Dr Randhir Singh
Pugs have won over dog lovers all around the world with their endearing dispositions and striking looks. However, the breed’s distinctive characteristics have resulted in a variety of health concerns, hiding a grim reality behind their lovable exterior. Here, we delve into the pain that pugs endure and illuminate the effects of selective breeding practices that put appearance before welfare. Pugs suffer from a variety of ailments, such as respiratory issues and eye issues, which emphasises the ethical obligations of breeders and the significance of supporting responsible ownership.
A Historical Perspective
The pug’s ancestors can be found in ancient China, where kings valued them for their endearing nature and striking appearance. These canines travelled to Europe, where they won the attention of aristocracy and rulers alike. The wrinkled features, expressive eyes, and characteristic curled tails of pugs have captivated humans for generations, changing them from aristocratic companions to adored family pets. Pugs typically had longer legs and noses than they do now in paintings and engravings from the 18th and 19th centuries, and occasionally they have chopped ears. After 1860, when a new wave of pugs were imported directly from China, the appearance of the modern pug most likely underwent a shift. These pugs have current pug noses and shorter legs attributed to unethical selective breeding practices.
Health issues
In comparison to non-pugs, pugs were shown to be almost 1.9 times more likely to have one or more disorders listed in a single year. As a veterinarian, the results did not “come as a surprise” to the author. “The problem you’ve got is a dog with a smaller skull, but nothing else about the dog has gotten equivalently smaller,” and other soft tissues are “squished into a smaller space.”
Respiratory Distress
The most glaring suffering faced by pugs is their susceptibility to respiratory distress. The flat face and short muzzle that are a pug’s trademark also put them at risk for a disorder called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Their constrained airways can cause snoring, snorting, laboured breathing, and trouble controlling body temperature. These respiratory conditions might worsen in warmer weather or during strenuous exercise, causing discomfort and a reduced quality of life. Pugs’ tiny noses make breathing “much harder work” and are like “trying to breathe through a really narrow straw.” The “common image we have of pugs”-where they are grinning and have their tongues jutting out, appearing to be panting-is not the “joyful” image we might assume. They are actually forced to breathe via their mouth because they are unable to breathe effectively through their noses.
Eye Struggles
Although adorable, the wide, prominent eyes of pugs provide their own set of difficulties. They are more prone to accidents and ailments like corneal ulcers and dry eye because of how their eyes are positioned. Additionally, because of their protruding eyes, they are more likely to have proptosis, a painful and potentially blinding condition that calls for rapid medical attention.
Skin Folds and Infections:
The cute skin folds and wrinkles in pugs are not only endearing characteristics, but they are also trouble spots. Folds of warm, moist skin make the perfect home for bacterial and fungal illnesses. To avoid discomfort and health problems, these folds must be regularly cleaned and maintained.
Orthopaedic Strains:
While the pug’s small legs and stocky physique contribute to their distinctive appearance, they can also cause orthopaedic problems. Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are two joint conditions that can affect pugs and result in pain, reduced mobility, and a lower quality of life.
Ethical Considerations:
Pugs endure afflictions that put ethical issues at the centre of conversations about dog breeding. Health issues have arisen as a result of the desire of extreme physical characteristics for aesthetic appeal, endangering the wellbeing of these cherished companions. The well-being, functioning, and quality of life of the dogs they breed are given top priority by responsible breeders, who also work to lessen the incidence of hereditary diseases and other health problems in the breed.
The Role of Responsible Ownership
In order to lessen pugs’ suffering, responsible ownership is essential. To protect the health and wellbeing of their pets, owners must be aware of the breed’s vulnerabilities and adopt preventative measures. Responsible pug ownership requires regular veterinary examinations, weight control, appropriate cleansing of skin wrinkles, and the provision of a cool, cosy environment.
Advocacy for Change
The pug’s sufferings have ignited a call for change in the way dogs are bred and cared for., Veterinarians, advocates and animal welfare organisations are attempting to spread the word about ethical breeding methods that put health above excessive beauty. The “adopt, don’t shop” movement urges would-be dog owners to think about adopting pets from shelters or rescue groups in order to protect the welfare of canines who are in need of homes. Likewise, #BreedtoBreathe campaign was launched by British veterinary association (BVA) which became the face of pugs’ plight world over.
A Call for Compassion and Change
Pugs’ sufferings serve as a powerful reminder of the moral quandaries that exist in the dog breeding industry. We must question ingrained beliefs about breed aesthetics as a culture of dog lovers and put our beloved pets’ welfare first. The suffering of pugs necessitates a community effort to promote ethical breeding methods, inform prospective dog owners, and offer compassionate care for these special and lovable companions. By putting health first rather than appearance, we can create a world in which pugs and all other dogs can live happy, healthy lives free from needless suffering.
(The author is Assistant Professor (Vety. Medicine), Department of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), Guru Angad Dev veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab. )
Follow our WhatsApp channel
