by Yasmin | 14 Apr, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Sam Harrington-Lowe is Director, Founder and Managing Editor of Silver Magazine, an edgy, exciting online magazine for the 50+ market where she examines what your Midlife Coming of Age is, why it’s so amazing, and how you can get there!
Sam is a volunteer for PDWRA who fosters occasionally as well as transports whenever she can and there’s a need for it in her area. In March, Sam had an article published talking about how she has recently fostered a blind, deaf 15-year-old pug. She says that whilst this has made life a little more complicated it’s also been rather magical…
Miss Bones was Sam’s new arrival. She says that “Her owner died. Imagine being fostered out at 15 after a lifetime with one family. When she arrived she was frightened and in flight mode.
Incumbent Alice in front of Miss Bones.
Sam already had a pug, Alice Pickle, who we all knew could be a little diva and was fussy about fostering other pugs so Sam had to be careful offering sometimes! So, although Alice Pickle wasn’t a huge fan of Miss Bones at first, especially not understanding that Miss Bones is blind and why she bumps into her, it wasn’t too long before they starting to sit closer together.
“As for Miss Bones, she barely knows Alice is there. It’s very hard for a pug that can barely even see if it’s day or night. After a day or two crashing around trying to escape, the pheromone diffuser and industrial strength hemp oil kicked in and she settled, found her stride, started to trust us, and we formed some routines.”
“Miss Bones is amazing. She’s mapped out the ground floor of the house, doing laps over and over, touching things with her nose to test the boundaries, and walks around it without hesitation now.
We have to be careful of not ambushing her by leaving things lying around where she’s not expecting them. Added bonus is that my daughter now has to be tidier, or Miss Bones goes a cropper…”
As you can tell, with time and adjustments to help each other, Miss Bones found a very happy, secure and loving home with sisterly companionship in Alice Pickle. Thanks Sam!
Read Sam’s full article here
You can find out more about Silver Magazine here
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If you could Foster and make an enormous difference to lives, please see our webpage & apply there:
Fostering
by Yasmin | 13 Apr, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 THANKING ALL APPLICANTS! 👏
We are delighted to say that Oscar & Milo are comfortably in their Adoptive Home!
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APPEAL INFORMATION:
Bonded boys Milo and Oscar are keen and ready for their Forever Home together!
Due to long working-hours changes at home, this delightful pair of boys, who can live with children and other sociable dogs are looking for their adoptive home.
We’re informed, No cats though!
Oscar is four years old.
and Milo is five.
Both boys are neutered and vaccinated.
They are affectionate and love a cuddle.
They are crate and housetrained.
If you have any specific questions about them, please email Jane at: central@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Our Guidelines for Adopting, including Bonded-Pairs, are at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Thank you!
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To see the difference adoption can make to your life and theirs, see some of our heart-warming Rescue & Adoption Stories for Bonded-Pairs at:
Perfect Pairs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
by Yasmin | 4 Apr, 2025 | Blog, News, Fundraising
👏 ** THE PRIZE DRAW has been made – Raffle Closed ** 👏
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It’s looking like the Most Popular Raffle Prize we’ve had so far, this year!
Brand New in the box, the latest model, NINJA WOODFIRE PRO CONNECT XL ELECTRIC BBQ GRILL AND SMOKER.
RRP £449. It could be yours, for just £2 per raffle ticket.
The future of outdoor cooking – controlled by your phone this will make your Summer entertaining!
From the UK’s No.1 BBQ brand, Pro Connect app controls your BBQ & monitors cooking progress from your phone.
It burns natural wood pellets for authentic smoky flavours & the large grill fits up to 10 burgers, 40 hotdogs or 2 whole 3kg chickens
Electrically powered & weather resistant, for year-round outdoor use.
This fantastic prize could be yours if you join our Raffle in PDWRA’s Facebook Mega Auction Group: (6) PDWRA Mega Auction For Pugs In Need | Facebook
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The Draw will take place by video, at:
7pm on Wednesday 9th April
with free delivery to the Winner’s UK home address.
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For full Prize details and to buy Tickets, please join our Facebook group if you are not a member yet.
