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Keep your Fur Babies Safe

by Tina Hinze

 The most dangerous items for your fur baby are inside your home. Most house plans are toxic and deadly for our four-legged friends. Many common plants like Palms, Aloe, Lillies, Ivy, and Snake are the most dangerous house plants for cats and dogs.

While house plants add beauty and provide clean air and reduce carbon dioxide to your home, certain plants can make your pets sick. Our curious indoor pets tend to gravitate toward anything green, so we need to provide a safe living environment. There are over 700 indoor/outdoor plants that contain toxic substances that are not safe for your fur babies. Here’s a list of the most common poisonous houseplants you should avoid or keep out of reach if you have pets.

Palms

Sago palms contain cycasin, which causes gastroenteritis, vomiting, and other symptoms. In severe cases, a pet that eats sago palm could suffer liver damage or even liver failure.

Cardboard Palm needs to be avoided because the cycasin in these plants can cause several serious issues such as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or liver failure.

Aloe Vera 

Aloe is poisonous to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

Lilies

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Keep your Fur Babies Safe
An aurora blankets the Earth beneath a celestial night sky

Easter Lily has typically grown outside, and this plant is sometimes given as a springtime gift. Its toxic mechanisms are unknown, but in cats, Easter lilies cause vomiting or, in severe cases, kidney failure.

Mauna Loa “Peace Lily” when ingested, calcium oxalate in this plant cause cats to suffer oral symptoms: burning, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and more.

Ivy 

English Ivy a popular bedding plant in planters, but the leaves, in particular, are toxic. Dogs and cats will experience stomach pain, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea due to saponins.

Pothos or “Devil’s Ivy” both the stem and the leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which are toxic to dogs.

Snake 

Snake plant, one of the best air purifying plants, is not safe for your pet. They contain a toxic chemical named saponin, which is harmful to dogs. Both dogs and cats should be kept away from snake plants. If your dog consumes any part of the snake plant, it can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, drooling, nausea, and diarrhea.

There are many more toxic plants, indoor and outdoor. It is best to research before introducing a new puppy or kitten into your home. Or, if you have pets, double-check the plant details before bringing them into your pet’s living environment.

So what plants are safe for our fur babies? Spider plants, money trees, some succulents, venus fly trap, Boston fern, and African violet are just some examples. Make to research and confirm with your veterinarian safe house plants. 

Influential Puppy Scam Methods

Dr. Robert Cialdini, known for his research on the psychology of influence, defined the influence in Science and Practice in six principles (O’Donnell, 2017).  Initially, these six principles are designed as weapons of influence in sales and marketing, influencing individual purchase behaviors.  Today, the same principles are used by Cyber-attackers.   Cialdini’s six principles of influence included: (1) Reciprocity, (2) Commitment and Consistency, (3) Social Proof, (4) Liking, (5) Authority, and (6) Scarcity.  Each principle is very distinct; for example, the principle of reciprocity makes people feel obligated to pay back or return the favor from others they received from where commitment and consistency, individuals stay with what they have already chosen.

Sleepy Meisha and Freya

Additionally, Social Proof is the principle where people tend to trust items endorsed by people they trust.  The liking principle is where individuals accept and act upon a request from someone they like.  The authority principle is different because individuals will follow the leader’s direction and the scarcity principle draws individuals to items that are perceived as unique or hard to attain.  The psychology of influence can be powerful in any area, especially bypassing cyber-defenses.  The scarcity principle is one technique used to manipulate, steal and destroy an individual or an organization.

Cyber-tackers will use any method of influence and to bypass cyber-defenses.  From my experience of pug breeding, there are several types of scams.  Pug puppies are difficult to find, especially at a reasonable price.  Good, reliable, and healthy pug puppies average $1,200 – $10,000.  The price depends on pedigree, size, and color.  About a year ago, a woman found a pug puppy ad on Craig’s list for $500, and the breeder accepted payment for the puppy through gift cards.  When it came for the puppy to arrive, there was no puppy and the woman contacted the breeder through email.  The breeder stated that the $500 was a deposit, so she would have to send another $500 on a gift card.  The time came again for the puppy to arrive, there was no puppy, instead, the price increased, so the woman sent another gift card.  Weeks go by and no puppy, so she contacted the breeder again, the price increased again because it was a different pedigree and the woman sent another gift card.  The time came again when the woman would receive the puppy, but the breeder’s circumstances changed and they moved.  The woman would have to send a crate and the woman would have to send a gift card to pay for transportation costs.  In the end, the woman sent over $5,000 in gift cards to a pug breeder she had never spoken to on the phone.  All communication was conducted through email and money was sent through gift cards.  Both the communication and money sent were impossible to trace.

