by Yasmin | 29 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Peppa is a very special pug, estimated to be around three years old when she came into our care with an irreversibly damaged eye. She had emergency surgery to remove it along with surgery on her remaining eye, to prevent the same happening to it.
She also has an abnormally shaped back leg which we believe was due to being crated for long periods, restricting her development. This can limit her walks to 20-30 minutes but despite all this, Peppa is an amazingly happy, energetic and loving pug, with a zest for life.
We have been reporting on her progress: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/peppas-progress/
Peppa has now had surgery on one of her legs, and is recovering well, so will be ready for her forever home when this is fully completed.
Although tiny (5kg!), Peppa can be very bossy, bark a lot and play a little too roughly with dogs her own size.
Download to view video: a3ec1d7a-c154-41ba-a91c-5edef7be3676
We are therefore looking for a very specific home for Peppa, ideally with a larger well-balanced dog, who she will enjoy playing with, and a human who has sound dog experience, able to deal with her dominant nature.
Download to view video: 10d8a7cb-5b57-48ca-b85d-a238f7e9b3b7
Peppa needs a home with someone who is around most of the time as she loves the attention, and better suited with older children only.
Peppa is sweet, funny and a joy, and it is hard not to fall in love with her!
If you feel you can give a home to Peppa where she can thrive, please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Quoting Reference: PEPPA 23007 on your application form.
If you are already on our waiting list and are interested in adopting Peppa, please speak to your Area Coordinator directly.
More of Peppa’s story can be found at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/peppas-progress/
THE BEST NEWS is that Peppa has recovered fully and off to her forever home!
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/peppas-amazing-progress-ready-for-her-forever-home/
Thank you!
by Yasmin | 28 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Fantastic news: Bobby has found his special, forever home!
In the meantime, he has progressed really well in foster despite the overhead distractions of birds and planes there.
Many things have been tried to help him find a sense of calm and safety, including licky mats, scatter feeding, chews, quiet time with the curtains closed and without noise, plus rewarding him when he is relaxed, quiet and calm.
He likes to be involved, here with the gardening, plus his love of the car meant he wanted to go to the Tip too!
We wish Bobby all the best, and that his progress continues in his forever home, so very carefully selected for him by our VAC team.
We also can’t thank our devoted fosterer, who has helped Bobby so much towards getting the best out his his onward life’s journey!
Bobby urgently needs his forever home!
by Yasmin | 25 Apr, 2023 | In Memoriam
From Peppa’s Mum, Diana.
“Peppa passed away unexpectedly at the age of ten and we are all devastated at the loss.
She was full of love and totally devoted to her family. Every door you opened she appeared behind and followed us wherever we went.
She was loved as much as she loved us, and the gap she has left is immense. She really was the best little companion you could ever ask for.
We miss you so much little Peps.
Love from all your family, especially Mum, Dad, Florrie and Niamh.
Mac is wondering where you are and misses your cuddles. Love you so much little pup, you can rest now. xxx”
******
To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this dedicated web page,
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos, to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 21 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Fundraising
*** This Raffle has now closed ***
This Luxury Cornish Caravan Holiday has been WON, courtesy of a very kind donator!
****
Go to PDWRA Mega Auction For Pugs In Need, https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493 to find out more, and purchase tickets!
Tickets are £2 each. Raffle closes at 8pm on Sunday 23rd April.
A one-week holiday, to be taken from one of the following dates:-
2023: October 7th, 14th or 28th
or
2024: March 9th, 16th or 23rd
Based on Trevella Park, Crantock, Cornwall, the comfortable 2 bedroom caravan, has 2 toilets & shower, private WiFi, TV in lounge & main bedroom, washing machine, double glazing & central heating.
Of course, the caravan is dog friendly, allowing up to 3 small dogs or 2 larger dogs!
With secured decking & private parking.
Crantock beach is one of the best beaches in Cornwall & is dog friendly all year round.
The Draw will take place at 8pm on Sunday 23rd April.
The lucky winner will be picked by an independent person using the random.org number generator.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
by Yasmin | 15 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
* Bobby has since found his forever home!* https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/bobby-has-found-his-forever-home/
Bobby is a very sweet 2 year-old boy who desperately needs to be settled into a forever home as soon as possible.
He lived as an only dog with a young family who unfortunately couldn’t cope with him, likely due to being unable to give him the attention and socialisation he needed, which has made him an anxious young boy.