Ticket acknowledgements will be made within the Mega-Auction Facebook Group only.
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For more information about Fundraising, please see our webpage: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/
by Yasmin | 2 Apr, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Hello everyone. My name is Esme and I first came to PDWRA a few years ago.
I’ll start with the day I was told I had a new Furever Home. I was transported from my foster home to another lovely volunteer’s home, and from there I was collected by Myra and her daughter, Melissa.
I was taken to my new home where I met my new brother, Rupert (a Jack Russell/Chihuahua cross). As I explored the house, I found that there were dog beds in each room, one for each of us, (but sometimes Rupert and I like to share together) and a large garden, which has lots of birds visiting. I love to chase birds!
I also checked out the most important room, the kitchen… I found that the menu was quite delicious!
It didn’t take me long to find the best spot on the bed that night, with my own pillow, and I must say I slept well. Two days later though, I did not feel good, and my new family realised that I had a problem with my eye, so off I went to the vet. Apparently,
I had an ulcerated cornea, and when the standard treatment didn’t work, I was referred to a specialist, who told me that I needed expensive surgery imminently, or I would lose my eye. As it was a pre-existing condition, the PDWRA agreed to pay the costs. I was then forced to wear the cone of shame for weeks, but thankfully, with the swift action from my humans and help from PDWRA I have been able to keep my eye.
A little while later I began to take interest in Rupert’s toys and so Melissa gave me a toy of my own, and I love it. I don’t play with it very often, but I love to give it a chew from time to time.
When I first came here, I was not used to walking and I had a terrible fear of traffic, but both Myra and Melissa were very patient with me and slowly built up my walking distance, and took time to let me get used to traffic.
I still have a go at big vans if they are too close to me but I can now walk by the road without having to be kept on a short lead. I do still have occasional night terrors but even they have got better the longer I’m here.
Sadly, Myra became ill, and so Melissa took over our care as well as looking after her Mum, who we then sadly lost. Melissa has now become our sole Human and she has made sure that Rupert and I lost nothing but also gained so much, as we now go on doggy adventures to the forest and other local spaces and we’ve been on holidays to the New Forest and Cornwall.
I can now walk up to 7 miles in a day, not bad for a Pug who had never been walking before! Melissa is an actor and film maker and I have actually appeared in a couple of her films, and have even appeared in a travel show for Korean TV!
Thank you PDWRA for all you have done for me and others like me, and I hope that you continue the good work for other Pugs.
For more stories like Esme’s, please see some of our rescue stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 31 Mar, 2025 | Blog, News, Pug Health
Spring is here!
We’re all glad for the drier, brighter, warmer days bringing with it NEW temptations for our furry friends indoors and out. So as usual we need to be vigilant, for them!
Outdoor hazards:
We’re likely to be keen to be outdoors with winter behind us. Springtime activities such as gardening and picnicking can expose pugs to potential hazards like pesticides, fertilizers, and sharp tools/objects.
So, keep a close eye on your pug when they’re outdoors to ensure they’re not exploring things they shouldn’t be, and are in a safe environment.
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.
Please see: Atopic Dermatitis (Itchy skin!). | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
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.
Indoor hazards:
With Easter, it may be 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 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?
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.
For more on Easter dangers: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/easterdangers?
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.
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)
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On a sunnier note, here are some, from many, that are regarded to be safe for our dogs:
If you suspect your dog might have ingested anything that is appearing to make them ill, contact your vet immediately.
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Seasonal Hazards for Pugs
by Yasmin | 24 Mar, 2025 | Blog, News, Volunteering
We could not do what we do for Pugs in Need without dedicated Foster carers.
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More than ever, we are in need of NEW foster homes to support the large number of pugs in our care and welcome Short and Long-term Foster carers.
We also are in particular need of those that can support age-related or special-needs, or accommodate bonded-pairs, as the number of all types of pugs that have been surrendered has increased.
Often those with emotional needs or impaired sight for example, may need quieter homes, sometimes without other energetic pets or young children around them.
If you can help to foster, plus in particular be able to offer any of the following listed, we would love to hear from you!
- Quiet, less busy environments.
- No-Other-Dogs in the home.
