Pugs and Allergies

Does your Pug sneeze and cough more than usual?  It maybe allergies, yes, allergies.  Pugs like humans can have allergies.  Pugs can be allergic to food, outside and/or inside allergens.  If your Pug starts to have diarrhea, vomiting or not eating s usual they may be allergic to their food.  In this case, the best thing to do it eliminate that last thing you introduced them too before the sickness came on.  If multiple things were added, it is best to eliminate everything and start all over.  Start giving your Pug one thing at a time per week if nothing happens then you are safe to introduce the next item.  If the diarrhea, vomiting or your pug is not eating again then it may be the last item, stop it and see what happens, at least this will help to pinpoint what the item is that they seem to be allergic to or have an allergic reaction to.  If you are unable to locate or symptoms worsen please take them to your veterinarian immediately. 

Outside certain allergens such as pesticides, ragweed, pollen and etcetera to name a few maybe what your Pug could be allergic to.  Noting what your Pug is around, the time of day whether it was day or night, kind of weather (rain or shine), the time of year and how long it happened would help your veterinarian narrow down the type of allergens.  If your Pug seems to be having a reaction or allergy attack it is best to bring your Pug in immediately or as soon as you bring your Pug in the home it is best to bath your Pug to help wash off the allergens, also seek medical attention.

Inside your home there are also allergens within cleaning products, bathing products, or even a laundry detergent that may be passed onto your Pug as you pet your Pug, wash your Pug’s blankets/beds, or another person petting your Pug.  Symptoms is usually scratching, coughing and wheezing.  Again, noting what your Pug was doing or who is around your Pug before they have an allergy issue.  Sometimes it can be as simple as changing the detergent, cleaning product or washing one’s hands before petting your Pug to help control the indoor allergens. 

Allergies in Pugs are just like humans’ allergies which can be extremely dangerous without the proper medical attention.  High quality dog food, all natural pesticides, and all natural cleaning can help eliminate some potential allergens for you and your Pug.   However, it is best to consult your veterinarian. 

February is National Pet Dental Month

February is just around the corner; February is also National Pet Dental Month.  Just as you have your dental checks your Pug needs their dental check.  Dental disease is very dangerous and can cause serious illness when your Pug has poor dental hygiene.  First of all, dental disease can affect a Pug as young as 3 years of age.  Even if you think your Pug’s teeth look clean it does not mean they are.   Dental disease is caused by bacteria derived from their food, treats, and etcetera.  Dental tools can see what is under the Pug’s gums and too see if there is standing bacterium that needs to be removed.  However, if your Pug has loose teeth, not eating much, not chewing, drools more, not playing as usual or has bad breath those are just a few signs of a possible dental issue, it is best to have your Pug’s teeth looked at minimum once a year to twice a year unless there is a standing issues such as the bad breath. 

To help with caring for your Pug’s teeth, be careful what you feed them because a diet high in meat protein could help contribute to dental disease.  Oxtails, large knucklebones, any diet with organ or muscle within the meat are also detrimental to the health of your Pug’s teeth.  A well-balanced diet of variety of meats (fish, chicken, and pork), vegetables, and fruits will help keep your Pug healthy from their teeth to their waste lines. You can also assist keeping dental disease at bay with brushing your Pug’s teeth, provided dental bones or chews (anything that helps to produce saliva), and putting doggie mouthwash (NOT human mouthwash) in their water bowl.   

Dental disease can be linked to kidney disease, lung disease, bladder infections, and heart problems if not properly taken care of.  Dental care is imperative to keeping your Pug in good health.   It does not matter whether your Pug is a puppy or a senior good dental hygiene is one step to helping them to be healthy plus with well-balance diet, nutritious treats, exercise, plenty of water and love. 

If you are worried about the cost of dental cleaning for your Pug, with February being National Pet Dental Month there are veterinarians who usually offer specials to have your Pug’s teeth viewed.  If you are concerned about the anesthesia that is used to clean your Pug’s teeth it is best to discuss this with your veterinarian or seek a non-anesthesia dental cleaning veterinarian.  Remember dental hygiene is important to keeping your Pug happy and healthy. 

Schedule your Pug's Dental Appointment TODAY!!  