Bobby is naturally an active, playful, inquisitive and affectionate pug who loves company and interaction. His misbehaviour when left alone in his original home meant he would tear at flooring or have accidents indoors.
He has had a few temporary moves, including to a fosterer who had a dog that didn’t get on with Bobby, so it was not his fault, just unfortunate, and why he urgently needs stability and security in a final move to someone who understands dog behaviour, is patient, and can provide suitable training so that he can enjoy his best life!
– He adores people and gets very excited with visitors, running to greet them as he does when people greet him in public.
– He doesn’t like to be left alone but will take himself off to a quiet spot for some down time when he knows people are around.
– His favourite thing is rolling over for tummy tickles. He’s often on the go, but does enjoy snuggle time too, especially in the evenings.
– He enjoys play and his toys, although sometimes he can get a little carried away with excitement.
– Bobby shows no signs of fear towards people or other dogs. He gets very excitable and interested, wanting to play with them.
– He loves to go for walks and is excellent on the lead.
– We are unsure of his tolerance of cats.
Bobby needs to be on a gluten free diet, no wheat. Changes in his food affected his gut badly and was immediately rectified once he returned to this.
He is fed wet tinned food, also poached chicken for training treats and in a Kong which keeps him busy for a while. He also really enjoys chews such as dried chicken feet.
There are no other health issues, just behavioural ones that require attention:
– Barking a lot when in the garden and when he can see into the garden from indoors. He barks and chases birds and planes and won’t come on command while doing that.
– He follows commands, but only if he sees a treat in your hand and will respond to his name. With treats he can sit, lie down, shake, leave it and take it!
– He resource-guards. Some things like toys are ok and sometimes he growls a bit, but he’s easily distracted with a treat, though can’t be used too much to be confused with rewarding that behaviour.
– He’s fine being stroked or examined by someone he trusts, though has tried nipping the vets hand when his head was held.
Bobby has recently been neutered which hopefully will help with a few of these issues including the indoor accidents, typically if he’s left alone, or by not getting him outside soon enough. He happily toilets while on walks.
The moves have stressed him, making him even more anxious and restless, so he will require patience and time to transition in a loving home where he can get the care and attention he needs, and so deserves.
To apply to adopt Bobby please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Quoting Reference: BOBBY 23001 in your application form.
If you are already on our waiting list and are interested in adopting Bobby, please contact your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
Thank you!
by Yasmin | 12 Apr, 2023 | Blog
Over the last few years, the popularity of the pug breed seems to have grown enormously. Aside from the fact that they are such wonderful and happy dogs, their notoriety is due in part to more and more pugs being featured on TV and in films, as well as product advertising.
You’ve probably heard of Doug the Pug, based in the US, with several million followers on social media and his own line of pug merchandise! Well, the trend is catching on in the UK too, with the most famous pug on social media being the adorable Pangpang!
Pangpang has a social media following of over 665,000 people and has featured in ads for companies such as Virgin Media and NSPCC’s Letter From Santa and has appeared on the Jeremy Vine Show and ITV’s The Pet Show. Also featuring in The Mail Online, The Sun, My London and Take A Break Pets.
Pangpang in his Happy place!
We were wondering what it’s like to be a pug who’s so much in the limelight and also what it’s like to be the proud parent of such a well-loved pooch, so we spoke to Pangpang’s Dad, Dan to find out more…
- How did you end up being a pug owner and what attracted you to the breed?
I’ve been obsessed with pugs ever since I first saw Agent Frank (the pug agent) in Men In Black. I was struck by how adorable and funny they were and when I first encountered one face-to-face, I discovered that they were even cuter in real life. I liked their playful nature and wanted a dog that would be good around kids so a pug seemed like the perfect breed for me. On the day I moved into my first apartment in China, a friend got me a pug as a surprise and from there I was hooked.
- How did you decide on Pangpang to be your pug companion?
Having previously been a pug dad, I was sure I wanted to get another pug. At the time, I wanted to adopt a pug but wasn’t having any luck and eventually saw a few photos of Pangpang online and he reminded me of my first pug in terms of his personality and his facial features so knew he was the one for me. I called up to reserve him on the spot and ended up taking him to his forever home on 26 December so he’s my little Christmas miracle.
- What advice would you give to anyone considering adopting a pug?
