Senior Pugs Require More Attention

We don't hesitate in giving Senior Citizens our respect. Senior Pugs deserve the same. Every new Pug owner hopes their new Pug puppy grows to a ripe old age. The average life expectancy is twelve to fourteen years but cases exist where these adorable little creatures reach the sweet sixteen mark or even a little more. It’s only natural that as your Pug matures and reaches its golden years, some changes start to take place. A Pug’s golden years start in the seven to eight year range. That equates to mid-fifties for a human. You may notice your Pug start to slow down.

The similarities between dogs and humans in certain areas amazes me sometimes. Just as some humans defy their age and try to do everything they used to, so do some Pugs! And, at the other end, some Pugs start to slow down and even become a little confused and disoriented with Senior Pug moments. What should an owner do? Naturally, every Pug owner wants to do what’s best for their friend and companion. Your Pug has been there to greet you and cheer you up for years. He’s smothered you with attention whenever you’re around. Now, it may be your turn to show him how much his affection has meant to you.

Senior Pugs need a little sensitivity from their owner in just about every area of their life. Although they might try to keep up the same pace of activity, it’s best to start reducing the lengths and the pace of their walks. Some Pugs just don’t know that they can’t walk like they did when they were a Puppy. This is especially true in the hot weather.

But, just as you cut back on the exercise and activity, you also need to cut back on the amount of food, especially the treats. Consult your veterinarian about this and all other phases of your Pug’s health care in his golden years. Senior Pugs do require special attention. The last thing you want is to add weight to your Pug’s frame in his older years. We have found that baby carrots are a wonderful, healthy Pug treat that they seem to love. Maybe it’s the crunch. Maybe it’s the fact that you can give them a carrot or two from time to time and not feel guilty. All we know is that our Pug looks forward to his carrot treat.

Don’t be afraid to rely on your own intuition, especially if you’ve entered your senior years yourself. Your Senior Pug will be more likely to develop the same ailments that humans develop. Arthritis can be especially painful to a Pug who is up in years. This is all the more reason to cut back on the length of the walks that you take. You may consider taking three shorter walks rather than two longer ones.

Senior Pugs are more sensitive to the cold. Look at where your Pug is sleeping. Move the bed away from any drafts. Perhaps a little closer to a heating vent with a little more padding in his bed. Pugs love to nestle. Senior Pugs love to nestle even more especially in a warm, dry and comfortable bed.

And, yes, Senior Pugs will sleep a little more. Pugs love to sleep anyway. It’s only natural that they’ll grab a few more winks as they get older. Don’t be surprised if you notice your Pug is not as quick on sounds or sights. Their hearing and vision will deteriorate just like a human’s will. They may not hear you when you enter the house anymore. It’s not that they’re any less loyal or in love with their owner – they probably just didn’t hear you or have the energy to get up from their soft bed. Now it’s time to return the love they’ve given you all of those years. You actually may have to go over to them to let them know you’re home.

Of course, you can be sad as you watch your little friend age. Or you can take the view that we prefer. Be thankful for all of the years that you’ve had your Pug in your life and realize that aging is a natural part of our existence. Your Pug has given you faithful and loving companionship and now he needs yours in return during the final years of his life. We’ve heard many Pug owners say how close they became with their Senior Pug. It’s as if the dog knew and appreciated everything you were doing for them. Pugs are lovable. They may be even more lovable when they age.

For every Pug owner there comes a time when they have to face the inevitable and say goodbye to their little friend. It's a very hard thing to do but, if your Pug's quality of life has deteriorated significantly, it may be the best thing for both of you. The loss of a Pug is not easy to get over and many owners feel it's one of the saddest days of their life.