Pugs are fabulous companions for kids and adults alike. Their cheerful personalities are suitable for many outdoor activities. When it comes to hiking, however, it is important to consider if the activity is safe for these dogs.
Generally, healthy pugs aged 1 through 7 years tolerate an easy hike up to 2-3 miles long (3-5 km) well. Avoid hiking with your pug on a day warmer than 70°F (21°C) because most dogs of flat-faced breeds are sensitive to hot weather.
The Pug’s Energy Level
The energy level of pugs can vary greatly from mellow to exuberant. Generally, a nice daily walk is sufficient to satisfy their activity needs but an easy to moderate hike could be a great way to get some exercise for those pugs who are healthy and sturdy enough to tolerate it.
Hiking also happens to be a fabulous way to include your pet in family life, and dogs of this breed thrive spending time with the owner and meeting other dogs and people.
EXERCISE AND THE PUG’S LIMITATIONS
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Pugs are a classic example of a breed with brachycephalic heads and noses. That is the main factor that compromises their tolerance of even moderate physical activity, particularly on warm days.
- Narrow nostrils make it more difficult for air to circulate and even minor congestion makes matters worse
- A narrow trachea makes panting less efficient, which makes overheating more likely
- A long palate causes snorting and respiratory problems
- Pouches of laryngeal tissue can obstruct the airway positionally
The brachycephalic airway syndrome is very pronounced in pugs and affects their ability to breathe under any amount of stress, as well as to regulate their body temperature. In other words, these dogs’ tolerance for most physical activity is markedly diminished.
Pugs And Extreme Temperatures
Pugs do not do well with cold weather. They certainly should not spend the night outdoors when it is chilly and may benefit from a doggy jacket to keep them warm in winter.
Pugs are also very heat-sensitive. 85 °F (30 °C) is the maximum ambient temperature pugs can tolerate even on an idle day. Any vigorous exercise makes their heat sensitivity worse. So, if you would like to take a pug on a light hike, go on a day that is not warmer than 70 °F (21 °C).
Pugs Are Prone To Weight Gain And Have Limited Stamina
Pugs are small dogs but they are prone to gaining excessive weight. They love their food and will eat your food, too, if you do not help them control their appetite! They need some supervision with what and how much they eat. Excessive weight diminishes their activity tolerance even further.
Pugs’ muscle mass is not great, so they do not have much stamina for long and arduous trails unless your dog is appropriately conditioned and does not have any pronounced respiratory problems due to brachycephalic syndrome.
Pugs Have Problems With Their Joints
A healthy weight is also crucial for the health of your pug’s joints. This breed is genetically predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, and many pugs suffer from arthritis and other joint issues, too.
They still can exercise and even go hiking. However, it is important to be cognizant of the pug’s vulnerable joints when choosing a trail for your hike.
Steep hills are going to be hard to ascend and come down for your dog. Steep hills would also make it more likely for the joints of your pug to deteriorate earlier in life. Any high-impact activity, including jumping and running, would have a similar effect.
Johnson Animal Clinic in Louisville has an excellent comprehensive overview of all health problems pugs as a breed are susceptible to if you would like to read more about the subject.
The Dog’s Age And Overall Health Status
Old dogs and puppies should not go on hikes due to fragile joints and low stamina. If your pug is very young or very old, take him on a nice long walk instead.
Healthy pugs ages about 1 to 7 years should be able to tolerate an easy hike well. A distance of 2-3 miles should be comfortable for the dog on a cool or moderately warm day, provided you will not need to ascend any steep hills.
If your pet has any problems with his health, such as cardiovascular or joint issues, it is best to limit activity to what the dog can tolerate comfortably. Evaluate your pet’s tolerance of outdoor games and hikes and adjust the intensity as needed.
HOW TO PREPARE A PUG FOR HIKING
Condition Your Dog
There is great variation within the breed when it comes to how well these pups do with running, playing, and any other activity, including hiking. That is partially because some dogs happen to get more exercise regularly than others.
- Provide your pet with regular exercise to promote graded conditioning
- If your dog gets little exercise normally, start with a short easy hike and evaluate your dog’s tolerance.
- Gradually increase the intensity of your hikes and outdoor activity if your dog tolerates that.
Prioritize Safety On The Trail
There are some steps you can take to keep your dog safe on the trail.
- Your pug should be supervised closely while hiking and should stay on a leash at all times. Some trails allow keeping your dog off-leash unless you are concerned that your pet could run away.
- Protect your dog from ticks and other insects. Sprays or drops can be equally effective.
- Does your pug know to not eat wild plants and to not drink from an unknown source? Your dog needs to be obedient for his safety on the trail.
- Yield to other hikers. Pugs are docile and friendly, so they will probably do great with anyone you encounter.
- Leave no trace.
Teach Commands
Your dog should be able to respond to at least some basic commands for safety considerations.
It is typical for dogs of this breed to not respond as well to commands outdoors as they do at home when the owner is right next to them. Practice commands in a variety of situations, including when it is noisy or crowded outdoors. Practice when you are at a distance from your pet, too.
If you do not fully trust your pug to listen to you on a hiking trail, keep your dog on the leash at all times.
What To Bring On A Hike
Given how quickly a dog can become dehydrated, consider bringing water unless you know that the trail has fountains or other options available for hydration. Gauge your pug’s weight and his normal fluid intake to provide a generous estimate of how much water your dog might need on a hike.
Other items you might need on the trail:
- A light collapsible water bottle for dogs
- Snacks
- Protective doggy boots or paw wax to prevent burns and other injuries to the paws.
- A cooling collar or cooling vest
- A towel to clean up anything your dog might get into
- A doggy first aid kit is a good idea, especially if you are camping with your pet or planning to go on longer hikes
What you need will depend on where you are going and how long your hike is. Some trails are so civilized that they will have recycling buckets along the way, others may have no amenities nearby at all.
Conclusion
Pugs are a breed you should introduce to hiking very carefully. Their physical characteristics call for plenty of caution. Introduce the dog gradually to build up his stamina and keep in mind that his hiking capacity could naturally be quite modest.