- Bonded Pairs accommodated.
- Special-needs, Mobility or Incontinence care.
- Behavioural investment/training.
We match the best environment and care available for each pug’s needs and frequently they need to be in a foster home as soon as possible.
The demand for specific types of homes varies across the regions of the UK, and we would also welcome more from Scotland, the North of England and Wales, plus Avon & Somerset in the South West of England.
For full details on fostering for us, plus to apply directly, please go to:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 16 Mar, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 ** WONDERFUL NEWS: Evie has found her FOREVER FAMILY! ** 👏
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ORIGINAL APPEAL:
This is the lovely Evie. She’s 2 and a half years-old and looking for an experienced parent in a home with no other dogs or children.
We don’t believe Evie has had the best socialisation and can be extremely jealous of her human and over excitable around other dogs (and young children) though will calm down quickly.
If another dog starts coming near she has the urge to attack and barks at them. She reacts particularly towards larger dogs, which may stem from not getting on with one in her previous home.
She can also grumble at being picked up but less so as she gets used to you.
Her new parent will need to help Evie with her behaviour with the attention she needs for this.
Evie is very affectionate too! She likes people, requires all the attention from her human, enjoys cuddles and sitting on laps. She follows the fosterer everywhere.
She gets very excited in the car as she knows she’s going on a walk. She enjoys these!
Evie is fully house-trained and good and obedient at feeding. She understands commands.
She would be ideal as a companion for someone at home that enjoys walking and can help to improve some of her behaviours.
Evie will be spayed next week while in foster so will be recovered and back to normal for her new home.
Could YOU & your home benefit from Evie’s companionship?
Please read our Guidelines for Adopting, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Thank you!
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To see the difference adoption can make to your life and theirs, see some of our heart-warming Rescue & Adoption Stories, at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 9 Mar, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories
We appealed for a Forever Home for Rocky who hadn’t enjoyed a lot of socialisation making him sensitive and reactive, and were lucky to find one so soon and that he’s more than thriving in already!
See Rocky’s appeal: Sensitive Rocky needs a Quiet Forever-Home! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
Rocky’s New Dad describes:
A Day in the Life of Rocky…. ♥❤
Rocky sleeps with us in a memory foam bed and takes up most of the room. He snores really loud but he wakes up as soon as I move.
At 7.30 am we get up and go in the garden to feed the birds, then Rocky has breakfast. We walk along the country road to see the llamas, then we run back. He is super-fast, but he loves to run.
Toy time starts immediately when he gets back. His toys are thrown all over the living room, followed by the zoomies!
Once he’s tired, it’s a massive drink of water followed by belly rub time and cuddle time on the couch with his electric blanket on number 2.
We go for a walk up to a nearby woodland around 12 where Rocky loves to bark. He loves the storms and is starting to respond really well to the local farm animals and wildlife, although he did scare the Minister’s wife on her cycle yesterday when she rode by. It was hilarious and I’m sure this will make an appearance in the next community newsletter. Our late boy Trevor used to do exactly the same.
Snack time as soon as we return home and Siesta time at 2.30pm until 4pm. Then we go on the back field for a run about, working on his recall. Chill time is followed by teatime at 6pm followed by a treat.
Evenings are chill out time, belly rub and cuddle time on the couch. Lots of barking in the garden, and bed time around 11pm. We sometimes see a wee glimmer of sadness hit him, due to his past trauma, but his days are mainly filled with happiness and love. He’s an important and loved member of our pack and he knows this.
We are sure his troubled heart will heal soon.
Rocky’s Proud Forever Parents!
PDWRA couldn’t be happier for such a match made in heaven for this lovely boy who didn’t have the best start in life, Rocky.
Thanks also to Lisa, his dedicated Rehoming Coordinator.
To see some of our other successful adoption stories, please go to:
Rescue Stories | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
or
Blog | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
by Yasmin | 5 Mar, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 ** WONDERFUL NEWS UPDATE: Coco is moving to her PERFECT NEW HOME! ** 👏
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ORIGINAL APPEAL:
Nine year old Coco is looking to retire as an Only-Dog ideally, in her Forever Home.
