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Explore our articles and resources for pet parents
Signs of Ticks on Your Dog or Cat
Ticks can become a real nuisance in the summer and your furry pet may be susceptible to becoming a host for one and being infected with tick-borne diseases or even get a secondary infection from the bite site.
The Most Loyal Dogs
Whether you’re scouring the internet researching puppy temperaments for your new addition or you are telling your new neighbor how good Fido is; chances are, you’ll either read about loyalty in dogs, or you’ll speak of it.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DOG – COMMON SENSE TIPS
It’s an exciting time welcoming a new puppy into your household. They provide so much fun and love, and are like a new child in your family. This time can also be daunting to the new puppy owner, especially if they have never owned a dog before. In this article, we will give you a whirlwind tour through everything you need to know to take care of a new puppy.
WHAT ARE AFRICAN GREY PARROTS?
One of the most distinctive breeds of parrot is the African Grey. This gallant bird is known for its stand-out smoky grey tinted feathers that give it such an unusual appearance, and of course, it’s chatty persona.
5 Reasons Your Pet Needs Insurance
You insure your home, your house, yourself and your family. But did you know that there’s another family member you need to look out for? Just like you find yourself suddenly sick and in need of a doctor, your pets will too. Don’t let the health of your furry friend to come down to what you can afford.
EMERGENCY VET VISITS: KNOW THE SIGNS
As you know, pets need routine veterinary care for vaccinations, parasite control, dental care and grooming. But of course, pets can sometimes encounter health issues outside of their regular checkups, which may even necessitate an emergency veterinary visit.
ALL HANDS ON: HOW TOUCH IMPROVES YOUR PET’S NERVOUS SYSTEM
It’s all about guiding and empowering you to help your pet avoid injury, provide practical solutions and achieve rapid restoration of health and function!
THE PUG
The Pug, also known as the Lo-sze in China or the Mopshond in Holland, originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. This breed then became popular in Tibet and Japan, where they were often given as gifts. The Pug then arrived in Europe in the sixteenth or seventeenth century and became extremely popular in Holland.
Brief History
The Pug was believed to have become the mascot of Holland’s Royal House Orange after one saved the life of the Prince of Orange by alerting him to the arrival of Spanish troops. Years later, the adorable breed arrived in the U.S. in the nineteenth century.
Physical Features
The Pug is a short, small dog breed with straight legs. With a large round head and a wrinkled forehead, this breed has a wide, short muzzle with an undershot bite. The Pug has large and dark wide-set eyes that add to its sense of puppyness well into its adult years. They have small rose-colored ears, a curled tail, and a short, smooth coat. Coloring is usually apricot, fawn, or black with a black mask and ears.
Average Height:
10-11 inches
Average Weight:
14-18 pounds
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Temperament
The Pug is an affectionate and intelligent breed. They are fun-loving, outgoing and charming. That said, this breed can be stubborn and tends to snore. It’s not their fault! The Pug is a great family dog and is great with children.
Pugs adapt easily to apartment life since they don’t require a lot of exercise. Although this breed can be stubborn, they are easy keepers and do best with positive training and plenty of socialization. The Pug is gentle with children and also enjoys living with single pet parents. This breed is very adaptable to different environments and makes for a great city companion.
Special Needs
The Pug needs to have plenty of protection from heatstroke. This breed does well indoors during extreme temperatures. They also need to be supervised when around water or swimming pools because of their front-heavy build and inability to swim. Many pet parents use life jackets for their Pugs when around water.
The Pug is a brachycephalic breed, also known as a short-faced or snub-nosed breed and needs to be monitored in hot temperatures. This breed also needs to avoid strenuous exercise.
Possible Health Concerns
Heatstroke – This breed is more susceptible to heat than many other dog breeds. Pet parents should be monitor especially closely as overheating can sometimes be fatal.
Eye Problems – These are often related to corneal ulcers and dry eye. Deformities of the eye and eyelid can also occur in this breed.
Breathing Problems – Pugs also experience breathing problems in hot and humid environments.
Laxating Patellas – This is a condition where the kneecap moves out of place and is a common condition in smaller dog breeds.
Leg Perthes Disease – This occurs with the deterioration of the top of the femur and is seen in young miniature and small dog breeds. It is characterized by a lack of blood supply and destruction of blood vessels of the bone.
Exercise
The Pug does well with light exercise. A short walk around the block or brief trip to the dog park will suffice. Pugs enjoy dog training classes, obedience, agility and some rally sports. This should never be undertaken during hot or humid temperatures. Pugs need to be protected from extreme temperatures and during the hot summer months’ indoor exercise is recommended.
Nutrition
It’s important to keep this breed on a balanced diet and to watch their weight. Pugs pick up weight easily, and can become easily obese.
Grooming
This breed has a short coat that hardly sheds. Daily brushing with a rubber mitt or medium bristle brush will aid in removing loose hair and in keeping his coat healthy. The loose folds around their neck, head and shoulders need to be wiped daily and kept clean. Nails need to be trimmed regularly and ears checked for debris, dirt and possible infections. Pugs enjoy being bathed and pampered, and need twice yearly dental cleanings at the veterinarian.