I think adopting a pug should always be the preference over getting a pug from a breeder and the PDWRA is really helping to make this process easier, so definitely register with them to get put on the waiting list. Once you get notified that there is a pug needing a forever home, it’s always a good idea to learn about their specific circumstances (e.g. good with kids, can’t be around other pets etc.) just to ensure it’s a good match for your personal situation. And because pugs really need attention from their hoomans and can get separation anxiety, I would only recommend getting a pug if someone in the household is at home most of the time. If you work 9-5 in the office every day, a pug will get lonely and bored as they love to interact with people. If your situation allows, however, I’m sure adopting a pug will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
- What’s your favourite thing about having a pug in your life?
This could be a very long response…😂 To me, they’re just so loving and are determined to be your best friend at all times. They fill your home with happiness and I love their big personalities. Basically, Pangpang brings so much joy that I can’t imagine my life without him. I also love the way Pangpang has a calming influence on my life – if I’ve had a stressful day, he’s able to make me forget about it in 5 minutes as he’s always making me laugh.
- In what ways has your life changed since becoming a pug parent?
I eat less blueberries and cucumber as the Very Important Pug (VIP) in my life has first dibs 😂 But in all seriousness, he’s been a really positive addition to my life. Having Pangpang makes me more active as I always want to take him places and ensure he’s getting the right amount of exercise. I don’t spend time playing computer games anymore as all my free time goes to him. I think having a dog makes you a happier person all-round.
- How did it come about that Pangpang embarked on the celebrity route?
Initially, I started Pangpang’s Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook accounts because I wanted my friends and family who met him as a puppy to be able to keep up to date with how he was doing. He was such a hit with everyone who met him that I was regularly being asked for his latest photos and videos so thought this would be a good way to share them. However, after posting, the feedback from pug lovers from around the world was amazing so I decided to keep going with it. For me it’s more about Pangpang having amazing experiences and doing cool stuff that he enjoys than being a celebrity – I just want him to have the best life possible.
- What’s it like being on set with Pangpang?
It’s a bit of a weird feeling to be honest. I found that I was the nervous one and that Pangpang was a natural born performer. The times we’ve been on set (like when we did commercials, The Pet Show, and The Jeremy Vine Show) he was absolutely buzzing. I was keen to see that he wasn’t anxious or scared by all the props and people and I needn’t have worried – he was so excited to be exploring new places and making new friends. The crew all made a big fuss over him and I was on dog treat duty so it was a lot of fun and definitely something I’d consider doing again in the future.
- How easy was it to train Pangpang to do tricks?
I was fairly new to training dogs when I got Pangpang but i decided that I was going to start from day one. I could never have imagined that he would learn so many tricks by the time he was just two months old. By this point, he knew sit down, turn around, high five, shake hands, speak, wait, give a pug kiss and – my personal favourite – play dead, among others. I found it really easy because Pangpang is so food-motivated that he focuses really hard as he’s determined to get the treat.Now and again, I’ll try to teach him something new as I think it’s a great way to form a really strong bond with your dog and keep them mentally stimulated. Most recently, he learned how to press buttons, bells and objects, jump up (when he wants picking up) and go to a set place. I’m still amazed by how quickly he learns tricks and commands when there’s a treat going!
- How well does Pangpang cope with his celebrity status, has it gone to his head at all?
He’s very modest about it really. I inform him when he receives lovely messages from his online friends. And I let him know when he’s going viral but he normally just looks as me blankly like “how many treats will that get me then?” I hope it will lead to more exciting opportunities for Pangpang in the future as I just want him to have an amazing life and all the experiences I could wish for him. For example, one of my little dreams for Pangpang is to experience life in Japan or the US so fingers crossed he lands a major movie role one day. It would also be cool if Pangpang could appear in a music video for one of my favourite artists.
- What’s your favourite thing about being a parent to a celebrity pug?
Haha I’m a bit shy about calling him a celebrity but as long as he’s making dog and pug lovers smile around the world that makes me really proud. I still find it a bit crazy that 38 million dog lovers saw one of his videos but it’s definitely a great achievement for him. Really though, it’s when you receive messages saying that he brightens people’s day and helps them through difficult times that we realise the positive impact he’s having. I like for him to get involved in interesting projects like the NSPCC Letter from Santa campaign and we’ve really enjoyed cooperating with the PDWRA to help raise awareness of the amazing work you do to help pugs in the UK. Ultimately, I hope that I can become a full-time stay at home dog dad and spread happiness through Pangpang’s content while spending all my time with him.
