Pugs are a growing breed that is very popular. Many people choose these animals because they are small, easy to handle, and, of course, very cute.
But when considering owning a dog one of the things which needs to be thought about is their shedding. Depending on the breed, some dogs will shed whilst others won’t. So, what about pugs? Do pugs shed?
Do Pugs Shed?
To get straight to the point, yes pugs do shed. Should this put you off owning a pug as a pet? Of course not. Just like many other dog breeds out there, pugs will shed. However, this is all manageable.
If you are wanting to have a pug of your own, then it is important to be prepared for plenty of fur on clothing and furniture. It is also important to not let this shedding get the better of you as pugs cannot help what their fur does.
There are two types of fur on pugs: single-coated and double-coated. Whilst both types of coats will shed, double-coated pugs will naturally shed more as they will be carrying much more fur.
The fact that pugs shed is a surprise to many as people do not expect dogs with short hair to do so. However, this is a great misconception. It is not only dogs with visibly long hair who shed. In fact, single-coat pugs can shed just as much as a long-haired corgi.
Why Do Pugs Shed?
There are reasons behind a pug’s shedding and these reasons determine when they will shed too. Most people assume that pugs shed simply in response to their fur type however there is much more to it.
The amount a pug sheds and the time it shed are determined by the year’s season. Pugs will shed their fur all year round however double coated pugs will do this more often, particularly in the winter and the summer.
In the winter, pugs will need a thicker coat because of the drop in temperature so will grow a small undercoat during the autumn season.
Because of this, they will start shedding their fur once winter hits to make room for their undercoat and build-up fur. When the weather eventually warms up and the year enters summer, pugs will shed even more, removing all of that excess hair to stay at a suitable temperature.
A pug’s shedding is all done for a reason and is simply a dog’s way of adapting to its environment.
Other Reasons A Pug Will Shed
It is important to highlight that although the change of season is the main cause, pugs can shed their coats for other reasons too. You want your pug’s shedding process to be patterned, so anything abnormal is to be considered.
Some reasons why your pug may be shedding more than normal are:
- Your pug is suffering from an undiagnosed allergy
- Your pug is stressed
- Your pug has an underlying skin condition
- Your pug has had to change their routine (e.g., recent house move, change of diet)
- Your pug is in heat
If you are concerned with the amount of shedding, be sure to speak to your vet. It may be nothing but it is still worth having a general check-up just in case.
Managing Your Pug’s Shedding Made Easy
Whilst shedding may seem like a major downside, managing it is truly very easy. If you are wanting to home a pug for yourself then you will need to prepare for all that shedding.
Below, we will be supplying you with a number of ways you can manage your pug’s shedding, making things easier for both yourself and your small companion.
Bathing Your Pug
If you want to ensure that your pug’s coat is healthy and being shed well, then you will need to know about the importance of bathing. Unlike other dogs, a pug’s skin is very sensitive. Because of this, owners need to be cautious of what shampoo they are using.
Make sure to use a shampoo formula that is specifically aimed at dogs with sensitive skin to ensure that their skin is healthy enough for them to maintain their healthy coat.
Brushing Your Pug
It is also important to make sure that your pug’s coat is correctly brushed. During the winter and summer when shedding is most prominent, you will have to brush your dog’s coat every day to ensure that their hair is well-tamed.
When they are not shedding as much you will only need to brush their coat around 3 times a week. A bristle brush is a good choice for brushing a pug’s coat.
Your Pug’s Diet
Monitoring your pug’s diet is always important but if you want them to have a healthy coat of fur then it shouldn’t be overlooked.
With a pug, you want to provide them with a diet full of nutrition to ensure that they come out with a healthy coat after shedding.
Give them high-quality kibble made just for pugs. With the right dog food, you will lower the risk of them developing skin problems and a bad coat.
Do You Need A Deshedding Tool?
Despite your pug shedding, you will not need a de-shedding tool. Deshedding tools are ideal for dogs who shed as it works to control and groom their fur. However, for a pug, this can do more harm than good.
The de-shedder will get caught in their skin rolls and won’t actually benefit or do anything for them at all. It is best to avoid this and instead refer to the treatment highlighted above.
Final Thoughts
Having a pug comes with a lot of monitoring and work and the fact that they shed can be off-putting. However, pugs are still one of the top pet choices for a reason and that is because of all of their good qualities.
If you are looking to home a pug for yourself, just be understanding of their shedding process and know how to manage them correctly.
