Help Pugs in Need with free-to-you, easyfundraising!

Help Pugs in Need with free-to-you, easyfundraising!

 Help Pugs in Need with Every Purchase!

Turn your daily shopping into every day bonuses to Pugs in Need with easyfundraising!

Partnering with over 7,500 brands, they’ll donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice – at no extra cost to you!

All you have to do is start your shopping from the easyfundraising website or app, which they turn into a donation!

It’s simple, and only takes 2 minutes to sign up: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/

Watch our explainer video provided by easyfundraising to see how it works:

 

Click the link to find out more about easyfundraising and how you can sign up today: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/pdwra/

 

“Thanks to all of you” already using easyfundraising while you shop online, to support our Pugs in Need! 🐾💝 …….. it all adds up!


 

To find out other ways that you can donate while you shop, or recycle, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/donate-while-you-shop-or-recycle/

 

Edna needs to be in a Lone-pet Home!

Edna needs to be in a Lone-pet Home!

** GREAT NEWS – UPDATE! **
Edna has found her perfect new home, all to herself!

******

Meet Edna, a beautiful little 6 year old girl.

Edna is looking for her Forever-Home due to unforeseen changes at her family home. This meant that she used to be crated for long periods of time while her parents were at work, so she now really craves love and attention from her humans, and will do so from her new adopter.

Edna has shown also, that she isn’t willing to share attention, resenting any other dogs that take it away from her. There have been spats and they’ve been consistent!

She can also snap at passing dogs if they try to sniff her whilst out walking so Edna really needs someone to help her feel safe and secure, to settle down and find her confidence without upsetting any resident dogs or cats, who she also reacts too unfavourably, in the home.

This is why she can’t be rehomed with other companions as she will literally fight for attention.

She is used to having children around and we recommend that they are older rather than young.

Edna is a real quirky character, described as a diva who will make you laugh for hours.

She doesn’t mind being left on her own for an hour or two and is house-trained. Edna has been spayed and is in good health, though like many, may need a dental somewhere down the line.

So, could YOU or someone you know, offer Edna her forever home? One without other dogs or cats?

Please apply for her, quoting Reference: Edna 24048 at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/

If you are already registered to adopt with us, please speak to your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.

Thank You, from the lovely Edna!

 

For other Rescue Stories and Appeals for Homes, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/

 

Join us at Crufts this Thursday, March 7th!

Join us at Crufts this Thursday, March 7th!

Join us at Crufts this Thursday, March 7th at the NEC Birmingham – Toy Day!

We’re thrilled to be back at Crufts this year and would love to see you there.

PDWRA will be in Hall 4 near Ring 21 /22, at Stand BC17.

Meet some of our volunteers and learn about the various ways they help the charity, about our mission, and the many rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming achievements that are made each year.

You can browse through our selection of merchandise or donate in the usual ways to support our ever-increasing particularly medical pug costs.

 

Crufts is always a great day out where you’ll meet fellow pug enthusiasts as well as other breed lovers of course. Thursday is Toy Day and we hope to see you there!

Please also see other ways that you can help to support us:

Fundraising & Events 2024

Pet Dental Health Month.

Pet Dental Health Month.

February is Pet Dental Health Month.

Our furry friends, especially our beloved pugs, need some extra TLC when it comes to their dental health.

Here are some tips to keep those adorable pug smiles healthy:

  • Regular Brushing: Just like us, pugs need their teeth brushed regularly. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to gently clean their teeth. Start slow and make it a positive experience for them.
  • Healthy Diet: Providing your pug with a balanced diet can contribute to their overall dental health. Avoid sugary treats and opt for dental chews or toys that promote good oral hygiene.
  • Routine Vet Check-ups: Regular visits to the vet are essential for maintaining your pug’s dental health. Your vet can spot any issues early on and provide guidance on how to keep their teeth in tip-top shape.
  • Chew Toys: Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and can help keep their teeth clean. Invest in some quality chew toys for your pug to gnaw on, which can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
  • Stay Vigilant: Keep an eye out for any signs of dental problems such as bad breath, swollen gums, or difficulty eating. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further complications down the road.

Remember, a healthy smile leads to a happy pug! Let’s make sure our furry friends get the care they deserve this Dental Hygiene Month.

