Thursday, April 28, 2016

Quick Fun Facts about Pugs

Pugs are ideal companions for almost all humans, however because they are a brachycephalic breed they are not a breed to sustain long periods of physical activity.  A normal weight for a healthy pug is 14 – 20 lbs.   Height for a pug is 12 – 14 inches.  Pugs are short in stature, tend to be sort of stocky, have a curly tail, black muzzle, snore and snort, are curious, fun, great to be around and love to make their owners happy.

Pugs are one time were praised and sat on the throne of Chinese Emperors.  In fact, today many pugs still love to sit and relax on the couch while be waiting on by their humans.  Pugs may look to be a lazy breed, however they are attentive, alert and ready to follow and play with their humans are any given time.  For the most part, pugs get along with mostly everyone especially those who give them a lot of attention back.  They are cuddlers and snugglers.  Pugs are not a breed who likes to be left alone.  When pugs are left alone for a long period of time, they may get themselves into trouble.  Remember pugs are mischievous, intelligent and curious.  Pugs are not necessarily barkers but they are yappers.  They may not be the perfect guard dog but the will be a good host/hostess. 

Because pugs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a flat muzzle the do snore, snort and wheeze.  These sounds are usual for this breed however be cautious because there are times they could be harmful so be mindful of your pug’s snort and wheeze.  Their wrinkles will need to clean on a regular basis because of dirt, food, and sweat they can gather within those wrinkles.  Without proper cleaning it could cause yeast infections, pimples, and other issues in those wrinkles.  Pugs are not a breed for extreme heat or extreme cold weather; they are an ambient temperature breed.  They like to run and play but do not need a lot of room so a great for apartments, condos as well as single family dwellings.  However, be careful of the amount of food you feed them and what you feed them because pugs love food and love to eat.  This also causes them to become obese which is unhealthy for them.  So ration their food, provide plenty of water, and plenty of exercise. 

Pugs tend to be stubborn but once they understand you are in charge are easy to train.  Do not yell or upset them because you do not want to hurt their feelings, pugs are a dignified breed and expect to be treated in such a manner.  As in our family, we say this is her house we just pay the bills, take care of the home and take care of her. 




What about your pug or dog, anything fun, special or quirky?  Please feel free to share.  

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

What to do when your Pug is overheating.

Warmer weather is here!!   With that, it is imperative for one to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heat stroke and heat stress as well as how to treat them in the event your pug experiences one.  Understanding and knowing what to when your pug is overheated and needs immediate care can save their life.
Heat strokes usually occur when the pug is unable to regulate their own body temperature.  Unlike humans, pugs do not sweat they regulate their body temperatures but by respiration such as panting. If a pug is unable or their respiratory tract fails to clear heat quickly enough then a heatstroke may happen. 
The following guidelines will help should your pug become overheated:
Overheating is life-threatening.  Knowledge of the signs and immediate treatment of heat exhaustion will help to reduce the chances of the pug having a heatstroke and even worse, death.
1. Watch your pug for signs of overheating.  Pugs have the most difficult time in the hot temperatures to they will need to be monitored more closely and have the least time out in the hot weather.  If you notice your pug with any of the following signs: excessive panting, dry gums, gums that are pale, increased drool, rapid pulse, confusion, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperventilation, and maybe rectal bleeding, get the pug into a cooler area immediately, something with air conditioning or a fan. 

2. Use a rectal thermometer.  Attempt to take the pug’s temperature, pending on the pug.  Using your judgement if the pug is too hot or having a heat stroke it is best to get them immediately to emergency care.  If you are able to get the pug’s temperature, a pug’s normal body temperature is 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the pug is under moderate heating, the temperature may rise to around 103 to 106 degrees; however severe heating will usually occur beyond 106 degrees. If this occurs contact your vet or the nearest emergency center and then report your pug’s temperature along with the symptoms he is exhibiting.

