 After training your dog a few basic commands like sitting and staying, you can move on to more advanced tricks, like teaching them to shake your hand (sometimes referred to as “giving a paw”). Whether you’re an experienced dog owner or a newbie, by following a few simple steps (and having some patience), your dog is well on their way to learning this cool new trick. As a bonus, this trained behavior comes in handy when you need to wipe off our dog’s muddy paws or even trim their nails.   Steps to Teaching Your Dog to Shake Have your dog “sit.” Grab a treat and show it off before you hide it in your closed fist. Hold out your fist, palm facing up, at about your dog’s chest level. Your dog should naturally paw at your fist to get to the treat. When they do, open your hand and let them have the treat and give them plenty of praise. Repeat these steps several times until your dog “gets it.” Repeat steps 1–4, but this time, without holding a treat in your hand. As soon as your dog paws at your fist, give them a treat from your other hand. Once your dog understands what you want them to do, it’s time to add the word “shake” — add this word just before you put out your hand. Now your dog is shaking! We recommend practicing for 5-10 minutes per day as to not frustrate or tire out your dog. If you’d like, you can incorporate a clicker into this routine, “clicking” immediately before giving the treat. If your dog isn’t getting the trick down as quickly as you’d like, be sure not to scold and instead to just offer encouragement along the way. By training your dog to shake (as well all the other foundational behaviors like sitting and staying), you’ve helped keep them safe, improved their confidence, and given yourself something to show off! ZPC-00527R1   The Zoetis Petcare Team 

Bark n Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

Tips on teaching your dog to shake with Kersti Moss, professional dog trainer

 Cindy has a new book. Perfect for the holidays!  Here is the Amazon link for my book, Booster the Rooster Who Couldn't Tell Time   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FS2ZVQY   

Cindy Myers, Animal Intuitive, discusses her free October webinar and her new book.

Many people think that dogs just innately know how to walk politely on a leash, but this skill is something that needs to be trained. It’s an important skill to teach, and one you’ll value every time you take your dog out for a walk. Dog training expert and AKC Family Dog training and behavior columnist Kathy Santo offers the following tips: Training Your Dog to Walk on a Leash Introduce the puppy to the collar or harness and leash. Start out by letting him get used to wearing a collar or harness and a leash. Let him wear them for short periods of time in the house while you are playing with him and giving him treats. The puppy should love collar-and-leash time because it represents food and fun. Teach a cue. Introduce your puppy to a sound cue that means, “food is coming.” Some people like to click and treat, some people use a word like “yes,” and some people cluck their tongue. Whichever you use, the method is the same: In a quiet, distraction-free area, with the puppy on a leash and collar, make the sound. The second your puppy turns toward you and/or looks at you, reward him with a treat. After a few repetitions, you’ll notice your puppy not only looking at you, but also coming over to you for the treat. Make the puppy come to you. While he’s on his way to you, still wearing the leash and collar, back up a few paces and then reward him when he gets to you. Continue the progression until your puppy, upon hearing the cue noise, comes to you and walks with you a few paces. Remember that puppies have a short attention span, so keep your sessions short, and end them when your puppy is still eager to do more, not when he’s mentally exhausted. Practice inside. Now that your puppy understands how to come to you, practice walking a few steps in a room with little distraction. Feeling and seeing the leash around him will be enough of a challenge. Offer treats and praise as your puppy gets used to coming to you, as described above, with a leash on. Take it outside. Finally, you’re ready to test your puppy’s skills in the Great Outdoors. There will be new challenges with this step because all the sounds, smells, and sights your puppy encounters will be intriguing and new to him. Be patient and keep the first walks short. While you’re on a walk, if your puppy looks as if he’s about to lunge toward something or is about to get distracted (you’ll notice this because you will keep your eyes on him at all times), make your cue sound and move a few steps away. Then reward him with a treat for following you.

