How to Take Care of a Pug in Summer

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Pugs are sensitive to heat. They can’t handle it as well as other breeds. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you do everything in your power to keep them cool and comfortable this summer.

Here are some top tips to help your pug survive the summer.

Increase Air Circulation

This is one of the most important things you can do for your pug in warm weather. They don’t sweat like humans, åso they rely on panting to keep them cool when it’s hot. Increasing air circulation means breathing easier and panting more efficiently, keeping their body temperature lower than if there wasn’t any airflow.

Consider getting a box fan or hanging an oscillating fan near them when they’re in their favorite spot. If you have central air conditioning, use it. Even with all doors and windows closed, your home is probably five degrees cooler than outdoors in most cases. If you don’t have central air, consider getting an air conditioner for your room or basement. Again, keep all windows and doors closed while it’s on.

Be Careful With the Sun

Surprisingly, pugs in the summer are light-sensitive. Their eyes are particularly vulnerable to damage from the sun, so be careful when taking them for walks or outside at all in warm weather. You can buy doggy sunglasses online or wherever pet products are sold to help protect their eyes from harmful UV rays. If they absolutely must go out when it’s sunny, give them frequent breaks underneath the shade of a tree or umbrella.

Give Your Pug a Lot of Water

Just like people need water to stay hydrated, so do dogs. Make sure your pug has plenty of access to clean, cold water. You can put their water bowl in the refrigerator or fill up a kiddie pool with cool water for them to play in. The water should be clean and frequently changed to avoid bacteria and algae growth.

Take Care of Their Paws

Pugs have fragile nails, so it’s essential to keep them short and smooth. Long nails can snag on things like carpeting or grass, and if they break down towards the nail bed, it could cause a lot of pain for your pug.

You’ll also want to check their pads for any signs of cracking or bleeding. If you notice anything off about their paws, take them to the vet immediately. Sometimes dogs can get allergies that make their feet crack and bleed (like people). It may require medication and good foot care at home to heal completely.

Watch Their Eating Habits

Pugs are prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition when they overeat or eat quickly. To avoid this, be sure to space out their meals throughout the day and don’t let them gulp down their food. Also, avoid feeding them table scraps which can be high in fat and sodium. Instead, provide them with high-quality dog food.

Limit Outdoor Activities

While your pug needs to get some exercise during the summer, you don’t want to overdo it. Too much activity in the heat can be dangerous for them. Limit their outdoor activities to early morning or evening when it’s cooler. If you must take them out during the day, bring lots of cold water and shady spots where they can rest.

Monitor Their Behavior

Pugs are smart. Sometimes they’re so bright that they can figure out how to open doors and escape from your house! If this happens, it’s a good idea to invest in a dog gate or kennel, so they don’t have an opportunity to run away or get hurt when you’re not around. Pugs also tend to drool, which is typical for their breed.

But sometimes excessive drooling can signal a health problem like nausea, digestive issues, arthritis pain – even heat stroke. Ensure your pug has access to shady spots where the sun isn’t beating down on them and give them lots of fresh water throughout the day if their drooling is unusually heavy.

Don’t Leave Your Pug in the Car

It’s illegal in some states to leave a dog unattended in a car, and for a good reason. Even on relatively mild days, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket to dangerous levels very quickly. So leave your pug at home if you have to run into the store for just a minute. They’ll be much safer that way. The last thing you want is for your pug to suffer from heatstroke.

Allow Them to Rest

It’s essential to give your pug a lot of downtime during the summer. They tend to sleep more than usual in warmer weather, so take advantage of this and allow them time to rest. A cool tile floor is a great way to keep them comfortable indoors without blasting the A/C too much. Be careful about leaving pugs on cold surfaces for too long as they’re prone to chills and hip dysplasia like other breeds with flat faces.

Give Them a Bath

Some pugs are good swimmers, but others hate getting wet. If your pug does not like water much, you may want to groom them more frequently during the summer months. Brushing their coat regularly can help prevent excess fur and prevent mats from developing.

But if your pug needs a full bath, try not to shampoo them too often, or you’ll dry out their skin. Instead, wash them with cool water in the morning or evening when it’s less hot outside. And don’t forget to give them a little towel drying afterward.

Don’t Force Your Pug to Wear Clothes

If it’s frigid outside, you might need to put some clothes on your pug. But for the most part, they’ll probably be fine without it. Pugs don’t need sweaters or jackets to keep them warm anyway. It’s a myth that dogs can’t regulate their body temperature unless they have clothes on – so if you think about it, forcing a dog to wear a sweater all day long is a form of animal abuse.

Pug Dog Summer Care

From limiting their outdoor activities and monitoring their behavior to avoiding leaving them alone in a car or forcing them to wear clothes, make sure you know how to take care of a pug in summer and how to keep your pug cool.

If your pug has any allergies or other medical conditions, make sure they get enough water and shade and regular check-ups from your veterinarian. And if all else fails? Be prepared with plenty of cold water and a shady spot where they can rest.