Read PDWRA’s Vet Advisor’s article for more information about how you can best care for your dog’s dental health, here:

https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/dental-disease-in-pugs/

Mega-Auction Prize Draw for Ninja Dual Air Fryer!

Mega-Auction Prize Draw for Ninja Dual Air Fryer!

Our Sensational Prize Draw for February, generously donated by a kind supporter is a Ninja AF400UK Dual Air Fryer!

At just £2 per ticket, buy as many as you wish, you can join the growing population of air fryer owners.

The Prize Draw will take place on Sunday 25th February @8pm

Full details are posted in the Mega-Auction group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493
including Paypal details, our preferred payment method, or bank account details will be provided on request.

The winning ticket will be drawn using a Random Number Generator by an independent person & will be recorded by video.

The fantastic prize will be sent to winner directly by Recorded Delivery or Courier.

Good luck to everyone!

For information about PDWRA’s Fundraising and how you can support us, please see:
Fundraising & Events 2024 | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)

Bonnie & Clyde need their Forever-Home Together!

Bonnie & Clyde need their Forever-Home Together!

** GREAT NEWS – UPDATE! **
Our Dynamic Duo were snapped up & are living the dream in their new home!

ORIGINAL POST:

Clyde and Bonnie are a strongly bonded, loving pair, 5 & 6 years-old.

They are being rehomed only due to an unfortunate allergy their young human had towards them, in their previous family.

Bonnie is in charge and leads the way for Clyde. He cries if he doesn’t know where she is so they need to stay together. Bonnie is quite fiesty and can dominate other dogs, including a very chilled out pug in foster so we are looking for a home without other dogs as it may be unfair to those already in the home.

Despite this, they are as adorable as they look!

They absolutely love cuddles and nothing more than to snuggle up on the sofa with a human friend. They are great with older and younger children both of which they have lived with before.

They love their walks. Clyde is great at putting his harness while Bonnie gets over excited and will run round in circles until sorted. They walk well on the lead and Bonnie especially is good when allowed to run off. Clyde will walk further than her if he’s allowed to. Taking him out on his own sometimes gets him more exercise as Bonnie can hold him back.

They are good with other dogs outside of the home but haven’t been tested with cats.

Meal times are peaceful, they eat together, from their own bowls without disturbing the others.

They are both well toilet-trained, Bonnie preferring to go in the garden rather than on her walks. Neither of them have ever had ‘accidents’ in the house.

They are perfect at night time and settle really well. They have a crate which they have liked in the past but prefer their cuddle bed which they sleep on together – their crate is left open at night so they can choose.

So, could YOU or someone you know, offer Bonnie & Clyde their forever home together?

Please apply, quoting Reference: Bonnie 23237 & Clyde 23236 at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/

If you are already registered with us to adopt, please speak to your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.

Thank You, from Bonnie & Clyde!


For other Rescue Stories of ours, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/

It’s Valentine’s Day & Love is in the Air for Bodger!

** GREAT NEWS – UPDATE! **
Our Valentine Boy, Bodger is fitting in Purrfectly in his new home!
**

“Love is in the air, and Bodger is ready to share his heart!

This charming 10-year-old pug has received lots of love since we first posted his appeal for a Forever-Home.

Applications are still needed so that he has the best chance for his perfect match. With his infectious personality and heart of gold, Bodger is sure to bring joy and love into any home.

Could you be the one to make this Valentine’s Day extra special by giving Bodger the forever love he deserves?

Please Click the link to learn more about Bodger and how to apply:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/bodger-is-looking-for-his-loving-forever-home/


Let his love story begin!

 

All details you need to Apply to Adopt with PDWRA are found here:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/

 

 

Bodger is looking for his loving Forever Home!

** GREAT NEWS – UPDATE! **
Our Valentine Boy, Bodger is fitting in Purrfectly in his new home!
**

Looking for love? – Meet Big Bodger!

10 year-old neutered male, Bodger, is quite a one off.
H
is owners will need a great sense of humour and fun!

Bodger is larger than your average pug. This 14.5kg chap gives the best man hugs!

He likes to sit on laps and cuddle, though he may clamber on small children with no awareness of his size, so older ones would be better suited to live with.

