We’re all glad for the drier, warmer & brighter days, bringing with it NEW temptations for our furry friends indoors and out. So as usual we need to be vigilant, on their behalf!
Outdoor Hazards:
Keen to be outdoors with winter behind us, springtime activities such as gardening and picnicking can expose our pugs to potential hazards like pesticides, fertilizers, and sharp tools/objects.
So, keep a close eye on them when they’re out to ensure they’re not exploring things they shouldn’t be, and remain safe.
Toxic Bulbs & Plants:
Many different plants & bulbs commonly found in the home, gardens and outdoor areas can make your dog ill. Some of these are highly poisonous, such as lilies, tulips, and daffodils, if ingested. while others may only cause a mild tummy upset. Incidents of poisoning from spring bulbs are most likely to occur from dogs eating the bulbs in spring when they begin to flower and autumn when they are planted.
It’s best to keep your pugs away from these plants, to prevent accidental poisoning. Please see more examples of harmful and harmless plants the bottom of this webpage.
There’s a whole array of OTHER hazards, including: weed killer, pesticides including slug pellets, compost bins, even grass cuttings!
Allergens: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, grass, and other allergens that are more prevalent in the spring. Symptoms may include itching, scratching, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Ticks and fleas: Warmer weather means an increase in ticks and fleas, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tapeworms. Pugs, with their wrinkled skin, can be particularly susceptible to flea infestations if proper preventive measures aren’t taken.
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Indoor Hazards:
Spring Cleaning.
If you are Spring-Cleaning, make sure that products are inaccessible to your dog and that they are kept away from areas while being cleaned, or have recently been cleaned.
It’s always worth reminding visitors or children who may not be as aware of the hazards, as we are, so everyone can enjoy this time of year, safely.
Chocolate poisoning: Easter often involves chocolate eggs & treats, which are toxic to dogs if ingested. Make sure to keep all chocolate out of reach of your pug and be cautious about where you hide Easter eggs if they contain chocolate.
Most of us know about keeping Easter chocolate away from temptation but our dogs will endeavour to seek things out with their highly sensitive sense of smell.
Theobromine found in chocolate is a stimulant. It may cause excitability or muscle twitching, tremors, even fitting, or they may have an increased heart rate. They may initially be sick, but you must never try to make them sick.
– If vomit is frothy and foamy it could get into their lungs, making matters worse.
– Other signs might include drinking a lot, drooling, not walking in a straight line and fast breathing. If enough is eaten then the effects can be severe or even fatal.
Some sugar-free chocolates contain Xylitol, also branded as Birch-sugar, which is an artificial sweetener especially poisonous to dogs. It can cause a dog’s blood sugar level to drop to dangerous levels, also possibly liver failure.
Also, while chocolate foil wrappers are not poisonous, they can cause an obstruction if eaten. This can be dangerous enough to require surgery.
Signs of an obstruction may include being sick, being tired, they may be be off their food, or finding it difficult to go to the toilet!
If you suspect your pet may have eaten chocolate, keep the packaging and call your vet immediately. Help them regarding the type of chocolate that’s been eaten (dark, plain, milk, white etc.) and how much has been consumed.
If you suspect your dog may have eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately. Keep the packaging to help them regarding the type of chocolate that’s been eaten (dark, plain, milk, white etc.) and estimate how much may have been consumed.
Overeating Easter treats: With Easter celebrations often come feasts and treats, which can lead to overeating and digestive issues for pugs. Be mindful of the types and amounts of food your pug consumes to prevent obesity and gastrointestinal problems.
Food Hazards.
– Traditional roasts where cooked bones can easily splinter.
– Stuffing, gravy, anything which may contain onion, chives, garlic.
– Fruit or Simnel cake, Hot-Cross buns, anything with sultana’s and raisins (grape family).
– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty foods.
If you are planning on attending Crufts this year, held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, do come along and say hello to us on: Saturday 7th March – Toy & Utility Day.
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PDWRA will be at the ringside of the Pug show judging area – we look forward to meeting as many of our supporters as possible.
We’ll be happy to discuss anything Pug; their quirks, health & wellbeing as well as the charity’s work in rescue & rehoming.
Find out about opportunities for volunteering locally as transporters or home-checkers, as well as virtually, supporting various operations from wherever you’re located at home.
Pugs entering the show ring now need to comply with stricter health-based rules.
All pugs (bulldogs and French bulldogs) must have a valid Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) assessment, and only those with a grade 1 or less will be eligible to compete.
We appreciate the intentions of these rules and welcome discussing this with anyone who wishes to do so.