3. Reduce the pug’s temperature immediately.  To reduce the pug’s temperature, bring the pug into a cooler environment, then cool the pug by placing wet towels over his neck, under his armpits, and between his hind legs. Additional wetting on their ear flaps and on the pads of their paws will help to cool them pug down also.  If you are unable to bring the pug inside or are in an outdoor environment, utilize a stream or pond to help cool the pug down.

4. Give the pug fresh cool drinking water.  Let the pug drink the water, do not try to force water into their mouth.  Forcing the water down the pug may cause the pug to choke.   If the pug is refusing to drink, try placing some drops of water on their tongue.  Remember make sure the water is cool, NOT cold.  Cold water such as ice while a pug is experiencing a heat stroke may cause their body temperature to change too quickly, causing the pug to go into shock. 

5. Transport the pug to the vet. Call ahead so the veterinarian can be prepared of the situation and they will be able to treat the pug accordingly.  If your veterinarian is unavailable, transport the pug to the local emergency veterinarian.  The pug may need additional fluids, oxygen and other treatment.  If it was a severe overheating additional harm may have been cause as well as possible cardiac arrest.  The pug will need to be check out and taken care of. 





Prevention is the best medicine.  With the summer months coming, it is best to make sure your pug has plenty fresh water, shade to rest and is not left or expose to heat, especially during the hottest part of the day.  If you walk your pug, please walk them during the coolest time of the day such as early morning or after sunset. 


 

Monday, April 11, 2016

Be Aware of the Toxics around your Pugs

Every pug loves to get table scraps and it is hard to say ‘No’ to that little pug face staring at you while you are trying to eat.  However, did you know there are many human foods that are toxic to pugs are could cause internal damage or death. 



Here are some of the human foods that are toxic:

Grapes and Raisins – they are poisonous and can be toxic within a few hours.  Your pug will have diarrhea, vomit, could be wobbly, not able to urinate as normal.  Could cause severe damage to kidneys or even lead to death.

Avocados – there is nothing noted specifically on what happens but could lead to loss of breath, fluid accumulation in chest, vomit, diarrhea, and heart problems.  The lack of oxygen could lead to death.

Onions – they destroys red blood cells.  Onions causes your pug to have a rapid heart rate, be lethargic, weak, vomit, diarrhea, and blood in their urine.  Could cause damage to kidneys and could lead to death.

Tomatoes – are poisonous and are dangerous over a long period of time of being eaten by your pug.  They could cause your pug to have tremors, seizures, heart arrhythmias, dilated pupils, colic, diarrhea, vomit, and coma to possible death.

Mushrooms – be careful of the wild mushrooms also.  It is mainly the cap of the mushrooms but in general mushrooms are very poisonous and considering the mushroom is pending the symptoms which could happen.  White mushrooms are not as dangerous.  Some symptoms are nervousness, bloody diarrhea, anxiety, restlessness, wheezing, slow heart beat and death.

Fruit pits – such as peaches and nectarines, they have cyanide and can cause obstruction in your pug’s intestines which lead to death within days. 

Various nuts from walnuts, pecans, Macadamia, pistachios, and Brazil – all have low levels of poison which pending how much your pug eats is pending how sick your pug will get.  Symptoms could be vomit, bloody or blackened stools, lethargy, liver failure and death.

The list above is just a few of the many toxic foods there are many more such as chocolate, garlic, chives, seeds, and etcetera, so it is best to not feed your pug human food unless instructed by a veterinarian, pet nutritionists or you have done extensive research for the right foods, the right amount, and how it should be served (cooked, raw, dehydrated).  Any type of food change with your pug it is best to check with your veterinarian. 

PLEASE, any intake of any toxic foods or plants you should take your pug immediately to the nearest veterinarian for emergency care. 


#pug #Pugs #pugworld #pugnation #toxicfoods #dangerousfoods #veteranservicedog #nohumanfood 

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