Cold weather is here…

We may live in Florida but we need to realize some of our Pugs as we are still use to the warmer weather so when those cold temperatures come your Pug may get cold like you do.  Make sure your Pug has a warm dry place, watch when you walk them the concrete is not too cold for their paws, make sure your Pug is not left out overnight or left out in the rain. If your Pug is showing signs of being really cold having them wear a doggy jacket or sweater will help them stay warm until you return home.  If this occurs limit your time outside as much as possible.  Pugs are susceptible to hypothermia with extended exposure to the cold could be life threatening.  It is best to keep an eye on your Pug for addition signs of shivering, being lethargic, breathing shallow or a weak pulse.  Another issue if the temperatures are too cold frostbite, which is an injury to the tissue commonly to a Pug’s tail, ear, feet or sensitive area but is not easily seen because it could be hidden under their fur.  Look for signs such as redness, pale or graying of their skin, blisters or even swelling in those areas.  In the event of hypothermia or frostbite immediately seek emergency veterinarian care.  

Just as in the summer when the concrete gets too hot the concrete can be too cold for your Pug’s paws so be aware of their paws and take the proper care so they do not crack or chafing which could be painful for them. There are paw creams you can pick up on the local pet stores to help keep them from cracking and do not walk them if the concrete is too cold.  DO NOT use human cream on your Pug’s paws they can cause some serious to deadly issues.  There are specific creams for the care of your Pug paws.  Pugs in cold weather can give your Pug a cold on top on their other breed respiratory problems, which is not good.  Please be aware of the proper care of your Pug in both hot and cold weather. 

Still keep plenty of water for your Pug as well as the same diet but if your Pug is inactive because of the colder weather then to cut back on their food, remember Pugs are prone to be overweight.  It is up to the humans to control their food intake and to keep them healthy as can be.  There are plenty of indoor games that you can do to help keep your Pug active or utilize the warmest part of the day to take your Pug for long walks in the neighborhood or local dog parks. 

Be aware of space heaters and candles.  Candles can be knocked over very easy by a Pug’s tail or Pugs playing around.  Just as space heaters or your curious Pug could burn themselves on the space heater or candles.  DO NOT leave candles or space heaters on unattended. 

Grooming your Pug during the cold weather, make sure your Pug is completely dried before talking them out.  Also, with your Pug spending more time inside then out their nails will tend to grow faster so they will need to be trimmed more frequently. 

Stay warm and have a Happy and exciting New Year. 

Holiday Traveling with your Pug

As the Christmas season is upon us a lot of us will be hitting the roads or going to the airport to fly home so you can visit family/ friends and enjoy the festivities.  However, if you are traveling with your Pug please keep be prepared and keep in mind a few things:

1. Get a microchip for your Pug.  Many rescues, animal clinics, veterinarian, dog catchers and such utilize this method to help get a beloved pug back into the arms of their owners.  If the cost is a problem watch in your area where some Humane Societies, veterinarian clinics or a rescue will offer a microchip at a reduced cost to you. 
2. If you are unable to get a microchip or even if you have a microchip please make sure your Pug has proper identification on his collar/harness and dog tags such as name, contact information for you  and if any allergies or medical conditions.
3. Make sure your pug is up to date on their vaccinations especially if they are going to a different region.  For example, ticks are not an issue in the southern region but they are in the northern region so be mindful of those vaccinations for your area and intending areas. 
4. Be mindful of the different plants and other potential toxins that are accessible to your Pug.  Your home maybe Pug friendly but not all homes are not Pug friendly.
5. Do not forget when packing to pack an emergency kit for your Pug such things as gauze bandage, eye wash, tweezers and such are great to have in an emergency kit. 
6. Pack enough food that your Pug is use to, consistency is best for your Pug and one of those consistencies is keeping them on their feeding schedule with the same food they are use to at home.  If your Pug is on medication, make sure you have enough medication or heart worm treatment while you are gone as well as extra in the case you have to stay a little bit longer due to weather or other circumstances.  Same goes for their food.
7. Utilize a pet carrier whether you are flying or driving, a pet carrier will help keep your Pug calm as well as keep them safe.  In the event of a car accident the carrier or a pet car seat will help keep your Pug safe and not a projectile.   Make sure the crate is of proper size to your Pug will be able to be comfortable be able to move within the crate.   
8. Never leave your Pug unattended in your car or at the airport.  Anything could happen so it is best to make sure your attention is on them. 
9. Make sure you have your Pug’s favorite blanket, toy, bowls, and warm items for them if you are traveling to a cold climate. 
10. Potty breaks: If you are traveling by car please take the time to stop and properly walk your Pug so they are able to do their business.  If you are flying make sure not to feed or give them water for two hours prior to your flight.  Make sure to walk them before putting them in their crate.  Make sure their veterinarian has cleared them to fly.  Any Pug that is frail, sick, pregnant, or a puppy may not or should not fly. 
11. Planning ahead is the best way to plan to travel whether it is during the holidays or summer vacations.  Traveling is a stressful situation for you and your Pug so consider other options and right options for you and your loved Pug.  Some options are pet sitters, boarding, family/friends and etcetera.  Never wait to the last minute because boarding fills up fast, pet sitters schedules fill up fast, and family/friends have their schedules.  Also, prepare to reschedule or cancel your plans if your Pug becomes sick or injured.

