puppy Archives - Two Pug Tails

Understanding Bow-Legged Pugs: FAQs and Helpful Tips

June 26, 2023 by emilyreviews Leave a Comment

If your pug puppy or adult pug is showing signs of being bow-legged, it’s understandable that you’d be concerned. In this article we’ll cover the topic to hopefully provide you with a deeper understanding and some reassurance about your pug’s little legs!

Is it normal for pug puppies to be bow-legged?

It’s completely normal for pug puppies to have a slightly bow-legged appearance during their early growth stages. As they develop, their bone structure gradually adjusts, and their legs usually straighten out naturally over time. Most pug puppies outgrow this bow-legged phase by the time they reach six to eight months of age.

What causes bow-leggedness in pugs?

The primary cause of bow-leggedness in pugs is their rapid growth rate during puppyhood. Pug puppies have a tendency to grow quickly, and their bones may grow faster than their muscles, causing temporary bow-leggedness. However, it’s important to differentiate between natural puppy bow-leggedness and more severe skeletal conditions, such as rickets or genetic abnormalities. If you’re concerned about your pug’s leg development, consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

What Can Be Done To Correct Bow-Legged Pugs?

In most cases, intervention is not necessary as the bow-leggedness will correct itself as the pug grows. However, you can help support your pug’s healthy bone development with the following tips:

Provide a balanced diet: Ensure your pug’s diet includes high-quality puppy food formulated for healthy bone growth. Consult your vet for specific dietary recommendations.
Regular exercise: Encourage gentle exercise to help strengthen your pug’s muscles and support their bone development. However, avoid excessive jumping or strenuous activities that may strain their joints.
Weight management: Pugs are prone to weight gain, which can put extra stress on their developing bones. Maintain a healthy weight for your pug by monitoring their food intake and providing regular exercise.

Can bow-leggedness in pugs be a sign of a more serious condition?

While mild bow-leggedness is generally normal in pug puppies, it’s essential to stay vigilant for any signs of abnormal or worsening leg deformities. If you notice persistent or severe bow-leggedness, lameness, or other concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian. They can evaluate your pug’s condition and rule out any underlying health issues.

Are there any exercises that can help improve leg alignment?

Exercises focusing on gentle stretching and muscle strengthening can be beneficial for pug puppies. Consult your veterinarian for recommended exercises tailored to your pug’s specific needs. Remember, moderation is key, as excessive or inappropriate exercises may cause more harm than good.

How long does it take for pug puppies to outgrow bow-leggedness?

Most pug puppies outgrow their bow-legged appearance between six to eight months of age. However, every pug is unique, and individual growth rates may vary. Regular veterinary check-ups will ensure your pug’s leg development is progressing as expected.

Can pugs with severe bow-leggedness live a normal life?

Severe bow-leggedness in pugs may indicate an underlying skeletal condition that requires professional attention. With proper veterinary care and management, pugs with such conditions can still lead happy lives. Consult with a veterinarian who specializes in orthopedics to explore treatment options and provide the best possible care for your pug.

When should I be concerned about my pug’s bow-leggedness?

It’s essential to be aware of when your pug’s bow-leggedness might indicate a more serious issue. Include information about signs that may warrant concern, such as persistent limping, difficulty walking, or a worsening of the bow-legged appearance. Consult a veterinarian promptly if you notice these signs.

Can bow-leggedness in pugs be hereditary?

While bow-leggedness in pugs can sometimes have a hereditary component, it’s important to note that not all cases are directly linked to genetics. Some pugs may have a genetic predisposition to certain skeletal conditions, including bow-leggedness. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and soundness of their pugs, which can help minimize the risk of hereditary issues. If you’re considering getting a pug puppy, do thorough research and choose a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their breeding stock.

How can I prevent bow-leggedness in pug puppies?

