore your pug, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the various health problems that might arise in this breed. Pugs, like other brachycephalic breeds, have their own set of health concerns that can shorten their life expectancy. Some of the leading causes of death in pugs are listed here.
Bacterial and viral infections:
Both virus and bacterial infections can be bad for the health and well-being of a pug. So, care needs to happen right away. Like all dogs, pugs can get a number of infectious diseases that can quickly get worse if they aren’t treated.
Viruses like parvovirus and distemper, as well as bacterial infections like pneumonia or urinary tract infections, can kill if they are not handled quickly. Their defense systems can be weakened by these illnesses. They give them a lot of trouble and hurt their health in general.
BOAS in Pugs:
Pugs have a tendency to suffer from respiratory problems including brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS) because of their small muzzles and flat features. It causes breath difficulty, which, along with the hot and humid weather, can be fatal if not treated.
Heart failure:
Congestive heart failure and heart murmurs are two cardiac conditions that can negatively impact the health and lifespan of Pugs.
Health problems associated with obesity:
Pugs’ propensity for rapid weight growth places additional strain on their bones and organs. Obesity is linked to a host of medical issues, including diabetes and breathing difficulties. Being overweight is one of the leading causes of death in Pug and French bulldog dog breeds.
Canine Cancer in Pugs:
All dogs, including pugs, are at risk of getting cancer, which is very bad for their health and life. Cancer can start at any time, and its effects can be different based on the type and stage of the disease. It can show up as lumps, changes in behavior, or weight loss that no one can explain.
When diagnosed early, treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation may be available to improve their chances of recovery. However, the severity of cancer can affect a pugs lifespan.
Regular veterinary check-ups, vigilant monitoring for any unusual symptoms, and a loving, supportive environment can aid in detecting cancer early and providing them with the best possible care during their life. The concern for how long do pugs live becomes even more significant, underscoring the importance of early detection and proactive healthcare measures.
What Health Problems Do Pugs Have?
Hip dysplasia and mobility issues:
Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are two of the most common health joint disorders in Pugs. Hip dysplasia is a prevalent orthopedic condition that can affect life expectancy for pugs and overall quality of life.
Even though these dogs are known for being friendly and cute, the way their bodies are built makes them more likely to get this painful condition. Hip dysplasia happens when the hip joint doesn’t form right, which causes the joint to move in a strange way and wear out faster.
Over time, this can cause pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility, making it challenging for pugs to move comfortably and enjoy their daily activities. Unfortunately, hip dysplasia can impact the average lifespan of a pug, as the discomfort and limited mobility may affect their ability to exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
Early detection and proactive management, such as weight control, joint supplements, and medications, can help alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life, potentially extending how long a pug can live.
Eye problems in Pugs:
Because of how big their eyes are, these dogs can get eye problems like corneal sores, dry eyes, and entropion, which is when the eyelids roll inward.
If the skin around a pug’s face is not kept clean and dry, it can get skin infections in the folds.
Periodontal disease can affect the pugs life:
Periodontal disease and tooth decay are two dental problems that can affect Pugs’ lives if they are not given regular dental treatment.
Heatstroke and Hypothermia in Pugs:
Pugs are prone to heatstroke and other heat-related issues because of their short noses. As a pug owner, you should also keep in mind that exposing them to low temperatures can lead to hypothermia. These pooches quickly lose their body heat because of their short airways which make them unable to regulate their body temperature.
Allergies in Pugs:
Pug dogs, like many other breeds, can be susceptible to various allergens, which may lead to skin irritations, itchiness, and discomfort. If your pug licks its paws, scratches ears, or losses hair, then it probably suffers from allergies.
So, it’s important to find allergens in the surroundings and get rid of or reduce them. By brushing their hair often, you can get rid of pollen, dust, and other allergens. You can also use bedding that doesn’t trigger allergies and clean it often. It’s also a good idea to switch to a high-quality, allergen-free dog food that meets your pug’s specific nutritional needs.
Keeping Your Pug Healthy
Take care of your pug’s health if you want them to live a long, happy, and fulfilling life with you. As a responsible pet owner, you can do a lot to make sure your pet stays healthy and lives a long time. Here are some tips to help you keep your pug healthy:
Balanced Diet:
Feed your pug a balanced food designed to fulfill its unique nutritional requirements. Overfeeding a pug can cause obesity and other health problems, so it’s best to avoid doing that.
Regular Exercise:
Maintaining a healthy body and mind in your pug requires daily physical activity. They may be kept active and happy with regular walks, playtime, and the use of interactive toys.
