Pug: features of care and maintenance of a puppy (photo)

The pug is a breed of small dogs that cannot cope on their own in the wild; they are intended only for home keeping in an apartment.

Caring for pugs does not require material costs, but you will need time and effort.

For example, skin folds on a pet's face in hot weather require additional care.

And the ear canal of pugs has a specific flattened shape, which also implies additional difficulties, since increased attention from the owner and additional hygiene procedures will be required.

brief information

The homeland of these four-legged animals is China. The head is round, relative to the body it can be called large. The muzzle is flattened and has symmetrical wrinkles.

Video about pugs

Pugs behave like little children: they are capricious, offended and mischievous. The owner of the cute pet talks about this in the video.

Wonderful companions, pets devoted to their owner, who easily get along with children, will delight all family members with their attention. In return, you are required to provide proper care and timely response to unusual behavior. Tell us what difficulties you encountered in caring for your puppy when you first brought your pug home.

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How to care for a puppy

When choosing a place for a pug puppy, you should take care of this even before purchasing it.

Do not choose a place where there are drafts, but there is no need to place bedding close to heating appliances . You shouldn't isolate your pet either.

You can purchase mini dog houses at the pet store, where the pug will have privacy from time to time.

Pet menu

Pugs love to feast on various foods, so it is worth limiting them from time to time so that the puppy does not become obese.

Small pugs receive food up to 4-5 times a day in small portions . By six months, the number of feedings is reduced to three times.

From the age of 8 months, a grown puppy can already be fed 2 times a day.

A mandatory product on the menu should be lean meat, such as beef and veal..

But pork has a bad effect on the digestion of pugs, so it is better not to give it to the puppy.

Fiber and microelements, so important for pugs, are found in many cereals, mainly rice, buckwheat and pearl barley.

Vitamins are found in various fruits and vegetables . They are served to dogs after heat treatment.

From dairy products, it is better to give fermented milk types - cottage cheese, kefir, fermented baked milk. Milk causes indigestion, so it is contraindicated for pugs.

Due to the structure of the jaw, this breed has difficulty eating liquid food, so preference is given to solid food, cut into pieces..

You can switch your puppy to dry and wet dog food, which already contains all the beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Vaccinations

Small pugs should definitely get preventive vaccinations.

IMPORTANT!

The first is done at the age of 2 months. After three weeks, a second injection is used, since it is necessary to have time before the replacement teeth begin to erupt.

All vaccines received are entered into the vaccination log..

The number, number of injections and the drug used are recorded there.

Dietary rules and prohibited foods

The diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog. For the first 3 months of their life, pug puppies are in a stage of accelerated growth. It is at this time that the foundation for the health of a mature dog is laid. Meals during this period should be frequent and plentiful.

This is interesting: 10 foods that should not be given to a pug

A newborn puppy is fed by its mother. If this is not possible, then for his survival, you should purchase a veterinary formula and feed him according to the doctor's recommendations. To do this you will need a special nipple and a small bottle. An alternative could be regular baby formula. Conventional cow or goat milk has too low a fat content.

Small puppies from 2 months should be fed 4 times a day. Food should be rich in calcium. For breakfast, the pug should be given kefir and low-fat cottage cheese.

The dog has stewed vegetables for lunch. Porridge can also be a source of carbohydrates. Grind buckwheat, pearl barley, rolled oats or rice in a coffee grinder, boil and add salt. You can add boiled yolk to vegetables or porridge. Older puppies should be given a small piece of rye bread with butter or one dried fruit as a supplement.

For dinner, small pugs should be fed finely chopped meat (lamb or beef). There should be no fat in it, so minced meat is not suitable for feeding puppies. If the baby is already 2 months old, you can boil porridge for him in meat broth.

This is interesting: Where to buy a pug puppy

After three months, puppies should increase their food intake. From this point on, you can introduce more meat and cereals into your diet, and gradually add raw vegetables and fruits. When feeding, it is important to adhere to the principle: give light foods in the first half of the day, and lean meat in the second. Gradually, the number of feedings can be reduced to three, provided that the dog is not hungry.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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During the period from 7 to 12 months, the puppy should be gradually prepared for the transition to adult food. Food is served 2 times. In the morning: cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products. In the evening: meat, bones and fish.

