With their short, pushed in face, Pugs can have trouble breathing, especially in hot, humid climates. They must be kept cool and exercised with caution in the summer. Part of the short-faced or brachycephalic syndrome can involve having pinched nostrils and an elongated soft palate. Your vet will need to examine your Pug to see if the nostrils are too tight to let air flow freely. There is a surgery to correct this problem. If you notice your Pug snoring excessively or gasping to breathe, it could be that its soft palate (at the back of the mouth) is too long and is in the way. Again, there is a surgery to help correct this problem. While overheating is the biggest weather related problem, Pugs should also not be exposed to very cold temperatures for long periods of time..

Pugs tend to be a healthy, hearty breed that can easily live into the mid and upper teens. Probably the number one problem seen by veterinarians is overweight or obese Pugs. Pugs will eat till they burst and always "act" hungry, even if they are well fed. There are many wonderful foods available and the key is to feed the proper amount. Base the correct amount on what your dog looks like, follow recommendations carefully and consult your vet if unsure. It should be possible to feel your dog's ribs and be able to see a waist.

The Pug requires regular brushing to keep its short coat looking good and its skin healthy. Brush systematically from head to tail, paying special attention to the Pug's face. Some Pugs need their faces cleaned daily, while others can go several days or longer. Wipe between the folds of skin gently with a warm washcloth, or cotton balls.

 Periodic bathing is important, but too many baths can lead to dry, flaky skin. It is best not to bathe any more frequently than once every 2 weeks. Use a shampoo formulated especially for dogs; don't be tempted to use human shampoo. Clean and check your Pug's ears frequently. A healthy ear is clean, free of debris or wax and is not sore or inflamed. Healthy ears can be wiped out with a dry cotton ball or one slightly moistened with a special ear cleaner made for pets. Check with your vet if you notice any redness, heavy discharge, odour, or headshaking. Pugs, just like people, can suffer from dental disease, so it's a good idea to brush their teeth. Be sure to use a "doggie" toothpaste. Pugs tend to have a lot of teeth in a small space and they are crowded and crooked. It’s hard to visualise the teeth, let alone brush them but you should try and do your best. Your vet may have some products that are easy to use and pointers on keeping the teeth clean and healthy. Getting your Pug to chew on raw bones helps to remove plaque, always supervise when they have bones. Pugs are known to not like having their nails trimmed it is best to get them use to this from a very young age.

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