- How much of your time is involved in updating Pangpang’s various social media channels?
I try to keep a close eye on how much time I spend on social media as my focus must always be on keeping Pangpang happy, healthy and enjoying his best pug life. I love making content that captures the joy of being a pug pawrent and that he enjoys too – which is why lots of my content involves Pangpang eating dog treats! But over the years, I’ve definitely become more efficient with producing content so I find it’s not too time-consuming anymore.
- What do you think it is about the pug breed that makes people fall so head over heels in love with them?
They are so cute and funny that they capture your heart with ease. I think a lot of people are drawn to their faces as they look adorable. Then there’s the famous pug head tilts – I don’t think anyone can resist these, right? I sometimes get people approach me on walkies saying things like “I don’t really like dogs but your dog is so cute that I had to come and say hello”. I also think they have a reputation for being a friendly breed of dog which is important. This was definitely something I considered as I wanted a dog that would be welcoming of guests to the house and Pangpang is certainly that – pug kisses seem to be compulsory if you sit down on the sofa!
We’d like to give a huge thanks to Dan for making the time to talk to us and if you’d like to keep up to date with Pangpang’s adventures, check out his links below to find out more –
www.pangpangthepug.co.uk
www.youtube.com/c/pangpangthepug
www.instagram.com/pangpangthepug
www.tiktok.com/@pangpangthepug
www.facebook.com/itspangpangthepug
https://twitter.com/pangpangpug
by Yasmin | 11 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News
Today is National Pet Day, April 11th. Although if you’re a pet owner, you know there’s not a day that goes by that you don’t celebrate your animal companion.
So perhaps hug your beloved pets just a little more, today (as if you need an excuse!).
We all know that apart from stealing our hearts, they also contribute to our overall cardiovascular health by lowering cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Our pets help us to cope with every day, life stresses.
National Pet Day was founded in 2006, by Colleen Paige, an animal welfare advocate and pet and family lifestyle expert, to celebrate the joy pets can bring to us. But she also wanted to bring attention to the ongoing needs of many pets of all kinds waiting in shelters to be adopted.
She encouraged people who wanted purebred dogs and cats to contact rescue organisations instead of going to a breeder. “Don’t shop! Adopt!” became the holiday motto.
Though started in the US, it soon expanded internationally. Pet lovers now mark the day in many countries across the world and celebrities help to spread the cause from their highly visible platforms.
Here’s a small selection of our beloved companions who illustrate why they mean so much to us:
by Yasmin | 9 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
1 week since our Appeal for homes for puppies’ Alvin & Simon, they have found their forever homes.
Along with their siblings they will all be enjoying a very special EASTER with their new families!
We thank everyone for their interest in them, plus the applications we received. There are many pugs who still need homes, so please consider applying to us:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 7 Apr, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories
I first heard about the PDWRA when I went to a nail salon and we all got talking about our dogs! One of the members of staff mentioned her mum fosters pugs for the charity, and without a second thought I applied to adopt!
Having a 7 year old puggle at home I knew I would have to wait a while before finding the perfect pug to suit us, and a few months later I got a call from the PDWRA about a little lad named Teddy who was in need of his forever home.
Teddy was only 11 months old when I adopted him, but had already been moved from four different homes, with his 5th being with his wonderful foster mum Rebecca and her family. After two days of hearing about Teddy I was on my way to London to meet Rebecca and bring him to his new home.
Whilst waiting for Teddy, I started my research on the best ways to introduce another dog to Molly the puggle, and the PDWRA said that if I needed help or guidance, they would be there for me as Teddy settled in. Some of the best practices included:
- Introduce the dogs outside where they can sniff, play, and get to know each other on neutral ground
- Praise positive behaviours
- Make sure you enter the home first, don’t let the dogs go in first as they may become territorial
- Watch for signs of stress in the home, recognize when the dogs might need their own space
- Establish a safe space for the new dog
I was really lucky with Teddy that he was already crate trained so it didn’t take long for him to realise where his bed and safe space was, but the other advice really helped me get him settled in with his new grumble.