Your dog should always have clean, fresh water in his bowl.

After the puppy turns one year old, you can continue the same diet based on homemade food or switch to dog food.

Advantages of each power system:

Natural food	Ready-made feed
Homemade food is healthier and more nutritious. It contains no preservatives or flavorings	There is no need to think through a balanced diet. The amount of nutrients and trace elements per serving complies with veterinary standards. Special formulations have been developed for dogs with allergies, which eliminate the need to purchase additional vitamins. Such food is convenient to take on the road.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Dryers for animals are divided into three classes: economy, premium and superpremium. The first category is characterized by the use of low quality raw materials. This includes the cheapest food from supermarkets.

Premium is a product in the mid-price category. This food can be found in supermarkets and veterinary stores.

Super premium is sold exclusively in pet stores. They are developed in scientific laboratories taking into account the breed, its lifestyle, and the presence or absence of diseases.

Adult pugs are unpretentious in terms of nutrition and can eat almost any food that a person eats. However, feeding them table scraps is prohibited. This breed has a sensitive gastrointestinal tract, and such food can cause illness or death for it.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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A weak gastrointestinal tract often manifests itself as heartburn. In order to soften it, it is necessary to give the dog milk of medium fat content - up to 2.5%.

Pugs love sweets, but eating them is dangerous to their health. High sugar levels can lead to the death of the animal. Baked goods, sausages, fatty and fried foods are prohibited.

Hygiene

You should wash your pug once a month. For water treatments you need dog shampoo. More frequent washing can damage the animal's hair, as natural lubrication protects it from dry skin and irritation. After walks, just wipe the paws, and if the fur gets dirty, rinse it with water without shampoo.

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Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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You should not bathe your pug often in an attempt to get rid of the specific animal odor. Frequent washing stimulates the dog's sebaceous glands and the smell can only intensify.

Walks

Cold, heat, and sudden temperature changes have a bad effect on the animal’s well-being. Therefore, this breed tolerates being kept in any apartment well and does not require long walks.

This is interesting: 10 dogs that will not cause inconvenience in the apartment

A pug can be walked from three months of age. By this point, the puppy has already received all the necessary vaccinations and easily adapts to the environment. Young dogs are active and inquisitive, and too much stress can harm their cardiovascular system. Therefore, before your pet turns 1 year old, you should take him on short (up to 15 minutes) gentle walks 3-4 times a day.

Adult pugs are not litter trained well and require walking 2-3 times a day. Optimal duration: 30-40 minutes. Sometimes active games on the court are acceptable.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Rare and short-term exercise can lead to obesity and muscle atrophy in the dog. Long and tiring ones harm her heart and respiratory system.

In cold, windy, rainy weather, it is recommended to wear an insulated waterproof suit on your pet. For walks, a harness is preferable to a collar - it minimizes the load on the spine.

Basic rules for caring for an adult dog

Short-haired pugs are capable of shedding 2 times a year according to the seasons. At home, this time lasts 2-3 weeks.

If the room where the dog is kept has a dry climate, shedding can continue all year round..

Bathing

Pugs do not need to be bathed often. This is done as soon as it gets dirty or once every 2-3 months. The shampoo can be used every other time.

Frequent bathing is contraindicated, since the dog has a protective film on its skin, and the hair is covered with sebum, which gives it elasticity and natural shine..

When you bathe your dog, you wash away its natural protection.

Before you go swimming, you should close the windows to prevent drafts.

Water should not get into the ears; after completing the procedure, you need to dry the pug’s body thoroughly.

Combing

You can use a brush for combing once every two weeks. During the molting period, this procedure increases.

Care for eyes, claws and ears

Since pugs have protruding eyes, there is a risk of injury.

