If you’re a new pet owner, there’s something you need to know about Fido. Your dog ages seven years for every birthday they have. This means that you need to know the significance of the Pug lifespan so that you can adjust their food and exercise plan.
First of all, how long do Pugs live? According to a recent study, the life span of a Pug dog is around 11 to 15 years, with female Pugs living a little longer, having a life expectancy of 13.2 years, while male Pugs of around 12.8 years.
This study also outlines the variations between certain dog breeds in death causes and lifespan, and the research`s results strengthen the evidence that already existed according to which smaller dog breeds tend living longer than larger dog breeds like grey german shepherd.
Still, if we are to compare with other purebred canines, our little friend ranks somewhere between the lower middle and middle range. And considering that this is a small type of dog, why the Pug life span isn`t longer?
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How Long Do Pugs Live?
We were lucky that Mindy lived to be 16 years old, which means that she was 80 years old in human years. If you want to find out how old your Pug is, you can calculate it on this dog age calculator. (source) When I first bought her from a breeder, I had no clue what the life expectancy of Pugs was.
If you just got a Pug, you’re correctly wondering whats the medium lifespan of a Pug? Well, let’s talk about the Pug dog lifespan, so you have an idea what to expect with your best friend.
In this article, we talk about the signs and symptoms of a dying dog. It’s never easy talking about the life expectancy of a family pet. After all, they become a part of the family and talking about their death is not fun. But if you’re considering buying or rescuing a Pug, these are some things that you need to be aware of.
How to Care For Pug
There are different things you need to take care if you are owning pug in your house.
Diet
Pugs are predisposed to weight gain if their dog owners ignore their diet, and in turn, this can lead to problems in the hips or joints as well as breathing or heart-related issues.
Pugs should receive only healthy dog food, preferably prepared at home. If this isn`t possible, at least be sure, your Pug gets the most nutritious dog food possible. This means to avoid those types of food with artificial ingredients which might put your dog`s life in jeopardy.
Daily Exercise
Daily exercise is mostly about finding the proper balance for your little pal. A sedentary canine won’t ever be healthy, although, on the other hand, too much physical exercise might result in breathing issues and other general health problems as well.
Grooming
Pugs have all those cute wrinkles on their ears, but this makes grooming a necessary responsibility for their owners for them to have healthy skin and be kept away from any possible infections.
When it comes to Pugs, skin infections have increased chances to occur. This means a dog of this breed has to be groomed with great care. All those cute wrinkles have to be adequately cleaned with correct grooming.
Also, dental and teeth hygiene is quite essential as these canines tend to lose their teeth while they get older. A veterinarian can offer guidance when talking about dental care.
Regular Visits to the Vet
Most dog owners are only severe about these visits when their dog is only a puppy, but as their canine ages, they have a trend of slacking and only visit the “doctor`s office” if their little friend gets sick.
It`s essential for you as a dog owner to choose for routine vet check-ups if you want your Pug to staying happy and healthy. When Pugs become adults, a check-up once per year is enough, and twice per year for senior dogs.
How Long Do Pugs Live In Human Years?
Most pet owners don’t think of their dog’s life in human years. We just read information and facts online about how long a breed is supposed to live. You’ve probably read that a Pug’s life expectancy is around 12-15 years old.
But do you know how long that is in human years? As I mentioned above, Mindy was 16 years old in dog years and 80 years old in human years. Knowing your dog’s age in human years will help you understand whether your dog is still a puppy, an adult or a senior. Understanding this will help you better care for your furbaby.
How to Take Care of a Old Pug
Caring for old Pugs is different than a Puppy or an adult. Just like humans, a senior dog requires more care and proper nutrition. I’ve put together some of the best adult dog food for Pugs that contains all the nutrients they need.
As someone who owned a black Pug, I can tell you this. The time flies by so fast. Mindy was active for so long, and we didn’t even notice her getting older until one day when we came home, and she didn’t greet us at the door anymore.
Instead, she was sleeping on her bed (here’s a list of some of the best foundations for Pugs) and we had to wake her up to let her know we were home. We also started noticing that she got out of her bed slower than she used to. That was when we realized it was time to purchase an orthopaedic dog bed.
Quality Canine Mattress
Your pet needs a comfortable bed at any age. However, as they reach their golden years, it’s more important to invest in a tremendous orthopaedic bed that supports their joints. A good orthopaedic dog bed can help reduce pain, restore mobility and help your dog sleep better.
Dental Checkups
Just like humans, your Pug should be taken to the vet regularly for dental cleanings. If you can’t afford it, then you need to make sure that you’re accurately taking care of their teeth by brushing them.
As they get older, your pet can lose their teeth if they weren’t properly cared for when they were young. This means that they will have difficulty eating dry food and you’ll have to switch them to soft food they can digest. Unfortunately, we didn’t do a great job with Mindy’s teeth, and she experienced some issues with her teeth.
Weight
One of the most significant issues with Pugs is obesity. As a pet owner pay attention to whether or not your pet is overweight. Excess weight can add stress on their joints and cause other health-related issues. Here is a chart of how much your Pug should weigh at the different stages of their life:
Eye Care
Pugs are common to glaucoma because of their bulging eyes. Mindy lost her eyesight when she was about 15 years old, and we made sure that we didn’t move the furniture. We were amazed at how she could still move around the house freely without bumping into anything.
Bladder Control
Take your senior dog outside more often than you used to. As they grow older, their bladder will weaken and the bowel muscle loses strength.
How Much Should I Exercise A Senior Dog?
One of the things that I noticed when Mindy was about 12 years old is that we had to cut down on the intensity of her daily exercise. I no longer took her for her daily 2 mile walks.
I still took her for a walk, but I just let her decide how much she wanted to walk. It’s essential to keep your dog active and to move, and you need to pay attention to what they can do.
Make The Last Years Memorable
One of the biggest mistakes a dog owner could make is refusing to believe that one day their Pug will ultimately be gone. If you choose to accept that your little pal will have to “leave” at some point, you`ll also be able to make the most of their senior years.
Take as many photos as you can to treasure their memories. Do as much as you can to show how much you care for them and try to have a significant impact on the last moments of their life.
Take a lot of pictures because those will be the memories that you will hold dear to your heart. Do everything that you can to show them that you care for them, and they made an impact on your life. Use every waking moment showing them empathy and care when they reach their senior years. Because unfortunately, it comes a lot quicker than you think it will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Pugs Die From?
The most frequent causes of deaths in canines and pet diseases among old dogs are cancer, kidney (renal) failure, and cardiac disease. Bloat and immune-mediated diseases can be the cause of death in younger Pugs.
How Old Do Pugs Live?
As I mentioned above, it all depends on whether or not your Pug has a lot of medical issues. You can do your part on extending pug age span, by ensuring they get the proper nutrition and the right amount of exercise.
What Is The Life Expectancy of Black Pugs?
Black Pugs have the same life span as any other color Pug. With proper care and diet, you can expect your pet to live around 12-15 years of age. Some will live longer, Mindy my pet was able to live for 16 years.
Final Word On The Pug Life Span
Now that we found out the Pug life span of these beautiful little creatures, it`s time to make the most of the time we have to spend with them. Pugs are excellent pets that have so much to offer for the right family. Their playful way of being and their ever-lasting affection towards the ones they care are what make this great dog such an appealing choice for most dog owners.