Tips on how to stop leash pulling with Kersti Moss from Dog Training Camp USA

   Sunday, September 19, 2021 10:00am – 3:00pm Central Park – Stapleton 8801 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Denver, CO 80238   Please join us for the most pug-a-licious event of the year! Pugs in the Park is the largest annual celebration of all things pug! Help support Colorado Pug Rescue at our biggest fundraiser of the year while you and your pugs have an amazing, fun, pug-filled day! Of course there will be many pugs to meet and play with. But wait, there’s more! Fun Fun Fun! Start planning your costume now for the most anticipated pug event of the day: The Pug Costume Contest! The winning pug will be featured in our 2022 Pug Rescue Calendar! There are other contests too! Line up for the hot-dog eating contest or pucker up for best kisser. Microchipping will be available for $25, or take advantage of our pug “spa” for a nail trim or face fold wash. Looking fabulous? Get your pug’s portrait taken! VISIT our Vendors! We’ll have a variety of booths with anything you might need for your pug! Have something to sell? We’d love to have you! And if that’s not enough shopping for you, we’ll have a silent auction! Want to help the pugs? We are in need of silent auction items. These do not need to be pug (or even dog) related. We’d love a gift certificate to your business, or that wedding gift you’ve tucked away to re-gift someday. If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction, please contact Frankie at frankielynn@gmail.com) or 303-996-1815. We will be happy to come and pick up your donation. BEST OF ALL: Meet some of our wonderful pugs available for adoption! So pack up your piggy bank. We’ll have lots of ways for you to help support Colorado Pug Rescue while you have a totally awesome fun pug-filled day! And bring your friends! As we say, if one pug is amusing, 300 pugs are hilarious! The more the merrier! P.S. – CPR relies almost exclusively on donations from people just like YOU! Your donations to our 501(c)(3) non-profit are tax deductible, and we genuinely appreciate each and every gift. Donations cover veterinary expenses for the pugs CPR cares for annually. Can’t make it to the event? We’ll be sorry to miss you. You can still contribute by clicking here. Want to be a Pugs in the Park sponsor? Take a look at our available sponsorship levels. Interested in being a vendor? Sign up for booth space here. 

Pugs in the Park, Denver, Colorado on Sunday, September 19th, 2021 at Central Park benefitting CO Pug Rescue. Learn all the details and come see the costume contest.

Mella not only takes your pet's body temperature, but it also displays the results on your smart device or desktop. The data is automatically recorded and can be sent to a Practice Management System where it can be analyzed and made intelligible for you. Visit https://www.mella.ai/

Learn about the first axillary pet thermometer by Mella Pet Care

Vacation is your time to unwind and escape the stresses of your busy life. Why not make your vacation time just as enjoyable for your dog? They deserve a vacation as well! Boarding your dog when you’re out of town is a great way to ensure that your dog is thoughtfully cared for while you’re away.  To keep both of your vacations as stress-free as possible, here are 5 things that you can do to prepare your dog before boarding: Consider a Boarding Trial If your dog is particularly nervous or prone to separation anxiety, it’s a good idea to plan a trial boarding stay. The trial stay of at least 24 hours eases your dog into a new environment and a new daily routine. You may find that your dog will adjust much better when it comes time for a longer stay. Adjust Your Dog’s Sleeping Habits If your dog sleeps with you in your bed each night, you can expect him to be upset with sleeping alone at the boarding facility. Do your best to get him adjusted to sleeping by himself. If he cries when sleeping alone, you can expect him to cry when he’s boarded. Keep Your Dog Comfortable Regardless of the creature comforts your chosen boarding facility provides, there’s nothing like the comfort of home. Bring a familiar rug for your dog to sleep on. It will help them feel more secure. The facility may allow you to bring your dog’s bed, so ask in advance. Drop Off Your Dog in the Morning If your schedule permits, drop your dog off at the boarding facility early in the morning. This gives them the entire day to adjust to their surroundings before its time to bed down for the night. Visit Your Dog’s Veterinarian It’s important, and considerate to the other dogs, that you de-flea and worm your dog. You should also update your dog’s vaccinations at least two weeks prior to boarding. Both of these precautions are typically required before boarding.

Going away this weekend while your dog is being boarded? Get tips on preparing your dog.

Cindy Myers Ambassador to Animals, Humans and Spirit   I’ve always been a good listener. However, twenty years ago, I would have found it hilarious if you told me that I’d be working as an intuitive energy healer while living on an alpaca farm! But, here I am with a herd of 24 alpacas, 3 dogs and 3 cats working as a Medical Intuitive! I believe that the sum of our life experiences can lead us to our true calling in life. There are many paths to finding our way to our authentic selves.   It took many years, multiple and diverse career paths, and tough life challenges to finding my true calling. The life lessons were invaluable that led me to this meaningful life. I learned about frequencies and Radars while working as an Engineer for the Navy and now I am a Radar! I learned all about stress and how harmful it is to our body, mind and spirit while being my mom’s caregiver through her final years. And there was an amazing gift I created out of the house fire I experienced due to an arsonist. Losing my belongings led me to discovering myself. And I found the courage to embrace and pursue my calling of intuitive energy work. It is an honor and humbles me to do this work for people and their animals.   I love sharing my intuitive abilities with both animals and humans. I look forward to helping you restore your energy balance so you can live an abundantly joy filled life! https://yourenergyhealer.com/about/  