In a healthy state, the dog's eyes are shiny, without souring or tearing; in the morning, small discharge may form, which indicates the release of dust . This is fine.

You can remove them with a soft, clean cloth soaked in warm water or a decoction of medicinal plants.

Once a month you need to trim your pug’s claws and file them to prevent hangnails.

After a walk, the paws are wiped with a damp cloth and inspected for damage..

Ear examinations are carried out once every 14 days. The color of the inside of the ears should have a pink tint and they should not contain wax.

To prevent ear diseases, which are often present in pugs due to the characteristic structure of the hearing organ, it is necessary to treat the ears from time to time.

To do this, a cotton swab is moistened in boric alcohol and the auricle is wiped with it.

After drying, apply ear powder and prophylactic liquid..

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

“In addition to general care for a dog of this breed, it is worth taking into account the characteristic structure of the animal’s muzzle. It contains numerous folds in which food and dust residues can accumulate, which has a beneficial effect on the reproduction of various microorganisms. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe the folds around the mouth with a clean, damp cloth after each meal. It is also recommended to brush your pug's teeth to prevent tartar buildup. The dog should be accustomed to all hygiene procedures from childhood, then all the owner’s actions will not be perceived as hostile, since the puppy will get used to the daily toilet.”

Features of care

In good health, Pugs can live 15 years. But, like many artificially bred breeds, they are prone to disease. Therefore, the owner has a great responsibility, since regular care of the pet at home is the key to its good health.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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It is more difficult to care for a pug boy, as their sebaceous glands work more actively. As a result, the fur and folds of the muzzle become dirty faster.

Behind the wool

It is necessary to comb your pug daily, as the breed is characterized by constant shedding. Dogs lose especially a lot of hair in spring and autumn. The brush should have frequent metal teeth. You need to comb the animal in the direction of hair growth. Individual loose areas can be trimmed with scissors.

This is important to know: Problems that a pug owner may encounter

Furminators are used to remove undercoat. This procedure reduces shedding several times. But experienced breeders recommend using this tool with great caution, as it injures the structure of the guard hair. The fur may stop growing or begin to grow in any direction (waves, zigzags).

Behind the ears

Once a week you need to inspect and, if necessary, clean your dog’s ears. In order to remove wax, a dry cotton swab and gentle movements are enough. You can use special lotions purchased at a pet store, but they can cause allergies.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Pugs are prone to otitis media. If discharge is visible in the ears or swelling appears in this area, it is advisable to immediately contact a veterinarian.

Behind the eyes

The eyes are the weak point of pugs. Due to the structure of the muzzle, secretions accumulate in this area, which must be removed every day. Otherwise, an exacerbation of infection occurs (including conjunctivitis). Therefore, it is recommended to check the corners of the dog’s eyes daily for the presence of mucus; if there is any, remove it with a damp cloth.

Purulent discharge on any external organs indicates a pet illness. Greenish is a sign of infection. Transparent - a consequence of allergies.

Processing folds

It is necessary to care for your pug every day, since due to their physiology, such dogs are prone to illness. One of the most important procedures for the health of an animal is cleaning the folds on the face. Sebum, dust, water, and food debris accumulate in this area. If you do not clean them out in time, an infection or fungus may develop in the discharge.

For the procedure you will need sticks, wet wipes (for children, for intimate hygiene or for those with allergies). You can use cotton pads moistened with clean water. It is necessary to lift the folds of the pug, treat the area above the nose, near the eyes. You need to repeat until the next napkin or cotton pad comes clean. Wipe folds only if there is discharge on them.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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You cannot treat a dog’s face with chlorhexidine, peroxide or miramistin - this will weaken its own beneficial microflora.

Trimming claws

How often your dog's nails need to be trimmed depends on the dog's lifestyle. Active animals walking along asphalt sidewalks wear them down as they walk. If your pet often touches objects with them or is damaged, the length of the growths should be removed.

This procedure can be carried out at home, but it is better to go to a veterinary clinic, since at the base of the claw there is a vascular network that is prohibited from touching with an instrument. This inexpensive manipulation can be performed in almost every veterinary hospital.

