A pug's button or rose ears can trap moisture and debris, making the dog prone to ear infections. Check ears weekly to see if they need cleaning. A small amount of honey-colored wax is normal, but if you see a dark, heavy buildup of dirt or wax, the tissues appear swollen and tender, or the ear smells bad, your pug may have an ear infection. Clean the ears only when you see an accumulation of wax, dirt or debris. Cleaning ears too frequently is just as bad as cleaning them too little or not at all.

To clean the ears, moisten a cotton ball or cosmetic pad (never a cotton swab) with mineral oil, a 2 percent solution of acetic and boric acid, or a nondrying liquid ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian. Gently wipe them out, going no deeper than the first knuckle on your finger. Start in the deepest part and wipe outward. That way you don't push bacteria and dirt farther into the ear canal where they could cause infection or itching. When the ears are clean, dust them with antiseptic powder to help prevent infection.

Avoiding Ear Problems

Don't clean the ears with alcohol or cleansers that contain alcohol. Alcohol can sting if there's a slight abrasion in the dog's ear, making your pug reluctant to sit still for future ear cleanings. It also dries the ear, masking problems that need treatment. If your pug's ear is oozing, there's a reason for it. Drying the ear up without discovering and treating the underlying problem simply begins a cycle of ear problems.

Eyes Right

Pugs have large, round eyes that are prone to injury. They're also sensitive to chemicals or other irritating substances. Check them daily for redness or other signs of irritation that might indicate a problem, and use a tearless shampoo for baths. Healthy eyes are bright and clear, with a white eyeball. It's normal for your dog to have a small amount of clear discharge in the corners of the eyes. You can wipe it away with a damp tissue or cloth to prevent stains beneath the eyes.