Pet: For the love of Pug (Ivo)

Dogs are mans best friend. They came in different breed and different level of intellect. They stay loyal to you and loved you the same way that you loved them. They can be protective and possessive.

The breed that I'm really passionate about were PUGS. They're cute and cuddly. Playful and at the same time sweet.

Pugs were called in so many ways like Lo-Chiang-Sze in Chinese. It was said that PUG became popular during Shang Dynasty. However the detailed origin of Pugs were destroyed during Emperor Qin Shi Huang leadership, the  first emperor in China. As expected detailed information of PUGs origin fell into mystery.

Most often than not, Pugs are in compact form, a deep chest and well developed muscles. Confucius called them as "Short-mouthed dog" but Pugs were mostly described as "multum in parvo"  which means "Much in little".

True to their form, they are strong but as all animals do they have health problems too. Because of their sad-wrinkled face, it's really heart breaking when you see them suffers from either Exophthalmos/proptosis, Entropion or scratch cornea. Most of these diseases can be cured by a vet. However if these diseases occurs often on your pugs, you have to put them on your vets watchful eyes.

PUGs most painful disease that you have to be worried about is necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME), also known as pug dog encephalitis (PDE). It's an inflammation of the brain. Pugs that got this disease will last only a few months and most vet will suggest that the pug will be put to sleep since there is no known cure for this disease.

For us owners of PUGS, we have to be watchful on every activity that our pugs will do.

1. Clean the underneath of their folds regularly because it might irritate their face. 
2. Avoid trauma on their heads or neck.
3. Avoid using tight leash instead of harness.
4. Watch their diet, as they are also prone to obesity.
5. Bring them to a Vet for a monthly check up.

Well, it's like a "do or loose" situation. Pugs are like helpless kid so we can't tell if they are already in pain. Let's take care of them like a baby. :D

-rcc