You can trim your claws at home using special nail clippers purchased at a pet store. Below, watch the video tutorial, which will tell you the angle and direction of movement that is safe for blood vessels.

Where is the private space in the house?

As already mentioned, the place is selected before purchasing the puppy. It should not be in a draft and be completely isolated.

It is advisable to prepare a lounger from a thick mattress measuring 40 x 60-70 cm . The cover should be hypoallergenic and easy to wash.

Many dog breeders prefer to purchase mini-houses for pugs, where there is a place not only for sleeping, but also for feeding.

Main rules of nutrition

Pugs have sensitive digestion and are prone to gaining excess weight and developing allergies.

While following the general rules of nutrition, it is also necessary to focus on the individual characteristics of the pet.

The pug feeding scheme, starting from puppyhood, is as follows::

From one month to two months, 6 feedings per day are provided.
From the second to the fourth month, feeding is reduced by one, resulting in 5 feedings.
4-6 months – 4 feedings.
From 6 months to a year – feeding is carried out 3 times a day.
After a year, the period of active growth stops and metabolic processes slow down, so the dog can already eat 1-2 times a day.
If the bitch becomes pregnant, after a month and subsequently, when breastfeeding puppies begins, she needs to feed more often, so the number of feedings increases up to 3 times.

You can feed pugs with natural products or special ready-made food.

Mixing natural products and dry food in one feeding is unacceptable..

If you are trying to feed your dog natural food, then you need to know about prohibited and permitted foods.

So, pugs cannot tolerate the following foods::

Fatty meat and pork.
Smoked products.
Sweet foods, including chocolate.
Beans.
Spices and seasonings.
Fried foods.
Pasta.
Fish that is found in rivers.
Bones, especially tubular bones.
Sometimes pugs do not tolerate oatmeal well, so it is best not to include it in the diet.

Foods that are healthy for pugs:

Lean meat, it can be rabbit, veal, beef, poultry. venison, etc. In this case, all fat components are first removed from the pieces.
You should be careful with chicken, as it often causes allergies in pugs.
Cereals in the form of rice, buckwheat, etc. are useful.
Vegetables.
Despite the benefits of apples, you need to be moderate in their intake.
Greenery.
Sea fish without bones.
Offal cooked or immersed in boiling water.
Fermented milk products.

Description of diet

A dog breeder must know how to feed a pug properly.

Puppy diet

The daily diet of a little boy or girl pug should include the following foods:

Raw meat. It is recommended to give puppies turkey, beef or veal. You should not feed dogs pork, as it is too fatty for a fragile body.
Cereals. It is necessary to regularly give your dogs pearl barley, rice or buckwheat porridge.
Dairy products. Ryazhenka, cottage cheese and yogurt are ideal for puppies.

Adult dog diet

The diet of adult dogs is not much different from that of puppies. It is also necessary to give a lot of raw meat, dairy products and cereals. Adult dogs can be fed fruits and vegetables to avoid vitamin deficiency.

Natural feeding

Raw meat is the basis of any dog’s diet.
Dogs kept at home should receive a balanced diet. It consists of the following products:

boiled offal;
sea fish;
greens with vegetables;
cereals;
dairy products;
meat.

Additional Information! Adult pugs can be given any meat except chicken. It causes allergies in some dogs.

Dry food

Some dog breeders do not want to prepare food for their dogs themselves and therefore prefer to feed them dry food. Pugs should buy food mixtures that fall into the super premium and holistic groups. The most popular include:

Varking Heads canned food;
products from Velcando;
Eukanuba mixtures.

Vitamins

If a dog has health problems, more vitamins and minerals should be added to its diet. To correct the vitamin balance, pugs should be fed greens, fish oil, tomatoes, carrots and liver.

If your dog lacks vitamin B, then you will have to add yeast, potatoes, kefir and cottage cheese to your daily diet.

What vaccinations are needed and when to do them?