Cindy Myers, Animal Intuitive, discusses her free webinar in September

 Have your pup’s medical history ready to go Any good daycare will require proof of vaccinations ahead of time. They’ll also want to know if your pet has been neutered or spayed by the time they’re one year old, says Ryan Getwright, owner of Philly Dog School in Philadelphia, Pa. While daycares are unable to check if you are using flea and tick preventative care, they expect that you are, he says. If you don’t have your dog on a flea and tick regimen now, start before you bring him to daycare. Ask about safety certifications While the daycare is not a vet, the attendants should know how to respond to health emergencies and how to provide basic first aid to your four-legged buddy. The Red Cross offers these certifications, says Getwright, and your daycare should always have one person on duty who is first aid and CPR certified. Look into cleaning protocols Your dog is at a higher risk of illness with so many pets in close proximity, says Jakob Hunt, vice president of operations and human resources for Dogtopia, a daycare chain with 30 locations in the United States. Because of this, you want to make sure the daycare has strict daily cleaning procedures in place. At Dogtopia, the playrooms are spot cleaned throughout the day, and then thoroughly cleaned during your dog’s nap time, says Hunt. If something like kennel cough—which is equivalent to the human cold—is identified, the attendants will take even bigger precautions. “The sick dog will be placed in lockdown so the other dogs won’t get sick,” explains Hunt. “Then all the rooms are cleaned. We try to contain the illness as best we can by limiting the amount of times attendants can go from room to room and dipping their shoes in a bleach mixture before they can leave a room.” Another tip: Check to see if the daycare has floor-to-ceiling walls. Since the majority of illnesses are airborne, half walls and chain-link fences won’t stop them from spreading, explains Hunt. Prepare for an evaluation Before you sign on the dotted line, daycare attendants should give your dog an in-depth assessment without you present. “Just like at children’s daycare, you won’t be there during the day,” says Hunt. “We need to see how your dog will react without you there. It’s our chance to learn as much about your pet as possible so we can give him the best care while you’re at work or away.” While every dog daycare will have a different assessment format, a good one will look for some of the following things: how your pup responds to a dog crate, what parts of his body he doesn’t like to have touched, and how your pet gets along with other dogs of different energy levels, temperaments, genders, and sizes. Attendants should take detailed notes to share with you afterward and to keep in your dog’s file. But remember: Daycares aren’t training facilities. “Your dog may be a wonderful pet, but he may not be a good fit for open play,” explains Hunt. “If that’s the case, we’ll recommend you socialize your dog and enroll him in training, and then come back in six months to get reevaluated.” Practice, practice, practice Daycare is basically an indoor dog park, so Getwright suggests bringing your dog to the outdoor version before you consider daycare. “If your dog doesn’t like it, he won’t enjoy it here,” he says. It’s also a good way to see how your dog interacts with other animals. “Many dogs who have never been in open play don’t know dog language,” says Hunt. “But when they hang around other dogs for a few days, they begin to learn it.” Then, when dogs approach your pooch in the daycare, he’ll know the proper way to react. Ask about what’s included Some dog daycares operate on an a la carte basis, says Hunt. Want Rufus to go on a walk? That’ll cost you an extra $10 a day. Want Baxter to be petted throughout the day? That’ll cost you $7. Those small additions add up to a big price tag. Ask the daycare manager what is included in the daily fee. Many places will accommodate your wishes for no extra charge. Ask what a typical day is like Schedules vary dramatically from daycare to daycare. Some are very structured, while others are looser. Choose a facility with a daily timeline that best suits your dog. However, make sure there’s plenty of time for both play and relaxation included. “If you don’t allow for rest, dogs get clumsy or grumpy because they’re tired,” says Hunt. And they will get tired. Daycares should encourage dogs to play with one another under supervision for the majority of the day. Some facilities will offer indoor miniature jungle gym equipment for your dog to climb up and slide down. Some smaller daycares will take dogs for walks in small groups. “Your dog will be active and busy. He’ll burn calories, he’ll run around,” says Getwright. “He’ll be wiped out when he gets home.” Inquire about meals Since both food allergies and food aggression in dogs are common, daycares should take precautions at chow time. Some facilities, like Philly Dog School, don’t allow dog food at all. Dogs are given plenty of water throughout the day. Others, like Dogtopia, feed pets two to three times a day. However, the dogs have to eat in individual crates. Afterward, the attendants clean the room and make sure there are no leftover pieces of kibble lying around before the dogs are let out for playtime again. Learn what amenities are provided Many daycares allow owners to remotely check in on their pooches. Dogtopia has cameras in every room so you can watch Fido playing, eating, or napping on your phone or your computer, while Philly Dog School has an Instagram account you can follow so you can get a peek of his daily activities. Other chains boast movie theaters, spas, and theme days for events like March Madness. Figure out what additions are most important to you and your dog before making your final decision. Jill Fanslau SHARE:   Published: December 21, 2016  Up NextHow To Make Your Garage Pet-Friendly Make sure your garage is a safe place for four-legged family members. Previous YouTube’s Funniest Dog Videos Of 2016 YouTube’s Funniest Dog Videos Of 2016 