She enjoys the company of adults and children, though would be best homed with older children if there are any in the home as Coco hasn’t lived with them before.
Although she is fine with dogs when out and about, she would love to live in a home as an only dog as this is the lifestyle she is familiar with.
She loves to get up close and personal, either around her human’s neck or on a lap.
Coco makes it clear when she needs to go out, and when it’s meal times.
She will bark at sudden noises and alert you when someone is at the door. She may also bark in a bid to gain human food, but this is a habit she is slowing unlearning. Coco has started a journey and still has some extra weight to lose.
Coco enjoys her two daily walks. She’s fit enough and willing!
Look past the grumpy exterior of a senior lady, and Coco will make a wonderful, loving companion.
Could YOURS be the perfect home for the lovely Coco?
If you have any specific questions about her or to alert Jane, his Rehoming Coordinator of your application, please email: sw@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Full details on how to apply for Coco, plus the online application form is at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Please reference: Coco 25025
Thank you!
To see the difference adoption can make, from a small selection of our Rescue & Adoption Stories, please see:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 3 Mar, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 ** BEST NEWS UPDATE: Rambo has found his perfect NEW HOME! ** 👏
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ORIGINAL APPEAL:
Introducing 8 year old Rambo, who has been in foster with us and is ready for his Forever, Adoptive Home!
Could Rambo’s Home be Yours?
He can live with other kind & friendly dogs, and older children. He enjoys being made a fuss over, as he’s very loving though he does prefer to lie next to you rather than be a lap-pug!
Rambo is an extra large type of chap; in length, height and width, although he steadily developed a waistline while his poorly elderly Mum couldn’t keep up his usual routine. He’ll eat anything too which doesn’t help! ☺️
House training has also lapsed a little and is work in progress that we are sure will get back on track once in a routine again. He’s using a belly band in the interim. Patience and regular garden trips are needed.
Rambo would love his person or family to be around a lot of the time. It was what he’s used to.
He relishes his walks, and is becoming fitter and fitter. He is the sweetest, funniest boy, who has a character you can’t fail to love.
Rambo’s general health is good. He gets anxious at the vets, but shows no aggression. He just becomes a bag of eels!
Could YOU offer this charmer his Forever Home?
He’s currently in foster in the South West of England.
If you have any specific questions about him or to alert Jane, his Rehoming Coordinator of your application, please email: sw@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Full details on how to apply plus the online application form is at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Thank you!
You can also see the difference adoption can make, from a small selection of our Rescue & Adoption Stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 25 Feb, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories, In Memoriam
By Alison, Rodney’s Mum & Fundraiser for PDWRA.
20th December 2024
Sadly, on 19th December our little Rodney passed away peacefully. He would have been 9 years old a few days later.
Rodney came to us 3 years ago to the day as a Pug Dog Welfare and Rescue Association UK temporary foster boy, for a Christmas stay… We failed miserably at just fostering and he ended up staying with us.
He was a real Mummy’s boy and loved his adopted siblings, Ethel & Leonard. His best hobbies were eating carrots, playing with his large cuddly pumpkin and going out in his “Pug-Buggy” when his little wobbly legs could not carry him anymore.
Here’s Rodney helping with packing merchandise that I design to donate profits to PDWRA, taken a while ago.
Unfortunately, Rodney aged too soon. He had cataracts. His legs became too wobbly through his back problems and was losing control of his bowels.
He was using his pug buggy to go out and about with, which he really loved to do. He was a real Mummies boy.
Ethel and Leonard were quite depressed for about 2 weeks. He leaves a big hole…he was a little Character as are all Pugs!
Rodney’s Mummy, Alison.
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To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this, our dedicated In Memoriam web page:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/in-memoriam/
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos,
to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 13 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Deciding to get a pug was the easy part, as a family we did our research and said yes, it’s definitely a Pug we want, so we got a non-rescue puppy called Wilson, he was a darling…in a devilish sort of way! After 12 months we just knew we wanted to get another pug but this time we wanted to adopt, so I Googled adoptions and rescues and PDWRA came up. So I contacted them, which was really easy to do. I chose PDWRA because I felt they were more than just a rescue, they felt like a family and cared 100% about the pugs, I felt safe knowing it was all about the love and wellbeing of the crazy breed we all love; Pugs!