To prevent the development of many infections in a dog, it needs to receive preventive vaccinations. Before the first vaccination, walking the pug is strictly prohibited. A week before vaccination, complete deworming is carried out.

At two months of age the puppy receives its first vaccination . The second time vaccination is carried out 3 weeks before the change of baby teeth begins.

NOTE!

Veterinarians recommend using complex polyvalent serums for these purposes.

The veterinary clinic must immediately open a passport for the dog, which includes the date of vaccination and the drug used.

You can walk the puppy only after the second vaccination, after a week and a half.

Hair cutting

In general, the dog does not need a haircut too much. But sometimes owners resort to a similar procedure during pug shedding.

Beige and fawn colored individuals are especially susceptible to frequent and heavy molting..

This haircut is called artificial shedding; in scientific publications it is called grooming or trimming.

The haircut is carried out using a clipper with a special attachment, leaving short hair measuring 3 mm.

It is necessary to trim the entire body and paws of the dog..

Walking rules

At an early age, pug puppies can be very active. Therefore, in order for the dog to properly expend its energy, it must be walked.

The pug's stay in the fresh air should be at least an hour, with 15-20 minutes of walking time allocated for active games.

Ideally, up to 3 walks per day should be carried out. This way your pet will strengthen its cardiovascular system and avoid the deposition of excess fat.

Pugs have a brocecephalic skull structure, which is often the cause of breathing difficulties in dogs of this breed. Therefore, you should be aware that not all weather conditions are suitable for walking your dog.

They can hardly tolerate heat, frost and high atmospheric humidity . Pugs will feel comfortable at temperatures from -2 to +22 degrees.

In winter, you can purchase special insulated clothes for your pet that can be worn in particularly severe frosts. In summer it is better to prevent the animal from overheating.

If the weather is not favorable for walking, it is enough to take the dog out into the air for literally 10 minutes..

Walking the pug, clothes

It is advisable to walk your pug three times a day . Be sure to purchase in advance all the accessories necessary for walking with your four-legged pet, including a collar or harness, leash and muzzle. So-called “couch” pugs should not be walked without clothes in winter. A short-haired dog requires additional heating, so it is advisable to purchase insulated and demi-season overalls.

This is interesting! Walking with such a pet, as a rule, does not take much time and effort, which is due to the breed characteristics of the pug, and if necessary, the dog can easily even get used to the tray.

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How to trim claws correctly and when?

While other dogs wear down their nails while walking, this does not happen in pugs. Therefore, it is recommended to cut them in dogs of this breed twice a month.

If this is not done, then your pet will develop deformation of the fingers and it will be difficult for him to walk . Pet stores sell a special nail clipper for this purpose.

Pug training

Pugs are very trainable, so they can be trained from a very young age. You can also train a puppy at home.

At the first stage of training, you should teach the puppy to respond to its name. Next, you need to accustom the puppy to his place to rest in the apartment. In addition, it is important to accustom the dog to a certain regime: eating, playing time, walking. After the puppy has completely mastered the main basic commands, they move on to training the little pet. The training consists of learning additional commands from the general dog training course (OCT). The duration of classes is 2-4 months. Classes are held up to twice a week.

When practicing various commands, you will need to use treats - the so-called reward, encouragement for a correctly executed command. As demonstrated by practical activities and advised by dog handlers during training, it is better to minimize the number of treats used in order to prevent obesity.

The Pug is an excellent breed and a family favorite. The dog is suitable for living in an apartment. There are no difficulties in caring for pugs. Every dog needs such procedures. You just need to take into account the characteristics of this decorative dog breed. Therefore, those who want to buy a pug should already know how to properly care for the dog and what kind of nutrition it needs.

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What to do if your pug won't let you cut its nails?

Most often, when cutting nails, the dog begins to resist. In this case, you will need the help of outsiders .

One person fixes the dog’s body, the other trims the dog’s claws.

If you don’t have an assistant, you can do it yourself. First, shake the animal by the withers until it calms down.