Tips on Doggy Daycare for your pooch with Jessica from Hobnob Pet

How Often to Bathe and Groom a Dog A clean pup is a healthy pup, but if you’re a new pet parent, it may be confusing figuring out how often to bathe and groom your dog. However, the right bathing and grooming schedule for your pet will help maintain their overall skin and coat health and keep them comfortable.   The frequency of bathing and grooming your dog depends on a couple of factors including your dog’s breed, lifestyle and coat health.   If you’re trying to establish a grooming schedule for your dog, you can follow these guidelines to create the ideal program for your pup. How often should you wash your dog? While the frequency of bathing may be different for each dog, Wendy Weinand, manager, pet services grooming education for Petco, says that a good rule to follow is to wash your dog every four weeks.   “This will help to keep their skin and coat clean and keep their natural oils spread out to help condition,” she says. “Plus, they will smell great.”   Regular bathing is important because it removes the buildup of dirt and debris on a dog’s skin and prevents potential skin conditions from developing such as clogged pores, itchiness, dry skin or oily skin. “When pets are dirty, their skin doesn’t ‘breathe’ correctly,” says Weinand, “and they can end up with some issues that may require veterinary care to fix.”   Keep in mind that dogs who play outdoors regularly or get dirty from rolling around in dirt and mud may need more frequent baths. Certain dog breeds may also need to be washed more than others.   “Certain breeds, like Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, have a naturally oily coat,” says Weinand. “Bathing them regularly will help remove the ‘dirty’ oils and replace them with clean, new natural oil the skin is producing.”   Seasonality may also affect the frequency of your dog’s baths, Weinand adds. In the winter, pet parents may want to bathe and condition their dog’s skin more frequently to cut down on dryness and itching. While in the spring, when pets are shedding, more frequent baths may be needed to help remove dead coat.   Be careful not to bathe your dog too often, because overwashing your dog’s skin can cause irritation. “Unless there is a medical reason for more frequent baths, overbathing your pet—say weekly or even every two weeks—can dry out the skin and coat,” says Weinand. How often should you groom your dog? Grooming your dog’s hair and coat is another necessary pet parent responsibility. Like bathing, the frequency of grooming appointments or at-home grooming sessions will depend on your dog’s breed and coat length.   “The majority of breeds that need haircuts—for example Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Yorkies—need to be seen every six to eight weeks to keep their coats from getting matted,” says Weinand. “Their coats tend to grow at a faster rate than some other breeds.”   Dogs with shorter coats, like the Brittany or Parson Terrier, can go longer between grooming appointments because their hair grows slower. These dog breeds should still be brushed regularly at home to keep their coats healthy.   Pet parents should watch for matting and pay attention to overall hair and coat health when brushing their dogs. If something doesn’t look right, they should consult with a veterinarian or dog groomer for professional treatment. How often to trim your dog’s nails Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is a part of grooming that many pet parents find difficult, but it’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked.   “If nails get too long, it can cause issues with walking,” says Weinand. “Or they will crack up to the paw exposing the ‘vein,’ which can be very painful.” Additionally, “Not trimming your dog’s nails regularly can also lead to infections that may require veterinary intervention.”   Most dogs need their nails trimmed every two weeks, says Weinand. If dogs regularly walk outside on hard surfaces like sidewalks or pavement, they may require less frequent nail trims (every four weeks) because the act of walking can help file nails down.   If you’re unsure how to approach this part of grooming, watch this video to learn how to cut your dog’s nails properly.   For more guidance on your pet’s specific bathing and grooming needs, scroll through to find Petco’s recommended schedule below. If you don’t see your pet’s breed, you can call your local Petco grooming salon for recommendations.

