Milwaukee weather swings from icy to sticky. Here's how to keep your Pug comfortable all year.
Winter
- Pugs get cold too. Their short coats don't offer much protection. A sweater or coat helps on cold walks, and very cold days call for quick potty trips.
- Salt and ice melt can irritate paws and make dogs sick if licked off. Wipe paws after walks, consider dog booties or paw balm, and use pet-safe ice melt at home.
- Antifreeze tastes sweet and is very poisonous. Clean up spills right away.
- Watch the ice. Slippery sidewalks are hard on Pug joints and backs.
Spring
- Ticks and mosquitoes come back. Keep up with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
- Spring cleaning and lawn treatments: keep Pugs away from fertilizers, pesticides, and cleaning products.
- Allergies can flare up. Itchy paws and ears are common signs.
Summer
- Heat and humidity are the biggest danger of the year. Walk early or late, keep it short, bring water, and stay inside with air conditioning on hot days.
- Hot pavement burns paws. If it's too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for your Pug.
- Fireworks around the Fourth of July and summer festivals frighten many dogs. Keep your Pug inside, close the curtains, and play music or white noise. Make sure their ID tags and microchip info are up to date, since scared dogs can bolt.
- Many Pugs aren't strong swimmers. Use a dog life jacket near lakes and pools.
Fall
- Cooler weather is perfect Pug weather. Enjoy the walks!
- Halloween candy, especially chocolate and anything with xylitol, must stay out of reach. Costumes should be comfortable and never cover the face or restrict breathing.
The holidays
- Keep rich, fatty, or seasoned foods, bones, and chocolate away from your Pug.
- Watch out for tinsel, ribbon, ornaments, and electrical cords.
- Some holiday plants, like lilies, mistletoe, and holly, can be harmful to pets.
This guide is general information from Pug owners, not veterinary advice.
