Pig, the original beanses pug, will forever live on in our hearts. Our beloved pig passed over the rainbow bridge this past summer of 2020. Pig was an angel. She loved us unconditionally and remained happy and content, even during her last few months with us when she was very sick.
Older pug and health problem symptoms
A pug’s life expectancy is 12 – 15 years, and our beanses pug Pig lived to the very end. She died just shy of 15 years of age due to serious stomach health issues and possible cancer. Unfortunately it was too late to save Pig, when we finally got the serious diagnosis of our senior pug. She had stopped eating and drinking water and only wanted snuggles from her favourite human: Sophie.
We had early warning signs that our senior pug was unwell years before her eventual passing. We brought her to many vets for second and third opinions and no one could find any problems with her health! She had ultrasounds and x-rays, didn’t changes and medication, but none of the veterinarians could give us a diagnosis. Unfortunately, by the time our vet finally diagnosed her cancer it was too late. She was already preparing to cross the rainbow bridge. Poor Pig.
We are no pug-sperts, but from our own experience, if you see any unusual health behaviour in your pug, TAKE ACTION as it could well be something serious. Don’t wait, take your dog to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible for treatment. If the health symptoms are not diagnosed, and you know in your heart that something is not right with your pugs health, keep pushing your vet for answers and if necessary seek a second, third, fourth opinion from other vets and get all necessary x-rays and ultrasounds taken.
Here are some serious health problems signs to look out for a senior pug:
- Random vomiting
- Constant scooting of anal glands, that keep your pug awake at night
- Random foaming at the mouth
- Random diarrhea (no diet change)
- Loss or very little appetite
- Little or no water intake
Keeping a Senior Pug Healthy
As your senior pug gets older, you will notice your pug’s activity levels decrease with an increase in sleeping and napping throughout the day. To accommodate your senior pugs needs, small changes will help your pug remain healthy and happy into the golden years with the added benefit of detecting something unusual in your dog’s health. Catching early warning signs of something unusual in your dog’s health before a particular issue escalates can save your dogs life.
Some steps to take on a regular basis for a healthy senior pug:
- Varied diet, a well balanced diet will prevent problems with obesity.
- Light regular exercise, lots of short walks is best and small playtime with a toy.
- Weight, maintain healthy weight to avoid joint problems.
- Teeth cleaning on a regular basis. Moist food diets can enhance tartar build-up.
- Grooming and checking for lumps and bumps, clipping nails and bathing.
- Regular ear, nose roll and eye cleaning to avoid any infections.
- Comforts, maintain and keep fresh bedding for your older pugs regular naps.
Conclusion
As pug guardians it is our duty and responsibility to do all that we can for our senior pugs. Unfortunately there will be a day when your older pug is no longer happy on a day to day basis as the quality of its life is diminished. An example of this: when a pug no longer wants their food or water, or when your older pug can no longer move around easily and cannot take part in family activities. Perhaps it has a severe health condition that is untreatable in old age. It is your responsibility as an owner to take action if your old pug is in pain. It is unfair to keep your old pug alive if it is suffering and you are afraid of losing your old friend. To help you make this difficult decision, talk to your veterinarian; they will help you with final diagnosis and end of life plans. When your old friend passes over the rainbow bridge, all steps must be taken through your professional veterinary clinic.
Letting go of your pug is never easy and is heartbreaking, but in your heart you now know your old friend is no longer in pain. In good time, you will be able to look back and remember all the happy times you spent with your beloved pug and cherish all of your fond memories. Rest In Peace Pig, our very special pug.
Some lighter reading: pugventures west coast pug hiking rathtrevor beach provincial park