Then the paw is taken, the claw is trimmed, while the pug needs to be praised, then the same is done with the other fingers.

That is, the dog must understand that while it is undergoing the grooming procedure, it will be praised and given a treat. And if she throws a tantrum, they will shake her by the withers and in the end they will carry out the procedure anyway.

How often should you bathe and how to do it correctly?

Bathing should not be frequent; it is enough to do it once every 2-3 months . After each walk, the dog should be wiped with a damp cloth.

When bathing, use a special shampoo. This is especially important for pugs with black fur, as it is more likely to fade and lose its attractiveness.

Anti-flea shampoo is used periodically to prevent parasites.

After bathing, the dog is well dried and wrapped; there should be no drafts in the room.

What to feed a pug

Pugs have small stomachs that are not suitable for liquid food. Food should be concentrated. If the basic rules of nutrition and diet of pugs are violated in adulthood, problems with the digestive system will progress in pets. Pugs are also prone to being overweight. Obesity will lead to heart problems.

Recommended and prohibited products

What to feed a pug puppy? The diet of dogs that once served in the imperial court should consist only of high-quality and natural products. Do not forget also that we are dealing with representatives of one of the smallest breeds. Pugs will only grow rapidly at first. Don't let this scare you.

Their diet must include cereals, lean meat, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and dairy products. Under no circumstances should you mix incompatible products. Try to accustom your dog to a certain feeding schedule. It is better to feed after a walk in the fresh air.

Never give food from the table or force feed. If you feed your pet correctly, he will drink little. If there is a malfunction in the diet, the pug will be thirsty.

A few tips will help your pet stay energetic and healthy:

Dog food should be at room temperature.
Choose a flat bowl for your Pug.
Do not give your pet food in liquid form.
Drink only filtered water.
When choosing food from natural products, follow the norm. A pug should eat a portion of meat, fish and poultry meat per day, at least 2/3 of the total diet.
Do not salt meat for a pug, but salting stewed vegetables is not prohibited.
Give your pet poultry, lean lamb and raw beef.
Place milk next to the water. It saves pugs from heartburn.

Among the food products there are also those that are strictly prohibited . For example, potatoes, pasta and flour products, which lead to obesity. Forget about treating your pet with sugar, sweets, and confectionery. Bread, smoked meats, salted foods and semi-finished products are also strictly prohibited. Eliminate semolina porridge from your diet.

Approximate dog menu for the day

Pug puppies should be fed four times a day. Here is an approximate menu for a dog under three months of age.

Breakfast: low-fat cottage cheese, optionally with a little honey.
Pre-dinner time: stewed or steamed vegetables.
Lunch and dinner: a meat diet based on lamb, which pugs adore.

Until 7 months of age, the number of meals is reduced from four to three. Portions of meat products are increasing. You can mix breakfast, lunch and dinner using porridge.

After seven months, pugs are fed twice a day. Fish and meat products should be included exclusively in the second meal, that is, in the evening.

How to choose the right dry food for your pug

If you decide to switch your pet to dry food, then you should do this gradually, mixing dry food into the dishes familiar to your four-legged family member. Choose food according to the age of your pet. Do not buy low quality food, try not to go below the super-premium class .

Pay attention not only to the cost, but also to how your dog tolerates the new diet. It is possible that she will not immediately want to eat what you offer her. Have you switched to dry food? Congratulations! Make sure your dog always has access to clean water.

Furminator - how to choose and how to use

This is a special new generation comb for dogs (shown in the photo). She is able to comb out a large amount of fur at a time.

The Furminator is quite wide, you need to use it gently, without pressing too hard . As hair accumulates, it is removed from the comb.

It is necessary to select a tool based on the strength of the teeth.

The Furminator does not cause any inconvenience to the pet; on the contrary, the dog enjoys the combing procedure.

It is suitable for pugs because they have an undercoat that can be removed with this device.

CAREFULLY!

Choose a Pug Furminator with shorter teeth, as this breed has short hair.

The only drawback of the tool is its relatively high cost (from 30 to 70 dollars).