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We all love our pugs… and we never want them to grow old. We are heartbroken when we lose them and yet, that time always seems to come. There are some precautions and things to be aware of, though, that can extend the time you have with your pug.
Pugs usually live between 12 and 15 years. Female pugs tend to live a little longer than males and they have been known to live up until 17 years old.
Causes of pug deaths chart Causes of pug deaths chart 
The #1 cause of death for pugs is from Neurological disorders (27.4%). A neurological disorder is a disorder that affects a pug’s nervous system (the brain, nerves and the spinal cord). There are a number of neurological disorders but the main one that affects pugs is called Pug Encephalitis. This horrible genetic disease causes a pug’s brain to swell which causes seizures, and eventually, death.
The #2 cause of death of pugs is cancer (12.5%). Any type of dog can get cancer and pugs are included in this statistic. Pugs are mostly prone to get skin tumors. Most of these skin tumors are mast cell tumors. Mast cells are located throughout a pug’s body and their job is to help a dog respond to inflammation and allergies. When a pug gets mast cell cancer, you will usually find the tumors on the main body, the back legs, or on the head and/or neck. Other forms of cancer that pugs are susceptible too are mammary tumors, testicular tumors, mouth cancer and lymphoma. Spaying a female pug and neutering a male pug greatly reduces the odds of mammary and testicular tumors.
The #3 cause of death of pugs is Infection (10.9%). Some types of infections are:
Bacterial infections-
Leptospirosis- Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found in soil and water. There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. People infected can display flu-like symptoms and the bacteria can cause liver or kidney disease. In the United States, most cases of human leptospirosis result from recreational activities involving water. People contacting this bacteria from a pet is rare, but it is possible.
Tick-borne diseases- There are 7 common tick-borne diseases you should be aware of: Lyme Disease ( this disease comes from an infected deer tick. Symptoms include joint pain, lethargy, lameness, decreased appetite and fever), Anaplasmosis (called “dog fever”- this disease is also spread by infected deer ticks. Symptoms include joint pain, lethargy, lameness, decreased appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea), Ehrlichiosis (this is caused by the bite of an infected brown dog tick. Symptoms include fever, decreased appetite, weight loss, depression, runny nose, watery eyes, respiratory distress, frequent bloody noses, and enlarged lymph nodes), Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ( Four ticks can spread this disease: the American dog tick, the wood tick, the brown tick and the Lone Star tick- Symptoms show up quickly with this disease. Symptoms include fever, joint or muscle pain, anorexia, anemia, depression, neurological abnormalities, skin lesions and vomiting), Hepatazoonosis (dog’s get this disease by eating an infected brown dog tick or Gulf Coast tick. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, watery eyes, bloody diarrhea or muscle pain), Babesiosis (this tick disease is most commonly found in the New England states. It is spread by the American dog tick and brown tick. Symptoms include anemia, dark urine, fever, swollen lymph nodes and weakness), and Bartonellosis (this tick disease comes from infected brown ticks, lice and fleas. Symptoms include lameness, fever, painful lymph nodes, nausea, shivering and restlessness).
Viral Diseases-
Parvovirus- Dog Parvovirus is a viral disease that is very contagious and life-threatening. This virus attacks rapidly dividing cells and most severely attacks the intestinal tract. It also attacks the dog’s white blood cells and it can damage the heart, especially in young dogs. Symptoms include lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite, bloody, and foul-smelling diarrhea. This disease is highly contagious and can by transmitted by a person, animal or object that is exposed to an infected dog’s feces. Parvovirus can live on food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors for several months because it is highly resistant.
Distemper- Canine Distemper is a serious, contagious disease with no known cure. Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunized older dogs are at risk for the disease. Distemper is an air-borne disease or is spread by direct or indirect contact with an infected animal. It attacks the dog’s tonsils, lymph nodes, respiratory system, urogenital system, gastrointestinal system and the nervous system. Symptoms include a high fever, red eyes, watery discharge from the nose and eyes, lethargic, anorexia, a persistent cough, vomiting and diarrhea. In the later stages of this disease, the dog may have fits, seizures, paralysis, and attacks of hysteria.