When he arrived, we went straight into the garden for him to see that was where he would go to the bathroom, amongst other things, although not unexpectedly we had a couple of rug poop mishaps in the first couple of days, which is to be expected when the dog is getting over the stress of settling into a new environment.
The introduction between him and my dog Molly went really well and I’m so pleased I looked into the best practices!
Molly certainly tells him who is boss when he gets too excitable, but has welcomed Teddy into our home brilliantly. He is definitely part goat, I often find him sat on my work desk, on the dining table and even sat on the toilet seat (yes there has been an open toilet incident…he was fine, and hasn’t learnt his lesson).
I can’t thank his foster mum Rebecca enough for getting my boy ready for his forever home and for doing such a great job taking care of him. He’s stolen my heart, and the hearts of my family and friends! He’s such a great character and keeps me entertained, on my toes, and full of joy!
3 months later, since Teddy came into our lives, it’s June and it’s like he’s been here forever!
He has discovered his love for the garden and has claimed the comfy chair as his own! Teddy loves to play with his big sister Molly, and he has brought back her puppy energy; they love chasing each other around the house (often when I am on a work call!) and they bolt around the common on our walks.
Teddy loves every dog and person he meets, and he’s made some friends in the local park. His recall is fantastic, and he is often by Molly’s side. Adopting Teddy was definitely one of the best things I have done and I couldn’t be happier with my little family!
by Yasmin | 6 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Pug Health
Written by Helen McKee (MRCVS)
PDWRA Vet.
For this month’s health topic, I’m writing about seizures, which I suspect a significant number of you have had the misfortune of experiencing.
The conformation (shape) of a pug’s skull has been altered compared to non-brachycephalic dog breeds, such that it can alter brain function through both physiology (normal working of brain) and actual physical boundaries.
Since the brain is compromised because of these factors, it can result in a variety of brain conditions, the most common being seizures, which we see all too commonly in pugs.
A seizure can be a very frightening thing to observe, especially when it is your own dog. They can vary from what is known as a ‘Petit Mal’, when the signs are very mild, to a full blown ‘Grand Mal’ with severe signs such as shaking, rigidity, frothing of mouth and involuntary urination and/or defecations.
Pugs can have seizures for a variety of reasons, but the most common cause is ‘idiopathic epilepsy’, that is, epilepsy of an unknown cause, however it is important to rule out other conditions before coming to this diagnosis.
If your pug has a seizure, make a note of time, date, length of episode and severity (seizure diary). A video of the episode is really helpful for a vet, though easier said than done when witnessing your pug having a seizure which can be very distressing.
If the pug comes out of it quickly and appears normal after, it may be a one off. I have seen pugs have one off seizures as a result of some ‘stress’ on the body, such as a change in the environment (a new puppy!) or it’s body (an infection like cystitis).
It may be a one-off event, however if it happens again, you will need to take your dog to the vets to be examined. The vet will likely take blood to look for metabolic conditions that can cause seizures, such as liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy). By far the majority of times, these blood tests come back as normal.
There are rare conditions of the brain such as Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis (GME), Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) or a brain tumour, but these conditions are progressive with other clinical signs including head pressing, circling and behavioural changes, and it will soon become apparent that it is not epilepsy. Unfortunately all three conditions tend to be terminal.
Your vet may suggest carrying out an MRI scan in these cases and where medication is not controlling the symptoms, however, if you can’t afford a scan, then MRI won’t alter the outcome; it will just give a diagnosis. GME can be confirmed by taking a sample of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain (CSF).
However, the MAJORITY of cases of seizures in a pug, are caused by idiopathic epilepsy, a condition they have for life, but is normally able to be controlled through anti-seizure drugs such as Epiphen.
Depending on the frequency of your dog’s seizures, it may not need medication, for example, if they occur every 6 months it won’t warrant being on medication for a life time; It’s all about symptoms vs medication and its side effects.
Having been in contact with a specialist veterinary neurologist, who has a specific interest in idiopathic epilepsy in pugs, the drug of choice is Epiphen (phenobarbital). The dose is altered depending on therapeutic blood levels of the drug, so regular blood tests will be required initially.
Most pugs will respond to Epiphen only, however if the medication isn’t controlling the dog’s seizures, other anti-epileptic drugs can be added, such as Pexion.
Your vet can refer you to see a specialist neurologist at any stage, or if you’re concerned about the treatment.
