Choking Hazards

Pugs because of their short stature and short noses have a higher rate of choking than most breeds.  Some of the choking hazards are the stuffing in the stuffed toys, squeakers from their toys, loose change (coins), batteries and bones whether they are cooked, rawhides or toy bones, just to name a few items.  As pugs are chewing and tearing the stuffing out of the stuffed toys they can swallow the stuffing which will get lodge in their stomach.  The stuffing could also get lodge in their digestive system (i.e. intestines) when the stuffing gets caught into the digestive system of the pug it will start to metabolize and unable to move causing intestinal gases to start releasing into your pug.  This will make your pug very ill and could kill them if goes untreated.   If your pug goes two or more days without eating there is something wrong you need to get your pug checked out immediately.  The squeaker in a dog’s toy is also a choking hazard.  The pug may be chewing on the toy and the squeaker could fall out or be chewed out whether by accident or intentionally, however a pug may swallow the squeaker.  If a pug swallows the squeaker it could get caught in their throat causing them to choke which could lead to death.  The best thing is to keep an eye on your pug while they are playing with their toys.   

Edible bones, Nylabone bones, and Kongs are good for your pug to help clean their teeth, keep them chewing the bones and not the furniture, and a treat for your pug.  Again, you need to be careful and watch your pug while they are chewing these bones especially when they are starting to get smaller because as the bones get smaller or older the bone begin to fall apart or get to small therefore a pug will attempt to swallow them.  Pending the size of the piece it could get caught in their throats or even lacerate their throats, which potential if very harmful or worse.  It is suggested that when your Pug is getting to the end of a bone or if a bone is looking its age to be on the safe side throw the bone away. Better to be safe than sorry.   Another bone is a cooked bone such as turkey bones which are prone to splinter which could hurt when swallowed or lacerate a throat which could cause internal bleeding.  Non-cooked bones do not fair better but do tend to be stiffer compared the cooked bones.  Finally, rawhide bones are not digestible, held together by toxic glues or rubber bands, and could piece off in large chunks.  These bones are not good for pugs because it will be hard for them to swallow, the toxicity, and potential of swallowing rubber bands. 

Coins or batteries are a very dangerous hazard because within a few hours your pug could die.  Coins contain zinc which when consumed by the pug the zinc will start to be absorbed by the red blood cells.  When the zinc is absorbed by the red blood cells the cells will start to rupture in your pug.  This causes anemia and your pug will become lethargic.  If the coins or batteries are not removed as soon as possible your pug will be at risk of passing away.  By time you realize your pug is lethargic most likely they will be in need of an emergency blood transfusion in order to for them to be strong enough to survive a surgery.  Even after surgery a blood transfusion may be needed.  So to be on the safe side make sure coins and batteries are put away, purses and wallets are secures and put away as well as where your pug is at, what they are in to and what they are doing. 

Remember pugs are like children will put anything in their mouths.  Please watch and be careful of your pug. 

#chokinghazards #hazards #swallowing #bones #pugschokinghazards #pugswallowinghazards #pugbones #pug #pugs #blogpaws 

Plato Pet Treats… A Healthy Natural Pet Treat

For those who know Pia Pia, knows she is very particular about her what she eats whether it is her food or her treats especially now that she can only digest certain foods.  We had to change all of her food as well as her treats to all natural so they are easily digestible for her.  Luckily for us, Plato Pet Treats is one of her favorite treats that we can keep consistent with her new diet. 

Plato Pet Treats only manufactures and makes treats, no dog food or can food just pet treats.  The company is not out to conquer the pet food world but to supply nutritional treats to our dogs, which is important to us and especially our dogs.  Their treats are made of turkey, duck and salmon with cranberry, pumpkin, sweet potato or vegetables.  However, what makes these treats better is the percentage of the turkey, duck and salmon – 90% - YES, 90%.  What is not in these treats is corn, wheat, soy, grain fractions, grain, GMO, artificial preservatives, or artificial flavors.   If you don’t believe the 90% open a bag of the treats, especially the salmon, you will be able to smell the difference in Plato Pet Treats to other pet treats on the market.  Each of the pet treats serve a purpose, for instance, turkey and cranberry, pumpkin or sweet potato helps with maintaining a healthy digestion.  The natural chicken, duck or salmon with vegetables have probiotics which also maintains good digestion.  The natural duck has iron to assist with maintaining healthy red blood cells.  The salmon with Omega 3 & 6, Antioxidants E & C assists with allergies, skin problems, immune disorders, cardiovascular disease and more.  

