Last Updated: 05/11/2025

Pug Breed Guide

Our vet-written guide to the Pug covers everything you need to know. Learn about their personality, specific diet needs, and common health problems like brachycephalic syndrome. Plus, get essential grooming tips.

Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)

Reading Time: 10 minutes - short read

With their unmistakable wrinkled-face, curly tail, and soulful, expressive eyes, the Pug is one of the world's most recognisable and beloved companions. These little dogs are famous for their huge, charming personalities - they are equal parts playful clown and devoted lap dog (often complete with a soundtrack of snuffles, snorts, and snores!).

This winning personality has made them a global favourite. However, their unique build requires special attention from their pet parents. From diet and exercise to caring for those famous skin folds, this guide covers the essential health and grooming needs to help your Pug thrive.

All about Pugs

What to look for

Modified energy content to help maintain a healthy weight

Tailored kibble size and shape to assist in food pick-up

Omega-3s to support skin and joint health

Vet picks

Best food for Pug puppies

As small breed dogs, Pug puppies require a nutrient-dense puppy food that is easily digestible. Pug puppies can start to transition to an adult diet between 10 - 12 months of age.

For more information, read through our guide to the Best food for Small Dogs.

What to look for

Balanced energy and calcium to phosphorus ratio for healthy bone development

Highly digestible formula to help prevent tummy upsets

DHA for healthy brain and eye development

Flea & worming

Keeping your Pug protected year round against common parasites is essential to maintaining their health. This should include coverage against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms.

Learn more

Best flea and worming treatments for Pugs

For Pugs, the "best" parasite prevention is typically a comprehensive, easy-to-administer product that covers fleas, paralysis ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms.

Many modern all-in-one chews, such as Simparica Trio and Nexgard Spectra, are highly effective and also provide the benefit of treating and controlling demodectic mange, a mite-related skin condition to which Pugs are more susceptible. Your veterinarian is the best person to help you choose the specific product that suits your Pug's individual health needs and lifestyle.

What to look for

Effective oral or topical preventatives for year round use

All in one products for simplicity

Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose

Health

Pugs are predisposed to serious health issues due to breeding for their flat face and curly tail. These include severe breathing difficulties (Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome); prominent eyes prone to injury and inherited conditions; skin infections in facial folds and susceptibility to mange; and spinal deformities (hemivertebrae) that can cause pain and weakness.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome

Pugs are a 'short-nosed' breed, and their flat face is a direct result of selective breeding. This anatomy unfortunately causes Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which involves one or more upper airway defects that obstruct normal breathing and panting. These include narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, narrowed windpipe and everted laryngeal saccules.

Because dogs rely on panting as their primary method to cool down, these breathing difficulties make Pugs extremely prone to heat stress. Their inability to pant effectively means they can overheat, which can quickly become fatal.

An airway assessment under anaesthesia is recommended for all brachycephalic breeds, and this is often conveniently performed during desexing. Surgical correction of narrow nostrils (stenotic nares) or an elongated soft palate is most effective when done at a young age.

Beyond surgery, lifestyle management is critical. Obesity severely worsens breathing difficulties, so keeping your dog at a lean body weight is essential. Due to their high risk of heat stress, these breeds must be protected from high temperatures, have indoor access in warm weather, and avoid strenuous exercise, particularly in the heat.

Want to know more? Read more about Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs.

Best products for weight management in Pugs

Pugs are notoriously food-motivated and highly susceptible to obesity, which is a critical health concern for the breed. This is because any excess weight places additional fatty tissue in and around their already compromised airways, which can severely worsen the breathing difficulties associated with brachycephalic airway syndrome. Helping your Pug maintain a lean body condition is one of the most effective ways to support their respiratory health.

For an overweight Pug, a therapeutic veterinary diet specifically formulated for weight loss can be very effective. These diets are typically lower in calories but have tailored protein and fibre levels to help your Pug feel full and prevent hunger between meals. Given their tendency to eat very quickly, using slow feeders or treat-dispensing toys is also an excellent strategy. This slows down their eating, promotes feelings of satiety, and can help reduce begging. It is essential to consult your veterinarian before starting your Pug on any veterinary diet or weight loss plan to ensure it is done safely and effectively.

Learn more about How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight.

What to look for

Veterinary diets designed for weight loss while also promoting satiety

Slow feeders and treat dispensing toys to slow down mealtimes

Lower calorie treat options

Best products for skin fold dermatitis in Pugs

Pugs are famous for their adorable wrinkles, but these deep skin folds, especially around their face (like the prominent nose roll) and under their curly tail (the 'tail pocket'), create a warm, moist environment. This is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, leading to common and uncomfortable skin fold infections.

You might notice redness, a moist discharge, or a bad smell coming from the folds, or see your Pug rubbing their face or scooting their bottom to try and relieve the itch.

To help prevent these infections, preventative daily care is essential. Gently clean out these problem folds every day with a soft, damp cloth or a pet-safe wipe.

The most critical part of this routine is to dry the area thoroughly afterwards, as lingering moisture will encourage infection. It's also vital to pay extra attention to completely drying these folds any time your Pug has a bath or goes for a swim. If you notice any persistent redness, smell, or discharge despite your cleaning efforts, it's important to see your vet, as a prescription-medicated treatment may be required.

Want to know more? Read more about Skin Fold Dermatitis.