In this example, the cyber attacker used several methods to scam the woman of thousands of dollars, her time, and a dog crate. The scam started with the scarcity principle of selling a puppy for half the average cost.  Then bypassed insurance and security methods from financial institutions by collecting payment through gift cards.  Sending gift cards, the woman could not dispute the charges on a credit card or with her bank.  The scarcity principle is a terrible method of conning someone on something available at a great price, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Overall, if something is too good to be true, it probably is.  This actual example does have a happy ending.  The woman stopped all contact with the scammer, researched reliable breeders in her area, and purchased a beautiful pug from a breeder in Tennessee.  “Be wary of the situations where someone is trying to use it to persuade you to take an action.  Also, consider discussing this tendency and the examples of relevant scams as part of your security awareness training” (Zeltser, 2019).  In this example, this woman should have contacted the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any nationally known kennels on proper methods of buying a purebred pug puppy.

Works Cited

Chapple, M. and Seidl, D. Cyberwarfare: Information Operations in a Connected World, 2nd ed., Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2022

O’Donnellan, R. (2017, August 11).  The impact of the six principles of influence on cybersecurity.  Intuition.  https://www.intuition.com/blog-the-impact-of-the-six-principles-of-influence-on-cybersecurity/

Zeltser, L. (2019, June 9).  How the scarcity principle is used in online scams and attacks.  https://zeltser.com/how-the-scarcity-principle-is-used-in-online-scams-and/

What’s your Pug’s Love Language

For any pug owner, there this nothing better than having a wonderful companion. Have you ever wondered the best way to express your relationship with your best friend? I found this cute and quick survey on American Kennel Club (AKC) website that dog owners can complete. At the end of the article, take the quiz.

The concept of Love Language has been around for many years. Additionally, there are great books and website articles on this topic. Love language focuses on how love is given and received.

The concept of Love Language has been around for many years. Additionally, there are great books and website articles on this topic. Love language focuses on how love is given and received.

https://www.5lovelanguages.com/book/the-5-love-languages/

According to Gary Chapman, love is expressed and received in the following: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. All of these not only work for humans but dogs as well.

For Words of affirmation, statements like “who’s a good boy,” “great job,” and “pretty girl” are great for your four-legged companion. Ashe and Meatball love to be told they are good boys.

Quality time could be walking, taking on a trip to the store, or a special one-one time. Kora loved our outdoor trips to the park and Monto Sano Mountain. There we walked and she would play in the rivers.

Receiving gifts could be a new toy or treat. The first time I took Ember to Petco and pick her toys, she came home and had to show off every new toy to my husband. Additionally, Ember to this day loves her new toys from Bark Box. I highly recommend everyone to subscribe to Bark Box. It’s the best thing I have found for toys and treats. For only $23 a month you receive a themed box full of two toys and three bagged treats. For more information and subscribe, click the link below.

http://www.barkbox.com/r/OTLJ2UCGTR

Acts of service could be grooming/brushing their coat. My pugs love bath time not only for the treats but also for petting/massage. Chunky would let me give him a bath every day just for the petting and massage.

The final love language is physical touch and I think all our fur babies love pets and belly rubs. Lyla, our new puppy started very early with belly rubs. She started around 3-4 weeks just when she was walking on all fours is when the demand of the belly rubs. Miesha demands belly rubs to the point she will not come inside until she gets a belly rub.

Knowing your pug’s love language can help with training. Knowing if your fur baby prefers new toys to belly rubs helps with training. I really hope you enjoy this cute quiz as much as I did in understanding your pug.

Quiz: What’s Your Dog’s Love Language?

