Anyone who owns a pug has a great responsibility to provide him with a warm and welcoming home and to take care of his health. After all, a healthy pug is also a happy pug. If you want your pug to be your friend for life, then you need to learn the best ways to keep him happy and healthy.
Dogs with proper medical care and proper behavior will make your life more enjoyable. Your pug’s health and behavior go hand in hand and directly influence each other. A sick pug could show certain signs of illness or develop behavioral problems, while a healthy pug learns faster and shows you positive body language.
12 Tips for a Healthy, Happy indoor Pug
From the food, medications, and supplements you give your cute pug to the time you spend together, there are many things you can do for your pug’s well-being. Here are some tips you should keep in mind:
Be aware of common pug health problems
You may know by now from your research that there are so many diseases that can affect your pug. The best solution to keep your pug healthy is your awareness. Many pugs and other dogs end up at the vet urgently due to contamination with common substances, but even ailments that don’t seem urgent can be an alarm.
When a pug enters your life, it is important to know the basic signals that can lead to troubling conditions. Some signals are: scratching for skin problems, vomiting for digestive problems, or peeing around the house for urinary tract problems. Even if they can’t talk, the behavior of your pug says a lot about their health condition. It is very important to be cautious and to know when to take a stand.
Make sure your pug gets enough exercise daily
Exercise is good for any dog as it helps him maintain an optimal weight, lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improves his mental stimulation. Regular walks in the park, hiking in the mountains, or swimming are just a few ideas of the activities you can do together with your dog.
Also, to stimulate him, you should give him toys, teach him new tricks and hide rewards, which he can then look for around the house or garden. If you have an older pug puppy, a few short walks are enough to help keep him healthy.
Put your pug on a healthy balanced diet
Your pug’s daily diet directly affects his energy level, weight, coat appearance, and digestive health. If your dog is experiencing a problem related to these aspects, it could be an improper diet. It is advisable to always choose quality food, make sure that he drinks enough water, and that you do not exaggerate the rewards you give him.
In the end, you want your pug to be a healthy, happy indoor pug. Another very important thing is that you should also check with your vet to see if you need to give him nutritional supplements as well. If you want to introduce a new food, you have to do it gradually. Any sudden change in diet can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Groom your pug properly
Another tip for a healthy, happy indoor pug is to care for him properly. Correct grooming is one way to ensure your pug is well cared for. All pugs need grooming, and this means trimming their claws, trimming and washing their fur, or cleaning their ears. As a rule, it is advisable to brush the pug’s coat several times a week and wash it regularly, using a special shampoo.
The same rule applies when you brush his teeth. If these activities are not your specialty, you can call on specialized veterinary cosmetic services. However, if you want to deal with them yourself, keep an eye out for any changes in the coat or skin, such as dandruff, excessive shedding, or areas of dry skin.
Show affection to your pug
Hugs, cuddles, belly scratches, and coat brushing are just a few tips for a happy indoor pug that can also help you bond with him. In addition, these activities are ideal for improving his well-being and helping him interact properly with other animals and people.
Moreover, the interaction must take place as early as possible, from the 16th week of life. This is the critical period for building your pet’s social skills. Visit friends with the puppy, go for frequent walks in the park or the neighborhood, or let him spend a day at the petting zoo.
Go to the vet for regular checkups
One of the most important things you can do to have a healthy, happy indoor pug is to find a reliable vet and go for regular check-ups. In general, pug puppies should go for a check-up once every few weeks in the first months of life, while adult pugs once a year and senior pugs every six months. In this way, you can prevent various serious health problems in time.
In addition, the veterinarian will help you maintain an up-to-date schedule of vaccination against diseases such as parvovirus or rabies. It’s just as important to regularly check your pug’s oral health and schedule appointments for tartar removal and dental procedures.
Give him supplements and preventative medications
Regular veterinary examinations and preventative actions work well together. Preventative drugs and dietary supplements can keep your pug healthy and free of unpleasant conditions like heartworm, diseases brought on by fleas, and illnesses transmitted by ticks. Adding supplements to your dog’s food helps ensure that he is getting all the nutrients he requires, particularly vitamins like vitamin D, which he generally obtains through sunlight.
Find out what your dog needs to take from your veterinarian. You may also consider providing your pug dental chews and brushing his teeth frequently which will help to keep at a bay periodontal disease which can result in more significant health issues.
Engage your pug in social interactions
Socialization means teaching your dog or puppy to accept new people, animals, or places. It also prevents the development of behavioral problems. Early social interactions and proper exposure to other people and pets reduce the likelihood that your pug would grow up to engage in antisocial or aggressive actions.
The most crucial time for socializing is in the early weeks of a pug puppy. Therefore, make sure they interact with people and animals frequently throughout their lives, not only during the early months. There are other possibilities, such as going to see family and friends, going to the dog park, taking a stroll around the neighborhood, or having your pet spend the afternoon at a daycare facility.
Buy your pug useful toys
Many useful toys may benefit your pug in many ways, and it’s always preferable to have a select handful that is helpful than a large number that he finds boring. For instance, pug puppies with teething issues require teething toys that will relieve their irritated gums and ease the pain of their erupted teeth.
Instead of relying on non-toy objects around the house, pugs of all ages that like chewing should be given sturdy chew toys that they enjoy using. Pugs with separation anxiety who are alone at home might benefit from engaging toys that react to them as well as a companion toy that diminishes loneliness.
Train your pug in good behaviors
Mental health and stimulation are very important things for mental health, so pug training must remain a priority. Develop basic training and teach your dog the commands you give him. It is part of the training process for your pug. If you start from the beginning with a well-established program, then your dog is on the right track. You have to teach him self-control and you can start doing small exercises right at home.
Design an area in the house for your pug only
Pugs want to have their place since they are shelter animals. Make a space in your home specifically for your pug. Have a comfy bed or a kennel with an open door so he may come and go as he pleases. Keep it away from the noise in the area. Put it in a location where your dog may retreat if he wants to sleep soundly.
Look for ways to heighten your pug’s senses
When they are outside, pugs and other animals make use of their senses a lot. They look at things, smell them out, paw or dig at fascinating objects, and listen to sounds they don’t hear every day. By giving them opportunities to use these senses, you can improve your indoor dog’s quality of life.
Playing hide-and-seek, where the object is to locate treats or locate the source of a strange sound, or giving your pug a toy he can paw (like a large ball) are all enjoyable ways to stimulate your pug’s senses indoors.
In conclusion, to have a healthy and happy indoor pug, it is important to give him a balanced diet, go to the vet regularly, take him out for walks and take care of him properly. Also, make sure he gets the affection he needs and socializes with other people and animals as much as possible.
