Learning how to clean a Pug’s nose is NOT as difficult as you might think. After reading this article, you’ll understand how easy it is to clean their nose and why it’s important to clean them on a regular basis.
How to Clean A Pugs Nose
Cleaning your Pug’s nose roll (deep skin fold above the nose) is important because it not only helps prevent odor. You should also use a damp washcloth to help keep his/her nose clean and moist.
The best way to do this is to add a nose-cleaning routine along with your wrinkle cleaning routine. This will help you save time and your pooch will look amazing.
Why You Need to Clean Your Pug’s Nose
This Brachycephalic breed is prone to breathing problems and therefore it’s important to properly care for their nose. Unlike other dog’s a Pugs, their nose is more delicate and requires more attention due to the fact of:
Breathing Problems: As I mentioned it’s no secret that Pugs struggle to breathe due to hereditary issues. Normal breathing can become complicated for Pugs, especially, in the hot temperature and as they age.
Snoring: Pugs tend to snore loudly and while this seems cute, it’s really just a sign of larger problems.
Controlling Nose Problems: Your Pug’s nose allows them to explore the world and inspecting and cleaning their nose on a regular basis will help keep it healthy and prevent breathing problems before they become unbearable.
Let’s take a look at some common issues that can affect your pooches nose and how to treat those issues. Remember, the sooner you can detect the issues, the easier it will be to treat it and protect your pooches snout!
Pug Nose Care
Just like you and I maintain a daily nasal cleaning routine, your Pug’s whiffer requires attention as well. With proper care, you can avoid serious issues that can lead to surgery or veterinary care.
Common issues that can affect your Pug’s nose.
HyperKeratosis
This is also known as a dry nose or crusty nose. Read this article if your Pug has dry nose syndrome, so you’ll know what to do.
Cuts and Scratches
Your dog’s nose is how they explore their surroundings. Even though a Pug’s nose is small and flat, it can get scratched or cut if they become overly curious about exploring. Taking the time to clean their nose, allows you to inspect their nose and catch any cuts and scratches before infections occur.
Stuffy Nose
If your Pug loves exploring outdoors, they may sniff something up its nose that can clog it up. This can be from a piece of grass, bug or something else that can block their airway.
This usually isn’t life-threatening, but it can make your pooch uncomfortable and the sooner you catch this, the better they will feel.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Your adorable Pug’s smooshed face is what causes them to have breathing problems. This condition is common in Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs.
These breeds are more susceptible to breathing problems due to their flat face, narrow nostrils, pushed up nose, and large eyes. Their peculiar anatomy is known as brachycephalic and is characterized by narrow tracheas, elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and everted Laryngeal Saccules.
Because of this, these dogs are at higher risk of problems. The best way to keep your dog comfortable is maintaining a healthy weight and proper hygiene.
Stenotic Nares
This is common in brachycephalic breeds and is when your dog’s nostrils become pinched causing them to breathe through their mouth. Genetics is the cause of the malfunction of the irregular nostrils.
Diagnosis can be hard to detect and you may need to contact your veterinarian to perfect tests while your dog is under anesthesia to determine what’s causing it.
They will usually perform an Ascultation of the chest to listen for respiratory issues. An X-ray will help determine whether the lungs are healthy.
Now that you know a few of the Pug nose problems that can affect this breed. Let’s take a look at how to properly care and clean their snout.
Guide to Cleaning Your Pug’s Nose
This method will help you clean dirt, mucus, and other debris on your dog’s nose. The great thing is that it doesn’t take long and using these steps will ensure that your Pug has a healthy nose!
Step 1
Moisten a soft washcloth and use it to gently wipe the outer areas of your dog’s nose. You can also use natural wipes to keep their nose clean and they may be more gentle than a cloth on your dog’s snout.
Make sure that you don’t use hot water to dampen the cloth. Using too hot water could burn your dog’s nose.
Step 2
If their nose is dry, you’ll want to apply some type of balm to help keep their nose moist.
Step 3
If your Pug has mucus, then wipe up the mucus with a different cloth. Allow them to stay in the bathroom while you take a warm shower. The steam from the shower will help clear the mucus from the nose.
Step 4
Massage your Pug’s face and inspect the nose carefully to ensure that they do not have any issues going on.
Step 5
Repeat the process to ensure that their nose is nice and clean.
After you’ve finished cleaning their nose, don’t forget to give them a treat. If your Pug knows they get a treat the process, it will be easier to clean their nose the next time you do it.
Supplies to Consider For Keeping Your Pug’s Nose Healthy
Coconut Oil – This is great for dogs that not only have a dry nose, but it can also be used to improve your Pug’s immune system.
Natural Company’s Snout Soother: This is specifically crafted balm for Pug’s noses. It’s one of the best ways to keep your dogs noise moist and prevent hyperkeratosis.
We used to use this for Mindy after we would wash her nose. Best of all, it’s perfect for sensitive skin.
Q-Tips: You probably already have some in your bathroom cabinet. You’ll need a Q-Tip to apply a moisturizer to your Pug’s nose.
I’ve put together a list of grooming supplies you need to properly care for your pug.
Final Word On Keeping Your Pug’s Nose Healthy
Don’t forget to keep an eye on your Pug’s nose. We neglected Mindy our black Pug’s nose for a few weeks and we noticed that it was cracked and painful for her.
We would’ve noticed it sooner had we set up a daily or weekly nose cleaning routine.
References and Further Reading
Pet Health Network – Brachycephalic Syndrome
Pet Health Network – Stenotic Nares In Dogs