Dr. Laura Brown discusses how often you should bathe your pet?

 Fat Pug: How To Tell If Your Pug is a Healthy Weight JANUARY 19, 2019 BY KRISTIN HITCHCOCK LEAVE A COMMENT A fat Pug is likely to have health problems. This breed often has trouble breathing, even at a healthy weight, so the extra pounds are going to add up to some serious issues. Despite their barrel ribs, Pugs should be slim with a visible tuck at the waist. Just like for us humans, bad habits and over eating cause Pugs to gain weight. But carrying a few extra ounces or pounds can have health implications for your pup too. Let’s find out what the healthy weight for a Pug is, and how to help a Pug who’s overweight. Is My Pug Fat? Pugs typically weigh around 14 to 18 pounds. Of course, some Pugs might weigh more or less than this and still be healthy. Instead of relying on the scale alone, we recommend looking at your Pug’s body for signs of obesity. There are two easy ways to check dogs’ weight at home. Step 1: Feel their rib cages on the sides of their chests You should easily be able to feel your Pug’s ribs under their skin. There should only be a very thin layer of fat present, much like the back of your hand. If it is difficult to feel their ribs, it is possible that they are overweight. On the other hand, you should not be able to see your dog’s ribs when they are in a normal standing position. This is a sign that your dog is underweight, which can cause all sorts of problems as well. Step 2: Look for your dog’s waist Just like a human, your dog should have a waist around her stomach area between her ribs and hips. The easiest way to check a dog’s waist is to look at her from the top down. Pug waistlines are not as pronounced as other breeds. But Pugs should still have small indents on their waists. If you Pug is more rounded, it is possible that they are overweight. Pug Shape Pugs‘ large eyes, shortened snouts and curly tails make these pooches easily recognizable. However, many of these unique characteristics also give Pugs a few health problems. Their short snouts, for example, cause many of them to experience breathing problems. They are also known to experience spinal difficulties because of their screw tails. These conditions affect their ability to run, play, and generally be active. Do Pugs Get Fat Easily? Pugs are not known to be active dogs. Many would much rather lay around than do much activity. But that’s not because they are inherently lazy dogs. https://thehappypuppysite.com/lazy-dog-breeds/ Their reluctance to exercise is actually because of their breathing problems. The Pug’s shortened snout makes it difficult for them to breathe and get the oxygen they need. Because of these difficulties, many Pugs tire quickly and can only handle short exercise sessions. Their owners often must restrict their playtime to prevent overheating or fainting. In hot weather, it might even be impossible for a Pug to exercise at all. Often, the risks are not worth it. This inability to exercise for extended periods can make the Pug gain weight quickly. It is essential that their food intake is restricted appropriately. A cycle of weight gain On top of this, a healthy weight is essential for a Pug’s health. If a Pug becomes overweight, it is often even harder for them to breathe properly. This difficulty only makes them able to exercise less, which compounds their weight gain. In this case, prevention and proper veterinary care are the best medicines. But, if you do think your Pug is overweight, there is no reason to fret. Visiting the Vet to Help Your Fat Pug If you have done these two tests and suspect your Pug might have some extra fat, it is essential to take them to the vet. This is to rule out any underlying health condition which might have caused weight gain. This step is particularly important if the weight gain was sudden. Your vet will also check your dog for subsequent health problems caused by carrying extra weight. Because Pugs have many structural problems, extra weight can have a severe impact on their health. It is vital that you get your Pug checked out by a vet before starting any exercise routine or changing the dog’s diet. If your Pug is experiencing any underlying disorder, an increase in exercises can be detrimental. Are Fat Pugs Unhealthy? A fat Pug is not a healthy Pug. Sadly, the breed is very prone to health problems anyway. It’s important therefore to keep him as slim as possible. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? Don't miss out on the perfect companion to life with a purrfect friend. The Happy Cat Handbook - A unique guide to understanding and enjoying your cat!   