2020, The Year of Change

From right to left Ayla, Koda, Miesha, and Roxie

2020 was not only the year of COVID-19 but several changes for our Kennel. We lost Kora, rehomed the sisters (Alya and Roxie), and new arrivals. It indeed has been a year of ups and downs, and it has taken me some time to catch up with updates. You see, it was hard to lose Kora. She was my healing dog and friend. We rescued each other. I had just lost Tasha, and her family gave her up.

Kora, saying good bye


Lossing Kora was very hard. Just a week before the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, we lost Kora, our Rottiwiler, right on her 5th birthday, to an unknown element. Within a short time, Kora attained a lot of fluid and was building in her lungs. The vet was uncertain what happened and if they could treat her. Additionally, she never likes any vet visit and has to be sedated at every visit. It was a hard choice, but I knew I did not want her in any more pain (physically and emotionally). Kora was not our only loss. We decided to rehome Alya and Roxie.
Alya had a litter with Meatball, which become a complicated delivery, and she became a risk for future litters. After losing Kora, I did not want to lose these girls to delivering puppies, so we rehomed them to two beautiful families. The sisters are extraordinary pets and in loving homes. As a professional breeder, you know not all dogs can or should be bred. You learn and make sound decisions for the betterment of the dogs. Because we rehomed the sisters, we had to find new qualified and healthy females.
In the summer, I made three trips (12-hour drive one way) to Michigan to visit my family. My father had a heart attack and nearly died. He was in and out of hospitals between July through October due to his heart. He is now home and doing better each day. My last visit was helping my mom and her two rescue dogs. My dad could only have one visitor at Henry Ford Main in Detriot, so my mom would leave early in the morning to make a 90-minute drive and stay with him until visiting hours were over. So this trip was to help my mom and provide support. When she would arrive home, dinner was ready, and dogs and house cared for.

Mogi loves playing in the leaves


Additionally, during this visit, I reached an AKC professional breeder with a Champion bloodline. During all difficulties, there was a blessing. This blessing was little Mogi (Mogi the Mogwai), our new petite fawn female. Another blessing was my dad was released from Henry Ford Main in Detriot. I thought during this visit, since Henry Ford Main in Detriot only allowed one visitor, I would not see him, but he came home just days before leaving. During all of this, all I can say is God is good.


God blesses many in so many ways, and it’s not always going to be the way you or I image. God has a plan, and we need to have faith. When we purchased Koda, we placed a deposit on another female with the same breeder. Today, we are still waiting for our new girl. The breeder lost three family members in 2020, so it is understandable for our new girl’s delay. We trust this breeder because we have bought Ashe and Koda from her. During our wait, Koda had a small litter. She had two puppies (a boy named Casper and looks like mom and girl, Lyla with Merle coloring). We originally wanted a Merle from Koda’s breeder, but it did not work out. We received Koda and Koda had the Merle we wanted.


2020 has been the year of change. Change on our Kennel dynamics not only gains and loss of our dogs but also the focus. We are now working to become a Prefered Breeder with both American Kennel Club (AKC) and Continental Kennel Club (CKC) and DNA health testing on all our breeding pugs. 2020 may have started as a year of loss with Kora, but we will not allow this to become our future. We sincerely want to provide good, quality pugs for our customers and enjoy our pug fur-babies as well.

For more information on Prefered Breeder’s, see this article:

AKC Breeder Of Merit Program

https://ckcusa.com/services/preferred-breeder-program/

Details on DNS Health testing, please check out the following website:

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/pde-susceptibility

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/pkdef-dog

New Additions to the Family

After Ember’s second litter born on January 19, 2019, we have added three more to our family; Ashe, Roxy, and Aella. Ashe Silver Bullet was born on February 5, 2019, and from Ohio. He is our first pug to travel by plane. He is a very rare pug, silver, with a lot of colors in his bloodline (Chocolate, pink, white, fawn, and black). An interesting fact about Ashe is that his father is from Germany, but this does not affect Ashe’s registration. Ashe is AKC and CKC registered.

Ashe_Miesha
Roxy Dawn and Aella Meadow are sisters and born on May 13, 2019. Both from Tennessee, 10 hour round trip drive through the mountains and country roads to pick up these little sweethearts. Both full of character and love. They have both black and fawn colors in their bloodline, and CKC registered.