For more information about Pug Health including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), the condition due to the anatomy of short-nosed breeds, which can lead to secondary problems, please see our webpage: Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
These two girls are unrelated but do have a special bond. Elsie is the older of the two at 10 years and Ella at 7 years. They have both undergone medical procedures and are now fit to be rehomed. Both have also been neutered.
They are looking for a home with or without other dogs. They have lived with another dog before.
They are tolerant of cats but shouldn’t live with young children under 10 years as they can jump up at them.
Elsie, is the ultimate lap dog and companion who loves a good tummy rub. Due to the circumstances of her previous life, she is inclined to scavenge when you’re not at home – bins need to be out of reach and cupboards secured!
They both love a cuddle and are very happy to be at home, but do like a couple of short walks a day, although Ella does lack confidence and stays close to you.
Ella suffers from separation anxiety and always likes to know there is someone around. She may also have the odd accident in the house if she gets over excited.
She is very affectionate though and loves meeting people but is of a nervous disposition so can get anxious around larger dogs. She generally loves her humans more than other dogs.
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If you can provide these needs, for this loving bonded-pair, please apply here:
It’s important to also read our Guidelines & conditions for Adopting, at:
Please note, the Adoption Fee is discounted for bonded pairs of pugs.
If you have any specific questions about Elsie & Ella, or your application, please email Jackie at: se@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
As we often have bonded pairs requiring new homes, if you are not successful with Elsie and Ella, please indicate on your application that you would like to be considered for other pairs. We will be pleased to hear from you.
When Buddy was surrendered to PDWRA, his fosterer Christine was concerned about the conformation of Buddy’s front legs soon after his arrival.
She raised those concerns with her local Veterinary practice. It could have been dismissed as a case of bad breeding, but she was astute enough to realise that he was suffering some discomfort.
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Buddy is a lively 2 year-old, who loves agility, but seemed to suffer after bouts of exercise with his joints swelling.
You can see here just how much Buddy enjoys it!
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Our Vet recommended X-rays to investigate the cause, and sure enough, they revealed a congenital deformity which caused Buddy’s paws to turn outwards at right angles to the front legs. Many would put that down to what is known as “Queen Ann” legs, but the deformity was so severe it was causing him pain.
Buddy was then referred by the Vet to a specialist orthopaedic surgeon, who on examination of Buddy, confirmed that surgery to correct the abnormality was possible by way of inserting a rod in the leg to correct the misalignment.
The potential complications were explained which included infection, implant failure, or loosening or fracture of the joint.
Fosterer Christine was more concerned about the eight week cage rest than the surgery itself. Keeping a lively 2 year-old pug entertained where running, jumping, using the stairs or walking on slippery floors were all forbidden, is no easy task!
Then all to be repeated for the other front leg after the eight week rest period!
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Buddy is approaching the half way stage of recovery now and Christine, ably assisted by her daughters, has risen to the challenge. Nursing care of the highest order is required, with a constant watch over Buddy to ensure he does nothing to compromise the wound site.
So far everything has gone to plan, and the Vet is pleased with Buddy’s progress.
This is an example PDWRA’s care for pugs in need. Surgery of this nature is complicated and with risks, but weighing up Buddy’s age, his energy level and zest for life, the chance of a comfortable, full life for his future could not be denied to him.
You may have seen our unusual Appeal at Christmas for Eddie, Tom and Tilly, a gorgeous ready-made grumble of pugs who have always lived together and needed their forever home, together. We were delighted with the response and applications that came through, willing to take on such a big change to anyone’s home and life!
Well, here they are, getting on amazingly and settling in well already with incumbent pug, Roy. Having to share his home out of the blue, Roy is so cool about it and taking it all in his stride!
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Tom had a few little niggles but seemed to get better by himself. A frozen shoulder for 24 hrs and then he sniffed something that made him sneeze constantly until it worked itself out.
TOM
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Eddie has made his life person, new Mum Ingrid, never leaving her side and Tilly has appointed Dad, Barry, as her human.
EDDIE
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TILLY
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Tom and Tilly are still getting their weight down as advised, which is such a good thing for them.
They have all been to our vets for a check over, and all was well, although Eddie nearly had the vet’s fingers as he does not like the vets! 😄
On Friday, they went to the dog groomers, and all had a wash and blow dry and (those that would allow it) claws trimmed.
TOM looking trim & dapper!
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They’ve also been treated to brand new beds which they’re really happy with, and have taken to!
However, they’re equally happy to share!
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Barry concludes,
” Although we have 4 pugs now it really doesn’t feel like we have 4 dogs, apart from food time as Tom and Eddie are very food orientated and need to learn to be a bit calmer when food is put down, but we are making small positive steps.
All in all, they have settled in very nicely and feel they see us as their forever loving home. Thanks PDWRA, for giving us that chance. They are all so lovely and seem to love us. We love them so much too!”.
