S Rank Juelzing Breh. Not gonna work. Are they unhealthy? Yes. Incontinence? No.
Health Issues Common to Pugs
Like many small dogs, Pugs can have the hip deformity known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which reduces the blood supply to the head of the rear leg bone causing it to shrink. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association in 2002, Pugs are 65.6 times more likely to be at risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease compared to all other dogs. The first sign of the disease, limping, usually appears when the puppy is 4 to 6 months old. It can be treated with surgery to remove the head of the leg bone, after which the puppy will have a relatively normal life other than an increased likelihood of arthritis.
Pug kneecaps often easily slip out of place, a condition known as luxating patellas, which may require surgery to correct. Also, they frequently have serious dental problems because their teeth are crowded into their flattened face.
Pugs have a high incidence of a liver defect known as "portosystemic shunt," which can only be treated with expensive surgery. According to a study published in JAVMA in 2003, with a 1.3% prevalence rate, Pugs are 26.2 times more likely than all other breeds to be at risk for portosystemic shunts.
Pugs can also suffer from a number of neurological problems including epilepsy, but the most frightening of all diseases that can strike the breed is the one known as "Pug Dog Encephalitis," or PDE. This is an inflammation of the brain that causes seizures and death. There is no cure and no way to prevent this condition. The Pug Dog Club of America is aggressively supporting research into the cause of PDE, and it's currently believed to be a genetic disease.
There are no genetic screening tests available at this time for hemivertebrae or PDE, but a good breeder will tell all prospective puppy buyers about any affected dogs in your puppy's ancestry.
Flat-Face Health Issues
Many small dogs have trouble with their airways, but this problem is much worse in the flat-faced – or shall we say “Pug-nosed? -- Pug. Breathing difficulties are extremely common, especially in hot and humid climes, and most pugs snuffle, snort and sneeze constantly. They also snore. Pugs with severe breathing problems will need corrective surgery.
His flat face also means the Pug has many different kinds of eye problems, so regular veterinary eye exams and staying alert for signs of vision problems or scratched corneas is simply part of good Pug ownership. So is constant attention to keeping his wrinkles and folds clean, as Pugs tend to get a lot of skin, ear and nose infections caused by bacteria and yeast growing in the folds. Their tendency to allergies makes this problem worse.
Their flat faces cause more than skin, eye and ear problems, unfortunately. They are also associated with a condition known as hemivertebrae, where the vertebrae – the bones of the spine – are deformed. Affected dogs start showing signs at around 4 to 6 months of age, with limping, staggering and a lack of coordination. Some puppies become paralyzed. Surgery can be helpful, but each case is unique and requires expert evaluation by an orthopedic specialist.
To protect yourself from the expensive vet bills associated with these conditions, you'll want to purchase
pet insurance for your Pug before they show symptoms or are diagnosed.
Condition Risk Profile Cost to Diagnose and Treat
Portosystemic Shunts
High $2,000-$6,000
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
High $1,000-$3,000
Entropion High $300-$1,500
Arachnoid Cysts High $4,500-$10,000
Fold Dermatitis High $300-$2,500
Necrotizing Meningo-Encephalitis High $1,500-$4,000
Nice try