GirlsOverall, the family has accepted all the new babies, especially Kora.  As you can see, all enjoy playing.

Spring is in the Air…I think…

In Alabama, it is very unusual weather.  One moment its cold, you think it’s going to snow and the state shuts down because there is a possibility of snow. Then the next day, the sun is out and flowers are blooming. Go figure.  Growing up in the north, I remember having school closed because it was too cold, a minus 40 below with the wind chill factor.

Well, like any nice day, it’s great to go outside and enjoy the weather.  Our pugs and rottweiler enjoyed it too. I hope you enjoy the pictures and brings you joy.

As you can see, Miesha loves the outdoors.  I asked her smell the flower and all I got was a head tilt.  But of course, she will find any piece of wood to chew on,

Chunk Norris or “Chunky” could not stop playing with Kora, our Rottweiler.  It was very hard to get a picture of him by himself during this beautiful February afternoon.

Ember did smell the flowers, the daffodils. She enjoy the nice break from the puppies.  The puppies did not come outside since they have not had their shots and trying to learn to walk.  On nice days like this, where we will be outside for some time, we do put on the dog collars for the invisible fence so the dogs do not go venturing too far away.

Meatball also enjoyed the weather and sunshine.  He’s always a happy or sleepy boy 🙂  He did however, got fed up playing with Kora and just wanted a break. So there was sometime, Meatball and I just sat.  I would pet him while he sunbathed or he would sneak a kiss.

And then there was Kora, the Rottweiler. Playful as she can with the Pugs.  She always tries to get them to chase her.  Or she will find a branch and just chew.  I think Miesha learned this from Kora…..

Anyways, it was a nice February afternoon in Alabama.  Weather is always unusual here.

Pug Puppy Care Tips from 8 weeks to 18 months

Written By Tina Hinze

Bringing a new fur baby into your family’s life can be exciting and challenging. Here are recommendations for help looking after your puppy from eight weeks to 18 months. The details will help you give your puppy the best start in life and avoid problems later on.

Up to 8 weeks – before you bring your puppy home

My Pampered Pugs as a  professional breeder has completed the following:

  1. Organizing their first puppy vaccination
  2. Starting puppy pad training
  3. Starting socializing them by introducing them to new situations and people

Our pet owners, we recommend you complete the following before bringing your fur baby home and prepare for your new puppy’s arrival:

  1. Puppy-proof your home by proofing the house involves removing small items from the floor, placing cords out of reach or wrapping them in cord protectors, finding new places for shoes and other objects that may be chewed, and placing child-proof locks on any lower cabinets that a Pug may be able to access.
  2. Creating a unique space for your fur baby and buying toys: you’ll need space for your puppy to play and toys to keep them occupied.
  3. Provide somewhere for them to rest: a crate, hiding places, and a cozy bed in a quiet, draught-free place where your puppy can rest undisturbed. We highly recommend crate training.     
  4. Using the blanket from the puppy’s first home – bring this back with you so they have something familiar and comfortable to snuggle in.
  5. Remove anything poisonous or that you don’t want them chewing. Please see my blog on common toxic plants that can keep your furbaby safe. https://mypamperedpugs.com/keep-your-fur-babies-safe/      
  6. Find a local veterinarian and schedule your first appointment within a week of getting your puppy. Use this link to locate a local vet in your area. https://www.pawlicy.com/vets-near-me/
  7. Sign up for puppy training classes. American Kennel Club has excellent resources and references for training classes. Please visit their website at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/basic-obedience-training-for-your-dog/
  8. Register your puppy and get pet insurance. Registering your puppy with AKC or CKC,  the first month of pet insurance is usually free.

