It’s no secret that Pugs are one of the most loving, adorable, and amusing dog breeds out there.
And if you’re planning to have one or if you already have one, then you’re one lucky dog-owner.
But things don’t just end after owning a Pug. You’ll probably start asking yourself questions such as: How do I take care of it? How can I give the best life for my Pug? Or how can I make them live longer?
Well, read on, because the answers are here.
How Long Do Pugs Live?
Let’s start with facts: The average lifespan of a Pug is between 12-15 years.
Like us humans, female Pugs tend to live longer than males. According to a recent study, the average lifespan of a female Pug is 13.2 years old, while a male Pug is only 12.8 years old.
The numbers above are just averages, though. Your Pug could still live longer than that if it’s well taken care of. It isn’t asinine to see some Pugs live until 15-17 years old.
Be sure to get your pug from a reputable breeder though, because some backyard breeders will often use pups from the same littler (brother and sister) for mating which can lead to serious health consequences and thus a shorter lifespan.
And since we’re already talking about age, here is a crazy trivia!
Trivia: A Pug named Snookie from South Africa is the oldest known to have ever lived at 27 years of age. It is recognized in general as one of the oldest dogs to have ever lived. In fact, Snookie is also recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Staying Healthy: How to Increase the Lifespan of a Pug
There are several things you can do to increase the lifespan of your pug:
1. Feed a healthy diet: Pugs are prone to obesity and related health problems, so it’s important to feed them a balanced, nutritious diet that meets their specific needs.
2. Exercise regularly: While the AKC Breed Standard for pugs is 14-18 pounds, most tend be overweight… and like their human counterparts, being overweight can lead to an array of health issues. Regular exercise will help keep your pug at a healthy weight and prevent health problems associated with obesity. However, be careful not to overexert your pug, as they are prone to respiratory problems.
3. Regular vet check-ups: Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help catch any health problems early on, when they are easier to treat.
4. Proper dental care: Pugs are prone to dental problems, so it’s important to brush their teeth regularly and have their teeth checked by a veterinarian. I’d recommend a fluoride additive for their water, and healthy dental chews, which we’ve covered in our guide to pug treats.
5. Keep them cool: Pugs are susceptible to heat stroke and other heat-related health problems, so it’s important to keep them cool and hydrated, especially during the summer months.
6. Provide a stress-free environment: Pugs can be prone to anxiety and stress-related health problems, so it’s important to provide them with a calm and stress-free environment.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pug lives a long and healthy life.
How Old Is My Pug In Human years?
Knowing your Pug’s birthday is one thing, but knowing its age in human years is definitely a must, too.
One substantial factor to understanding the actual age of your Pug is so that you can adjust to different things such as the way you are feeding and exercising them. (Example: A cute little 5-month Pug will have very different needs than a senior one.)
The pace at which a Pug matures is estimated on its size. Toy dogs age at a quicker rate than large breeds. There human age equivalent charts are also based on their known average life span. Below you can find a rough estimate of how our dear Pug ages in comparison with human years.
Do Pugs Eyes Fall Out?
Yup, believe it or not, this question pops out a lot from new Pug owners.
The Answer: Being a short-nosed breed with very shallow eye-sockets, our Pugs are prone to Proptosis. It means their eyes can pop out if the skin is accidentally pulled hard enough, or due to concussion.
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, it could definitely look like something from a scene in your favorite horror movies and you probably imagined it as super gross, but the great thing is that Proptosis in Pugs is not actually as common as you think.
As a Pug owner, the most suitable thing you can do is bring your buddy for full veterinary checkups so that you would exactly know what are the special needs of your furry friend.
Can Pugs Be Aggressive?
Pugs are not classified as an aggressive breed. In fact, they’re known to be very loving and adorable. But, if they are not properly trained and socialized, they still have a tendency to develop what people call aggressiveness such as:
- Barking loudly
- Nipping
- Growling
- Being headstrong
Again, Pugs are not usually the aggressive type. They are very much loved by people of different ages. From kids to seniors to all members of the family.
Their overall level of aggressiveness really depends on how your Pug was socialized and raised as a puppy.
A couple of medical conditions such as seizures, thyroid disorders, neurological problems, and brain tumors can also cause aggression in Pugs—and all dogs in general.
To have a friendly Pug:
- Make sure to always socialize them with the right people
- Train your Pug with their obedience
- Always make your Pug feels loved
- Check for any signs of medical condition (and go to the vet immediately if there is)
- Give your Pug a comfortable life physically and emotionally
What Are Pugs’ Most Common Health Scares?
Being brachycephalic dogs, Pugs are prone to several health conditions such as obesity, cancer, and breathing problems. These conditions will definitely have a huge impact on their life span.
Below are 6 of the most common Pug health problems explained.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome
Pugs have short snouts, which can make it difficult for them to breathe. This condition can lead to respiratory problems, such as labored breathing and snoring.
Obesity
Pugs are prone to obesity, which can lead to a number of health problems, including joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease.
Naturally, Pugs love to eat, sleep and are very lazy. They are also not a fan of exercising which could easily result in being overweight, or worse, being obese. Pugs that are obese will be prone to breathing difficulties and heart problems so it’s always a good idea to keep your Pug on a healthy diet.
