by Yasmin | 21 May, 2024 | Blog, News
Calling all pug lovers in Scotland and the North of England!
We are always in need of more adoptive & foster homes across the country as we are receiving an increasing number of pugs being surrendered for rehoming.
However, as we receive more applications from some regions over others, we are currently short in Scotland & the North of England to meet the needs of pugs in our care, which naturally vary considerably.
Our amazing volunteer transport network will take them safely to wherever they need to be, though it becomes more difficult when the best matched home when needed, is too far away for a realistic and comfortable journey for the pugs.
Their welfare is always paramount! 😊
So, whether you’re able to offer a loving forever home, add a companion to your grumble or have room for a bonded-pair where others haven’t, or offer the time & care to those with medical or special-needs, short or long-term, we welcome all!
Please read further details on our webpages and apply online here:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
or
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
or, for transporting, or maybe home-checking:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
Thank you!
by Yasmin | 14 May, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Meet 7 year-old siblings, Bruno and Pixie.
They have come to us following changes at home regarding working hours, making it difficult for them to be looked after as well as they had been, and deserve to be.
Both are neutered and are fully housetrained.
Bruno (fawn) is the more reticent of the pair, and can take a while to trust new people. He’s a sensitive soul, who likes attention once he becomes familiar with you.
He responds well to exercise, enjoying longer walks and gets very excited when allowed to run around on the beach or at the woods.
Bruno is particularly loving and also protective of his sibling Pixie.
Pixie (black) is a very tiny bundle of joy. No amount of fuss and attention is too much for her, and she gives little regard to personal space!
She’s also a little less interested than Bruno in walks and is sometimes reluctant.
Rehoming requirements:
We’re looking for their forever home together.
Bruno and Pixie have good tolerance for other dogs, and would probably prefer a home where they are the only dogs, although they should be ok to live with the right resident dog, a relaxed, sociable one.
They are compatible with cats and would suit a home with children of eight years and over.
This lovable pair are used to sleeping together in a dog bed downstairs.
If you feel you have the right home for them, please reference ‘Bruno 24071 and Pixie 24072’ on your adoption application form.
This can be found at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Thank you!
by Yasmin | 11 May, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
The weather is warming up (at last!), and it’s surprising how soon it can affect our pug’s daily lives, long before summer officially arrives! So it’s a good idea to be prepared for it, replacing cool mats, purchasing cool jackets, changing schedules to supervise them or shifting walking or exercise times.
As a brachycephalic breed, pugs are particularly prone to heat sensitivity as they can’t cool down effectively when they pant due to the reduced space in their noses (narrower airways and shorter muzzle).
It has been found that up to three-quarters of heat-related illness in dogs seen by vets is caused by exercise in high temperatures, so please don’t take risks!
Also, if they are overweight, try to get them trimmer before it gets even warmer as they will struggle more, and likely exacerbate any other health issues they have.
Please see advice & tips on this at: FIT not FAT! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
So, here’s a reminder of our Top Tips to keeping our pugs cool in warm/hot weather enabling us to enjoy the good weather when we have it!
- Make sure your pug has constant access to fresh water – day and night.
- replenish water bowls often so that it is cool, and ice cubes can be added to help.
- frozen fruit is a good natural source too.
- paddling pools will help to cool them down and are fun too!
- Make sure your pug has consistent access to shade and cool surfaces.
- Remember to move sources of shade as the sun moves around gardens.
- Provide cooling jackets and shallow paddling pools to enable your pug to cool down, and remember that carpets do not help pugs cool down, so provide cooling mats to help your pug cool down indoors and swap them for a spare cool mat regularly to ensure they are cool.
- DO NOT rely on fans alone to cool your pugs down as they are not as effective on pets as they are on us.
- Plan your walks.
- Walk your pug in the early morning or late in the evening if the temperatures are cool enough and try to stick to shaded areas.
- If the mornings/evenings are still warm – DO NOT walk your pug!
Remember, no dog has ever died from missing a walk, but dogs die from being walked when it is too warm, particularly if overweight, elderly or very young.
- The Seven Second Test
- Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – hold your hand against the tarmac for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand DO NOT walk your pug as they could burn their paws.
- Avoid travelling with your dog in a car when it’s hot
- If a journey is absolutely necessary, make sure they are in the shade, have air flowing around them and can access drinking water.
- Cooling mats are useful also when travelling on warm days.
- Make regular stops to check on them.
NEVER leave your pug in a car on a hot day – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes, or even if you have left the windows open. Pugs can die in hot cars in minutes if conditions are against them!!!