Fungal Infections-
Blastomycosis- Blastomycosis is a fungal disease caused by Blastomyces dermatitis. This disease affects the respiratory tract. In the U.S., this disease is mostly found in warm, moist environments like Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee, and the Mississippi River valleys. Symptoms include fever, depression, weight loss, loss of appetite, skin lesion that are draining, eye infection, lameness, seizures, coughing, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Histoplasmosis- Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease caused by the Histoplasma capsulate fungus. Dogs come in contact with this disease by eating or inhaling contaminated soil or bird droppings. After exposure, the fungus enters the dog’s intestinal tract, where the disease develops. Symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stools, lethargy, depression, chronic cough, fever, vomiting, enlarged tonsils, enlarged lymph nodes, elevated heart rate, and sores on the skin or around the eyes. Dogs most at risk at those who are housed outdoors or used for tracking and hunting, but there is no recognized breed, age or gender predisposition for developing Histoplasmosis. Dogs who have other illnesses, or who are poorly nourished have a greater chance of developing this disease.
Babesiosis- A Babes infection is transmitted mainly by ticks. Babesia are a type of microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells, causing a disease called babesiosis. This disease is found mostly in warmer weather when ticks are out. Babesia is also transmitted through blood transfusions, dog-to-dog transmission via bite wounds and mother dogs can pass the disease to their pups before birth. Symptoms include fever, weakness, lethargy, pale gums and tongue, red or orange urine, Jaundice, enlarged lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen.
** Pugs are also susceptible to other infections, which may include skin infections (yeast infections or staph infections), but both of these are treatable and very few cases are fatal.
The #4 cause of death in Pugs is Congenital Disease ( 8.4%). This consists of any disease or illness that the dog is born with like heart defects, septal defect (improper blood flow) and stenosis (abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body).
Ways to Extend the life of your pug:
***Very closely monitor your pug’s diet- Pugs tend to get overweight easily so it’s very important to watch what you feed your pug and how much. Overweight pugs have breathing issues, are prone to heart problems and have joint problems stemming from carrying excess weight. When choosing a dog food for your pug, do careful research and talk to your vet to pick out the best possible food to feed him/her. Some pug owners opt to home feed and that is one way to totally control what type of food your pug is eating. Pugs love treats and cookies, but limit the amount of sweets and try to replace them with a more healthy snack option like baby carrots or green beans. Feed your pug on a schedule. Do not leave food out for them. Follow the schedule and you will be less likely to feed them on impulse. Be sure and give your pug a daily supplement (vitamin) according to his/her age and weight.
Exercise your pug– Yes, pugs are lazy and they love to sleep. But, they are also social butterflies and need that interaction. Take your pug on at least 1 walk a day, if not two. Limit the walks to 20 minutes, if needed. I walk at least a mile with my pug everyday. Watch the heat. Pugs cannot tolerate heat so walk in the early mornings or late afternoons when it’s hot out. Carry a water bottle with you so your pug can have a drink whenever needed. Stop and rest in the shade often. Pugs will let you know when they need a break, so watch how they act.
Groom your pug often- I give my pug a bath once a week. Some vets say this is too often, but for Molly, it works. I wash her wrinkles, her ears and check her over good. A pug’s wrinkles need to be cleaned daily. They get food in them and if they are not cleaned often, they can get irritated. Ears are the same way. Look at them often, wipe them out and keep them clean. Check your pug’s feet often too. Sometimes, they can get stuff stuck up between their toes, which causes soreness and/or limping. Toenails should be kept short and trimmed often. I run my hand down my pugs legs every few days to check for knots and when I give her belly rubs, I check her stomach area for any bumps.
Last of all, don’t forget to pay attention to your pug’s mouth. I know it’s really tough to brush a pug’s teeth, and if you can’t do it, be sure to give them some type of tooth hygiene bone to chew on. I have a spray that I spray on my dog’s teeth to prevent plaque. Anything you can do to prevent cavities is a plus. Also, have regular dental check-ups with your vet.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
