The summer time heat is finally here…

The summer time heat seems to finally come, what does that mean?  It means heat and humidity!! So you need to keep an extra eye on your pug and their activities.  Remember it is important to keep your pug cool by making sure they have plenty of cool water available to drink, this will help to lessen the possibility of heat strokes.  Do not leave water sit outside overnight because bacteria and other larvae can grow, so it is best to make sure your pug has a clean bowl of water each day. 

Keeping their faces also known as their wrinkles clean will also help to cool them as well as will clean the dirt, bacteria, and sand that can cause infections, skin irritation, acne and such. Be cautious when you are taking them for walks whether it is taking them for a walk to go to the bathroom, for exercise, walking in the parking lot into a store, into the vet or what have you that the concrete/pavement gets hot which could scorch your pugs’ paws.  Please be aware if the concrete is too hot for you to put leave your hand on it for any length of time than it is too hot for your pug’s paws so it is good to put protection on your pug’s paws, carry them if possible or try to walk them a grassy area either way do not prolong the length of time their paws make contact with the concrete. 

Pugs are very heat sensitive so they will overheat easy.  It is important to limit the amount of time they are in the heat even if they are not doing anything it is still warm for them and the heat will raise their body temperature, especially if they are directly in the sun.  If you don’t think so wear a fur coat and see how long you would last out in the heat before taking it off.  Unfortunately, your pug cannot take their fur coat off but can be can furminated to help lessen their coat, especially during the spring/summer months.  There are groomers that will groom your pug but still pugs are prone to overheat so it is important to be aware of the time your pug is outside and active.  Also, even with a fur coat pugs when pugs are out in the sun, they are susceptible to sunburn and sun poisoning so it best to limit the time exposed and even apply sun screen to them for additional protection.  There are specific sunscreens on the market for dogs, please be aware and not use just any sunscreen as it could be detrimental.      

Make sure your pug has access to any type of shady areas whether in the backyard, enjoying family fun activities or lounging at the pool – your pug will need to have a shady place to resort too.  Simple things such as overhangs, umbrellas and such will help shade your pug but remember even though the shade does cool your pug as long as they are outside they are still exposed to heat and humidity so please be mindful to their body temperatures. 

NEVER leave your pug in a car.  Cars inside heat up faster than the outside temperature and even if you feel you will only be a “minute or two” that minute or two could cost your pug their life.  Even cracking or leaving windows open will not benefit your pug that much, the temperatures will rise too fast and get too hot for their little bodies to deal with.  So it is best to leave your pug safely at home. 

Fleas, ticks, heartworms – oh my, yes, along with the summer comes the parasites so make sure to go to your veterinarian and get your pug on some kind of protection whether it be a topical medication or over the counter it is best to get your pug protected before something happens.  Also, while you are there go ahead and ask the veterinarian to show you the proper way to remove any parasite(s) especially if it is a tick that would be on your pug.  It is best to be prepared. 

Florida is a nice place to live but one has to be careful of our children, our pugs and us of the heat.  Don’t feel bad if you attend an event or go out for an afternoon or morning leaving your pug safe and cool at home.  At least you won’t have to worry about them overheating, having a heat stroke or worse.  They may be upset but pugs do not hold grudges so again it is best to leave them home. 

Remember the heat is on and does not let up, so be aware, be safe, and be attentive. 

#veteranservicedog #servicedog #pug #pugs #puglife #pugnation #Florida #summer #spring #heat #heatstroke #preventativeheatmeasures #donotleaveincar #furminate #sunscreenfordogs #shadyface #sunshadefordogs #shade #water #prevent #humidity #toohot #toohottohandle #leaveathome 

February is National Dental Health Month

How clean is your Pug’s mouth?  How clean are your Pug’s teeth?  Have you look at your Pug’s smile?  Does your Pug have tarter?  Believe it or not, yes pugs need to get their teeth cleaned also.  Pugs need the have the proper dental care just as humans do.  Many pug owners do not realize that oral disease is the most diagnosed infectious disease which could cause other health issues such as heart issues, neurological issues and issues within the bloodstream.  Most Pugs by time that reach the age of three maybe four already have some sign of oral disease.  If left untreated oral disease can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, loss of appetite and even have your pug in severe pain.  To assist in the prevention of oral disease you should give your pug bones to chew on such as tarter control dental bones or other dental bones.  Just be mindful of when they get too small your pug does not swallow them whole and/or choke on them.  However, do not rely on these bones to do the job completely; you need to be a part of your pug’s dental hygiene also.  If possible you should brush your pug’s teeth on a weekly basis as well as add a dental rinse to their water.  Check with their veterinarian on which they would prefer or recommend.  Your local pet stores such as PetSmart, PetCo, Pet Supermarket and such carries toothpaste and toothbrushes specific for canine dental hygiene.   It is important NOT to use human toothpaste on your pug; these are not good for them and can cause harmful effects. 

Once you get your pug on a good dental hygiene routine just add it to the same routine as bathing, cleaning the nose wrinkles and ear cleanings.  Also, remember to take your pug in for regular dental checkups at their veterinarian or during their yearly physical.  Pugs need to have their teeth taken care of for them because they are unable to do it themselves.  If you are unsure about the dental care plan and the seriousness please inquire with your pug’s veternarian.

#veteranservicedog  #february #dentalhygiene #caninedentalmonth #cleanteeth #servicedog #piapiapugwithpurpose #Pug #Pugs #pugnation #puglife 

It has been a Brisk Winter…

We made live in Florida but this winter has been a little brisk.  However, our Northern friends are having one of their worse winters with the negative temperatures, flooding which changes into ice with the freezing temperatures and so on.  So whether you live in the north, south, east or west we need to pay attention to our Pugs.  Remember they are a brachycephalic breed and they do not fare well in hot temperatures nor do they fare well in extreme cold temperatures.  So be mindful of how long your pug is outside whether getting some fresh air or waiting for them do/finish their business.  Pugs are prone to overheat in hot weather but in the cold weather Pugs are prone to colds which do hinder their breathing on top of their other breed respiratory issues.  Make sure your Pugs have a warm place to come into, that your Pug is not left out overnight, do not let them out in the rain unless necessary and also be aware of their paws.  Their paws are tender and can crack which can cause them pain just as in the hot weather, so their paws need proper care whether it is in the hot or the cold weather.  Check with your Veterinarian or your nearest pet store for the appropriate paw cream for the care of their paws, DO NOT use a human cream on your Pug’s paws they can cause some serious to deadly consequences.  There is a specific paw care cream just for the care of your Pug’s paws.

Keep plenty of water available for your Pug as well as the same diet that your Pug is use too.  

However, if your Pug is inactive in the colder weather then you may want to cut back on their food intake, remember Pugs are prone to be overweight, with little to no exercise your Pug will only gain so it is best to cut back their food until their exercise routine amps up (i.e. more walks, play time at the park or in the yard).  It is up to the humans to control their food intake and to keep them healthy.    

So please be aware and be mindful of the care and time of your Pugs in both, hot and cold weather.  Remember as in all breeds, Pugs have specific needs to care for them just as all breeds have specific care and issues to their breed which need the proper care.   

Stay warm and have a Happy and exciting New Year.

#pug #pugcare #winter2018 #freezingtemperatures #puglife #pugnation #veteranservicedog #servicedog #pugwithapurpose #pawcare #happynewyear #hottemperatures #coldtemperatures #toocold #toohot #careforyourpug #brachycephalic #brachycephalicbreed #bemindful