Unfortunately, having a few extra pounds will only make their problems worse. As you might guess, a fat Pug will get hotter even faster. And, combined with a Pug’s inability to cool herself properly, this can result in overheating very quickly. The extra weight will also put more strain on their back. This strain can worsen any existing spinal problems and cause arthritis. When you add in extra fat, a Pug’s skinfolds often become larger and more pronounced. This increases the risk for infections. Plus, it is also more difficult to notice an infection with so much extra fat hanging around. Dogs aren’t healthy when they’re obese. But a Pug is even more affected than your average canine. Obesity can have significant effects on health very quickly. If your Pug is overweight, it is essential to get her to shed those extra pounds quickly and safely. Helping Your Fat Pug Lose Weight Luckily, helping your Pug lose weight is not complicated. Slim Pugs are healthier than Fat Pugs Just like humans, for your Pug to lose weight, you must create a caloric deficit. In other words, they need to burn more calories than they lose. This deficit will cause the body to consume extra fat for energy. Over time, this will result in a skinnier, healthier Pug. This is done in two major ways: diet and exercise. If you feed your Pug treats regularly, your first step is to cut them out completely. While it might be difficult to deny your adorable Pug, treats have little nutritional value and can tack on many extra calories. Depending on how many treats you feed your Pug, this might be all you need to do. Some Pugs show improvement after treats are cut out. Swap Carby Treats for Healthy Treats Next, you should switch out training treats for a healthier alternative. Switch out any processed, unhealthy training treats or regular meals for something healthier. Chicken is often a good alternative, as are carrots if you can get your pooch to eat them. Reduce Meal Quantities Finally, begin cutting back on your dog’s regular meals. For the next four days, give your dog a third less than normal. At the end of that period take a look at whether they have lost weight. If they have, great, keep it up until they are back at a healthy size. If not, reduce by a third again for four days. Repeat until your pup is looking slim and trim. Then very gradually up the quantity slightly until their weight stabilizes.     Exercise carefully Exercise can also be useful to help your canine lose weight. However, due to a Pug’s difficulty exercising, it is often a better idea to focus on dietary change over exercise. If you do decide to exercise your Pug, keep sessions very short and watch for signs of exhaustion and overheating. Do not go running, walking is fine. Do not take your pup out on hot days, or in the humidity. Watch that they aren’t overheating. A sure sign of oxygen deprivation is if his tongue is curled up and around. Their panting tongue should lie flat. Caring for a Fat Pug While your pup is on her diet, it’s important to make sure she doesn’t overheat or over exercise. Dogs with breathing problems will snort, snore and may even in their desperation try to sleep upright. This habit that is seen as cute by some is actually a sign of respiratory distress. If your Pug sleeps sitting upright, take her to the vet. She might need more help to lose weight more quickly, and potentially an operation to open her airways. A Happier Pug By making these changes to your dog’s diet and exercise, it is likely that she will be more energetic and playful. This means that she can interact and keep up with her family better. Additionally, with the loss of weight, your dog will be able to manoeuvre around the home easier and with less assistance. Because your dog will have lost weight, diseases and illnesses related to obesity will be less frequent and not as severe. To help inspire others, feel free to share your Pug’s weight loss journey below. References and Further Reading: Liu, N.C., et al., 2017, “Conformational Risk Factors of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (Boas) in Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs,” PLOS One O’Neill, D., et al., 2016, “Demography and Health of Pugs Under Primary Veterinary Care in England,” Canine Genetics and Epidemiology Packer, R., 2012, “Normal for the Breed?” The Veterinary Nurse, Vol. 3, Issue 5 Roedler, F.S., et al., 2013, “How Does Severe Brachycephaly Affect Dog’s Lives? Results of a Structured Preoperative Owner Questionnaire,” The Veterinary Journal, Vol. 198, Issue 3, pgs. 606-10 Ryan, R., et al., 2017, “Prevalence of Thoracic Vertebral Malformations in French Bulldogs, Pugs and English Bulldogs with and Without Associated Neurological Deficits,” The Veterinary Journal Save                    

