by Yasmin | 21 Nov, 2024 | Blog, Pug Health
As winter and Christmas approaches, pugs have to watch their waistline, as we all do! However, they rely on us to manage this.
So, here’s a seasonal reminder from our PDWRA Vet Advisor, Helen:
Pugs can put on weight so easily that sometimes we can be unaware that they’ve gained weight. Pugs need to be slim, contrary to how many people perceive pugs. You may not have realised that the first pug photographed above, is overweight compared to the second photo of a pug with the more ideal, healthy looking body .
Keeping your pug slim is so important for it to be as healthy as possible. Pugs suffer from many health issues (for example, breathing issues, bad legs and spine) all of which are exacerbated when a pug is overweight.
Body Condition Score (BCS) is the best way to check if your pug is the right weight, rather than its actual weight. BSC 5 is ideal.
Please follow this link for further useful information that can help you to keep your pug slim and fit, providing the foundation to be as healthy as possible.
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/pug-health/fit-not-fat/
Other useful information on your pugs’ wellbeing:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/pug-health/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/seasonal-hazards-for-pugs/
by Yasmin | 18 Nov, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Written by Kathryn.
I first heard about PDWRA when I attended a pug meet up with my first pug Belle that raised money for the charity. I followed the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PDWRA and in 2021 during the Covid pandemic I decided to apply to foster, as my circumstances had changed and I was working from home.
Within a couple of days, I heard from my local PDWRA VAC and had a virtual home check. A couple of weeks later I got a call to ask if I could foster a very special pug called Eric, who had some complex health needs. I was supported through the whole process by the VACs and other PDWRA volunteers from all over the country.
In August 2021 my Belle became poorly and we found out she had a huge tumour on her lung, she passed peacefully with all of her family around her (and Eric). Eric was there to help me through the first few days and in September 2021 Eric found his forever home that could cater for his special needs. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I was left without a pug, my home was soooo clean but my heart was empty. After the first night in bed alone I knew I had to contact my VAC to ask if there were any pugs who needed a home. The next day I spoke with some wonderful volunteers from around the UK and by the weekend I found Minnie.
From the minute we picked her up she fell in love with my dad, she stared at him the whole way home. Minnie helped me to feel happy again, she is full of character, she adores babies (human and animal), hotdogs and crunchy leaves. She hates horses on TV or dogs barking. The vets love her to the point where I’ve even been given a discount for free cuddles 😂.
The following year we decided to get a boy puppy and Minnie became his foster mam. She will always be the boss but she is the best cuddler and playmate to Eddie and she lets him use her as a pillow.
Volunteering for PDWRA was one of the best things I have ever done. It has been an emotional rollercoaster at times but I have met some of the most amazing people who have given me some of the best advice and the support has been second to none.
Even 3 years on, I know I can reach out for advice if I need it. I am so grateful to all of the volunteers involved in bringing Minnie into my family, she is and will be forever loved.
By Kathryn
If you would like to volunteer, or foster, please apply at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
or
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 10 Nov, 2024 | Blog, News, In Memoriam
Here is adopted Margo, reflecting, as we all are today on Remembrance Sunday.
Lest we forget …..
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
To All the Men, Women and Loyal Animals who sacrificed and served together.
We will remember them.
by Yasmin | 29 Oct, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
It’s that time of year again when we can anticipate, and prepare for fireworks during the winter months, likely to begin at Halloween, for Diwali, traditionally Bonfire night right through to the New Year celebrations!
As many as a third of all dogs will become stressed or react towards them.
It may also be the first time some of you will be experiencing how this affects a new pug in your home.
In advance, you may consider:
- Desensitising your pets to noise: Playing fireworks noises quietly using sound CDs, while rewarding calm behaviour, can help them become accustomed to the noise. Play them in the run up to firework season, to help them see they need not be afraid.
- Anxiety relief products: Anxiety relieving products containing pheromones are an effective way to help your pet stay calm, also comforting jackets are like a big hug! There are so many products around so do research them.
When nights for fireworks are expected:
- Walk your dogs before it’s dark.
- Watch out for spent fireworks on the ground or under blown & scattered autumn leaves.
- Feed your dogs before fireworks are expected to begin, as they may be too stressed to eat later on.
- Make sure your house or garden is escape-proof, as they can bolt or go missing. (Check their microchip registration is up-to-date!)
- Keep windows and curtains closed, the lights on and turn the TV on to play music to help drown out the noise.
- Create a safe, cosy place for your dog to settle before it gets dark. Dogs enjoy cosy dens.
- Keep them entertained to take their mind off the noise.
- Comfort and reassure them.
- Do not leave them alone at home or elsewhere.
- For Halloween, take precautions to make trick/treaters aware that you are not participating, so that the doorbell isn’t rung throughout the evening. We all know how our dogs react to that!
Classic FM’s Pet Classics | Classic FM is back this year, to help calm pets and their owners during the bright lights and loud bangs outside during fireworks season
Special sessions on Classic FM, will be playing soothing classical music for all pets and animals who might feel anxious, stressed or scared, providing an audio sanctuary for the nation’s animals .
Charlotte Hawkins will host the first programme on Saturday 2 November and Dan Walker on Tuesday 5 November, in his first appearance on the programme designed to help relax your furry friends on Bonfire Night.
Both shows will be broadcast between 5pm to 9pm to coincide with the busiest evenings for firework displays. Record them, to use for those other similar nights.
Further Advice & tips can be found at:
by Yasmin | 17 Oct, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
*** GREAT NEWS UPDATE! Bunty & Bobby will be moving to their Forever Home soon! ***
****
Bunty and Bobby are a 6-year-old bonded couple, in need of their forever home. They have always lived together, and would need to stay together.
Bunty is a black female pug, and Bobby a long haired blonde male Chihuahua.
Both are sociable with people and other dogs and have previously lived with children and a cat.
Bunty & Bobby are affectionate and enjoy their cuddles. Bobby especially thoroughly enjoys being groomed.
They enjoy their daily walks though can show some on-lead reactivity in the form of barking at other dogs whilst out on them. They will also bark to alert of someone at the door, or other suspect indoor environmental sounds.
Support will be given to any potential adopter to help improve these behaviours if it’s needed.
Bunty has been on a weight loss journey that her foster carers have begun, which will need to be continued to her target weight range, and more defined waistline! Other than this, both dogs are in good health.
Bunty and Bobby are ideally looking for a home with children of 8 years+, due to Bobby’s delicate, tiny size, and can live either as an only couple, or with other kind and friendly small dogs or cats.
If you feel you can offer the perfect home for this adorable pair, please reference Bunty 24198 & Bobby 24199 on your adoption application form.
Please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you are already registered to adopt with us, please contact your local PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