Bodger is in foster with a few other dogs, and has lived with another pug before.

Unsurprisingly, he can be greedy so will attempt to raid the kitchen bin, using his weight to knock it over. He can also mark indoors, but this is improving with routine and support.

Bodger, the dodger, is an expert at getting through doors or gates, and appearing on desks and tables. His recall can be selective when there are human distractions too!

So, if you could make Bodger’s dreams come true, and offer this fun-loving character his Forever-Home, please apply!

If you have any questions about him, please send an email to: janemac001@nullbtinternet.com

If you haven’t applied to adopt with PDWRA before, you will need to complete an application to progress, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Reference: Bodger 24019 in your application.

Please speak to your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly if you are interested in adopting Bodger and are already registered with PDWRA.

Thank You!

Fosterer Kim’s experience with a MCT in a foster pug

The prospect of finding a Mast Cell Tumour (MCT) is something that most dog owners will dread having to deal with and hopefully overcoming.

One of our fosterers Kim, talks about her experience and perspective on a new drug called Stelfonta with the successes she and her vet have had in using it as an alternative to anaesthetic and invasive surgery to remove tumours.

Written by fosterer, Kim:

8 year-old Pug, Dotty, came in just before Christmas and had clearly not been seen by a vet for some time. She had a large MCT on her side and then another small lump on her foot. It was decided to remove the tumour on her side asap and while she was under anaesthetic, the vet took a fine needle aspiration of the smaller lump on her foot.


When the results came back as another MCT, we knew the only option would be using Stelfonta because it would not have been possible to get any margin with surgical removal in this area.

This was my 3rd time experiencing the use of Stelfonta, and we were confident in our vets treating Dotty with it.

The pre-meds are super important and have to be followed strictly, but the procedure is really quick, only requiring minimal sedation.

Dotty was at the vets for a couple of hours only and did not need to go under general anaesthetic so it’s so much safer for pugs.


Dotty’s tumour has followed the same pattern as we have experienced before. The site was swollen and uncomfortable for around 48 hours but she had plenty of pain relief.

On day 3 the swelling was starting to subside and the tumour was going black. On day 5 in the evening the tumour had shrivelled up substantially and was hanging by a thread! Day 6 the tumour was off…. leaving an open wound that was clean and clear.

 


Over the next few weeks the wound will gradually heal over and eventually we won’t even be able to see where it was.

The process is very quick and efficient when comparing the risks to traditional surgery options and now having been through the process 3 times personally, my experience and with my vet experienced in the use of Stelfonta, we would definitely recommend it.
Of course, as with any drugs there are always risks.

Written by Fosterer, Kim, with our thanks.

 

For more general information about MCTs, please read:

Mast Cell Tumours – by PDWRA Vet Advisor, Helen. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)

Meet PDWRA Treasurer and Trustee Jon.

Meet PDWRA Treasurer and Trustee Jon.

Hello, my name is Jon and I am the current treasurer. I took on the role from Robin Coulter in March 2022.

I have a black pug called Paddy who was born in June 2020 and in true pug fashion, he loves to snort and snuffle around the house as if he runs the place himself, although his favourite activity is going into town on Saturdays as he just loves to meet people and will happily spend his afternoon being stroked and petted by friends and strangers alike.

I sometimes take Paddy to the monthly grumble meet-up in Hundred Acre Wood in SE Hampshire but not if the ground is muddy as it takes a lot of work to clean Paddy, me and the car afterwards!

He’s an adorable little soul and his enthusiasm keeps me going during tough times and good times.

The PDWRA would be nothing without the loyalty of its supporters, fosterers, adopters, volunteers, drivers and others who help us to help these lovely little dogs.

The scale of the treasurer workload sometimes precludes me from thanking everyone involved as much as I would like to, especially those who have donated their time and money so generously but every donation whether large or small is appreciated and is applied to our general fund to meet the ever-increasing costs we face.

Please contact me if you wish to discuss donating, claiming expenses or other financial matters and I’ll do my utmost to help.

Email: treasurer@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk

 

Donating to Pug Dog Welfare

 

Our Wonderful Louie!

We got Louie in 2012. He was absolutely wonderful.