While you can’t entirely prevent bow-leggedness in pug puppies, there are steps you can take to support their healthy growth and development:

Balanced Nutrition: Feed your pug a high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for healthy bone growth. Consult your veterinarian for dietary recommendations tailored to your pug’s needs.
Controlled Growth Rate: Pug puppies have a tendency to grow rapidly, which can contribute to bow-leggedness. Avoid overfeeding and ensure your puppy maintains a healthy weight. Rapid growth can strain their developing bones, so monitor their growth and consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Exercise Moderation: Pug puppies benefit from regular exercise, but excessive or high-impact activities can stress their developing bones. Provide gentle exercise and avoid activities that may put excessive strain on their joints. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate exercise guidelines.
Veterinary Check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor your pug’s growth and identify any potential issues early on. Your veterinarian can provide guidance and address any concerns you may have.

What other skeletal issues can pugs face?

Pugs, like many dog breeds, can be prone to various skeletal issues. Here are a few common ones to be aware of:

Hip Dysplasia: This condition occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Regular veterinary check-ups and appropriate exercise can help manage this condition.
Patellar Luxation: It refers to the dislocation of the kneecap, which can cause lameness or an abnormal gait. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct severe patellar luxation.
Intervertebral Disc Disease: Pugs, like other small breeds, may be at risk for intervertebral disc disease, which affects the spinal discs and can result in pain or neurological symptoms. Prompt veterinary attention is essential if you notice any signs of back or neck pain in your pug.

Hyperness In Pugs

April 14, 2023 by emilyreviews Leave a Comment

Are most pugs hyper?

When you think of a pug, you might imagine a dog that loves nothing more than snoozing on the couch all day. While it’s true that pugs can be quite laid back, some pugs are more hyper than others. Pugs are known for their playful and energetic personalities, so it’s not uncommon to have a hyper pug.

How can I help a hyper pug settle down?

If you have a hyper pug, there are a few things you can do to help them settle down. First, make sure they’re getting enough exercise. Pugs might be small, but they still need regular exercise to burn off their excess energy. Taking your pug for daily walks or playing with them in the backyard are great ways to tire them out.

Mental stimulation is also important for helping your hyper pug settle down. Puzzle toys and treat dispensers are a great way to keep your pug’s mind active and engaged. Training is another great way to provide mental stimulation while also helping your pug learn good behavior.

Consistency is also key when it comes to helping your hyper pug settle down. Stick to a regular routine and provide plenty of positive reinforcement when they’re calm and well-behaved.

What are good ways to get energy out of a pug?

If you want to get your pug’s energy out, there are plenty of fun activities you can try. Pugs love to play, so games like fetch or tug-of-war are great for burning off energy. Going for a run or playing in the backyard are other great options. Just make sure to supervise your pug during playtime to ensure they stay safe and don’t overexert themselves.

Mental stimulation is just as important as energy for helping to settle pugs down. You don’t just need to calm their body by tiring their body, you want to calm their mind by tiring their mind out. Using puzzle based toys, feeding them their meals in kibble-dispensing toys or otherwise making them “work for their food” are great practices for pugs.

What age do pug puppies calm down?

Puppyhood is a time of boundless energy and curiosity, and pug puppies are no exception. As your pug puppy grows, they’ll start to calm down and settle into their adult personality. Pugs typically reach adulthood around 12-18 months of age, and many will start to calm down around this time. However, every dog is different, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with your training and exercise routines.

Can pugs have ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects both humans and animals. While it’s possible for a pug to exhibit symptoms of ADHD, it’s important to note that not all hyperactivity is indicative of the disorder. Pugs are naturally energetic dogs, and many can be easily overstimulated. If you’re concerned that your pug may have ADHD, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Do pugs need a lot of exercise?

While pugs don’t need as much exercise as some larger breeds, they still require daily physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, whether that’s a walk, playtime, or training session. Also keep an eye on your pug’s behavior. If they are getting 30 minute of exercise a day but still seem to have a lot of pent-up energy, take that as a sign that they need more!

What are some common behavioral issues in pugs?

Like all dogs, pugs can develop behavioral issues if they’re not properly trained and socialized. Some common issues in pugs include separation anxiety, excessive barking, and aggression towards other dogs.

Can pugs be trained to be calm?

