[JessBirardi]

We are bringing our pug dog from NYC to HK and I'm concerned about the hot and humid summer months -- as pugs, like other snub-nosed dogs can't really handle that kind of weather.

Are there any other pug owners (or snub-nosed dogs) who have any insights and/or advice to share?

thanks!

[HowardCoombs]

Hong kong is full of pugs and we have one as well.
A lot of people pay big sums of money to get one of these flat faced beasts, but we were persistant and found one at the SPCA. Has been a lovely addition to the family. For anyone considering a good dog, dont waste your money on selfish breeders; visit SPCA regularly and you'd be surprised with all that is available for adoption.

As for pugs coping in HongKong, its just common sense stuff:
- Aircon at home
- Lots of water all the time
- Walks in shaded areas during the day
- Runs after sunset
- Hikes only in winter or rainy days
The little monster does just fine! Only if I could get it to stop snoring :-)

Whatever you do, please please dont treat your pug like a toddler and put it on a stroller. I would never advocate violence against animals, but whenver I see a dog in a stroller being pushed around by a helper I get visions of KarateKid giving the mutt a quick kick followed by a yelp! and run

HC

[wtbhotia]

Originally Posted by HowardCoombs

Whatever you do, please please dont treat your pug like a toddler and put it on a stroller. HC

Those strollers are ridiculous, my wife bought one for our schnauzer without telling me, its still in the box, cause i would never let her use it. Dogs are meant to walk. I see a lot of locals carrying their miniature dogs around like its a baby, now thats really pathetic.

regarding the weather, yes hongkong is hot and humid, but still it do able. I have 3 huskies as well and they do fine, i just leave the fan on, if its really really hot and not much wind then i will leave the AC on. they just sleep all day.

[MovingIn07]

I don't have a pug but some people near us have two. I saw them rushing one off to the vet the other day and when I saw them out later, i asked how it was. Turned out she had heatstroke! Poor little dog has to be walked in the morning or late evening now and kept in the a/c. But their other one (male) is fine. Apparently it's quite individual, just like humans. So if you know your dog is susceptable, you will probably have problems. But otherwise it's just a lottery.

[dropdedfwed]

I'd agree with most the points here. The brachycephalic breeds don't seem to be any worse off than other breeds as far as heat stress goes. That may be in part b/c the owners are a little more careful, one wonders...?

Commonsense and a bit of nouse and you should be fine.

i'd be more concerned about finding a carrier who will be happy to take a pug. there are a few airlines that won't, purely because there is a higher "reported" incidence of mortality with brachycephalics in air transit, but I think the airlines each have their view on what they will and ond won't take. This is just hear-say though...

[JessBirardi]

Thanks for all your responses. Victor (our pug) is like our son, so we want to make sure his quality of life doesn't suffer. It's great to hear there are lots of pugs in HK. We will definitely take the necessary precautions (walks in morning and after sunset) and would NEVER put him in a stroller. He wouldn't have it!

As for the flights, we will be bringing him over in December, so shouldn't have a problem with the temperature.

Thanks again!!