My daughter Rachel always wanted a Pug and we gave in to her in March 2012 after we lost my Dad in November 2011.Louie was a gorgeous little pug from Latvia. He gave us so many happy years and sadly developed Myelopathy in 2020.He never complained and carried on giving us love until 2022 when he lost the use of his back legs. He was completely incontinent and we brought some dog diapers.

We had to let him go in November 2022 as we couldn’t bear to see him suffer any longer.RIP our beautiful boy xxx

******

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

Young Luna needs a No-Dog Forever Home!

Young Luna needs a No-Dog Forever Home!

** GOOD NEWS UPDATE!  In no time Luna found the perfect one, and loves being the centre of attention!! **

ORIGINAL POST:
Little Luna is only 1yr 3mnths. Unfortunately, due to her owner’s change in circumstances where dogs aren’t allowed at their new home, she is looking for her forever home.   

Luna is a very affectionate and smart little pug, now with one of our experienced foster carers, who initially found her to be frightened outside but is really just reactive to other dogs. She barks at visiting dogs not people, and we have been told will also chase cats! Other than this, Luna enjoys her walks, and has good recall.

Young Luna tends to get over-excited when her harness is put on for walks, which sometimes comes across as aggressive if other dogs (pugs) are around but could just be her excitement. She can nip when playing as typical pups do.

Although Luna is not aggressive she has been bossy and a bit of a bully towards other dogs which some behavioural training should help. She doesn’t fight but makes aggressive noises that aren’t playful which is why she would be better suited in a no dog home. She does want all the human attention.

Wanting to be with you all the time is how needy she is, She hasn’t been left alone at all in foster due to separation anxiety. She will cry if there’s a closed door between you. However, she is a fast learner so training may improve this quite quickly.

Luna was meant to be housetrained but wasn’t found to be at first, in foster. Treats rewarding her going outside has really helped with this. Being very food driven helps with this definitely being the way forward with training. Luna might therefore have accidents at first in a new home due to her anxiety, but treats will always work, and talking to her calmly helps if she is over excited.

Her insecurity extends to being scared of loud noises too but she responds well to commands or calming her with a treat in hand! Luna’s reactivity to other dogs will require training and patience as well as providing her with a lot of exercise.

Luna hasn’t had a season yet so will need to be spayed 6 weeks to 3 months after that happens and is in good health for a lively, young pug.

So, if you could invest in Luna by offering the forever home she needs, plus reap all the rewards of this delightful little girl, please apply!

Quote Reference: Luna 24005 in your application, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/

If you are already registered to adopt with PDWRA, please speak to your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.

Thank You! Hopefully Luna won’t have to wait too long.

******

AND SHE DIDN’T!…….

Little Luna, Happily Adopted!

For other of our Rescue Stories, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/

Kate – A PDWRA Homecheckers’ Perspective.

Kate – A PDWRA Homecheckers’ Perspective.

My name is Kate and I live in Herefordshire. I carry out home checks and interviews for volunteer fosterer applicants, as an Operations Volunteering Officer (OVO) with Guide Dogs
and undertake a similar role on a voluntary basis for PDWRA.

Although the dogs that we are looking to place are quite different, (that is an understatement!), there are many similarities in the kinds of home/potential owner/carer, we are looking for. A clean, clutter-free home and a fully enclosed, safe garden are obvious,
and I also like to paint a realistic picture of the kinds of dog they may be asked to look after, as well as exploring the applicant’s incentives and relevant experience.

Breed-specific knowledge is important for homes for rescue pugs, but as long as a fosterer applicant is comfortable with a large, energetic dog in the home, then this aspect is less important for a Guide Dog fosterer, as the Team will monitor a dog’s health on a daily basis and training is given for general dog health care. GDs volunteers also receive bespoke, dog handling
training, as there are some differences to caring for a trainee GD as opposed to a pet dog, such as pausing at kerbs or being walked on the left.

I like to take the opportunity to discuss environment enrichment options for keeping dogs mentally stimulated, as often, applicants haven’t really heard/thought about this and it can really help as a tool for living harmoniously, alongside a furry friend. I have had to decline applicants for various reasons, but I find a good base-line is whether you would be happy to leave your own dog in the care of the applicant.

Red flags are a home that is too clean – there is such a thing! Are they prepared for muddy paws/toilet accidents?