If you are not traveling with your Pug, if you are visiting family /friends for the day, pending how long you will be gone or how far you are going it may be a good idea to have a pet sitter some one that you are comfortable as well as your Pug is comfortable with or even put your Pug in a daycare for the day so your Pug will not be alone for extended period of times.

Additional safety information can be found at www.americanhumane.org, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips, http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/10_tips_for_safe_car_travel_with_your_pet

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Be safe in your travels.  

Tis’ the season to be prepared…

      

Christmas decorations going up, trees are being decorated, and egg nog is being served.     However, you need to watch out for our Pug.  There are many beautiful things about the holidays but with the beauty is also danger.  The holiday decorations commonly use to decorate your tree, your yard or even around you house can be dangerous even deadly to your pug.   The tinsel hanging on the tree with the shine and reflection attracts a curious Pug.  The tinsel can wrap itself around the Pug intestines and be fatal to your Pug.  The colorful tree ornaments are also an attraction for your Pug curiosity so they should be hung high enough out of their reach.  Pugs will be attracted to potential play or chew on the glass, aluminum, and paper ornaments which can break into sharp edges and may cause lacerations to the throat, their paws, their internal organs, and etcetera.  As well as they are a choking hazard for them.  Keep them up and out of the length of your curious pug. 

Another potential danger for your Pug is the lights on the trees and the burning of the candles.  The lighting, twinkling, and hanging lights will attract the curiosity of a Pug which could cause them to chew, potentially creating an electrical shock, burns on their tongues, even death so use all precautions.  Keep the lights out of their reach, be mindful of your Pug and the lights, and above all watch for any frayed wires.  Candles also are a hazard because the Pug could knock them over in error, potentially burn their noses trying to smell one, or even a paw attempted to touch the candle.  Be mindful once a candle it lit, keep the candle up and out of paws length. 

Wrapping gifts is another part of celebrating the season and even though your Pug makes good company and is good help to hold their paw in place until you are able to place the piece of tape in place.  The smell coming from the gifts can entice even the best behaved pug to misbehave.   The ribbon used to pretty up the gifts is a choking hazard, such as tinsel, ribbon could get wrapped/twisted throughout their intestines which could lead to emergency surgery or even death.  If possible leave the gifts until the last minute so curious pugs won’t get into trouble. 

Food… I am sure that caught your eye as we all know the way to a Pug heart is through their stomach.  So many edibles will be in the view of your Pug so be aware of where your Pug is, who is possibly feeding your Pug, and what is being fed to them.  Chocolate, whether milk or dark, have a high level of toxicity and is very dangerous for your Pug so it is best to keep all chocolate out of the reach of your Pug.  Bones, trimmings, and fat from the meats, whether cooked or uncooked, could cause pancreatitis, choking hazard, or splinter in your Pug digestive system.  It is best to keep them away from kitchen and dining area.  Cookies, candies, and some nuts in general should not be given to your pugs at all.  Almonds, non-moldy walnuts and pistachios can cause an upset stomach or an obstruction of your dog's throat and/or intestinal tract. Macadamia nuts and moldy walnuts can be toxic, causing seizures or neurological signs. Lethargy, vomiting and loss of muscle control are among the effects of nut ingestion.  Your best bet is to keep your Pug away from the food and company who will not follow your guidelines to not feed the Pug.  They should be kept on their regular diet and no table scraps or treats.  It could cause some upset Pugs but at least the Pugs will be healthy Pugs. 

Plants are very pretty and festive but they are also poisonous and potential deadly.  Poinsettias can cause vomiting and irritation in the Pug mouth and stomach.   The pine needles that will fall from your Christmas tree can cause irritation in their mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargic, and potential weakness in their posterior.  Holly will cause intense vomiting, diarrhea, and depression within your Pug.  Mistletoe also will cause vomiting and diarrhea, and possibly difficulty in breathing, your Pug may collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations and even death.  The water for your Christmas tree will be tainted and could cause stomach irritation with diarrhea or vomiting so keep your Pug out of the tree’s water, plus your Christmas tree will not get the water is will need. 