Skin problems
Pugs are prone to skin infections, hot spots, and allergies. This can lead to itching, hair loss, and skin infections.
Eye problems
Pugs are prone to a number of eye problems, including corneal ulcers, dry eye, and cherry eye.
Dental problems
Pugs are prone to dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Hip dysplasia
This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joints and can lead to arthritis and pain.
Ear infections
Pugs have long, floppy ears, which can trap moisture and lead to ear infections.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders affect their nervous system including their nerves, brain, and spinal cord. PDE is known to be the most fatal of these disorders. These disorders could cause loss of muscle control, seizures, brain inflammation, and lethargy.
This one is a condition that is present at a Pug’s birth delivery. Stenosis and septal defect (also known as heart defect) are some of these ailments.
Like any other dog breed, Pugs need to be well taken care of so we could avoid these diseases as much as possible. And a tremendous part of taking care of them means being ready at all times for your fur baby.
This boils down to our next important topic: Pet Insurance.
Is Pet Insurance Worth it for a Pug?
Since Pugs are prone to health conditions, having the right pet insurance can definitely save you up to around 90% on your veterinary bills. To get lower premiums, it is very much recommended to get health insurance for your pet while they are healthy puppies.
Some might think that it is not important to have pet insurance, but let me tell you this: The average cost of a vet visit could cost up to $50-$250 for emergency visits and for specialists.
If you’re okay to shell that money out in an instant, then good for you. But if you don’t have that available income lying around, then having pet insurance should be your option.
You can find and compare the best Pug pet insurance plans at Pawlicy.
Pros and Cons for Pet Insurance
It is very important to choose the right pet insurance for your Pug. But of course, I don’t want to be biased here as well. Pet insurance has Pros and Cons too, and it is entirely up to the Pug owner if you’ll be convinced to get one.
Pros:
- You can choose who your vet will be
- The plans could also assist with other known expenses
- You’ll never have to choose between your bank account and your pet
- Billing is rather simple
Cons:
- Not every health condition is covered
- There are limitations for certain breeds or animals
- Insurance plans can be costly
Pro Tip: A combination of a healthy dog with proper insurance plus a Pug owner who knows their responsibilities on their pet is the best way to go.
How Do I Know if My Pug is Dying?
It’s obvious that no pet owner wants to say goodbye to their dogs. It is actually the hardest part of owning one, especially knowing that their life is so much shorter than us humans.
Whether it’s old age or an illness, it’s essential to comprehend the symptoms and signs that their life is reaching to an end.
So, how do you know if your Pug is dying?
Here are some signs:
- Complete loss of appetite
- Social Detachment
- Extreme Fatigue
- Loss of Coordination and Balance
- Difficult Breathing
- Muscle Tremor
- Weight Loss
- Vomiting
- Incontinence
Dogs understand when the end is coming near and some of them will prefer being alone while some of them will completely be the opposite, wanting more and more attention from their humans.
They love owners unconditionally, so if you see them looking at you for a longer period of time than they actually do or if they try to snuggle on your lap at an unexpected time, it could be a sign.
Nothing comes worse than seeing your dog dying, so it is very important for you to keep a strong mentality for them. You want to make their last days as comfortable and as easy as possible.
Here are some suggestions:
- Be there to actively hand-feed them
- Make sure they have a peaceful and cozy dog bed
- Chat to them and pat them softly
- Continuously keep their convenience and comfort in mind
Tips For Staying Healthy
Okay. Let’s stop talking about dying. Instead, let’s look at the brighter side of things.
I know that it’s inevitable to have your Pug with you forever, but the good news is, there are ways to prolong their life!
And guess what, it’s kind of easy.
Here they are:
Proper diet is needed to make them live longer
You should provide your Pug with quality food at all times. Also, give your Pug the proper mineral and vitamins to keep them healthy according to their age.
A fit Pug goes a long way
You can take your Pug on a short walk every day but always see to it that your Pug stays hydrated.
Grooming is important, too
This is to avoid chances of skin infections. A Pug has many wrinkles, and it should be cleaned with proper grooming. Dental care is also necessary.
Have regular health checkups
A yearly check-up is recommended for adult Pugs. If your Pug turns senior, you may want to have to be checked twice a year to make sure you can avoid any illnesses that come with aging.
If you come to think of it, it is actually easy to prolong your buddy’s life. You just have to be a responsible pet parent and it will all be worth it.
But how can you make it even more worth it?
That’s when to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Creating Great Memories with Your Pug
As much as we try to avoid it, all living things will eventually pass. And we can’t do anything about it because that is just how life works.
But what we can control is how our Pug experiences its life in the short span that was given to him or her. And that is by creating great memories. Below are some great ideas!
- Take a lot of photos with them and put them on an album
- Show them that you love them and that they made an impact on your life
- Take them on dog activities that they will enjoy
- Bring them to a playground or a dog restaurant once in a while
- Make them feel special (because they will definitely do that to you, too!)
- And once they reach their senior years, spend every moment showing them care and compassion
It will not only make your Pug happy for the duration of its life, but it will also make your heart full.
Because believe it or not, time flies a lot faster than you think.