So, in Sept 2017, after a short while waiting I got a call saying that they’d had a little 12 month girl come into the rescue with skin issues and very hyper!
She met our criteria as we wanted a 12-month-old to join our resident 12-month-old at home. We went to see her and OMG she was a goofy, hyper skinny little lady, she was running around, jumping all over the place, quite the opposite to Wilson.
She had a terrible skin issue that she’s still got today but is managed with medication, she’s all fluffy and healthy now, but still scratches occasionally!
I couldn’t believe it was happening, I was bringing home a rescue! I was nervous and excited and Pepper was anxious during the car ride home, she was whimpering but my kids were in the back seat with her helping to calm her down.
I carried her inside the house and let her down she ran around doing zoomies and found Wilson. It was at that point I knew I’d made the right decision, Pepper & Wilson we’re crazy together from the moment they met, they were inseparable! Initially they had a mad few hours of playing together then they just settled down and slept next to each other like they’d known each other forever, it was a dream come true. A few weeks after getting Pepper she had BOAS surgery to help her tiny little nostrils and she took it all in her stride.
Pepper was a dream from the word go, she was really well potty trained, came back when called and absolutely loves to cuddle and play, even now. 7 years on she’s a beautiful lady, she’s a little greyer around the edges but still a bundle of energy and joy.
After adopting Pepper I wanted to help as much as I could with PDWRA, so over the last 4 years we’ve also fostered 3 pugs, which is an amazing feeling, I’d highly recommended it and the rescue are so supportive throughout the whole process.
Sadly in Dec 2020 Wilson died suddenly at 3 years old, Pepper was so sad, she missed him terribly, so I decided to get another pug puppy. Along came Sid, non-rescue.
Well, I was so nervous for Pepper to meet Sid as she was my main priority but I had nothing to fear, Pepper was excited and happy when Sid came home, she’s certainly the boss and boy does she show it, even now!
Pepper and Sid are inseparable, they adore each other and also enjoy a good squabble too. She is such a diva when it comes to going out in the rain, she just point-blank refuses! Pepper had her teeth removed a couple of years ago, due to them being rotten, she’s got about 2 left and it’s doesn’t stop her eating!
Adopting Pepper from PDWRA was the best decision we ever made, she’s the sweetest little girl and I can’t imagine life without her. Now at 7 years old she’s definitely queen bee in our house, she knows what she likes and doesn’t like and will let know about it too!
Love
Lisa & Pepper xxx
by Yasmin | 12 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Pug Health
This is a follow on from my last article (Pug Eye Conditions: Part 1 of 2) where I discussed corneal ulceration in pugs; causes and treatment.
The conditions I am discussing today are all inter-related; causes of which are similar to those that can result in a corneal ulcer.
Because the bony orbit where the eye rests is very shallow in a pug (due to breeding the brachycephalic head shape), the eyes protrude more than a dog with a snout, which results in too much of the white of the eye showing as per below photograph.
This can result in the following conditions discussed below:-
- Proptosis
- Dry Corneas
- Pigmentary Keratitis
The other two conditions discussed, entropion and distichiasis, are also seen commonly in pugs.
All five conditions can be treated to varying degrees with an operation called a (bilateral) medial canthoplasty or blepharoplasty, which I will describe at the end of the article.
Proptosis
This is where the eye globe becomes displaced out of the bony orbit where it normally sits.
It can often occur after trauma, which can be as little as a slight bang to the head due to the orbit being so shallow.
This is an ocular emergency as the optic nerve is stretched (and can be potentially torn), muscles are damaged and the cornea is completely exposed. If not operated on promptly, the eye will be non-viable.
If the eye cannot be saved /has no vision, the best treatment is removal (enucleation) of the eye.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye
Pugs are prone to Dry Eye, which is where not enough tears are produced by the eye.
They can also have a dry eye, due to the poor quality of tears. And, because of the conformation of a pug’s eye where is bulges excessively, the cornea can become dry because the eyelids don’t actually close together even when the dog is asleep.