How to tell you if your Pug is fat with Dr. Rebecca Windsor

  Hi, I am Cindy. I am excited that you are here! As you can see, I offer both Human and Animal Services and often times do both simultaneously with clients. Click on either one below to learn more about my offerings. If you have additional questions, most answers can be found on my FAQ Page. Thank you for your interest, I look forward to possibly working with you and/or your pet. – Cindy Visit yourenergyhealer.com for more info

Cindy Myers, Animal Inituitive, discusses her FREE webinars in June

As cute as Pugs are, they are susceptible to a brain disorder with unknown causes called encephalitis. This neurological disease is only found in Pugs and can be fatal. Find out the warning signs for encephalitis here. The adorable wrinkly Pug makes a wonderful family pet, but unfortunately, some of these dogs fall victim to a neurological disease called Pug dog encephalitis (PDE). Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain tissues that causes pain, seizures, and ultimately death. Read on to learn about the causes and symptoms of this serious condition. Causes of Pug Dog Encephalitis Unlike other forms of encephalitis that can be linked to infections, PDE is unique in that it is idiopathic, meaning that the cause is not known. However, because it tends to strike Pugs who are closely related (e.g., littermates), many veterinarians suspect that it is hereditary and immune-mediated. Immune-mediated diseases are those characterized by an abnormal immune response in which the body’s immune system is tricked into seeing normal tissues as dangerous, and then attacks them. In the case of PDE, the immune system would attack the brain. Regardless of this widespread theory, there is still no definitive answer for what causes Pug dog encephalitis. PDE usually strikes pugs between 2 and 3 years of age, though it can be seen in Pugs as young as 6 months old and as old as 7 years. Symptoms of Pug Dog Encephalitis Because PDE affects the brain, most of the symptoms are neurological, and include: Behavioral changes Seizures Neck stiffness Head tilt Pressing head against walls or objects Disorientation or confusion Loss of coordination Walking in circles Depression Lethargy Weakness Blindness In many cases, the symptoms of PDE will progress rapidly (in a matter of days or weeks) and result in sudden death, usually due to a seizure. In other cases, a Pug may be able to live a while longer with the help of anticonvulsant drugs to control seizures. Ultimately, all affected Pugs will succumb to the disease, usually within months after the onset of symptoms. When to Seek Help for PDE You should contact your veterinarian at the first appearance of symptoms. Because PDE is not the only cause of seizures in Pugs, your dog will likely be examined for other diseases such as epilepsy, intracranial tumor, and poisoning. If PDE is found, supportive treatment will be started immediately. To learn more about the study, please contact Dr. Rebecca Windsor at rwindsor@ethosvet.com. Please visit Ethos website.  

Dr. Rebecca Windsor discusses her clinical trial to improve outcomes for Pug Dog Encephalitis.

It is very scary if you lose your pet.  Visit https://www.lostpetrescue.org/ OUR MISSION: Summit Lost Pet Rescue is an animal protection and welfare organization devoted to finding lost pets in Summit County Colorado and reuniting them with their owners. ​ Go to www.lostpetrescue.org and fill out the Owner Intake Waiver Form ​ Call ALL of the following to REPORT LOST: Summit County Animal Control 970-668-8600 Call Summit County Shelter 970-668-3230 Call Summit Lost Pet Rescue 970-423-5701​ ​ COMFORT/SCENT STATIONS- place out owner’s dirty clothes, dirty towels, dirty sheets, pet bed, etc ASAP in area where pet was last seen. If missing pet has a sibling pet, rub towels on the sibling pet and leave those where the pet went missing as well for scents. ​ SHARE on the following Facebook pages: Summit Lost Pet Rescue Summit County Loves Their Pets Dog Gone Summit County One Man’s Junk Summit County Post a picture and name of lost animal Date, time, exact location lost Phone number of owner to call or text if seen Describe animal- shy, skittish, friendly, what color collar, etc ​ NEON SIGNS- hang neon foamboard signs and write in big black marker: “LOST DOG”, “TYPE OF DOG”, “CALL TEXT xxx-xxx-xxxx”, “DO NOT CHASE”  See example on www.lostpetrescue.org ​ SHARE on www.nextdoor.com & www.pawboost.com ​​​​ Call your microchip company and report lost ​​ Call all local vets and shelters in area and surrounding areas ​ GO SEARCHING ON FOOT & USE CALMING TECHNIQUES: DO NOT CALL or CHASE pet Get low to ground, turn back, don’t make eye contact and do not call his name or chase.  He’s in flight or fight mode and will run.  If you see him, do these steps and toss some treats his way.  Act like you’re eating and dropping crumbs to see if it’ll entice him to come. Build trust. Let him come to you. Be patient & calm If missing pet has a sibling pet, take them with you on every search to spread the scent​ Keep smelly treats with you and a lead leash.  If you see him, he may not recognize you right away (don’t take this personally, its part of survival mode, they get confused). ​ Keep chip bag or paper with you and make crinkly sound.  ​ FLYERS- hang on bus stops, Summit Daily Boxes, gas stations, local restaurants & businesses, neighbors cars, and share with Fedex/Ups/Post Office/mailman/garbage truck drivers, etc ​ CLICK HERE FOR LOST DOG FLYER TEMPLATE ​ CLICK HERE FOR LOST CAT FLYER TEMPLATE ​​​​​​ Post sign in owners yard- “LOST DOG LIVES HERE”​​​ ​ Window markers on your car- write "lost dog, description, location, phone number" ​ Look on Craigslist for free pets or pets for sale (just in case someone picked up your lost pet and is trying to sell)  ​ Look on Petfinder.com & Petharbor.com ​ Those with information about this lost pet should contact Summit Lost Pet Rescue, Inc. (“SLPR”) at 970-423-5701.   IMPORTANT:  Those reading this flyer are not authorized to We are 100% donation based and donations go directly toward resources and supplies to help find lost pets. RESCUE REPORT since January 2020: LOST PETS FOUND & REUNITED WITH OWNERS: 109 DOGS 24 CATS