This is by no means exhaustive, but merely an overview to enable some understanding of seizures and their potential causes.
I hope you find it helpful.
Helen.
PDWRA Vet.
by Yasmin | 6 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Pug Health
Why you should let your dog sniff as many lamp posts as they want?
While such behaviour may be frustrating for owners and dog-walkers, experts say you shouldn’t yank your curious pet away.
Article by Joe Pinkstone
SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT
26 March 2023
Dogs should be allowed to sniff as many lamp posts as they want when out on a walk and not be yanked onwards by bored owners, a canine expert has said.
Walks are often perceived by owners as being solely for exercise and to keep a dog physically fit but veterinarians say they also play a vital role in mental stimulation.
Some dogs, especially as they get older, walk with less vigour and for shorter periods of time, preferring to plod slowly and investigate the scents around them.
This should be embraced by owners, even if it is frustrating, counter-intuitive and boring for the walker, veterinarians believe.
In a talk on how to adapt to living with a geriatric dog at BSAVA Congress 2023, experts spoke about the value of ensuring a dog was still fulfilled, active and stimulated even as its body slows down or it develops age-related health issues, like osteoarthritis.
‘Sniffing is really, really important’
“I think you have to make a mental switch when you’ve got a dog with osteoarthritis; instead of it being you and your mate going out for a really nice walk wherever you want, there has to be some walks that are for the dog,” Zoe Belshaw, a veterinary surgeon working on the BSAVA Old Age Pets project, said.
“As most dogs age, they become increasingly motivated to sniff, irrespective of whether or not that’s what they wanted to do before. I think it’s a massively important part of their quality of life, being able to sniff.
“[Older] dogs don’t need to be marching for the whole ten minutes of a walk.
“If you have ten minutes and they go ten metres but spend nine and a half minutes sniffing a lamp post; for that dog that is probably so much better than you trying to drag it around a circular walk around the block.
“Sniffing is really, really important. You just have to reframe what the point of that walk is so that you don’t get driven berserk by the fact that you’ve been standing by a lamp post for nine and a half minutes.
“Vets should tell owners to get a podcast or do something that makes the time go by to make it not frustrating for them because you see so many dogs being yanked because the owner thinks either the walk is for the dog and it needs to move, or because they themselves are so fed up of the sniffing – but embracing the “sniffari” is really important.”
Other adaptations people can make to ensure life is as easy as possible for an ageing dog include putting down soft, grippy mats to stop them falling over; playing in different ways; feeding them in an innovative manner; and not changing their home environment.
Pug Health & Wellbeing
by Yasmin | 6 Apr, 2023 | Blog, Pug Health
If you’re walking your dog or holidaying in new, particularly grassy areas, you may want to be extra vigilant regarding ticks. They can be present all year round & are not just a warm-weather hazard.
Ticks are 8-legged parasites, related to spiders, that lurk on grass to attach to your dog (mammals) & feed on their blood.
They rank second to mosquitoes in spreading infectious disease to both pets and people. So please regularly check your clothing & your dog after walking in potentially high-risk areas.
There are many ways to avoid & prevent you or your dog from getting them, including safe repellent, or tick-control products.
Although very tiny, they can swell up to the size of a pea after feeding on your dog. If you identify one on your dog, your vet should be consulted to ensure safe removal and no further consequences.
For more detailed information please see:
by Yasmin | 5 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Pug Health
It’s officially Spring and Easter is upon us already, so it’s worth remembering the potentially dangerous hazards that are around to our furry friends.
Temptation will be indoors and out, so please be vigilant, and know what to avoid, reminding visitors or children who may not be as aware as we are, so to enjoy this time of year, safely:
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 don’t 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, 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.
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.
To learn more about chocolate toxicity and the signs and symptoms: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/chocolate-poisoning?
For more on Easter dangers: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/easterdangers?
FURTHER FOOD HAZARDS include:
– All chocolate, lying around, discarded or forgotten out on Easter hunts!
– Fruit or Simnel cake, hot-cross buns, anything with sultana’s and raisins (grapes)
– Traditional roasts where bones can easily splinter
– Stuffing, gravy, anything which may contain onion, chives, garlic.
– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty foods
Although 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 off their food, or finding it difficult to go to the toilet!
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.
There’s a whole array of OTHER hazards, especially outdoors, including: poisonous plants & bulbs, weed killer, pesticides including slug pellets, compost bins, even grass cuttings!