8-16 weeks – bringing your puppy home

Homecoming is an important time for your puppy because your puppy will learn, and experience will shape their behavior. Your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated yet, but it’s essential to continue socialization by giving your puppy positive experiences like:

  1. Introducing them to other pets – let them meet other healthy, fully vaccinated dogs and cats.
  2. Carry your puppy around your home and new environment, introducing them to new people, sights, and sounds.
  3. Gradually introduce the puppy to other experiences, such as the car, grooming, handling, and checking their ears, eyes, and other body parts.
  4. Begin to leave them alone for short periods to prevent separation-related behavior.
  5. Establish a consistent routine and rules – reward and ignore bad behavior.
  6. Feed them the same puppy food as before and keep the same routine with small, regular meals.
  7. Continue puppy pad training by rewarding them when they use the pad.
  8. Perform grooming on time. Pugs are prone to skin yeast infections and eye issues and are heavy shedders, so this breed requires lots of grooming. It is best to stick to a schedule regarding these care tasks. Below are recommended hygiene maintenance for your Pug:
  9. Baths – We bathe our pugs once a month, even if your puppy or dog does not appear to be dirty. Bathing help prevents foul odors, moisturizes skin, and loosens dead hairs from the coat. You can bathe pugs in the kitchen sink or the bathtub. Because the Pug has sensitive skin, use a shampoo with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 and does not contain any soaping agents, parabens, pthalates, sulfates, chemical preservatives, or artificial colors, and surfactants like cocamide-MEA. Please see my blog on my favorite items made in the USA on the grooming products on my pugs. https://mypamperedpugs.com/my-fav-amazon-dog-products/
  10. Eye maintenance – Pug’s eyes are large and bulging, which means they are prone to picking up debris that can irritate the eyes or scratch the cornea. Tiny food particles are a top culprit. Keep the eye area clean by wiping it at least once a day and as often as after each meal. For this, you can use the same type of wipe you have for your Pug’s wrinkles (see next tip).
  11. Wrinkle maintenance – Pugs have many deep wrinkles on their head and face, which makes these areas prone to skin infection, so attention must be given to keeping these folds clean and dry. Wipe the wrinkles at least once a day or week, depending on the Pug.
  12. Brushing – Pugs are heavy shedders. Many dead hairs stay lodged in the coat, and some fall to the floor. So, even if you do not notice much shedding, brushing your Pug regularly is essential. Recommended to brush puppies once a week and adults Pugs every other day and as often as once per day.

16 weeks onwards – puppy training and socialization

Your puppy can have their final vaccinations, and while you’re at the vet, ask them about worming flea treatment and neutering.

  1. Once fully vaccinated, socialize your pup outside and in public locations like dog parks and stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Petco, Petsmart, and other retailers that allow dogs. Ensure to use a harness and not a collar. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed that is very prone to breathing issues. Just about every purebred Pug has some level of stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils), which can make breathing difficult, and an elongated palate (the soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth partially blocks the windpipe). Using a collar when on a leash, which places pressure on the trachea, is near guaranteed to exacerbate this.
  2. So, part of caring for a Pug involves using accessories that do not impede breathing. For this reason, a harness should be used whenever a Pug is on a leash. Harnesses displace tension over the shoulders, back, and chest, freeing the neck.
  3. Take them to puppy classes – suitable puppy classes are a great way to boost their confidence and learn basic training.     
  4. Understand what they like – knowing what your puppy wants (such as their favorite food or toys) can motivate them during training.
  5. Let them rest regularly – growing and learning are tiring, so let them rest periodically and keep training sessions short and fun. If your puppy is crate trained, let them use it as a haven.
Sleep pug puppies

Six– 18 Months

Puppies are still learning at this age, so continue reward-based training and keep all experiences positive.

Remember:

  1. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your puppy, and ask them about spaying or neutering. Males and female pugs can be spayed or neutered between 6 – 9 months.
  2. Spay and Beuter benefits include:
    1. Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs -spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
    2. Neutering provides significant health benefits for your male. Besides preventing unwanted litter, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer if done before six months of age.Your spayed female won’t go into heat. While cycles can vary, female pugs can go into heat early and frequently.Your male dog won’t want to roam away from home. An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate! That includes digging his way under the fence and possibly getting hit by a car.Your neutered male will be much better behaved. It is highly cost-effective. Your pet’s spay/neuter surgery costs a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered male fights with another male dog, possibly a giant or aggressive dog.
    3. Spaying and neutering your pet is good for the community.
  3. Keep your Pug on a healthy diet. What you choose to feed your Pug will have short- and long-term consequences, affecting everything from weight maintenance to allergies to intestinal health. Pugs do better with dry kibble than wet canned food; a dry formula keeps stools firm and is better for the teeth. Puppies should be fed 2 to 3 times daily, which can transition to twice daily at six months. Several dry snacks can be given between meals, and moist treats can be given to reward good behavior, such as house training and obeying commands.
  4. This breed generally has a very hearty appetite, and their intolerance for extended exercise makes it easy to gain excess weight. Pugs also tend to have sensitive stomachs and are prone to skin reactions from food additives. Therefore, aim to provide all-natural foods with no chemical preservatives, artificial flavoring, or dyes, and no by-products, high grain counts, generic meats or oils, corn, soy, or other cheap product fillers.
  5. Follow exercise requirements and restrictions. Despite their reputation for being lazy, Pugs can have a good amount of energy. And you’ll want to meet this by keeping your Pug moving along for several reasons:
  6. Exercise plays an essential role in a Pug’s physical health. It is good for the heart and lungs, regulates metabolism, helps maintain proper muscle composition, boosts the immune system, and can keep certain diseases at bay, including canine diabetes and some forms of cancer. Exercise also plays a vital role in a dog’s mental health; it allows it to release any restlessness that bottles up and provides for desensitization and socialization to all outside elements. At the same time, too much exertion in either duration or intensity can lead to breathing difficulties or overheating for this brachycephalic breed. So, the goal for this caring element is to exercise your Pug regularly while keeping in mind your dog’s limitations.
  7. Pugs do best, with at least two walks per day. Each session should last at least 20 minutes but can extend to 45 or longer if your Pug has the energy. Breaks should be taken at the halfway mark of a short walk, every 15 to 20 minutes for a longer walk, or any time a Pug is breathing noticeably heavier than usual. Bring your Pug into the shade and offer fresh water, ensuring that breathing is back to normal before starting up again.
  8. Light to moderate cardio sessions can also be added in, with a rousing game of fetch being the easiest to play and one that most dogs love.
  9. Move to more advanced dog training classes if your puppy is ready to progress.
  10. Move them onto adult dog food as they get bigger and their dietary needs change.
  11. Keeping experiences positive from day one will help your puppy grow into a confident adult dog, making life more enjoyable for you both.

My Fav Amazon Dog Products

Yes, I have Amazon Prime and yes, I love the benefits and products. But who doesn’t like free 2-3 day shipping and free returns. Additionally, subscribe and save is a great feature for repeat delivery on products used on a regular bases. Over the years, I have been asked what products I use for our Pugs. I’m not selling any of these products and merely writing this article to share my 12 favorite products purchased from Amazon I use for our pugs.

For Grooming

Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

With the rain and moisture in Alabama, our pugs get at least a bath one a monthly. It might seem more frequent than most, but they are inside dogs so baths keep the shedding down and with cleaning. Because of the frequent bathing, I ensure to buy shampoo and conditioners with moisturizers. The best two I have found are “Pets are Kids too” and “Paws and Pals.” Both are made in the USA and made with Oatmeal Anti-Itch, natural Ingredients, and Hypoallergenic! Its great relief For Allergies, Itchy, Dry, Irritated Skin. And both smells amazing. “Pets are Kids too” smells like Carmel Candy and “Paws and Pals” has a more natural smell (Aloe, Rosemary, and Shea Butter, and Oatmeal).

Ear/Snout cleaner

Pugs smushed snout is a unique physical feature and also requires special attention. If their snout is not cleaned properly, moisture and bacteria builds up and our fur babies could get a nasty infection. “Nutri-Vet Ear Cleanse for Dogs” Cleans and Deodorizes very well. I use it for ears and snout wrinkles, or their “stinkles.” To clean ears, use the cleaner and cotton balls. For the snout, damp the clean cloth with the cleaner and then clean. This too made in USA and formulated by veterinarians.

Nose Moisture

We have two pugs, Ember and Chunk Norris AKA “Chunky” with very dry snouts. Just like humans with chapped lips, dogs get chapped noses. Scout Magic is a very good product made with natural ingredients and Made in USA. And it’s ok if they lick the butter on the their noses.