Plato Pet Treats are also the manufacturers of Thinkers, which I can personally vouch for.  As my pug was being trained as a service dog we wanted a special treat to reward her when she completed a task, we chose Thinkers, she remembers about 50 different tasks to perform in her service dog duties (by law a service dog only needs to know 10 tasks to pass).   Thinkers contain DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) which is essential for the development of the brain and the nervous system.  DHA is also a major building block for their vision.  DHA primarily comes from the milk of the mother; however, it is still needed well after the dog has been weaned.

Plato Pet Treats also supplies organic treats.  Their organic chicken has 90% organic chicken within the treats.  There are no by-products or meal products just certified organic chicken.  Now to be considered organic it starts from the source which in this case is chicken.  The chicken grown for these treats need to be feed a specific diet to be considered organic, no growth hormones, no antibiotics just 100% organic feed.  Even the fields need to be cleared for over a year of all pesticides and non-organic material and inspected to be cleared by the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Organic Standards Board to be considered an organic farm for fruit, vegetables and livestock.  Plato Pet Treats are inspected yearly by the USDA and Oregon Tilth, which is a company that certifies farms for being organic.  They have stringent guidelines and rules for Plato or any farm to be considered organic.  Speaking with Aaron Merrell, co-founder, co-owner and Operational Manager is proud of what his company has been able to obtain since being founded in 2006.  As he was telling me the different stages and inspections his company goes through to be considered organic I can tell he was happy and seen it as a compliment and not a pain to have to go through all that.  He is a pet owner himself which drove him to create Plato Pet Treats to have a healthy pet treat which is not only tastes good but also is healthy for his pets. 

Plato Pet Treats also manufactures salmon oil which we all know have several health benefits just to name a few: preventing cancer, to assist with our dog’s coat, skin, assist with mobility issues such as arthritis, kidney functions, heart issues, skin allergies and more. The oil is from Alaskan salmon and can be added to your dog’s current food.  In January of 2015, Plato came out with Small Bites, which are still nutritious and healthy they are just smaller for our dogs and for training purposes.  These specific treats have 75% chicken, duck or salmon but still mo artificial preservatives, flavors or GMOs.  They received my pug’s approval.  

Another positive speaking of Plato Pet Treats is Plato Wags Back.  When you purchase a bag of Plato Pet Treats a portion of that purchase goes to Plato Wags Back.  Plato Wags Back provides financial support to organizations for canine welfare, assists with lessen useless euthanasia, assists organizations to help pair wounded veterans with a canine companion at no cost to the veteran, and provides other assistance to charitable organizations for canine welfare. 

Plato Pet Treats are available through most pet stores.  If you are unable to find them in your area please go to http://www.platopettreats.com/store-locator/ .   

#Dog, #Dogs, @Plato Pet Treats, #Dog and Treats, #Nutritional Dog Treats

Getting rid of Toxicants in your Pug

Toxicants are everywhere in our water, foods, and even in the air we breathe.  The medicines we take after a certain time and a certain amount build up in our body.  Some of us decide it is time to detox and unload those toxins from our bodies.  What about your Pug?  They breathe the same air laden with smoke and pollution.  Pugs also soak up toxins in their paws from the pesticides and fertilizers that are laid in the grass that they walk in.  Pollens also get stuck within their fur therefore your Pug constantly is breathing them in.  Over vaccinating and subjecting your Pug to prescription medicine such as antihistamines and antibiotics is also a toxicant.  Even monthly heartworm preventative medications, only give the necessary prescribed amount so not overdose and add to the toxins.  Feeding a balanced, nutritious diet to your Pug is necessary whether you choose a raw, homemade or commercial diet.   

So now the question is how to detoxify your Pug?  Exercise, the physical movement promotes movement and elimination of waste from their body through their urine and feces.  Physical movements also will help with blood circulation which assists the toxins to move more efficiently through the liver and kidneys.  Physical movement is a natural way for the body to rid itself of toxins and stimulate healthy functioning of your Pug’s organs such as their heart, liver, kidneys, and immune systems.  Other natural avenues to assist with detoxification are milk thistle and dandelion which assist with liver function and cleansing the blood.  However, milk thistle has the added benefit of assisting with the regeneration of liver cells.  For kidney support cranberry and corn silk will help.  To assist with the removal of toxins from their lymphatic system such as the tissues of the body, red clover is a good option.   Of course, Echinacea and garlic is a good support for the immune system. 

Before administering of any of these herbs it is best to consult your veterinarian.  It is always good to keep your Pug physically active but remember to keep in mind the time of year so not to over hear your Pug.   Here is to a happy, healthy Pug!! 