Many different plants commonly found in the home, gardens and outdoor areas can make your dog ill. Some of these are highly poisonous, 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.
For more information, please see:
Poisons | Dog health | The Kennel Club
Including a comprehensive list of poisonous plants:
Poisons in your garden | Dog health | Kennel Club (thekennelclub.org.uk)
On a sunnier note, here are some, from many, that are regarded to be safe for our dogs:
However, if you suspect your dog might have ingested anything that is appearing to make them ill, contact your vet immediately.
by Yasmin | 2 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News
Paul O’Grady MBE – 14/6/55-28/3/23
We very much wanted to express our great sadness at the recent passing of Paul O’Grady. As well as his glittering TV career, he was also incredibly active over many years with dog rescue and rehoming causes and will be particularly remembered by animal lovers for this. He has left five rescue dogs of his own.
From 2012 to 2023 Paul presented ‘Animal Orphans’ and ‘For The Love of Dogs’, the latter being centred around the incredibly important work of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Apparently, Paul had wanted to work on a show like this for years and it was a role he took to with great passion and enthusiasm.
Over the 11 years of shooting ‘For The Love of Dogs’, Paul brought the importance of rescuing dogs right into our living rooms and helped to raise awareness of this issue to unprecedented levels. In each episode he interacted with members of the Battersea staff, highlighting a selection of dogs in their care and following their stories through to successful adoptions. It’s reported they have received over £100,000 in donations since Paul’s passing earlier this week.
Although originally only scheduled to last for 6 days, Paul ended up staying on as a volunteer for 6 months and at the end of the 1st series was invited to become an ambassador for the home. As a mark of thanks, a bronze statue of his late dog, Buster, who ‘co-hosted’ the Paul O’Grady show, was erected on a plinth at the centre.
Ultimately, the show was so successful that it won several awards, including ‘Favourite Factual Show’ (5 times) and ‘Most Popular Factual Entertainment Programme’ (twice). It was also nominated for a BAFTA for ‘Best Features Programme’ in 2013.
Also in 2013, Paul took part in the ‘Pedigree Feeding Brighter Futures’ campaign which aimed to give a million meals to rescue dogs nationwide. In September 2016 he was recognised for his work with animals when he won the award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare’ at the RSPCA’s Animal Hero Awards.
From Olga Productions PAUL O’GRADY’S FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS November 2019 on ITV
Pictured: Paul O’Grady and Pancake the Pug at Battersea
Paul died unexpectedly but peacefully, on 28th March 2023 at the age of 67. His death was announced by his husband Andre Portasio and tributes quickly came in from his many high-profile friends. We’d like to express our sadness and best wishes to all of his family and friends and also express our deep gratitude for everything he did to publicise and help the cause of dogs in need.
ITV will broadcast a tribute show titled For the Love of Paul O’Grady on Easter Sunday, 9th April, 8pm and have confirmed that the 11th series of Paul O’Grady For the Love of Dogs will premiere on Thursday 13th April at 8.30pm.
by Yasmin | 1 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
UPDATE: 1 week on, Alvin & Simon have found their forever homes. Along with their siblings they will all be enjoying a very special EASTER with their new families!
ORIGINAL POST:
We are looking for 2 suitable forever homes for puppies, Alvin and Simon!
They are nine-week-old male pug puppies who came from a litter of four. We have already found homes for their siblings.
*Alvin and Simon require homes with plenty of time to give, and have given serious thought to taking on, potentially a 15-year responsibility.
*More suited in a home with children of 8 years plus.
*They are typically playful, confident pups, who are both healthy, busy, cuddly, and love attention.
Alvin is the more boisterous of the two!
If you feel you can provide the right, dedicated, forever home for either Alvin or Simon, please apply here: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Quote Reference: Alvin 23062 or Simon 23064 on your application form.
If you are already on our waiting list & are interested in adopting one of these delightful pups, please contact your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
by Yasmin | 28 Mar, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Doug is one of those special pugs who needed a particularly calm environment to settle into.
He was reactive and anxious but there was a gentle, loving pug seeking reassurance under his potentially problematic reactivity and barking.
Dear Doug has found his desirable countryside home where he can thrive, and we couldn’t be happier for him and his new family who will benefit from his loving companionship too!
Dear Doug needs a countryside home!
