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Methodology: Quotes are based on accident and illness plans from 9 Australian brands. We selected a $0 excess, wherever possible. Quotes were taken in February 2022 for a male, desexed dog. The owner was 24 years old based in NSW, 2010 postcode. Prices are subject to change.
Dr Sam Kovac: Frequently asked questions about Pugs
Why are some Pugs badly behaved?
"Sometimes people see them and think that they're badly behaved but they would have to be the number one cheekiest pet that we see at Southern Cross vet. And that's why we love them. They're always happy. Pugs never seem to be in a bad mood and they're always doing something. They're busy dogs – they always like to be kept occupied. Some people think this can be bad behaviour, when they're really just looking for more fun and the next adventure."
What health issues are common with a Pug?
"Like other flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds, Pugs really suffer with their breathing on hot days and after a large romp at the park. They have elongated soft palates, squished in nostrils and very small larynxes. Thankfully, there's a minimally invasive surgery that we do at Southern Cross Vet to open up the airways and correct the anatomical problems long term.
With the soft palate issue, they can swallow a lot more air in a syndrome called Aerophagia. This can lead to flatulence which can be pretty awkward when friends come over but harmless.
They're also prone to getting inflammatory bowel disease and sometimes have very sensitive stomachs. Focusing on a diet that's low in allergens and right for the particular Pug that you've got, needs to be a priority. They can also suffer with spinal problems and floating kneecaps called MPL. All of these are easily surgically correctable.
Bronchitis and dog asthma is actually a real thing and Pugs would have to be up in the top 10 list of breeds that suffer from asthma most commonly."
Are Pugs aggressive?
"Pugs are not commonly aggressive. They're happy-go-lucky, friendly dogs with a really outgoing disposition. They're not aggressive. They're not on the list of breeds that we often see at Southern Cross vet who have been attacked at the park or who attack other dogs.
They do sometimes get into trouble though because they can't signal too well to other breeds. Their tails don't move so much because they're most often quite curly and their ears are folded over so they can't really signal to other dogs how they're feeling. Other dogs can be intimidated by them or find them a bit scary or weird."
How often should a Pug go to the vet?
"Being quite an unhealthy or higher risk breed of having health problems in my opinion, a Pug should be going to the vet at least quarterly for a check-up. Like with most things in life, in veterinary medicine, prevention is always better than cure and that's no more important in any other breed than a Pug."
Dr Sam Kovac, a Sydney-based general practice vet, believes in extending the lifespan of animals through ground-breaking treatments. He founded Southern Cross Vet, with clinics in St Peters, Bellevue Hill and Surry Hills.
Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, news.com.au, The Telegraph, Explore Travel and Escape. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Kaplan Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).
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