Also, you do get a ‘vibe’ from people. I declined an applicant as he was still breeding from his 12 year old, female pet dog and didn’t see anything wrong with this. He also hadn’t drawn the curtains in the room we had met in, and the set-up just felt wrong. Be guided by your gut-instinct!

On PDWRA home checks, I try to take my elderly pug Ellaroo, who has mobility issues, as watching how an applicant interacts with her is a valuable insight.

You don’t have the responsibility of declining applicants at the end of the home check, you just explain that there are some considerations for the office to look at before an outcome can be confirmed.

As a PDWRA home checker, you are part of a process, gathering pertinent information so that the Team can make an informed decision. As a GDs OVO, we make the decision as to whether the home/applicant is suitable ourselves, but we do have a small Team of colleagues to discuss any concerns that we may have.

I would recommend the PDWRA home check role for anyone who would like to support the organisation, but that are not in a position to board/re-home a pug themselves.
It is incredibly rewarding, and you get to meet some like-minded, pug-obsessed people – what’s not to like?!

Kate.

If you feel you could volunteer to Homecheck for PDWRA please read this section where you can apply too!:
Volunteering for PDWRA | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)

Rosie & Pepper are Adopted!

Rosie & Pepper are Adopted!

Wonderful news to announce: The beautiful Mum & Daughter pair, Pepper & Rosie have found their forever home following our appeal a few weeks ago.

Both are already well settled and much loved as you can tell from their adoptive Mum’s expression of pride & love!

Rosie has always relied on her Mum, Pepper, for reassurance and will notice when she’s not around. They love cuddles and kisses and are the most happy-go-lucky pugs.

They will remain firmly bonded, lucky to be in a pug-experienced forever home too, and we couldn’t be happier for them!

 

Original Appeal:
Rosie & Pepper are looking for their forever home. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)

Interview with Adopter & Fundraiser Shirley

Interview with Adopter & Fundraiser Shirley

Can you share a bit about your personal connection to pugs and how it influenced your decision to work with the charity?

I was diagnosed with MS when I was 32 and they told me I would be dead by 50 but here I am at 66. I have been in and out of a wheelchair since the day I was diagnosed but I have never given in. I always exercise everyday. I have also rescued dogs and horses all my life and I am sure that this is what has kept me going . If I made a list of all that’s wrong with me now there would be no room left to take about dogs so I would rather talk about them and my drawings.

I have been an artist forever but the MS makes it impossible for me to keep my arms up for long periods and my hands don’t always do as I like so I started drawing instead. Three years ago I decided to use my drawings to raise money for Bichon care and support and it took off quickly. They have kept me very busy. So far I have raised over £10,000 for them and a few hundred for Blue Cross.

After losing my last dog my dear Ellie “a lovely poodle “ I went through breast cancer and decided I couldn’t have another dog. However, in September last year while looking through Facebook I saw “Daphne“ and after reading her write-up I decided it was a match made in heaven and just had to apply for her. I knew I could provide the best home for her and thank goodness PDWRA’s Jane, who was managing Daphne’s rehoming, agreed!

After reading all about pug welfare and all about PDWRA I decided I needed to help in some way so I decided to spread my time between both rescues and try to now, raise money for you too! I am hoping that I can keep going as long as possible and I have a lovely long list of commissions at the moment.

To contact Shirley or see her work within our Facebook Fundraising group, please go to: PDWRA Mega Auction For Pugs In Need | Facebook

Pugs are the most amazing incredible little dogs I have ever had and I have rescued a lot of other dogs. From Bichon, poodles, spaniels, jack Russell’s and a Chinese crested. The thing my dogs have always had in common is they are usually old and they usually have some sort of problem. I take the misfits, the ones that are hard to home and make sure they have the best rest of their lives. I have always cared for them with everything I have because a lot of them only have a short time left and I wanted them to know that they are still loved. I think if I had been able bodied I would have ended up with a house full over the years lol!

All in all I can honestly say Daphne is amazing and I love her so much. She is so funny and never stops making noise. Living alone, that’s great for me because I always know someone is there.


Can you describe a typical day when you’re working to support PDWRA?

I’m up at 6am, exercise, shower and then off to park at 7.30am. Daphne rides there on my scooter as I have a special crate in between my legs where she is safe and warm. We have an amazing time walking with friends and we get home about 8.30am.