What to look for

Pet-safe wipes for daily use

Medicated shampoos to reduce yeast, fungi, and bacteria on the skin

Omega 3 fatty acids: DHA and EPA to reduce inflammation and help support normal barrier function

Training and activity

Pugs require regular, gentle exercise but must be managed carefully due to their flat-faced (brachycephalic) structure, which makes them highly susceptible to overheating and breathing difficulties. Aim for up to 60 minutes of low-impact activity per day, ideally split into two or three shorter walks during the coolest parts of the day.

Best toys for Pugs

Pugs are very playful and enjoy a variety of soft and squeaky toys. It's a great idea to rotate your Pug's toys once every so often to prevent them getting bored. To provide mental stimulation without physical exhaustion, the best toys are interactive puzzles, snuffle mats, and treat-dispensing toys that engage their clever minds.

When it comes to training, Pugs are intelligent and famously food-motivated, but can be wilful. They respond best to short, fun, and consistent training sessions using positive reinforcement (lots of praise and small, healthy treats).

What to look for

Soft and squeaky toys

Food dispensing toys and puzzles for mental stimulation

Snuffle mats

Vet picks

Soft toys

Squeaky toys

Puzzle toys

Snuffle mats

Best harnesses, collars and walking accessories for Pugs

Always use a harness instead of a collar to protect your Pug's neck, airway, and prominent eyes.

The best and safest design for a pug is a 'Y-shaped' harness. This type of harness sits on their breastbone in the front and allows for free, natural movement of their shoulders. Avoid harnesses that cross straight over the shoulders, as these can restrict gait.

Look for soft, breathable materials like mesh, or harnesses with padding. This helps prevent rubbing and chafing, especially under the front legs.

A standard-length lead made of nylon or leather is ideal, as it gives you good, consistent control. It is best to avoid retractable leads. These leads can make it easy for your pug to build up speed and then be suddenly jolted when they hit the end of the line, which can still cause an injury even while wearing a harness.

What to look for

Y-shaped harnesses to allow free shoulder movement and avoid pressure on the neck

Standard length, non-retractable leads

Bite sized, high value treats and a treat pouch for training on the go

Vet picks

Y-shaped harnesses

Non-retractable leads

Treat pouches

Training treats

Grooming

Pugs shed heavily and require regular brushing, but their facial folds and ears are the grooming priority. Daily wiping of facial folds is essential to prevent moisture-related yeast infections. Even more critical, their folded, narrow ear canals are highly prone to infection, making regular preventative cleaning vital. If you notice any ear smell, itchiness, or discharge, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Best grooming products for Pugs

The Pug has short fur which can shed heavily all year round. We recommend brushing regularly with a hair-catching or deshedding brush or grooming glove.

More important than fur care, however, are the grooming requirements of the eyes, nose, and ears.

Eye care

Due to the skin folds around the face, your pug may develop moist tear staining which can lead to yeast overgrowth. This can become smelly and irritated, especially in hot weather. To combat this, wiping your pug's face daily with a gentle dog wet wipe.

Ear care

Pug ears almost seem to be designed for ear infections. Their ear canal is narrow and heavily folded with cartilage, and the opening is blocked by tightly folded ear flaps. Combined with the pug's inability to regulate heat (due to that Brachycephalic airway of theirs), as well as their predisposition to inflammatory skin conditions, the ear canal routinely becomes a hot, inflamed, moist environment with poor airflow. Yeast and bacteria flourish in this environment, which leads to irritation, smell, and infections. This means, regular ear cleaning is especially important for pugs.

Try to get your pug used to ear cleaning while they are young, and teach them to associate it with a positive experience such as treats or play. To learn how to clean your pug's ears, we recommend asking your vet for a quick demonstration. It's important to ensure you are able to get the ear cleaning solution all the way down the ear canal.

If your pug's ears are itchy, smelly, or contain brown or yellow discharge, seek veterinary attention. These signs may indicate an ear infection is present, which requires medicated drops rather than over-the-counter ear cleaners.

For more information, read through our guide to How to Groom a Dog.

What to look for

Gentle ear cleaners for regular use

Deshedding tools designed for short, double coated breeds

Shampoos and conditioners that support a healthy skin barrier

Sleep and home

Pugs are indoor-only companions that thrive on human company and are unsuited to living outside. Their flat faces make them extremely vulnerable to heatstroke, meaning an air-conditioned home is essential for their safety in warm weather. They need a soft indoor bed and are notorious for their loud, snuffly snoring.

Best beds for Pugs

The best bed for a Pug offers joint support and is easy to clean. Look for an orthopaedic or memory foam base, as this provides crucial support for their spine and joints.

Because pugs shed heavily, a removable, machine-washable cover is essential for managing fur and keeping the bed hygienic.

Many pugs particularly enjoy a 'bolster' style bed, as the raised edges give them a sense of security and a convenient pillow to rest their chin on, which can be comfortable given their flat-faced anatomy.

What to look for

Extra support for joints from orthopaedic or memory foam

Durable, machine washable covers

Bolster beds for a sense of security and comfort

Vet picks

Best grooming products for Pugs

The Pug has short fur which can shed heavily all year round. We recommend brushing regularly with a hair-catching or deshedding brush or grooming glove.

More important than fur care, however, are the grooming requirements of the eyes, nose, and ears.

Pug Breed Guide

All about Pugs

In this article

Nutrition

Best food for adult Pugs

What to look for