Sometimes, you may be wondering why pugs always look sad. This is my exact thought whenever I have a glimpse of my short-muzzled snout, wrinkly, and curled hair creature.
However, their outlooks do not betray their innate emotional trait. Pugs, just like other breeds of dogs, are lovable, sociable, cute, and happy.
When they are properly taken care of they become highly affectionate. Their facial features and expression are what perpetually make them appear sad.
Nevertheless, Pugs can and do become sad with you hardly knowing. Their inherent physical sober nature makes it obviously difficult for one to know when they are actually gloomy, especially when there is no filial connection between you and your pug. Hence, we are going to walk you through to find out when and why pugs do look sad.
When Does a Pug Actually Look Sad?
Pugs are lovely creatures and human best companions. If you are planning on owning a pet, the idea of getting a pug would be a beautiful one. Pugs are warmly playful, highly emotional, and extremely smart.
However, pugs do become sad. Then, when? Pugs just like other intelligent and emotional pets can, and do become sad. Some of the factors that make pugs unhappy are:
Sickness
Illness is a major factor that can make a pug sad. When a pug becomes sick, it usually appears downcast, distressed, and weary. There is no gainsaying that physical wellbeing has a reciprocal effect on emotional balance. If you observe that your dog is unwell, don’t hesitate to hastily seek the help of a veterinarian, as its unhealthy state will invariably affect its emotion negatively.
Change in Habitat
Pugs, just like most dogs, are averse to change as a result of being accustomed to routines. A change of environment that is not in sync with their previous abode may make them feel insecure and miserable.
However, their unhappiness could be temporary in this regard. If they start getting acclimatized to their new environment, they would soon return to their joyous mental state.
Fright
A state of terror or danger can excite sadness in your pug. For example, constant yelling at your dog and thunderous sounds could make your pug panicky and frightened which may consequently lead him to depression, anxiety, and sadness.
Boredom
Pugs are not as active as other species of dogs. They spend most of their time sleeping, this ugly routine may lead them to depression especially when they are always lonely.
It is highly advisable you spend quality time with your pug. Cuddling and playing with your pug will enliven his mood and prevent him from becoming unhappy.
Always try something new with your pug. Give him a new task like! Teach him how to push the stroller, how to work with his hindlegs among others.
Change of companions
Your pug may become blue if he suddenly finds himself amid strangers especially when his new comrades know little or nothing about his signs and gestures. They can hardly decipher when he’s craving for food when he longs for cuddles and others.
So leaving your dog behind while traveling and going for other important engagements to people he barely has affection for may not really go down well with your pug.
Is It Natural For Pugs to Always Look Sad?
Pugs always look sad due to their physical appearances, but these outlooks do not in anyway correlate with their emotions. There is no scientific proof, whatsoever, to attest to that. Pugs are among the most sociable and lovable pets.
They are naturally sanguine, animated, cheerful, and lively; which make them, all the more, man’s best friend. You too can consider getting one and also enjoy his warmth and jolly company.
Will My Pug Stop Being Sad If I Feed Him Often?
Just like when you have not eaten and are seriously hungry, every little thing irritates you. The same applies to your pug.
Don’t forget: “a hungry man is an angry man”. When he’s hungry; he becomes touchy and easily disturbed to the point of becoming angry.
Feeding your pug as and when due will always liven him up. It is so advisable you develop a working timetable for feeding him and endeavor to make it a routine.
Always balance his diet! You can procure the service of a nutritionist in this regard.
When you don’t feed your pug with a proper diet, he becomes tardy, unkempt, and malnourished. He will become highly susceptible to infections and diseases. His general appearance becomes irritating that you may start considering parting ways with him.
Do Pugs Display Destructive Behavior When They Are Unhappy?
Of course! Pugs can become destructive when they’re irritated. When they are angry, they chew, bite anything within their reach. Separation anxiety is one of the major reasons for a pug to exhibit destructive tendencies.
Pugs so much flourish in warm human company, especially their buddies. When separated from their loved ones, they can become depressed and sad. They showcase their negative emotions by becoming furious.
One major way to avoid this is for you to always leave him in the company of people he’s friendly with while going to work or traveling.
Does a Pug Snout Make Him Sad?
Perhaps, you will be wondering, often; whether your smushed-faced pet snout accounts for his sadness. Scientists are of the view that the suppression of a gene called SMOC2, whose function is the normal facial development in dogs and fish is what makes pugs’ snouts squished.
Hence, your pug facial expression would be naturally sober; but that may not actually tell his emotional state. Barring some abnormalities, pugs are amongst pets with very stable emotions if properly taken good care of. Developing a strong bond with your pug would help you to always find out when he’s not emotionally stable.
How Do I Cheer Up My Pug When He’s Unhappy?
Pugs do become sad because they are highly emotional pets. When they do, do well to make them feel happy again to avoid aggravating their sadness to depression. Some of the ways to cheer your pug up when he is sad are:
Tip #1 Cuddling: Try to cuddle him while relaxing on the couch, with some gentle touches. Cuddling and caressing him would make him feel loved, relaxed, and also endear him to you. Make it a routine by bringing out some time for it at the end of the day.
Tip #2 Hiking: Just as you enjoy taking a walk to ease off stress, don’t forget to go alongside your pug. Hiking with your pug gives him numerous benefits such as: having a beautiful, getting some fresh breeze and, getting attuned with the sound and smell of nature.
Taking a walk with your pug also helps him with some medical benefits including improving and boosting his bone density, helping to develop his muscle, controlling his weight among others.
Tip #3 Swimming: You can get your pug a kiddie pool where he will be cooling off. It’s a well-known fact that dogs like swimming. Swimming is a great exercise for dogs. It helps them to relax and reduces their anxiety level.
Tip #4 Playing Piano: Playing piano with your pug is a good way to make him happy. Good melodies will soothe his emotions and also keep his mental balance in check.
Conclusion
Pugs are highly playful and extremely affectionate. Their squished faces always suggest that they are sad. Just like other species of dogs, they are highly emotional and may become sad, anxious, and depressed if not properly taken good care of.
Their facial expressions do not translate to their emotional state. Pugs melancholic snouts are a result of the suppression of a gene called SMOC2 that is responsible for the formation of normal faces in dogs and fish. Hence, there is no relationship between their biological deficiency and their psychological makeup.
Pugs thrive on human company and easily get along with their owners. When they are in a strange environment, they easily tend to develop withdrawal syndrome which may lead them to depression.
They are not as active as other breeds of dogs and may spend most of their day sleeping. This always makes them easily get bored and most likely develop the feeling of sadness. It is advised that you bring out adequate time for your pug by giving him some good treats.
Taking your pug for a walk, playing piano alongside him, getting him a kiddie pool for swimming, cuddling him, and feeding with a proper diet are some of the ways to keep happy and healthy.