Finally, with all the family and friends coming as well as you visiting and attending holiday events make sure your Pugs are secure so they are unable to sneak out.  Make sure if you have a fenced in yard the fence is secure and the gates are not let open.  If your Pug is uncomfortable it is best to place them in a secure area with their bed, toys, water, and visit them.  Make sure you are able to spend time with them so they are aware that everything, even though hectic is fine. 

It is best to keep vigilante of your Pug during the holidays.  The holidays bring out beautiful decorations and delicious food but at the same time if brings out so many dangers for your Pug.    

Additional dangers and hazards: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/holiday.aspx.

ASPC Pet Poison Control: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Pet Poison Hotline: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

Have your local veterinarian and an emergency veterinarian phone available.   

Wishing all you, your family and your Pugs a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy Safe Happy New Year!!!!

Football, Turkey, Pumpkin Pie, Family, Friends......

Football, family time, turkey and pumpkin pie are all just around the corner.  Good news for the human family members but what about your Pug?  First of all, remember Pugs are beggars and love food so they will be were the food is.  Be careful of those snacks during your favorite football games and being at Pug level.  As well as those guests that are unaware of the Pugs nature of begging for food.  A piece of food here and there will add up to a chunky Pug.  Maybe an upset Pug belly even.  Remember there are foods that are not good for your Pug such as nuts, chocolate, alcohol, bread dough, and etc.  Don’t forget those non-foods that could sicken or kill your Pug such as bottle caps, candles, decorations, ribbons, and so on.  It is imperative to keep your Pug healthy and away from the foods, the family members/friends who will give them food and/or non-foods which could make them sick, could be a potential choking hazard or can kill your Pug.  

Pay attention to your Pug and be attentive to where and what they are into.  Creating a “Pug– zone” where people, especially children, can be supervised for the welfare of your Pug.

Now it is time for the turkey dinner!!  Even though turkey is good for your Pug you have to be careful of the hazards that turkey holds.  First of all, the brown crispy skin is full of fats and oils that can cause your Pug to get seriously ill.  Secondly, that drumstick is a serious choking hazard.  While the turkey is being cooked the bones become brittle and easily breakable.  The brittle bones can split, splinter or even pierce your Pug’s intestines.  The white skinless turkey is best for your Pug, if you were to sneak them a piece of turkey. 

Time to bring on the pumpkin pie!!  Yes, it is true that pumpkin is good for your Pug.  Pumpkin is full of Vitamin A and Vitamin C which helps with your Pug’s immune system, Beta-carotene which helps with cancer prevention, Vitamin E which helps keep a healthy skin and coat and it is high in fiber which is critical for good digestive health of your Pug.  Also, the pumpkin in small amounts will help if your Pug has an upset belly, diarrhea, constipation or even motion sickness.  It is low in calories and should be a treat and not give to your Pug on a regular basis.  However, that pumpkin pie is full of sugar and sweeteners which are harmful to your Pug.  So keep the pumpkin pie to you and your guests and away from your Pug. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Enjoy time with your family and friends, Good Luck on your Football games, and most of all keep your Pug safe and healthy.  

Happy Veterans’ Day!!

Don’t forget tomorrow is Veterans’ Day.  Being a service dog to a Veteran Pia Pia knows the trials and tribulations that a veteran goes through with accumulating back into the family structure.  Things never seem to be the same for some Veterans’ in which many individuals on the outside do not see.  The scars that are implanted on what these individuals have seen and had to do not to only save themselves but to save their fellow soldiers.  Veteran’s Day is not a day to be thankful because kids have a day off of school; one has a day off of work, or the sales from your favorite stores but a day to remember the lives that have been lost to give us the freedoms we have today.  The freedom to complain about a color of a cup, to be able to even speak in public, to be able to have the day off and etcetera.   So instead of thinking of what you can do on this day off, go enjoy an event and thank a veteran.  Even pay for a coffee for a veteran whether that veteran has visible wounds or not, they still served for you.  Thank a widow of a veteran for them making the ultimate sacrifice.  Make sure the child of a veteran knows you appreciate what their father or mother did for them was appreciated.  Remember this Veterans’ Day!! 

Thank you to all of our Active Duty Soldiers, our Veterans’ and their Families!!  We truly appreciate all you have given!! 

#veteransday #veteranservicedog #servicedog #pug #pugs #veteran