Pug Grooming & Care (Coat, Wrinkles & Eyes)

People often assume a short-coated Pug is low-maintenance, but the breed actually needs more day-to-day care than its smooth coat suggests. The coat itself is easy, but the wrinkles, eyes and skin need real attention, and getting that care right is central to keeping a Pug comfortable and healthy. Here is how to groom and care for a Pug properly.

The Pug coat and shedding

Pugs have a short, smooth, double coat that does not need clipping — but it does shed, and more than you might expect for such a small dog. Fawn Pugs in particular have a double coat that moults heavily, often with seasonal peaks in spring and autumn, while black Pugs typically have a single coat that sheds a little less. Brush once or twice a week with a soft brush or grooming mitt to remove loose hair, spread the coat's natural oils, keep the skin healthy and cut down on the fur around your home — see our grooming brushes. Regular brushing is also a good chance to run your hands over your dog and check for lumps, parasites or sore spots. A bath every now and then, with a gentle dog shampoo, keeps the coat clean; there is no need to over-bath, which can dry the skin and strip those protective oils.

Caring for the wrinkles

This is the part many new owners underestimate. A Pug's deep facial folds, especially the nose roll above the muzzle, trap moisture, dirt and food debris, creating the perfect environment for sore, smelly skin-fold dermatitis and infection. To prevent this:

• Clean the folds regularly — often daily — with a damp cloth or a vet-approved wipe.
• Dry them thoroughly afterwards, as trapped moisture is the main cause of problems.
• Check for redness, odour or soreness, and see your vet if the skin looks irritated.

A few minutes a day on the wrinkles prevents a great deal of discomfort and avoids painful, recurring infections.

Caring for those big eyes

Pugs' large, prominent eyes are appealing but vulnerable to injury and disease, including corneal ulcers and pigmentary keratitis. Day to day:

• Wipe away any normal discharge gently from the corners with a clean, damp cloth.
• Keep the nose-roll hair from rubbing the eyes.
• Watch closely for squinting, redness, cloudiness, excessive tearing or pawing — these need prompt veterinary attention, as eye problems can worsen within hours.

Never ignore an eye that looks sore or different; with this breed, quick action protects sight.

Nails, teeth and ears

Grooming is about more than the coat, wrinkles and eyes:

• Nails. Trim every few weeks if they are not worn down naturally, taking only the clear tip and avoiding the pink quick. See our nail care range.
• Teeth. Small breeds like Pugs are prone to dental disease, so brush the teeth with dog toothpaste regularly and keep up vet dental checks — browse dental care.
• Ears. Check occasionally for wax, redness or odour, and wipe only the visible part with a vet-approved cleaner if needed. Never push anything into the ear canal.

Weight, diet and keeping cool

Pugs love their food and gain weight very easily, and obesity makes their breathing, joints and overall health markedly worse. Feed a good-quality, complete diet in measured portions rather than free-feeding, judge condition by body shape — you should be able to feel the ribs and see a slight waist — and resist those pleading eyes at the table. Our pet calorie calculator helps you get portions right, and a slow feeder helps an enthusiastic eater pace themselves. Because Pugs overheat easily, keep them cool in warm weather with shade, water and a cooling mat, and walk only in the cool parts of the day.

Harness, not collar

For a flat-faced breed, a well-fitted harness is kinder than a collar, because it avoids putting pressure on an already-compromised airway and windpipe. Browse our dog harnesses for a comfortable fit, and keep walks gentle and unhurried.

Building a routine

Grooming and care are also bonding time. Start young, keep sessions short, calm and rewarding, and your Pug will learn to accept wrinkle cleaning, eye checks, nail trims and handling happily. A consistent daily routine — wrinkles, eyes, a quick once-over — combined with weekly brushing and good weight and temperature management, keeps this characterful little breed comfortable and healthy. For more on the breed, see our guides on family life and lifespan and health.

*This is general guidance. If you find sore skin, an eye that looks wrong, stubborn ear problems or anything you cannot easily manage, see your vet promptly.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — Pug grooming and breed care (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — grooming, dental, eye and weight care for dogs (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — grooming and caring for your dog (bluecross.org.uk).
• RVC VetCompass — Pug skin and eye health research (rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass).