August 2011

HEAT ALERT!
What do you do if you see someone walking their pug in the heat, or leaving their pug in the car "for just a minute" in the heat, or leaving them locked in their kennel or room in an unairconditioned house, or worse, in a run in the hot backyard?

You speak up and save that pug's life, that's what you do! That pug's life may well depend on YOU!

It amazes me that people can be so clueless with these fragile little dogs with smushed-in faces. ALL dogs are susceptible to heat stroke under the above conditions. But pugs, bulldogs, and pekingese in particular can succumb very quickly right before your very eyes if left in a hot situation for more than a few minutes - much less hours!

Owners may think just because THEY can take the heat, it must be okay for their dogs, but the huge difference is THEY are not wearing fur coats like their dogs are in that heat.

So, speak up! Don't be afraid to educate people about their precious pets. Every summer these breeds die in situations where the owners should have known better.

Be summer-safe:

1. If you must take your dogs somewhere in the car, run the A/C full blast, and have drinking-water available for them at all times.

2. Never EVER leave them in the car in the heat - it only takes minutes for them to be gone FOREVER.

3. Do not take your pets to ANY events in the summer, including breed parties, parades, BBQs, beaches, outdoor concerts, etc.

4. Do not run "quick" errands in your car with your pet in the heat.

5. Run the A/C in your house or the room your pug is in when you are not home. If you do not have whole house A/C get a window unit (less than $100 at any Home Depot or similar store).

6. If you see a pug over-heated, get cold water on their tummies fast! They cool off thru their tummies, which is why you will see hot pugs lying on tiles, panting. Offer them water to drink, and sprinkle cool water over their backs and get them out of the heat ASAP.

The life you save will be a pug who otherwise may perish!

Thank you! --Ginger, Editor

There is a massive recall of pet products from major companies, and many of these may still be on shelves. Check the list to make sure you don't buy them, or if you already have, don't give them to your cat or dog.

Please pass this around to anyone you know who owns an animal!

Manufacturers/include Petco, Doctors Foster and Smith, PR, DDS, Excel, Pro Pet, etc.

List includes everything from ear powder to glucosamine supps. Here is the FDA link. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm

Are "annual" vaccinations really needed? As the former editor of the Pug Press quarterly newsletter that had a 13-year run before being sold, I spoke out against "annual vaccinations" at every opportunity. Please do your own research and do right by your pet. We don't get annual vaccinations, or "every 3-years vaccinations" -- why should they?

Here is an informative article on the subject published on Marina Zaccharia's website, www.NaturalRearing.com. In addition to a plethora of informative health-related articles on her website, Marina sells many natural remedies and is available to discuss her products with her customers. A business woman of integrity, I highly recommend her products! (This article is being reprinted from her site with her permission.) --Ginger, Editor

New Vaccination Protocol

As suggested by Dr. Dodd for years, the revised Vaccination Protocol for ALL 27 vet schools will apparently be changing their programs.

This is welcome news and should be taken with you to your vet should you need reinforcement against over-vaccination. - Marina Zacharias

VACCINATION NEWSFLASH
[CIMDA support] Re: J Dodd's vaccine protocol

I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats.

Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects.

Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well-being should not be a factor in medical decision.

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY:
Dog and cat immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor are more memory cells induced.

Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines.

Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers' milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced.

Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first highly effective vaccine.

Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart SUPPRESS rather than stimulate the immune system.

A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age.

Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.

For more information on this subject search "vaccine controversy" on the Internet.

Editor's Note: Many vets are compromising and using an every 3-year protocol for vaccinations, but in my humble opinion, that is because of loss of income concerns, not for the safety of your pet. What's worse are the vets who continue the "annual vaccination" protocol when they know better. Do your own research and make up your own mind. Remember that humans do not get annual vaccinations or every 3-year vaccinations - so why do we do this to our pets? Because they cannot speak up for themselves. Plain and simple. Am I anti-vet? No. If your pet is sick or injured, that's where you take him or her, no question. Where I part company is their vaccine protocols, their pushing of kibble dog food that they also sell even though they did not study more than a 1-week course on nutrition in vet school and that did not include real food diets, and the blinders they wear to any remedies but pharmaceutical products, which we also have to buy from them. Would we tolerate this in our own doctors? No, and for good reason! - Ginger

May 4, 2011

Huge Pug Party in San Diego May 7

Come to Pug Rescue of San Diego County’s biggest fundraiser of the year and enjoy a fun-filled day with your pug(s) and family at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 7th.

This year's theme is "The Emerald City ~ There's No Place Like Home". Our new theme is celebrating our 20th Anniversary and 20 years of giving pugs “no place like home.” Our Oz-inspired theme will include a “hot air balloon” wagon ride around the venue, Professor Marvel's Paw Reading booth, a Pug of a Different Color tail painting booth, a fun "walk the yellow brick road" game for kids and adults, and all our other wonderful costume contests and puggie games.

May 7th, 10 am to 4:00 pm
Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Infield Pavilion
"The Emerald City – There’s No Place Like Home"
Everyone is encouraged to wear Oz inspired costumes – pugs and people!
Cost: $10 Adults; $5 children 10 and under

This event is the largest gathering of Pugs on the West Coast! You and your pugs are encouraged to wear costumes and dress imaginatively to represent our theme. There will lots of Dorothys, lions, and scarecrows and maybe some flying monkeys and munchkins!

The annual event also boasts a shopping boutique with Pug-friendly vendors from throughout Southern California. Popular contests for Pugs and their parents will be held throughout the day such as costumed-themed competitions, the Wet T-Shirt Contest, the Cupcake Chomp, and the recognition of the Most Distinguished Senior Pug. There will also be a raffle of more than 20 beautiful baskets with gifts and unique items. Click here for our schedule of events.

Guests interested in adopting a Pug from the organization are encouraged to fill out an application in advance. Visit our website at: www.pugsandiego.com/index.php

May 4, 2011

Costume contest at the San Antonio (TX) Pooch Parade is a crowd pleaser

Chewy the Pug wins Best in Show honors "spinning records."
--DG, San Antonio, TX

February 10, 2011
There are two great pug parties happening at opposite ends of the West Coast this weekend. If you have not attended a pug party it's a comedic experience you don't want to miss! (In April I will be publishing an article I wrote recently for Pug Rescue of San Diego on how pug parties got started. You are going to be surprised!)

A Puglentine's Party!
Pugs 'n Pals invites everyone to their first PUGLENTINE’S DAY PARTY!! Lots of fun to be had!

We will have contests, prizes, raffles, silent auctions and a Fashion Show, so bring your dogs all dressed up and have them be a runway hit!! We will also have a Valentine’s Day photo booth for you and/or your dog!
Please join us and help us make this fundraiser a success--all proceeds to help all of our dogs with medical needs!

Saturday, Feb. 12th, 12-4 p.m.
at the Passionate Pet, 18871 Teller Ave., Irvine, CA 92612 * (949) 851-0777
or call Pugs 'n Pals at (949) 262-7843 * www.pugdogrescue.com

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Valentine's Day Pug Party
to benefit Seattle Pug Rescue
Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011
12 pm - 3 pm
Academy of Canine Behavior
4705 240th St. SE, Bothell, WA
Contests: Best Pug Kiss, Best Costume, Best Pug Couple
Games, Raffle, & Treats!
Admission to benefit rescue pugs.
For more info: www.seattlepugs.com

Have a great New Year, everyone!

Hi Ginger and to everybody out there in PUG land ! A Blessed, Happy New Year from The Maresca's, Pocono Mountains, PA ( left to right Mugsey age 11, Mary, John, Rambo 2 yrs 9 mos.).

And here's a little smiley face
to make you smile:

"Don' worry . . . be happy!"

-- Ginger
(Photo is of Cedric, San Antonio, TX)

Walking your Pug = Harnesses - NOT collars. Here's why:

Around 25 years ago, when I got my first pug, Rocky, and was totally clueless about the special needs of these amazing little creatures, I enrolled him (and myself, I found out) in a dog obedience class given by an animal control officer. She was a Rottweiler person, and her Rottie was her demo dog, wearing a huge choke chain.

My little puppy was a very independent wild thing who, like most pug puppies, continually challenged the authority of ANYONE who told him what to do. Her remedy for this was to recommend we put a leash with a choke chain on Rocky, and each time he disobeyed, I was to suddenly yank on the leash, which caused the choke chain to literally choke him. I thought that seemed pretty severe at the time, but she'd been giving classes for years and this is how she taught all owners.

It was only years later, and after my second pug, who was a rescue and became Rocky's best friend, also went through this training, that I learned the damage that had been inflicted on their little esophaguses. I had moved to another town and got a new veterinarian who warned me about putting ANY kind of collar on a pug's neck, and said I should always use a harness that doesn't come anywhere near their necks. I had noticed that Rocky and/or Teddy (Bear) coughed sometimes when I walked them with their regular collars on a leash (I never used the choke chain after the training class, instinctively feeling this was the wrong thing to use on a pug).

Off we went to the pet supply store and outfitted my two pugs and a third one by now, with harnesses, and I added it to my growing list of do's and don'ts where pugs are concerned. But the damage had been done. When Rocky was around 13 he began coughing, which became more frequent the next day, and I called in my vet. Fortunately for Rocky, this vet practiced regular Western medicine, but also held homeopathy in high regard and he told me he could fix Rocky's esophagus (after checking out all the other possible reasons for coughing, including heartworm and COPD) with homeopathy. I was a disbeliever. I had bought homeopathy pills at the grocery store for things like headaches, and they had never worked for me. He persisted, and well, Rocky was still continually coughing. I relented, and to make a long story short, the vet gave Rocky a homeopathic remedy that stopped his cough from ever coming back. I was astounded.

A year later, this vet had moved away to another coast and I lost track of him, and Teddy started coughing. I went to the new vet but they couldn't stop his coughing, saying his esophagus was damaged and they didn't have a cure for that. Sadly, Teddy coughed himself to death and I couldn't save him. No vet could. It was a very harsh, and sad lesson, and to this day, if I see someone walking a pug with a collar on, I tell them this story and they promise to get a harness for their pug - that they just didn't know. Very few people do.

What kind of harness works best?

There are complicated harnesses, and there are easy ones. You will have to find the one that works best for you. Does that mean that your pug should never wear a collar? No. But find a cloth one that is not tight, and never ever pull on it. Only attach a leash to the harness - never a collar. Keep a current I.D. tag with your phone number on this collar and keep it on your pug day and night because if there is ever an emergency and your pug is separated from you - whether fire, flood, earthquake or simply escaping out an open garden gate because a clueless gardener left it that way while you were away from home, that ID tag (and hopefully a microchip implant) is your very best bet for ever getting your precious pug back.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and know that it's perfectly fine to share some of that turkey with your pug - but hold the mashed potatoes and gravy, and the sweet potato casserole, ok?

Give your pug a big smooch from us! - Ginger, Editor

Sept. 29, 2010

For our "In case you missed it" department, here is a great link featuring 103 pugs wearing winter-wear:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/awesomer/103-pugs-wearing-jackets

and another link sent in by our pug friend Denise in San Antonio that is hilarious:
http://cuteoverload.com/2010/09/28/attack-of-the-deadly-pug-ranha/

Be sure to come back after viewing! -- Ginger, Editor

A question from one of our customers:

Hello,
I have been buying food for several years from you, but I was wondering if you could help me. It seems my pug gets chronic ear infections and I was wondering if you know of any solution to the problem or maybe a natural medicine.
Thanks for the help. -- RM, Shelton, CT

Chronic ear infections seem to be a common problem in pugs and other breeds whose ear flaps cover the ear instead of standing up straight like a Boston's or German shepherd's ear, allowing for better air circulation and less chance for fungus or bacteria to breed.

Without giving veterinary advice, I can only tell you what I do for my own pugs, and have done for the many rescue pugs I have had in the past:

First, I get a bottle of tea tree oil from any health food store, which is antifungal and antibacterial and was originally discovered to be a useful remedy for many common maladies for humans and animals by the Aborigines. It is made from the leaves of the melaleuca tree and is available in concentrate or regular strength. Using a Q-tip, I insert the tip into the bottle till it's coated with the oil, then I carefully clean the pug's ear. If it is infected I find a lot of dark brown debris wiped up by the Q-tip. I do this several times till the Q-tip is no longer bringing up the gunk. This has not only solved the infection if done 2-3 times a week, using a regular ear rinse (see our All-Natural Herbal Ear Rinse in the column on the right) in between and at least twice a week afterwards, but held further infections at bay. Note: I have to be extremely gentle doing this - I do not jam it into a pug's ear or put it in too far, which can cause damage. If the pug is showing discomfort, I simply stop. If the pug's ear is horrendously infected and any attempt to clean it causes major distress, a trip to the vet ASAP is definitely in order. -- Ginger, Editor

Diarrhea Problems in Pugs
(and other dogs)

Having over 20 years of pug rescue under my belt, I'd like to share a common condition that I've had to deal with multiple times over the years.

When we rescued pugs from the pound, they frequently came in to foster homes with diarrhea or very soft stools because they had their diets changed from whatever their former owners had fed them, to whatever the pound fed them. Some cases were very severe to the point I'd be on the phone with our wonderful (and very smart) veterinarian, Dr. Lemire (who has since moved to the New England area). His advice was always the same:

1. Fast the pug for 24 hours, which will allow him or her to completely empty out their system. Do keep fresh water available for them at all times. Diarrhea can dehydrate their bodies and in severe cases you will want to get some plain Pediolyte water (for kids) from the drugstore and add to their water.

2. After the 24-hour mark, feed them small amounts of cooked white rice and boiled chicken (use a paper towel to pat all fat off the chicken after boiling ), two or three times a day. After a few days, if their digestive tract has settled down, begin to add a little of their regular food back in to their diet, and in about 5 days they should be back to normal.

3. If diarrhea persists despite the above protocol, a visit to the vet is definitely in order.

Now, as we all know, fasting a pug for 24 hours is definitely not easy, but I discovered a way to do it that is pretty painless for them: when meal-time is approaching and they are bugging you to feed them, distract them completely by either taking them for a walk or for a ride - two of their biggest joys in life! When you return, do not go near the kitchen and act like everything is normal as usual. Most, if not all of the time, the pugs will settle down and take a nap. This is when YOU can sneak into the kitchen and fix yourself something to eat without those hungry brown eyes watching your every move.

If you have a large family that eats regular meals, you will have to contain your pugs in a room away from the kitchen, and issue strict orders that no one is to give the pugs any morsels or treats while they are doing their fast (including a few days afterward).

When our rescue pugs returned to normal, we began introducing our own real food diet, Happy & Healthy All-Natural Pet Food (whose name has since been changed to California Gold Pet Food) which consists of whole grains and dehydrated vegetables. We add either meat from a boiled chicken breast, or ground turkey. The oats formula (No-Cook) does not have to be cooked and makes a 5-7 day supply of food. The rice formula (Cook) gets cooked and makes a 5-day supply of food for 2 pugs. Our pugs were gloriously healthy, passed their blood panel checkups with flying colors, had coats as soft as silk, their allergies almost always cleared up along with skin problems, and in short order they were ready to be adopted out to their new, forever homes (letting go of them was often very heart-breaking for those of us who fostered and rehabilitated them both physically and mentally). Under no circumstances did we EVER feed our pugs kibble, which is an unnatural food source no matter how much the commercials and packaging would have you believe otherwise.

Take good care of your pugs. In the overall scheme of things they are with us for such a short time, and when they go (usually anywhere from 13-15 years if they are well taken care of and on a healthy, real-food diet, depending on their genes, of course), they leave us behind with huge holes in our hearts that can often take years to heal.

Hugs to your pugs -- Ginger, Editor

We have been contacted by Last Day Dog Rescue, a nonprofit group who writes: Last Day Dog Rescue is more than just a name! Most of the dogs coming into our rescue were saved from high-kill animal shelters or being sold for research. It's the situation all our dogs were faced with. Now these wonderful dogs get another chance at life.

LDDR is requesting donations of any kind for our upcoming bowling for puppies outing, on Saturday, November 6th, 2010. The three game puppy bowl-a-thon is a fundraiser being held at Sunnybrook Lanes in Sterling Heights, MI. We are asking for donations for a raffle to raise money for the charity. Established in 2006, we have rescued appropriately 2500 dog and cats. Your donations will help raise funds for our non-profit organization to continue rescuing, feeding and providing medical care to these special animals. The donation you are able to provide, will be presented and acknowledge.
Last Day Dog Rescue is a 501 ( c) (3) 20-8736110.

We are going to send them a donation, and you can, too! Any amount will help these animals in need. Just go to their website: www.lastdaydogrescue.org - scroll down the page and click on the PUG that says Donate Here. Afterwards, you can cast a vote for this group to help them get grants through www.theanimalrescuesite.htm, a partner of www.petfinder.com (a great site that will help you find adult dogs & cats by breed or mixed, in your area).

HEAT ALERT!
What do you do if you see someone walking their pug in the heat, or leaving their pug in the car "for just a minute" in the heat, or leaving them locked in their kennel or room in an unairconditioned house, or worse, in a run in the hot backyard?

You speak up and save that pug's life, that's what you do! That pug's life may well depend on YOU!

It amazes me that people can be so clueless with these fragile little dogs with smushed-in faces. ALL dogs are susceptible to heat stroke under the above conditions. But pugs, bulldogs, and pekingese in particular can succumb very quickly right before your very eyes if left in a hot situation for more than a few minutes - much less hours!

Owners may think just because THEY can take the heat, it must be okay for their dogs, but the huge difference is THEY are not wearing fur coats like their dogs are in that heat.

So, speak up! Don't be afraid to educate people about their precious pets. Every summer these breeds die in situations where the owners should have known better.

Be summer-safe:

1. If you must take your dogs somewhere in the car, run the A/C full blast, and have drinking-water available for them at all times.

2. Never EVER leave them in the car in the heat - it only takes minutes for them to be gone FOREVER.

3. Do not take your pets to ANY events in the summer, including breed parties, parades, BBQs, beaches, outdoor concerts, etc.

4. Do not run "quick" errands in your car with your pet in the heat.

5. Run the A/C in your house or the room your pug is in when you are not home. If you do not have whole house A/C get a window unit (less than $100 at any Home Depot or similar store).

6. If you see a pug over-heated, get cold water on their tummies fast! They cool off thru their tummies, which is why you will see hot pugs lying on tiles, panting. Offer them water to drink, and sprinkle cool water over their backs and get them out of the heat ASAP.

The life you save will be a pug who otherwise may perish!

Thank you! --Ginger, Editor

There is a massive recall of pet products from major companies, and many of these may still be on shelves. Check the list to make sure you don't buy them, or if you already have, don't give them to your cat or dog.

Please pass this around to anyone you know who owns an animal!

Manufacturers/include Petco, Doctors Foster and Smith, PR, DDS, Excel, Pro Pet, etc.

List includes everything from ear powder to glucosamine supps. Here is the FDA link. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm

Are "annual" vaccinations really needed? As the former editor of the Pug Press quarterly newsletter that had a 13-year run before being sold, I spoke out against "annual vaccinations" at every opportunity. Please do your own research and do right by your pet. We don't get annual vaccinations, or "every 3-years vaccinations" -- why should they?

Here is an informative article on the subject published on Marina Zaccharia's website, www.NaturalRearing.com. In addition to a plethora of informative health-related articles on her website, Marina sells many natural remedies and is available to discuss her products with her customers. A business woman of integrity, I highly recommend her products! (This article is being reprinted from her site with her permission.) --Ginger, Editor

New Vaccination Protocol

As suggested by Dr. Dodd for years, the revised Vaccination Protocol for ALL 27 vet schools will apparently be changing their programs.

This is welcome news and should be taken with you to your vet should you need reinforcement against over-vaccination. - Marina Zacharias

VACCINATION NEWSFLASH
[CIMDA support] Re: J Dodd's vaccine protocol

I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats.

Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects.

Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well-being should not be a factor in medical decision.

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY:
Dog and cat immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is little or no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor are more memory cells induced.

Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines.

Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers' milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection (0-38%) will be produced.

Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, DELAY the timing of the first highly effective vaccine.

Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart SUPPRESS rather than stimulate the immune system.

A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age.

Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.

For more information on this subject search "vaccine controversy" on the Internet.

Editor's Note: Many vets are compromising and using an every 3-year protocol for vaccinations, but in my humble opinion, that is because of loss of income concerns, not for the safety of your pet. What's worse are the vets who continue the "annual vaccination" protocol when they know better. Do your own research and make up your own mind. Remember that humans do not get annual vaccinations or every 3-year vaccinations - so why do we do this to our pets? Because they cannot speak up for themselves. Plain and simple. Am I anti-vet? No. If your pet is sick or injured, that's where you take him or her, no question. Where I part company is their vaccine protocols, their pushing of kibble dog food that they also sell even though they did not study more than a 1-week course on nutrition in vet school and that did not include real food diets, and the blinders they wear to any remedies but pharmaceutical products, which we also have to buy from them. Would we tolerate this in our own doctors? No, and for good reason! - Ginger

Please go to Page 2 for more great articles!