Veterinary Check-ups and regular vaccination:
Set up regular appointments with your vet for vaccinations and health checks. If a health problem is caught early on, it can be handled faster and better.
As part of preventive care, you can’t say enough about how important it is to get your pug vaccinated. Your pet’s immune system will get stronger, and it will be better able to fight off infections that could kill it.
Keeping your pug up-to-date on immunizations is one of the best things you can do to increase the life expectancy of pug.
What vaccines should your pug receive?
Most pugs should get some important vaccinations, but the exact schedule will rely on your pug’s age, lifestyle, and location.
Canine distemper vaccine:
This vaccine protects against a respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system virus that can be lethal in young animals.
Parvovirus:
The parvovirus vaccine protects puppies against parvovirus, a disease that can be deadly and makes puppies throw up and have a lot of diarrhea.
Adenovirus:
With the adenovirus (hepatitis) vaccine, you can protect your dog from adenovirus, a virus that can cause respiratory and liver problems in dogs.
Rabies:
Rabies is a deadly virus that can be passed from animals to people. In many places, dogs are required to get vaccinated against it.
Your vet may also offer extra shots for your pug based on where he or she lives and what he or she does. Bordetella (also called “kennel cough”) and Leptospira are two examples of vaccines.
How To Increase Pug Lifespan?
Dental hygiene:
Brush your pug’s teeth and provide it with dental treats on a regular basis to keep its mouth healthy. Maintaining a healthy mouth is crucial to avoiding painful cavities and infectious gum disease. Just like yours, regular dental cleaning should become your dog’s daily routine as well.
Make sure your Pug is not overweight:
Take note of your pug’s weight and body condition on a regular basis. If your pet is overweight, you should collaborate with your vet to create a strategy to reduce their weight. Besides increasing its daily activity, your dog might need a low-calorie diet.
Keep your Pug away from too hot or too cold weather:
Pugs can’t handle high temps, so that’s something to think about. Keep them out of the heat and direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. In case your pooch has to go to the potty, make sure you keep it hydrated. A summer cooling vest or a collar can also help a lot. They provide immediate heat relief and keep their temperature within normal limits.
Tick and flea treatment:
Protect your Pug by giving it flea and tick treatments and other disease preventives on a regular basis. You can use collars to keep ticks and fleas away, or you can try some natural recipes that work the same way.
Keeping your Pug entertained is a must:
Give your pug games and toys to play with that will keep its mind active. Our store has a great selection of toys for Pugs. You can find toys for your frog dog that include tug-of-war games, chew toys, and toys that make noise.
Groom your Pug’s coat:
Maintaining a healthy, tangle-free coat in your pug requires regular grooming sessions. To avoid skin infections, you should take special care when cleaning their wrinkled faces. Brush your pug once a week with a metal pin brush that features a soft coating on the top. Since Pugs have double coats, they need our help to get rid of dead hair.
We all know that Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, which means we should carefully clean their nose folds. We recommend you perform the cleaning with a wet cloth or baby wet wipes.
Early socialization is important for Pugs:
If you start training your pug when it is young, it will grow up to be a well-adjusted, friendly pet. They can improve their health and happiness by getting to know new people, animals, and places. Since dogs are like children, they learn best by playing games and getting praise. It helps the dog and owner build a connection based on trust and respect. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, encourages dogs to repeat actions that get them rewards. This makes the process of learning fun and encouraging.
Pugs don’t like being punished or made fun of, and these methods can cause fear, anxiety, and a break in the bond between people and animals. By treating our pets with respect, we can create a positive and loving training setting that feeds their natural desire to please their owners.
This method not only helps dogs become well-behaved and happy, but it also strengthens the bond between the dog and the person who cares for it.
Make your dog feel safe at home
It’s very important to give our favorite pugs a safe place to live. Your pug’s bed should be in a safe, calm, and quiet part of the house so that it can feel at ease all day. Even though no one can exactly tell you how long can Pugs live, one thing is for sure. Every pet loves to feel loved, appreciated, and treated with respect.
How long do Pugs live? Wrapping up
As we already said, the life expectancy of pugs can vary and depends on many factors. As responsible pet owners, we all want to provide them with a loving and nurturing environment.
The most important things to remember are to take them to the vet regularly, give them healthy food, make sure they get enough exercise, and give them a safe place to live. We can make precious memories that will last a lifetime by embracing their unique personalities and showing them lots of love.
So, let’s enjoy every moment we have with our pugs because they bring us so much joy and love. If we take good care of our pet friends, we can be sure they will be with us for a long time.