Pug puppies, like babies of every kind, have only a few critical requirements - safe and comfortable shelter, a good diet, plenty of rest, and love - to grow up healthy, strong, and happy. Here begins a tutorial in five parts on "How To Care For Your Pug Puppy" along with some insider secrets to puppy care that I learned only through trial and error. Follow along as I attend to the care and feeding of my precious Pug baby, Arnie. Feel free to leave comments or ask questions. I read and respond to every post and would enjoy hearing from you.
Understand Your Puppy's Needs:
At 8 weeks of age, Arnie is fully weaned, eating solid food, and has become as mobile, active, and curious as any human toddler. And, just like human babies, Arnie's critical needs at this age are good nourishment, protection from the elements, frequent naps, and a diligent guardian to watch over his safety. Part 1 of this tutorial begins with...
Pug Comfort
All puppies need a clean, dry, and protected environment during the early months of their development. Pugs, however, require this sort of environment throughout their lifetime. It is a breed trait that Pugs have difficulty regulating their body temperature and cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold for very long. As a result, they should be considered primarily "indoor" pets at temperatures that you find comfortable for yourself. In fact, if you live in a very hot climate without the benefit of air conditioning, I would try to dissuade you from choosing a Pug as your pet.
For puppies in particular, outdoor exposure to hot summer sun or the chill winds of winter should be strictly limited - no more than is necessary for purposes of toileting or brief walks to introduce them to halter and leash. They should never be left alone in a car or allowed to hang their head out the window of a moving car. They can suffer life threatening heat exhaustion in a matter of minutes in a closed car and prolonged exposure to wind can damage their eyes. 
Clean and dry bedding is also very important. Dirt and moisture can collect in all those adorable folds and wrinkles, particularly around the face, causing rashes and infections. Soiled or damp bedding can be a breeding ground for fleas and other parasites, as well. I've known several Pugs who were so allergic to flea bites, they developed a skin condition that looked similar to mange. Skin rashes are miserable for your puppy and will require a good deal of your time and expense to treat. Keeping your Pug's bedding and environment clean, dry, and parasite-free will pay off in a healthy, happy pup. I have 2 sets of bedding for Arnie (old towels and baby blankets I've purchased at second hand shops) so he can use one set while the other is in the laundry. Until he is fully housetrained, I expect to wash his bedding daily or every other day.
Most breeders and dog trainers recommend crate training your puppy. The "crate" refers to those large plastic carriers or something that looks like a wire cage. The purpose is to give your pup a quiet, safe place to be confined for sleeping or for times when he must be left alone. I know many people who absolutely swear by this arrangement and assert that their dogs are quite content with this sort of confinement throughout their lifetime. While I agree with the premise of confinement for safety's sake, I am not a fan of the crate. It carries a negative connotation of "caging" and it's not my style. Instead, Arnie has an open daybed that remains in the living room, which he uses while I am in the house and watchful. For night sleeping (or when I must leave him alone) I use a baby's playpen. 
These work beautifully for both puppies and adult Pugs. They are soft and comfortable, with sides that are high enough to prevent jumping out, and the collapsible design makes them so convenient to move. This little gem in the photo is a doll's playpen, which Arnie will soon outgrow and will be replaced by the larger toddler's playpen. For the first month or so, however, it's the perfect size. In the summertime, our family does a good deal of camping and these playpens work a charm for keeping our dog(s) confined and safe in the campsite. Two Pugs can fit comfortably in the standard size toddler playpen with room to move around. They're great, too, for visiting family and friends who may not want our dogs running loose in their homes. BONUS - you can pick these up at thrift shops and second-hand stores for pennies on the dollar.
In Part 2, we'll talk a little more about safety and the playpen plays a big part in that story.
Hurry back!
No comments:
Post a Comment