#detox #pug #pugs #pugworld #pugnation #veteranservicedog #servicedog #detoxyourpug #detoxpug

With summer upon us, the itching wouldn't stop...

Lately with summer upon us, it seems my pug is constantly itching.  Could be because of the mosquitos living near a pond?  Could it be walking in the grass or when she is at the dog park where they are constantly spraying for fleas and ticks?  Maybe but just not sure, however the constant itching keeps us all up at night.  Luckily, Only Natural Pet® sent a sample of their Easy Defense herbal shampoo and condition to try.  This has been a lifesaver because once she was bathed the itching declined.  Reading the bottle, it stated there is organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice, citric acid (found in citric fruits), organic chamomile extract, yucca extract, kelp extract, neem oil, citronella and that is just a few of the ingredients.   It has a very light citrus smell so nothing too heavy for the pet or pet owner.  The shampoo was utilized first because the itching was just too much.  A week later she was bathed again in which conditioner was then used.  In the ingredients of the conditioner I noticed jojoba oil; her professional groomer utilizes jojoba oil to help rejuvenate her natural skin oils after her grooming appointment, so this little piece of information made me even happier.  I know Only Natural Pet® takes the time to research and utilizes the best ingredients that go into their products this confirmed it to me, knowing how much I pay on a monthly basis for her to be groomed and Only Natural Pet® has basically the same ingredients in their shampoos and conditioners.  I feel very happy and confident in between her grooming appointments to utilize Easy Defense Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner.  Plus we all sleep so much easier at night by the second shampoo and first conditioner treatment, not changing her routine she was no longer itching.  Phew, so happy for a good night’s sleep.  Thank you Only Natural Pet®.  #PawNatural #BlogPaws #itching #pug #pugs #veteranservicedog

**This post is sponsored by BlogPaws ™ Pet Influencer and Only Natural Pet®.  This post is to help introduce and spread the word about Only Natural Pet®.  With careful research and consideration, Pia Pia and I feel confident that a majority of our readers will be appreciative. **   

Believe it or NOT…

We adopted Pia Pia when she was six months old from a no-kill shelter.  She was a cute, adorable little pug who always seems to have food on her face.  We had to wait two weeks to bring her home because she was just surrender to the shelter less than 24 hours prior and the shelter’s policy was to have their veterinarian check her out, to verify she had all her shots, was heart worm

negative, and of course to be spayed.   Each day for two weeks we would go to visit her for an hour, we were allowed to take her for a walk and spend time with her.  It killed us when we had to give her back just for them to put her in it that pen in a room full of other dogs waiting to be adopted.  Finally, she was spayed, had a clean bill of health and was able to come home.  We got her a bed, a pen, plenty of toys, food bowl, water bowl, blanket, and of course food.  When she came home she walk in the door and knew she was home however what many did not know is she jumped up on our new couch and peed.  Yes, not even five minutes of being in her new home and she peed on the couch.  Needless to say, I thought that it was the beginning and the end.  We knew there would be an adjustment however having her outside for a little bit before bringing in the house then bringing her in just to pee on the couch was not a good start.  It seemed like every twenty minutes we were taking her out to go to the bathroom.  Sometimes she went and sometimes she didn’t.  At the end of the week I was getting worried that she would have to go back to the shelter, of course diligence prevailed and finally she was trained to go to the door when she needed to go out and no more accidents in the house. 

Pia Pia is not the only dog who has issues like this; other dogs have behavioral issues and anxiety issues.  Some are not because of the dogs but because of the situations which led them to be dropped off at the shelters whether they were abandon, neglected, abused, unwanted, old, and etcetera.  It does not mean these dogs are not capable of being good loving family dogs it just takes time, patience, love and caring.  Good Sit is a program that not only is a benefit that teaches owners who have dogs positive dog training with just a few minutes a day but it also helps the Good Sit trainers to go to the shelters and train the dogs to make them more adoptable to families and individuals looking for a fur-ever family member.  Every dog deserves a chance to be loved and cared for.  Good Sit is wanting and is giving that dog a chance and that family a chance to find their furry family member. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/goodsit/save-a-dogs-life-with-good-sit

Yulin is a good dog mom.  She is a warm-hearted, caring person who is dedicated to making a difference and saving as many shelter dogs as possible.  She is truly a wonderful person, I am honored to help her and support her in this endeavor.  I do not get any kickback or benefit other than knowing I am helping her to help her mission to help save shelter dogs finds a good home.   However, there are some of her tips I have taken because even though Pia Pia is a service dog, she is a service dog for my husband and she is still a female therefore there are sometimes Pia Pia has her moments.  Good Sit has really good positive tips even for those dogs already trained.   Please take a moment, review the video and make your determination.  We appreciate it.  Thank you. 