After drying, brushing, washing ears and face, Daphne is ready for breakfast. After that she cuddles up beside me while I do paperwork “ adding people to the list of drawings to do, packing up drawings to send in the post and selecting photos of the days’ drawing“. Once I have selected photos I then set up my lap easel and start to draw normal with an audiobook on in background. Daphne is always beside me and I finish about midday then it’s time for our lunch, to play games and normally by 1.30pm we are both exhausted!

We nap until about 3pm then it’s off for a walk around the block with me in my wheelchair of course. Daphne and I eat dinner about 4pm then we play some more and then settle down for the night. Because of my condition I can only spend about 4 hours a day on drawings so I try and make the most of my time.


What keeps you motivated and committed to continuing your work with charities?

I have always worked for charities, I have worked for Make a Wish when I was in my thirties and I have always raised money for different charities. I also do collections at Christmas for the homeless, my friends donate food. My motivation is to give. I have always found it hard to receive but get so much joy in giving. I believe that even if you don’t have much you can always find something to share with others even if it’s just your time.


What advice would you give to someone who is considering getting involved with the PDWRA or volunteering for a similar cause?

in life you have two choices you can either choose to be kind or not. I believe kindness above all is the most important thing you can do in life. To share something even if it just a small amount with someone else will make your life much richer. My advice would be to give whatever you can. It doesn’t have to be money it could just be time. Whatever it is I can promise you it will make your life so much richer.

Shirley Ball.

 

Thank You Shirley for your Artistic Fundraising!

Daphne, adopted & completely at home!

PDWRA Vet Advisor Helen discusses Canine Brucellosis

PDWRA Vet Advisor Helen discusses Canine Brucellosis

Written by Helen McKee (MRCVS), PDWRA Vet Advisor:

Parting from the normal subject of diseases in pugs, I am highlighting a disease which is being brought in to the UK in imported dogs.

The reason for concern about this disease is that it can cause significant illness in humans (known as a zoonotic disease) especially in people who are immune-suppressed.

A recent letter from the Chief Veterinary Officer with regard Brucella canis in imported dogs in the UK highlighted concerns regarding the potential disease risks of importing dogs.

The British Veterinary Association has advised that charities or organisations importing dogs from Brucella canis endemic countries to ensure Brucella canis negative pre-export testing for the dog(s) in the country of origin before importing into the UK.

Currently, there is no requirement to screen imported dogs for Brucella canis either before or after travel.

Brucella canis (B.canis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection. Sadly, despite many studies, there is no guaranteed cure for the B. canis in dogs as antibiotics cannot effectively penetrate the cell to eradicate the bacteria.

  1. B. canis is endemic across Southern and Eastern Europe.  We have seen a marked increase in the number of dogs imported from countries like Romania. This has meant more infected dogs have come into the UK.
  2. In dogs, B. canis might not cause any signs of ill health and, although the dog may appear normal, it can quietly cause fertility issues and abortion in pregnant bitches.

These carrier dogs can spread the infection in discharge during birth, aborted material, during mating or in semen, blood, urine and saliva.

How does it affect humans?

Brucellosis can cause abortion or infertility in humans so pregnant women or those trying to conceive are at increased risk.

Symptoms are often mild and non-specific. The most common signs and symptoms of human infection include a continued, intermittent, or irregular fever sometimes accompanied by loss of appetite, weight loss, sweating, headaches, fatigue, back and/or joint pain.

If not treated the disease may become chronic and more serious symptoms can arise. Immuno-compromised people are most at risk, as well as children and pregnant women.

Many veterinary practices now have a specific protocol when dealing with dogs imported from endemic countries, which can include not seeing the dog unless it has had a negative blood test.

In a recent communication from the Chief Veterinary Officer to veterinary surgeons, she advised that euthanasia must be considered with dogs found to be positive for canine brucellosis.

I wanted to bring this to your attention because so many of us want to help a rescue animal, including those from abroad, so I thought important to stress the risk of this disease especially from dogs from Eastern Europe such as Romania.

Helen McKee (MRCVS)
PDWRA Vet Advisor.

 

For other interesting health articles related specifically to our pugs, please go to:
Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)

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