Pugs have tiny noses compared to most other dog breeds. Their tiny, and often very short, noses can make congestion and breathing more difficult.

When you own or care for a pug, here’s a good chance that at some point, you’ll find yourself wanting to help clear their nose. There are a few options for doing this, depending on the details of why it needs cleared to begin with.

Know The Cause

If your dog simply has congestion from mucus, it’s still important to know the cause. While in many cases, dogs who have mucus are having an allergy response, that isn’t always the case.

Check for foreign bodies.

Dogs are curious creatures so sometimes they get their nose where it doesn’t belong – literally. My pug got pieces of grass in his nose on multiple occasions. I guess he was just sniffing he grass, but somehow the tip broke off in his nose? At first, I just noticed he had runny discharge below his nose. Later, he was pawing at his nose which made me think it may be ichy. After angling light to see up his nose, I could see here was something in there. We also had this happen when our dog got a piece of his own fur stuck up his nose!

It’s important to know if you’re dealing with a foreign body because the goal of clearing your pug’s nose will be different if there is a foreign body. You can use the same techniques as when clearing congestion, but if there’s something up here that needs out, you’ll know to keep trying to get their nose clear until the foreign body is removed. If you’re unable to get it out, you may have to see a vet for assistance.

Cause Of Congestion. 

If your dog has mucus, i’s important to learn the cause of their congestion. Some common causes of congestion in dogs:

Allergies. Like humans, dogs sometimes get excess mucus or “boogers” when they’re having an allergy response. If you can pinpoint your dog’s allergy and avoid it, that would be most ideal. Medical treatments are also available. Speak to your vet about medications for allergies if you think it’s called for. If mild, you may just help your dog clear their nose as needed.

Dental problems. The roots of the upper teeth are very close to the sinuses, in pugs. As a result, sometimes pugs will have dental infections that cause nasal discharge. Dental infections can lead to other health issues, so it’s important to catch and take care of any infections that pop-up. If you haven’t had your vet check out your dog’s teeth in a while and they are having nasal discharge, have their teeth looked at.

Pinched airway. Many pugs are born with extremely small nasal passageways. This can result in them only breathing through their mouth, or having their nasal airway easily closed off, because it is so small. If your pug has chronic issues with nasal drainage, it may be a result of how thin their airway is. Stenotic Nares surgery can widen the nose, to correct the problem.

How To Clear A Pug’s Nose

Try steam. You can run a humidifier, gently simmer water on your stove, or turn the shower on to get more moisture in the air. Perhaps invite your pug ino the bathroom with you while you take a shower, so they can benefit from the steam.

Plain saline. If your pug will allow you to, you can use a drop or two of plain saline in their nose. Be careful wth this, if your pug resists, it’s best to stop. Dog noses are sensitive so you don’t want to risk injury. If your dog will accept the drops of saline, it can help them clear heir mucus easier.

A baby nose bulb. This is another one that only works if your pug is calm enough and tolerant enough. If they’ll let you, you ca use a baby nose bulb to help them clear their mucus. These just use suction to help pull mucus out of the nose.

Massage their nose. Sometimes gently massaging the top and sides of their nose can help loosen mucus and allow it to come down and out.

Alcohol-free wipes. If your dog has mucus on the outside of their face, you can use alcohol-free wipes or a washcloth to simply wipe them off.

How To Help A Pug With A Dry Nose

Many pugs are prone to dry nose or hyperkeratosis, which causes a buildup of cells on the exterior of the nose. In some cases, the cells can build up so much that they will eventually flake off. This doesn’t cause congestion, but is a separate issue.  If you notice your pugs nose looks really dry or cracked, you probably want to help!

A simple way to help your dog’s dry nose is to apply coconut oil. Often times, if you apply something to a dog’s nose they’ll try to lick it, so it’s important to use products that won’t be harmful if swallowed. Coconut oil is something many people have on hand already, that can be moisturizing, and if your pug licks it off it won’t harm them.

Sometimes dry nose is caused by dry air. Using a humidifier may help your dog’s nose to stay more moist.

How Often Should A Pug’s Nose Be Cleared?

How often (or even if!) your pug’s nose needs cleaned inside will vary from pug to pug. You should check over your pug daily, to check for signs that they may be congested or have a foreign body in their nasal passage. As long as they show no signs of congestion or foreign bodies, jus cleaning their nose with their regular bath should be frequent enough.

The wrinkle fold above a pug’s nose should be cleaned daily. Loose fur, dust and sweat can get trapped in the wrinkle fold and cause irritation if not kept clean and dry.