Home Remedies that can temporarily ease your Pug’s discomfort

Ever wonder if there is something you can do to ease your pug’s discomfort until the vet’s office opens?  Maybe a home remedy could help the simple issues such as ease hot spots or constipation?  Well, after some careful research and using some of the home remedies myself, I realize there are some that are safe enough to help your pug.  However, please understand that this is NOT to substitute the advice, guidance or to seek medical advice/care from your own veterinarian. 

-          - Artificial Tears will help to lubricant dry eyes; we know pugs have a tendency to have dry eyes.  However, make sure it is only dry eyes and not an infection or underlying issue, so please consult a veterinarian. 

-        -  Benadryl, the antihistamine will help when there is a bug/ant bite or some allergies.  Be aware that this will make your pug sleepy as well as depending on the size/weight of your pug would be how much to give your pug, so please consult a veterinarian. 

-          - Betadine which is an antiseptic, this is good to clean or soak wounds, cuts and injuries.  Betadine does cause discoloration to the skin, this is only temporary.

-         -  Epsom salts can be used to soak and soothe your pug’s sore paws.

-         -  Kaopectate can be given to your pug to help control diarrhea.  But please consult a veterinarian to know the dosage to give. 

-        -  Pedialyte can assist to rehydrate your pug when your pug is dehydrated during an illness or heat exhaustion.  It is best to mix with water.  

-         -  Pepcid AC can be given to a pug to help control stomach acid or upset stomachs.  Please consult a veterinarian to the exact dosage. 

-    -    Robitussin Pediatric Cough Syrup can be given to help eliminate or suppress a coughing pug.  Please consult a veterinarian that the cough is not something more serious.

Again, please consult a veterinarian to verify these home remedies would be acceptable for your pug, the correct dosages in the event you may need to utilize one of them, and so your veterinarian is aware in case of a further emergency. 

There are so many potential options on the internet from melatonin assisting to help pugs sleep and ginger helping to prevent car/motion sickness. Not to say these do not work or not acceptable but you want to make sure to use them within reason, under the supervision of a veterinarian in case of a reaction, and give the proper amount to your pug.  Too much of a good thing can be bad.  Too much ginger could cause diarrhea, heartburn and gas however it can help with arthritis.  So there is give and take in all home remedies so it is best to be careful, research thoroughly, ask questions, and make sure you document everything you give to your pug just in case of a reaction it can be traced. Include your veterinarian, this way you both will be in the know when it comes to the best care for your pug.   

Do you have any home remedies that you want to share? 

Does Second Hand Smoke Affect Our Pugs?

 I saw a commercial on how cigarette smoking can cause cancer in our pugs, so I was curious is this true?  Yes, second as well as third hand smoke does affect our pugs.  When our pugs are exposed to second and third hand smoke they are exposed to the same cancer causing chemicals as humans.   Pugs have a higher risk of lung cancer, respiratory disease, cardiovascular condition, eye problems, skin allergies and asthma whether it is from second or third hand smoke.  Second hand smoke is smoke that is breathed directly from the air around a smoker whereas third hand smoke is from the clothing, carpets, furniture and etcetera of a smoker.  For instance, when a pug lies on the lap of a smoker that smoke that is carried on their clothing is then transferred onto the pug as well as the pug is inhaling the smoke directly from the clothing. 

     According to Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM (veterinarian at All Pets Dental Clinic in Weston, FL), “Dogs and cat lungs are basically identical to human lungs.”  Showing that pugs’ lungs are susceptible to the thousands of chemicals and cancer causing agents such as carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, arsenic, formaldehyde, just to name a few one inhales while smoking.   "Nicotine from secondhand smoke can have effects to the nervous systems of cats and pugs. Environmental tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans,” Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, medical director of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. 

      Even the e-cigarettes are not better.  One of the listed ingredients used in the e-cigarettes is diethylene glycol, yes, the same ingredient found in antifreeze.  If a pug was to lick the fluid which causes the vapor from the e-cigarettes, it is basically slowly poisoning.  It will also cause neurological issues, lethargy, cancer, or worse. So whether you choose to smoke a cigarette, pipe, cigar or an e-cigarette you are doing harm to their pug.

     So if you have thought about quit smoking, if you won’t do it for yourself do it for your pug.  The one who gives you unconditional love no matter what, the one who will always be there for you, through thick and thin.   If one loves their pug and considers them family, this is the perfect time to decide to quit smoking for their pug and themselves.