Few things are as exciting as bringing home a new puppy. They quickly become an integral part of the family; much more than just a pet. Whether you’ve bought your new furry friend for yourself or one of your children, it is a huge responsibility and not one that should be taken on lightly.
Not only is having to look after and train this small bundle of energy physically and mentally demanding, but it is also a significant financial commitment. Nowhere is that more apparent than vet bills, which could leave you needing a payday loan or an alternative source of quick financing.
If you’re happy with taking on the costs of getting a puppy, here’s your guide to looking after them.
Table of Contents
Diet
When you pick up your new pug, you should be given information on their current diet by either the breeder or rescue – you can use The Kennel Club to make sure that they are reputable. It is best to keep them on this diet as they transition into your home to avoid them becoming unwell.
Your puppy will need plenty of calories (that they will use to run you ragged!), a decent amount of protein and plenty of vitamins and minerals, so make sure that the food you give them ticks those boxes. Smaller pieces of dry food are also good for their developing teeth.
Due to their size, pugs will need less food than most puppies. There are plenty of charts available online that tell you how much they should be eating depending on their age and weight, though.
Exercise
The flat muzzle and facial folds that make pugs so appealing to many people actually put them at greater risk of health complications, the most troubling of which is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
It is important to keep your pug puppy active so that they do not gain excess weight, which can exacerbate the breathing issues with which they inherently struggle.
However, you must give them a rest if you notice them starting to struggle for breath at any point.
Grooming
Their coats may not grow long, but pugs require a significant amount of daily grooming. Areas to focus on include:
- Wrinkles: Moisture build-up in the folds could lead to skin issues if not cleaned out regularly.
- Eyes: Dirt and debris can easily gather in your pug’s eyes due to how much they protrude from the head.
- Coat: Puppy pugs do not tend to shed as much as adults but brushing every day will ensure that dead hairs do not linger in their thick coats.
Socialising
Your puppy will hopefully have been socialised before being handed over to you. If not, it’s best to get them interacting with other dogs – ideally ones that you know to be gentle and friendly – as soon as possible.
Undertaking training sessions is a good way to teach your pug some new tricks and also give them a chance to interact with other dogs. It is also important to let them be inquisitive when you go out for walks.