Yes, pugs can be trained to be calm and well-behaved. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your pug develop good behavior habits. It’s important to keep in mind that hyperness isn’t “naughty” and isn’t something that should be punished, as that won’t solve the underlying issue. The underlying problem is they have a need for exercise or activity that isn’t being met, leaving them with excess energy. So the best way to cope with a hyper pug is to help them meet their needs for exercise and mental stimulation, and that will result in your pug being a good pug!

Pug Biting & How To Stop It

July 25, 2022 by emilyreviews Leave a Comment

Are Pugs Bad About Biting?

Most pugs aren’t prone to biting. Pugs are a docile breed. It is common for puppies to nip while playing, though. They need to be trained from a young age that nipping people isn’t okay, or they’ll continue the behavior as they get older.

When Do Pug Puppies Stop Nipping?

You have to train your pug to stop nipping. Often nipping is related to teething, and most pugs stop teething by around 8 months of age. They’ll stop mouthing items they should’t around that age, typically. Still, if you don’t train them to stop nipping, or if you have accidentally encouraged their nipping by making it into a form of play, it will likely continue until you train them differently.

Is it Biting or Nipping or Mouthing?

People often refer to nipping as biting, but they are different. There is also mouthing which is different yet!

Biting is when a dog bites down hard on something. This will usually break the skin, and is usually done out of fear or protection. True biting is a much more serious problem than nipping, but it’s quite rare in pugs. A pug that is truly biting likely feels unsafe or mistreated.

Nipping is a quick shut of the jaw, without locking down on something. This will hurt, but it won’t break the skin. This is commonly done as a form of play in puppies. While the intent isn’t “bad”, it’s painful and may cause mild injuries to young children so it’s best to train out.

Mouthing is when a dog puts their mouth on something but doesn’t bite down at all. You may feel their teeth but there won’t be pressure and no pain at all. This behavior is similar to human babies who put toys in their mouth. It’s a way of exploring an object. For most dogs this behavior will stop when they are done teething.

How to stop your pug from biting

Dog trainers often recommend a bite inhibition method. This basically means squeel when they bite you. Puppies like to play-bite other dogs, and when the other dog squeels in response to a bite, that’s how the dog learns it went too far. If left with other puppies, dogs will learn bite inhibition by about 18 weeks old. However, in many cases today puppies are rehomed by about 8 weeks. This leaves them without enough experience in learning bite inhibition from their litermates and their humans need to take over this training.

You can mimic the experience that puppies would get from their littermates squealing when your dog nips you. This can teach your dog that they went too far, even if the nip wasn’t painful. The goal is to squeel anytime they nip at all, to teach them that nipping people is not acceptable.

Try to get everyone in your household to squeel if your pug nips them, and to be consistent with it. This will increase the odds that your pug will learn to stop biting sooner.

Alternatively, you can firmly say ‘no’ or ‘stop’ each time they nip. If your puppy seeks reassurance or pets afterwards, it’s best to ignore them. This can feel mean, but this is how you make it clear to them that their behavior was unacceptable. This is really effective for pugs because pugs love attention from their owners. They were bred to be companions, so they are often really hurt by being ignored. While it won’t feel good for you or them, it will effectively teach them.

Don’t hit your dog for biting. Dogs don’t understand physical punishment, and it may even make them so fearful that they will bite more in response.

Don’t play with them if they nip. This can be hard because pug puppies are trying to play when they nip you. When we understand that they’re playing, it can make us want to play back. However, this can encourage the behavior. Keep in mind that as your pug gets older their teeth will get bigger and their small bits will become more painful. For this reason, it’s best to discourage their small biting before they get bigger.

Direct them to chewing toys. It’s natural for dogs to want to bite, but it’s important that they learn what is fair-game for biting and what isn’t. You don’t want them to learn that your hands or any other part of your body can be bitten. Offer them chew toys instead.

Give your pug time around other dogs. Dogs like to rough plan with other dogs and this can help them get out their desire to bite in a safe way.

Keep them entertained. Sometimes nipping will happen because they are bored and seeking attention. Keeping your puppy entertained can reduce the frequency of their nipping.