Much like tooth brushing, wrinkle care for Pugs should be a part of regular grooming. Much of Pugs’ clown-like appearance and personality are her distinctive facial features, those muzzle wrinkles, and perhaps an extra one found on the hindmost part of her back. Those distinctive skin wrinkles may be a mixed blessing.

They sometimes trap moisture, become inflamed and promote bacterial infection, which may cause inflammation, scratching, and bad odor. Preventive wrinkle care takes only a few seconds. Use a dry cotton swab, and run it down into each wrinkle.

Ear and Eye Care for Pugs

Pugs’ large, prominent eyes and the wrinkles below them are very important and should be checked daily. Normal tearing carries moisture to Pugs’ wrinkles. That moisture should be cleaned from her muzzle daily with a moist cotton ball and dried with another cotton ball. Moisture may attract dust and dirt and then result in conjunctivitis. If you note excessive tearing or any yellow or orange mucoid eye drainage, call the veterinarian.

Routine ear canal care is another facet of grooming. At least once a week, pick up each of Muggs’ ears and sniff carefully. A musty odor may be an indication of excess wax formation that you can clean with a cotton ball lightly moistened with hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide will dissolve the wax, and her head shaking afterward will cause the wax to be expelled from the canal. Clean the wax off her coat with a dry cotton ball or paper towel, and remember to check her ears closely during your next grooming session.

Caution: Under no circumstances should you clean your Pug’s ears by inserting a cotton swab into the canal.

Leg and Body Exam

Pick up and examine each foot for pad abnormalities, and be sure she hasn’t picked up a burr or grass seed in the hair between her toes. Run your hand up and down her leg and across her belly and chest to check for skin tumors or the presence of parasites such as ticks. Quickly look at her anus and genital area for evidence of any problems located there. Set your Pug on the floor, tell her what a good dog she is, and treat her to a morsel from your pocket.