Urinary Incontinence

• Still urinating normally? Know the progression of spinal cord disease and how you can keep your pug healthy. A special note about female pug care in: Dr. Smiler's urination article.
•Expressing the bladder:  dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/ videos and tips:
• Ditch the Diapers Suggestions

Physical Therapy - something that HELPS!

PT is an important part of care to keep your dog mobile. We now believe early introduction of a wheeled cart as a "work out" device may be the best way to keep your pug up and walking longer. Appropriate use of the cart may improve their ability to use their rear legs in a "spinal" or robotic walk. A veterinarian trained in rehabilitation medicine is the best way to ensure the cart is selected, measured for size, and introduced safely for your pug. Ataxic pugs, in particular elderly dogs, need evaluation, an exercise program, a conditioning program to help them adapt to the cart, and periodic assessment to see the pug is not being stressed or injured by a poorly constructed or sized device.

Resources for Owners

Groups:
   Facebook Wheelie Pugs
   Facebook National Pug Rescue Network
   Facebook Dogs With Disabilities
   dodgerslist.com  care tips for paralyzed dogs

 Products: carts, harnesses, etc.
   eddieswheels.com
   ruffwear.com
   helpmeup.com
   handicapped pets.com  

Wheelchairs/wheeled carts

We now believe that a wheeled cart should be introduced early as your pug develops symptoms of a rear limb problem. Many disabled pugs wait too long, and their legs are too weak to hold them up. Your goal is to keep your dog walking as long as possible, and proper "exercise" using their rear legs while walking in the cart is the best way to do this. The cart can be used on grass and safe surfaces so the rear feet touch the ground and step along. The legs should not drag, or become injured.  In the best situation the legs are not strapped up unless they no longer can use them at all, or to the protect the feet in extreme conditions.
​It is best to have professional guidance in selecting a wheeled cart for your pug, and avoid home made versions if at all possible. AS  you shop for a wheelchair, ask the provider:

1. How many pug clients they have had
   
2. What cart/chair they recommend
   
3. How long the pugs usually are able to use the cart (not per day, but how many years)?
   

As elder pugs may be prone to cervical discs and arthritis, a simple cart that requires the front legs to bear all the weight may not be the best. A counter balanced cart may better to reduce leg and shoulder strain.

•   Good review of available wheelchair products.

    http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/dog-wheelchair-review-…/

•   Design features to look for in a cart: ​   

    http://www.dodgerslist.com/links/cart.htm

Important!
It is important to not use the term Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) to refer to your Pug’s diagnosis unless it has been indicated by the genetic test and an MRI. Very few Pugs test "at risk", and that MERELY indicates they might develop DM.  Learn the difference between Pug Myelopathy vs. DM in this PDF information: 
Pug myelopathy vs Degenerative Myelopathy.pdf​

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