A dry cornea can lead to pigment being deposited (PK) on the cornea (see below), as well as the eye being prone to ulceration (discussed previously)
Treatment for KCS involves stimulating tear production with medication. I’m sure many of you are familiar with Optimmune as an eye ointment to treat dry eye, along with Tacrolimus. The latter is also used to reduce the progression of pigmentary keratitis.
As mentioned previously, because of pug’s bulging eyes and proneness to a dry cornea, I use an eye lubricant on my pugs twice daily to help moisturise the cornea and hopefully reducing the likelihood of conditions that develop as a result of a dry cornea (PK, corneal ulceration). I use Carbomer (cheap off Amazon) on my younger pugs, and Lacrilube (now called Xailin Night) on my older pugs, but there are other products available.
Pigmentary Keratitis (PK)
This condition is where pigment is deposited on the surface of a cornea, and can be seen as a black/brown film.
The cause is multi-factorial including excessive exposure of the cornea allowing it to become dry, irritation through eyelashes rubbing on the cornea and a genetic predisposition.
Again, I am sure many of you have seen this pigment on your pug’s eye. The condition is often progressive, and can result in blindness when it covers all the pupil.
Treatment can often involve use of medication for KCS, as well as surgery to reduce the amount of eye exposed ( see base of article).
Laser surgery can also be considered, which will require a specialist ophthalmologist, however it is very expensive and needs a large amount of post-operative care.
Entropion
This condition is commonly seen in pugs, where the eyelids turn inwards, especially at the nose side (medially) which results hairs/eyelashes rubbing on the cornea causing irritation.
Distichiasis
This is where eyelashes (cilia) grow in an abnormal position on the eyelid and rub on the cornea. These hairs can be removed by plucking out (epilating) or by various cauterising treatments though unfortunately the hairs can often grow back.
Medial Canthoplasty or Blepharoplasty
This surgery, known as a medial (often both eyes are operated on and therefore a bilateral medial) canthoplasty of blepharoplasty, is used to treat entropion, and dry corneas, as well as too protruding eyes and prevention of proptosis and pigment deposition (PK).
It essentially shortens the eyelids making the eye openings smaller by closing the inner aspect (at nose side) of the eyelids together as illustrated below.
The effect of this is to improve the dog’s ability to blink and it reduces the overall exposure of the dog’s eye.
The photo shows a pug with recent medial canthoplasty surgery.
In summary
Unfortunately pugs are prone to a number of significant eye conditions, mainly related to their breeding and being brachycephalic. Treatment can involve either eye medication and/or surgery, which can lead to improvement, however treatment is expensive especially the eye operations, which need to be carried out by a specialist.
This is a quick run through of some conditions, however the list is not exhaustive, and is an overview only. More information can be found on the internet, especially with referral veterinary ophthalmologist websites.
And, remember that prevention or early intervention has the best outcomes.
Helen McKee (MRCVS)
Veterinary Advisor for the PDWRA
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Other PDWRA Pug Health Articles.
For more information on Pug Eye Conditions, please see: Eye Problems | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
&
Other Pug Health Conditions, please see: Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
by Yasmin | 12 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
My name is Lizzie, & I have been happily ‘entangled’ to Terry (known as Terry-Two-Pugs by other dog walkers) for 33 years, 16 years married. For 30 of those years we have had a rescue dog in our lives, of all ages, sizes and breeds.
I first fell in love with the pug breed after seeing Ethel’s pug, Little Willie on Eastenders!
We had an elderly Stafffie, Murdoch, before our venture into the wonderful world of Pugs, he was 12 when he came into our lives and had a fun-packed 2 years before he crossed the bridge in early 2022.
I did some research before I started the search on the WWW for a dedicated UK Pug Rescue. Even though I was searching in my county of Lancashire I dropped onto the East Midlands PDWRA Facebook site.
I downloaded the adoption form and we completed it the same evening. Not expecting an immediate response I was surprised to receive a phone call the following day, to discuss Bella and Gracie, who were in foster with Laura and her family as a consequence of COVID.
