Adorable, cuddly, and royal! Pugs make some of the best four legged friends.

Here’s a fun fact for you. Pugs were kept by Chinese Emperors. These pampered little pooches sometimes had their own mini palaces and guards!

But you already knew they were royal, right? They definitely sport the attitude!

Along with being royal, Pugs are well known for their soft, adorable, defining ears. These adorable ears come in two styles:

• Button ears
• Rose ears

The most common of which are “button ears.” These ears are characterized by a fold going down the middle of the ear, and the tip of the ear coming just to the corner of the eye. The other more rare type of ear is called the “rose ear.” In this style the ears are smaller and the edge of the ear folds against the Pug’s head.

Pug ears have those little skin folds that are just perfect for trapping dirt, making them susceptible to ear problems. It’s important to make sure you’re taking care of those cute little ears so let’s look at some cleaning and care tips for your Pug’s ears.

Common Pug Ear Problems

Common ear problems among Pugs include:

• Inflammation of the ear. Inflammation can be detected by drainage of any type, small amounts of blood in the ear, discoloration, and a bad odor coming from the ear. If these signs occur, it is best to contact a vet where you will be able to get an antibiotic.
• Excess ear hair. Excess hair in the ear can be a problem as it traps dirt and bacteria.
• Ear mites. Signs that your Pug might have ear mites include the following; a strong odor, discoloration of the ear canal’s entrance, itching, the formation of a crusty substance inside, and discharge. If your Pug has these symptoms it is time to contact the vet. You will need an insecticidal medication in order to treat the mites. This is a very common problem, as ear mites are highly contagious and found in heavily dog-populated areas, such as dog parks and doggy daycare.

Causes of Pug Ear Problems

Bacteria, yeast, allergies, and hormone imbalances are just a few of the many potential causes of ear problems.

It is pretty common for your Pug to have ear problems, however, it should be taken seriously. At times, ear problems can be an indication of some other medical problem. Also, common problems like ear infections can become painful to your four-legged friend.

Behavioral Signs of Ear Problems

Generally, your Pug will exhibit behaviors that will give you an idea that something is off.

Some of these abnormal behaviors include: rubbing the ears, scratching around the ear, shaking or tilting of the head. These signs generally indicate discomfort of the ear.

Less common signs of ear problems include unusual eye movements, walking in circles, or poor balance. These signs indicate that your Pug’s balance is being interfered with by the ear problem. If you run into these kinds of symptoms, contact a vet.

Pug Ear Maintenance

Inspecting

It’s a good idea to inspect your Pug’s ears around once a week. You can do this by touching, looking, and even smelling (yep!) the ear.

First, make sure your Pug is comfortable. Then, gently pull the ear back to look inside. A healthy ear will be indicated by a slightly pink interior. The ear should also be warm to the touch, but not hot. If it has a strong smell then there may be an infection which needs medical atention.

Plucking

Along with examining the ear, it’s also beneficial to have a small plucking session every week. This keeps excess hair from building up and also makes it less uncomfortable for your pup.

Cleaning

In addition to the weekly inspection and plucking, make sure you wipe out your dogs ear. Pull the ear back slightly and gently wipe the interior out with medicated wipes, or even just a warm washcloth. You could even treat the ears with a cleaning solution if you want to go above and beyond.

Wrap

These preemptive suggestions will aid in protecting you Pug against ear problems, and potentially save you money down the road. Most importantly, clean, healthy ears lead to a happy Pug.

If you’re unsure about whether or not your Pug is in discomfort with their ears, please see a vet.