The Danger of Heat For Pugs

I have always loved Pugs. Growing up my best friend and her family had two of the most affordable pugs. So basically because I spent most of my spare time in my childhood at her house, those pugs were like my extended family. Since I have become an adult I now have three pugs of my very own.

The breed is a timeless one, full with all the love, fun and devotion one little pet could possible give to a human. Pugs do tend to be predisposed to a variety of health problems including Pug Encephalitis, and Hip Dysplasia. Many of these health issues tend to be genetic, so that is why it important to seek out a good reputable breeder when it comes to getting the healthiest pug for you and your family.

One condition that all pugs face regardless of genetics is that they are brachiocephalic, this means that due to their shortened muzzle's, they have less room in their little noses to keep their air intake cool. Most dogs with longer snouts use their noses as a cooling device to keep their body temperatures lowered. This condition needs to be kept in mind especially during hot summer months or if you live in a climate that is warm all year round.

A friend of mine, Tracie once owned a black Pug named Ozzie, he was a sweet older pug and I dog sat for him on several occasions. I had grown quite attached to the little guy. Well, one hot summer day I received a frantic call from Tracie begging me to come over right away,she told me that Ozzie was in serious trouble.

When I arrived at her house, Tracie and Ozzie were still outside near her barn. He was laying there on his side breathing heavily and panting very fast. As soon as I reached down to touch him he was burning hot! He felt like he was on fire! We took him inside into the bathtub and tried to cool him down, but it wasn't working.

We raced off to the vet trying to save this poor pug's life. His eyes were fixed and dilated. He had lost control of all his bowels and was throwing up foam. When we arrived at the Veterinarian's office, Ozzie started seizing uncontrollably. The Vet set him up immediately on an IV treatment to try to get some fluids through him, but it was impossible to get an IV into his veins.

The Vet took his temperature and it read 109 degrees. Clearly this poor little guy had been suffering out on the heat for quite some time. According to Tracie, he had been outside for only two hours but he had wrapped his chain around a post and was unable to get to his water, that along with the Michigan summer heat pushing around 94, this precious pug had no chance of survival.

I let Tracie know how I felt, that I was heartbroken about Ozzie and I reaffirmed that my pugs are always indoors and never chained up on hot summer days. If they are out on chains they are never left unattended and I'm usually outdoors with them. I know it was an accident and with most Pug heatstroke deaths it is just an accident, but keeping owners in "the know" when it comes to how dangerous the heat can be to a little pug body is what every pug advocate should try to get across.

If you know someone who has a pug, make sure to gently remind them that Pugs can not withstand heat of any kind.

These dogs do not come with an owners manual and many new Pug breed owners are unaware of the harmful effects that the heat can leave on a pug.

Education is key in keeping all family pets safe and out of harm's way!