A photo was sent to us and I was surprised at the lovely colour of Gracie’s coat, as we were expecting a pure white coat and not the scrumptious jersey cream honey colour that she is, and of course the little black shiny pug that was Bella.
Like all our previous rescues, we went with our instincts and our hearts. A remote home check via WhatsApp was arranged for 2 days time, we had our fingers and toes crossed that we would be approved as we were already emotionally invested in them.
After a successful home check, interview and all the relevant admin, we were on our way to meet our little grumble of two from their foster home, Southwards on the M6.
We got back just after teatime, after a peaceful journey home, and they’d slept and snored for the whole journey home.
Bella, a little black pug of 3 years old, and Gracie, a larger white pug, 4 years old, hopped out of the car and strolled nonchalantly through the front door and immediately hopped up onto my chair, claiming it as their own. We’ve learned to share it now, usually with me sitting and them both in a heap on my knee or sleeping snugly at my side.
Sitting in front of the fire and the TV with 2 sleeping Pugs, after they had inspected their new and forever home, knowing where they could pee and poo and play safely in our large enclosed quiet rear garden, where their food and water was and where the cosy doggie beds were situated around the house, we were finally together, 6 days after the initial submission of the adoption form! Now we, our family of 4, had all of their lives of love, laughter and fun wrapped up in caring and nurturing our little pug ladies. Terry was now outnumbered 3 to one.
Bella is a lot in a little dog. She is very vocal when barking, but she also chatters to us very softly. She is very confident with people and other dogs without being aggressive, but she has also mellowed beautifully. She loves sitting on her Mama’s lap watching TV and is a proper Star Trek fan. She is as bright as a button and has her Daddy at her beck and call. Gracie, is a completely different personality to Bella. Gentle, cuddly and a ‘licker’, she is grooming Bella regularly and she would ‘groom’ us too given half a chance.
They both love riding in the car and walks. Their first holiday was in March 2023 to the North West of Scotland in a converted bothy, all cosy and warm. They were fab on the 14-hour journey with hourly stops, and 2-days later we woke to a foot of snow which they both found fun, jumping into drifts and running through the snow. Since that first holiday more have followed, either late Spring or early Autumn and generally there are beaches and countryside involved, as well as plenty of dog-friendly eateries and pubs. If the Pugs are not allowed then we don’t go, as we are a tight fit group of 4 and honorary members of their grumble.
When we’re at home they are either lounging/sleeping on the furniture or their ‘hoomans’, or sitting in our large picture window on ‘paw-patrol’. Well known by locals passing and the small children love them. We can honestly say that we are all a perfect fit.
Anyone considering adopting a pug should be aware that they are extraordinary animals. They take their role of ‘companion dog’ seriously, don’t respect the personal space of others and it’s endearing.
The snoring is LOUD! The fur they shed is endless and is known as ‘pug-glitter’ in our house as it gets everywhere. They are extremely loving and affectionate, with gigantic personalities.
We have so much gratitude for the PDWRA. The match between us and our puggie-ladies is perfect. The adoption process was seamless. Laura, their fosterer, and her family did a great job of caring for them and the information passed to us was invaluable in the early days. Gracie was overweight and on a diet when we collected them and with written instructions, we were able to reach her target weight. Both Gracie and Bella have maintained their optimum weight ever since. They are both food-orientated, so lead training was a piece of cake, but they are pretty good at begging when cake is involved. They love their walks and are very well behaved when off the lead in a safe place. They are very sociable with both dogs and people. Bella is a bit more vocal but settles well within a short time.
We love both of them as much as our own children and grandchildren, who love Bella and Gracie equally. I must admit, the majority of my photos on my phone are Bella and Gracie, as they are both so yummy and photogenic. They regularly feature in the PDWRA Adopters Facebook group as well as my personal feed. We are hoping for many happy years together of walks, beaches, holidays and days out puggie-style, wrapped up in love and laughter!
For more stories like Bella & Gracie’s please see:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
If you are interested in adopting a pug, please go to:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 7 Feb, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 ** GREAT NEWS UPDATE: Over the weekend, Pat has found his NEW HOME! ** 👏
ORIGINAL APPEAL INFO:
8 year old, black male pug Pat, is looking for his specific and special adoptive home.
