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Pug Skin

It seems that owners often concentrate on a Pug dog’s coat, since it is dense and sheds a lot. However, one must also pay attention to Pug skin. There are certain medical issues that will affect the skin and some affect both the skin and the coat.

Demodectic Mange - This is most often seen in puppies, although it can develop in an older dog. It is caused by a particular mite, called the Demodex mite. When this almost microscopic pest invades your Pug, it will affect the skin which then leads to fur loss. Patches will seem to fall out, this can happen in 1 locations, 2 or several.

As the hairs fall out and the spot becomes thinner, you will often notice that the skin underneath is pink. There may also be an odd (not pleasant) odor. What makes this difficult for both dog and owner is that many times a secondary bacterial infection will set in…And it is this 2nd issue that causes quite a bit of itchiness.

If this is suspected, the veterinarian should do what is called a deep skin scraping that takes a sample that can then be observed under strong microscopes

If it is found to be this type of mange, it can be treated with prescription medication. Luckily, there is no proof that it is contagious. However, it can run in the dog’s bloodline and any Pug who has or has had this should not be used for breeding.

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Allergies – Just like people, some dogs can have allergies. With many breeds, including the Pug, the skin can be affected by this. Certain contact allergies can cause intense itching…And this leads to the puppy or dog scratching or, most often, chewing at the affected areas. If you notice this happening, chances are that the skin under the coat is itchy…A veterinarian can prescribe antihistamines, and sometimes steroids are needed. There can be some side effects with this, therefore it may take a bit of experimenting to see at what point there is relief with the lowest dose possible. There are oatmeal based shampoos that can help... When bathing, do use a soothing shampoo on the Pug's skin...and always gently towel dry (never blow drying).

It is worth a bit of time to try and find out what is causing the irritation. There is a chance that it may be something inside of your home that your Pug is coming into contact with. It may the carpeting (or the rug cleaner)…laying down a baby blanket can put a barrier between the dog and the trigger. Often Pug skin is sensitive at the elbows and having a soft blanket to lie on can help them with discomfort and prevent sores. It may be the laundry detergent…switching to a hypoallergenic brand may be the answer.

If your Pug appears to have pimples on his or her skin, this may be a sign of a staph infection. In some cases, it can be compared better to hives, as they may be large bumps on the skin which causes the hairs to stick up. On the underbelly or any spots that are not normally covered by the coat, you may see what appears to be ringworm, you may see circles that have a rather crusty edge to them. Whether ringworm or staph, it will certainly be time for a visit to the veterinarian. Antibiotics and medicated shampoo will be the usual treatment.

There is another Pug skin issue that can cause your dog to have a very bad odor. It is a yeast infection. It will cause itching and the skin often turns black and appears to be thicker. In most cases, it is most prevalent in the armpits, the paws, the groin area and around the neck. It may also develop in the ears, and this will also cause a heavy, unpleasant odor. Not only will you notice the smell, but there is also an increase of ear wax, often yellow or tan colored.

This is diagnosed by a vet who will do skin scrapings and swab the ears to test for yeast. Treatment is available via anti-yeast medication and prescribed shampoos.

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