If you are a pug owner, we can understand how much you love them for their loving personalities. But did you know that pugs are unfortunately prone to quite many health problems, especially when it comes to their joints and spine? Pugs have compact bodies and short legs, which make them more vulnerable to back strain, breathing issues, and joint pain. This becomes all the more problematic when you use a collar instead of a pug harness. If you want to care for your pug in the right manner using proper tools and gear, this guide is for you.
How The Right Pug Harness Keeps Back and Joint Problems Away?
When you bring home a dog, never shy away from investing in the right gear for their training and everyday activities. One such gear is a pug harness, that can reduce strain on your pet’s neck, support their back, and make your walks safer and more comfortable. Let us see how a pug harness can add value to keeping your pug healthy and free from health conditions.
1. Reduces Pressure on the Neck and Spine
Imagine your pug gets excited and pulls on the leash to chase a squirrel. With a collar, that sudden jerk can strain their neck. But with a harness, the force spreads across their body, keeping them safer.
Pugs have delicate necks and flat faces, which is why they are more likely to suffer from breathing difficulties. You would not want to use a dog collar that puts direct pressure on your tiny pet’s throat since it can worsen existing issues like Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. But the problems don’t stop there. Since pugs have a habit of constantly pulling on a collar, this can also strain their spine and lead to long-term back issues.
A pug harness distributes pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck. This helps keep your pug’s spine aligned and reduces the risk of injuries.
2. Prevents Joint Strain and Injuries
Pugs, despite their short bodies, are quite curious and love to wander. While it is cute, pugs themselves don’t really understand that, their short legs and stocky bodies mean their joints take on a lot of stress. Over time, too much pulling or pressure can lead to joint pain, arthritis, or hip dysplasia.
A well-fitted pug harness can support your dog’s chest and shoulders and also reduce unnecessary strain on their legs and joints. For instance, if your pug tends to jump up when excited, a harness can help control their movements and prevent sudden joint impact. This becomes especially important if your pug is aging or if they have always shown signs of stiffness or discomfort from the first time you brought them home.
3. Provides Better Support for Older Pugs
As pugs get older, they often develop mobility issues, meaning it becomes quite challenging for them to walk around. Many pugs are also prone to or have conditions such as arthritis, hip problems, and spinal conditions, which make walking all the more painful. For instance, your senior pug may struggle to climb stairs unless they have the right support.
A pug harness allows pet parents to assist their pugs in helping them move more comfortably. Some harnesses even have handles on the back, so you can easily lift your pug over steps or into a car without putting much pressure on their joints.
4. Reduces the Risk of Tracheal Collapse
We know it sounds heartbreaking to discover how your pug may be prone to yet another health condition. But knowing all this can help you take care of your dog in all the right ways. Pugs are also prone to tracheal collapse, a condition where the windpipe weakens and makes it difficult for them to breathe. Using a dog collar will only increase the risk, as even slight pressure can damage your pug’s delicate airway.
A pug harness can help you avoid this problem by shifting the pressure to the pug’s chest. This helps your pet breathe more easily and reduces coughing or wheezing.
5. Adds Comfort and Control During Walks
Pugs are excessively playful and stubborn, which can make your daily walks and play time feel challenging. They might pull, zigzag, or suddenly stop to sniff something interesting. For you to have better control over your dog’s movements while not getting in the way of their health, you need to get a pug harness.
Look for a harness with adjustable straps and soft padding to ensure a snug fit. Non rubbing or chafing against their skin, keeping your pug happy on every walk.
How to Choose the Right Pug Harness?
Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a pug harness.
1. Material
Pugs have sensitive skin that can easily get irritated if you use a harness made from rough or stiff material. Look for brands that design a pug harness with soft, breathable fabrics to avoid chafing, discomfort, and even hair loss.
2. Adjustable Straps
Pugs have broad chests but small necks, so do not make the mistake of getting a standard-size harness. Get a pug harness that has multiple adjustable straps so your pet gets a snug fit but also cannot slip out of it easily.
3. Padding for Extra Support
Try to look for a pug harness with padding that offers extra cushioning for your pug’s chest and back. This is particularly useful if your pug has joint pain or a history of back problems.
Conclusion
Whenever you become pet parents, with lots of excitement comes some responsibility. By knowing what your pet needs, you can ensure their health and safety for years. As pug parents, you should get the right tools for your dog’s training, playtime, and outdoor activities, and you should also prevent them from developing health conditions in the back and joints. A good pug harness can reduce strain on the spine, prevent joint issues, and make your walks pleasant. Whether your pug is young and energetic or a senior needing extra support, getting the right pug harness can be a valuable investment.
