With their curious faces and dark adorable eyes, ever wondered how long do pugs live?
Turns out, if you treat Mr. Wrinkles right, and give him the best life, he can surpass his expected life span.
Pugs have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Snookie, the world’s oldest pug lived for 27 years and 284 days. Pugs are delicate dog breeds with unique health needs that can determine how long they live. A Pug leading a healthy lifestyle can surpass the 15-year mark.
Surprisingly, toy breeds like the Pug live longer than large dog breeds.
Pugs are one of the few mammals that defy nature’s laws- that bigger mammals, like the elephant, live longer than smaller mammals, like rats.
For pugs, there is an inverse relationship between their body size and lifespan.
It seems that it is an accelerated rate of aging, or senescence, that causes larger dogs to have a shorter lifespan than little dog
-Adriana Heguy (Quora), mentalfloss.com
This explains why the pug is voted as one of the oldest dog breeds to ever live.
Pugs are ranked 4th in the world as the longest living dogs.
Oldest pug to ever live
The world’s oldest Pug was a lovely South African canine named Snookie.
This pug clocked 27 years and 284 days by the time he left earth in 2018.
Next in line is King Tug the Pug who was blessed with 18 ½ years on earth.
What do Snookie and King Tug have in common?
They were both raised by loving and caring “pawrents” who wanted nothing but the best for their fur babies.
You can do the same for your pug and see if he beats the world record.
But for a Pug to live beyond his lifespan, he must have a certain quality of life.
Sadly, not many pugs get to see their 15th birthday.
A lot happens along the way that can lessen or end a pug’s lifespan.
What Can Make A Pug Not Live Longer?
Pugs are delicate breeds that need lots of care.
Anything, from a physical to an emotional injury, can reduce a pug’s lifespan.
Common occurrences that reduce a pug’s quality of life include;
- Injuries
- Respiratory problems
- Separation Anxiety
- Sickness
Injuries
Pugs are very playful and every chance they get, they fill it with clownish acts.
A pug would run with the kids playing and even do flips to entertain them.
They can leap from the kitchen counter into the air trusting that you will catch them.
While it is all fun and play, a pug can hit themselves on a surface and break a limb.
Another common type of injury in pugs is a popped out eye.
Torn ligaments and dislocations, like elbow dysplasia, are prone with pugs too.
Pugs tend to break their claws too while playing.
Claw injuries can run deep into the nail tissue and cause your pup a lot of pain.
A strain on a muscle could also cause your Pug to yelp and come to you limping
.
While some injuries are treatable, others can permanently affect your pug’s quality of life.
It is important to watch your Pug when playing to ensure his safety.
Learn More:
Breathing problems
Pugs are brachycephalic.
These are dogs with flat faces and small noses.
Having such tiny nostrils can affect a pug’s ability to breathe.
This is another reason why pugs are not supposed to overindulge in playtime or exercise.
They wear out quickly and can collapse from exhaustion.
One major sign of exhaustion is when your fur baby starts limping on one leg.
Summer is when pugs are most vulnerable to breathing issues.
Heat exhaustion creates breathing problems that can be fatal to the dog.
When you notice your pug overheating, taking him to a cool down so he can expel the excess heat.
Only play with your pug indoors and limit the time they spend outside.
Keep the dog well-hydrated while at it.
These should keep heat exhaustion at bay and ensure your fur baby breathes normally.
VIDEO: What To Do & How To Prevent Heatstroke In Dogs
Separation Anxiety
A pug’s quality of life is also determined by their emotional well-being.
This particular breed is very affectionate and forms strong bonds with its owner.
Ignoring a pug or leaving the dog on its own for long can lead to separation anxiety.
While not all pugs suffer from separation anxiety, anxiety is likely to occur when there has been a sudden change in household routine
-Hannah Reid, thenest.com
While some dogs adapt quickly to change, pugs may find a hard time copying.
Even if you have to move houses, try and maintain the dog’s normal schedule.
Feed him on time and exercise him as usual.
Taking all his possessions with him to the new place also helps him cope with anxiety.
Sickness
If you own a pug, there are some diseases you need to be aware of.
Common pug health problems include;
1. Cataracts
Cataracts are caused by old age, diabetes, or eye trauma.
It can blind a dog in one eye or both.
2. Skin diseases
Common skin diseases include Demodex mange and elbow callus.
Mange is caused by tiny mites that make your dog’s coat itchy.
Elbow callus is the hardening of the skin around the elbow.
If not treated, it can cause pain and joint problems.
3. Encephalitis
This is inflammation of the brain tissue.
Commonly affects adolescent pugs
4. Viral and bacterial infections
common ones include parvo, distemper, and rabies.
5. Cherry eye
this is caused by an infection or inflammation of the tear duct.
The eye ends up red/pink and swollen.
6. Gastrointestinal problems
a common one is an intussusception.
This is when the small and large intestines slide into each other.
Also, pugs easily suffer digestive problems stemming from food allergies, bacteria, hypersensitivity, and parasites.
Wrapping up
Though pugs are one of the cutest dog breeds to own, they are also one of the most vulnerable.
As long as you keep your pug on a healthy diet, give him moderate exercise, and always watch his move, he might just be the next world’s oldest pug.
See Also
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the funniest moments of living with a pug is when you catch them snoring. It is a common habit for pugs because of their tiny nostrils. Take your pug to the vet if you suspect the snoring is caused by blocked airways or respiratory disease.
Pugs have a low tolerance for intense heat and humidity. Keeping your pug outside for long can cause breathing problems or heat exhaustion. Limit the dog’s movement outside especially during summer.
The wrinkles on a pug’s face can trap dirt and debris. This creates a breeding ground for germs. Use a soft cloth and frequently wipe between the wrinkles. This helps prevent skin infections.
Yes, they do. Pugs have a double coat that is prone to shedding. If you are going to live together for the next 15 years, you must find time to groom him.