Tips on what to do if you lose your pet with the team from Summit Lost Pet Rescue

PugHearts of Houston Pug Rescue is a true 501(c)(3) non-profit charity founded in the Houston area by dedicated pug owners and lovers.  Our mission is the rescue, rehabilitation and permanent placement of needy pugs into loving homes. http://pughearts.com/

PugHearts of Houston Pug, Rescue, saves Pugs from China slaughterhouse. Hear the story of all of the volunteers that made it happen.

Many pets are prone to ear infections — especially those with long, floppy ears. Because of this, many dog owners are familiar with the symptoms of dog ear infections. Common symptoms of dog ear infections include: Excessive itching and scratching at the ear Head shaking, particularly when it looks awkward or unnatural Swelling and redness around the ear canal Scratching at the affected ear Unusual discharge and odor Scabs or crusted over the skin in the ears The ear canal of dogs is much more vertical than the human ear canal. This L-shape makes it more susceptible to holding fluid and disruption from bacteria, yeast, or ear mites — all of which are causes of infection. There are three types of dog ear infections: Otitis externa, the most common one that typically affects the outer portion of the ear Otitis media, affecting the middle part of the ear canal and usually a secondary development in up to 50% of chronic otitis externa cases Otitis interna, referring to inner ear infections that can result in neurological damage Dog ear infections can be a serious condition, which may result in hearing loss or facial paralysis. These serious complications make it imperative to prevent infection and seek treatment as soon as symptoms arise in your pet. Caring for and managing dog ear infections involve cleaning, medication, and aftercare. Remedies and Treatments for Dog Ear Infections Up to 16.5% of dogs will experience at least otitis externa, and complications may involve further development into more serious dog ear infections. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and minimize the severity of such infections in your dog. Immediate Care Once your vet has determined the severity and type of ear infection your dog is experiencing, they will clean your dog’s ear thoroughly to remove debris, discharge, and ear wax. They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication. In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet.   Long-Term Care Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog. It is important for you to carefully follow your veterinarian’s exact directives and instructions. You may make the application process easier by: Keeping your dog relaxed with affection and treats. Relying on a partner's help to hold and comfort your pet while you apply medication to the ear. Ensuring that you place the applicator safely outside of the dog’s ear when dispensing medication. Gently massaging the medication into the affected area. Remedies and Treatments for Dog Ear Infections  When to See a Vet Always finish the full course of the medication, even if your pet seems to be feeling better. Lapses or errors in treatment can prolong your pup’s illness. Maintenance and Prevention Whether it’s to prevent an infection from starting or to manage the healing of a dog ear infection that’s already in progress, ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s hygiene. Cleaning your dog’s ears can: Make it easier for you to examine your dog’s ear canal Remove microbes and other small foreign objects that may cause dog ear infections Clean and expose the ear canal for possible topical medication applications Ear infections are often caused by excess moisture. Take care to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after a swim or a bath. If your dog experiences chronic infections, talk to your vet about underlying causes such as allergies.  Managing your dog’s hygiene is an effective way to prevent future ear infections. Clean your dog’s ears by: Gently wiping the ear with an absorbent gauze. Never use a washcloth or paper towel. Avoiding cotton swabs, which can push debris deeper into your dog’s ear.  Cleaning the external portions of your dog’s ears For many dogs, ear infections are a recurring problem. Be proactive about keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry to prevent future ear-related health issues. When to See a Vet As soon as you notice symptoms of an ear infection in your faithful friend, you should contact your veterinarian. Prompt and proactive treatment will ensure your dog’s comfort and happiness.  WebMD Medical Reference 

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Bark n Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

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