HEATSTROKE
This is an extremely dangerous condition that can develop if a dog gets too hot. Normal body temperature tends to be between 38-39°C (100.4-102.2°F), this can rise a bit if they are unwell with a fever.
If your dog’s body temperature goes above 40°C (104°F) they are at risk of heatstroke, which can cause seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and even death. Heatstroke is more dangerous the longer it lasts, so the quicker your dog is cooled down and treated by a vet, the better their chance of a full recovery.
It’s important to be aware of the SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE, which include:
- Excessive panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Drooling
- Foaming at the mouth
- Bright red or very pale gums
- Bloody Diarrhoea
- Mild weakness/Lethargy
- Stupor
- Collapse & Seizures
- Vomiting, bloody also
- Drowsy and uncoordinated
If your pug experiences any of these symptoms, please seek the advice of your vet immediately.
Further information can be found at these useful sites:
Heatstroke in dogs – PDSA
Heatstroke in dogs | Dog health | The Kennel Club
Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Pug Health & Wellbeing
by Yasmin | 10 May, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Dot’s journey began with a unique challenge—she was fully blind. But to Tracey, this was not a barrier just an opportunity to make a difference in Dot’s life. Being the only person willing and able at the time, to take in Dot due to her condition, Tracey welcomed her into her home, not knowing the profound impact Dot would soon have on her family.
For Dot, life hadn’t been easy. Previously in a home with larger dogs, she had faced injuries and trauma to both her eyes causing her sight loss. Despite her challenges, Dot exuded resilience and a zest for life. Described as a “fantastic tough and a sassy bundle of fun,” Dot’s personality captured Tracey’s heart from the start.
Initially intended as a short-term foster, Dot’s presence in Tracey’s home soon became permanent. She settled in quickly, becoming the first long-term foster pug for Tracey. This means PDWRA will always be there for support whenever needed, especially for Dot’s healthcare costs.
Despite her blindness, Dot navigates the world with remarkable independence. She understands commands like “step up” and “step down” and stops on cue to avoid obstacles. Her ability to adapt and thrive in her environment is inspiring.
Dot’s impact extends beyond Tracey’s family. With all of Tracey’s children having autism, Dot has become more than just a pet—she’s a source of comfort and joy. Particularly for Tracey’s son who struggles with his emotions, Dot has been a calming presence helping him regulate his emotions. He is also first one up in the morning to make sure Dot is cared for. She has also helped Tracey’s other son overcome his fear of dogs.
She’s a spirited bundle of joy, independent, resilient and is partial to pulling the washing out of the washing machine when Tracey is trying to load it!
Dot’s resilience isn’t just limited to her physical challenges. Having lost 24 teeth, she fearlessly tackles life head-on, always picking up the biggest bones from the shop. So, from pulling out laundry from the washing machine to snuggling up on blankets, Dot’s playful antics bring laughter and warmth to her home.
With patience and understanding, Dot has flourished, proving that every dog deserves a chance at a happy, fulfilling life.
As Tracey aptly puts it, “fostering a dog like Dot requires time, patience, and love—but the rewards are immeasurable!”.
If you would like to offer a pug like Dot a loving home, by fostering short or long-term, please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 7 May, 2024 | Blog, Pug Health, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Eight year old Tilly came into the PDWRA’S care a few months ago due to her owner’s illness. She was described as a nervous dog who would only allow her owner to touch her, without attempting to bite!
When Tilly came to us, it was immediately apparent she was severely visually impaired due to pigment covering her cornea in both eyes. This was a result of the (untreated) condition ‘dry eye’.
Tilly was very scared initially and difficult to handle, which we suspected was due to her near blindness and very little social exposure.
Tilly’s skin was also in poor condition due to allergies, and unfortunately she had four masses on her skin. We had them removed and they were found to be varying grades of mast cell tumours.
Our foster carer worked hard on Tilly’s nervousness and with treatment, her skin and eyes became more comfortable, but unfortunately Tilly developed two further mast cell tumours.
Thankfully, since then, Tilly has had no further reoccurrence of her tumours, and she is unrecognisable compared to how she was when she came into the Charity’s care. She is happy, well adjusted, sociable, and loving life.
A wonderful outcome for Tilly, and for her foster carers who love her dearly!
If you would like to foster pugs in need like Tilly please see: Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
To find out more about mast cell tumours, please read: Mast Cell Tumours – by PDWRA Vet Advisor, Helen. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