Please read his criteria:
- Pat would be best suited in a quieter home. Although he is happy to accept visitors if they give him a treat and don’t try to pick him up or fuss over him.
He’s happy to sit in another room during busier and louder times, and watch through a door gate.
- He likes to go visiting and is perfectly behaved in other people’s houses, again as long as they leave him be and don’t touch him.
He will come for a gentle fuss if he deems you worthy though he focuses his trust on his main care giver, and prefers calm, steady men or potentially women.
- Pat could live with older ‘hands off’ teenagers, although once in the circle of trust, he will accept affection more readily.
He would like to live with another dog, and is happy to be lower down in the pecking order.
- Pat is a typically greedy pug, and does snatch a bit for treats when taking them.
- He loves to visit a pub or café and will take a treat from strangers, but again doesn’t like to be over fussed.
- He is excellent off-lead and has a reliable recall.
- Pat will bark at planes/helicopters passing over but doesn’t bark at the television. He will bark at a window if allowed, and can follow a firm verbal correction to “Stop!”.
He may bark if an unknown dog gets in his face though.
- Pat doesn’t need a great deal of exercise in the form of long walks due to hip problems, but he enjoys pottering and going out and about where he likes to observe his surroundings. He does take daily anti-inflammatories for his hips.
Though he will still try to take the opportunity to climb on a table if possible!
- Pat is biddable and can follow instruction. He understands the word “No!” and is not combative unless he thinks he’s going to the vet or having some medical intervention. He will not tolerate being picked up by a person who is not in his circle of trust.
- Cleaning of ears, folds etc. can be managed only after building a relationship with Pat. This may take some time.
- Pat does travel nicely in the car, in a crate or with a seatbelt.
Do you believe you could offer this charming boy his quite specific, and special Forever Home?
If you could, please apply for him referencing Pat 22026 at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you have any specific questions regarding Pat, or to alert Jane, his Rehoming Coordinator of your application, please email: sw@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Thank you!
You can also see the difference adoption can make, from a small selection of our Rescue & Adoption Stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 25 Jan, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 ** FANTASTIC NEWS UPDATE: Rocky is rocking in his NEW HOME! ** 👏
Rocky rocks in his New Forever Home! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
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ORIGINAL APPEAL:
Meet Rocky! He’s a very affectionate and sensitive 6 year old boy.
He has been neutered and has no health issues apart from having a sensitive stomach.
What he does need help with in his Forever-Home, will be behavioural issues, sadly due to not being socialised very well in his past life.
This has made Rocky a very reactive boy, triggered by many things.
It also makes him food aggressive so may nip if startled, therefore he needs to be in an adult-only home, well-supervised if there is another non-reactive canine companion.
He is currently living with another dog in foster though Rocky is very dominant so there is the likelihood it could cause issues with a similar type of dog or a cat.
Rocky having some relaxation time!
Being an only-dog may be the simplest solution but not necessarily the only one if you believe you could invest the extra attention he would need to adjust and feel more secure over time.
Rocky is also petrified of the vet. It’s fear aggression, which our fosterer has been working on, but now he really needs to settle into a dog-experienced, calm & quiet forever home, ideally in the country where he doesn’t have to worry about busy traffic or passing lots of people on walks as he barks a lot in this environment.
Could you, or someone you know, offer Rocky his special Forever home?
If so, please apply referencing Rocky 24226.
If you have any specific questions regarding Rocky,
please email Lisa at: east@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
As for other pugs like Rocky, we may not always have the right homes registered with us at the time they really need one. This can apply to all ages of pug, from youthful to Golden-Oldies or inseparable Bonded-Pairs, each with unique needs to be catered for.
You can specify your preference on your application or no preference at all, which may mean finding a match sooner as we receive all ages naturally, with varying welfare needs to find homes for.
Please see further details with all the joy that pugs bring, on these webpages:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Mature 7years & over:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/golden-oldies/
Bonded, inseparable pairs:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/perfect-pairs/
Do take a look at just a small sample of happy, successful Rescue & Adoption Stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
Thank you.