Bath Buddy

Bath Buddy for Dogs – The Original Dog Bath Toy – Makes Bath Time Easy, Just Spread Peanut Butter and Stick. This product has made bath time so much easier. My fur babies look forward to bath time because they get a treat with their spa treatment. Bath buddy creates an environment free of fear during bathing, grooming, nail trims and other stressful situations. You can also use on trips.

Supplies

Elevated Pet Bed

If you need a dog bed that is several inches off the ground, breathable, and very easy to clean, I recommend Amazon Basics Cooling Elevated Pet Bed. Our fur babies love the outside when there is nice weather, so why not let them relax on something off the ground and does retain moisture.

Dog Harness

Bolux Dog Harness is a No-Pull, Reflective, Breathable, Adjustable Pet Vest with Handle for Outdoor Walking. There is no more pulling, tugging or Choking. Pugs have a unique shape with thick neck and chest. Bolux Dog Harness is perfect because it has adjustable chest strap with snap on buckle. Additionally has places for Velcro name tags. Each of our pugs have there own harness.

Ashe wearing his harness

Seat Belt Safety Leads

Our pugs love going everywhere and most people, especially at Walgreen’s, love to be greeted by a pug. I want to ensure our fur babies are safe and secure. Seat belt safety leads keep our fur babies safely restrained and secure in vehicle while driving, and allows your dog to sit, stand or lie down comfortably in a car without distracting or climbing on my lap. Additionally, these are hassle-free seatbelt clip designed to latch into your car with ease. When I have to take more than one dog to the vet, these really come in handy.

Water-proof Couch Cover

H.VERSAILTEX 100% Waterproof Sofa Protector Cover Couch Covers are great for pets and covers 3 or 4 Cushion Couch with Non Slip Backing. They come in several colors. This is very ideal to buy especially when potty training. It’s so much easier to throw the cover in the wash and protect your furniture at the same time.

Belly Bands

Ok, male dogs like to “mark” and it’s OK if the “mark” outside. What I don’t want or tolerate is “marking” inside the house. If your male dog is neutered, more likely he will not mark in your house. We have competing males in our house, so I have learned where the statement “pissing contest” came from. These belly bands are washable and come in handy if you have an accident prone male, either from potty training to unable to uncontrolable bladder.

Flea and Tick Treatment

Amazon brand Solimo has a flea and tick Solimo is topical flea and tick prevention for dogs kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, ticks, and chewing lice for up to 30 days after application. Contains fipronil, and (s)-methoprene, the same active ingredients used in Frontline Plus. Select the right one based on your dog’s weight. Koda, Ashe, and Meatball are over 23 pounds, so they use the medium size dog treatment. Ember, Miesha, Mogi, Chunky, and Lyla are under 20 pounds, so they receive the small dog treatment.

Cleaning

Disinfectant Wipes

Ok, who doesn’t use disinfectant wipes. I have containers in the bathroom, kitchen, living room, and any were else that requires regular disinfectant. Solimo brand works just a good as other brands, it’s just more economical.

Natures Miracle Stain and Odor Remover

Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover For Dogs bacteria-based formulas produce enzymes when they come into contact with a food source — pet urine, feces, vomit and other bio-based messes. The enzymatic cleaner will continue working as long as the food source is present. For use on carpets, hard floors, furniture, fabrics and more. This spot remover is tough on dog urine, feces, vomit, drool and other organic stains and odors, while freshening with a light citrus scent.

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Last two go Home

It’s been a few weeks and well over due for an update for Big Girl and Meat Sauce. Both went to loving homes.

Big Girl went to a retired couple with six grand children outside Chattanooga. Her new name is Naamah.

Her new family has two dogs, one is a pug named Noah and a Yorkie. She will be spoiled rotten by the entire family.

Meat sause is now Iggy and lives just outside of Birmingham. Iggy’s family has one pug and a loving little girl.

Both will be missed, but very happy they went to loving homes. We are so happy to receive updates on our puppies. The last update is Iggy gets to sleep with his family every night. Our pugs just love to snuggle.

What new puppy owners should know

1. Puppies at 8 weeks are still babies and could cry during the night. They are use to cuddling with siblings. The first few nights could be hard on the puppy and the new family. To help, it’s best to have a large crate where there is space to sleep, a toys to play with and cuddle, and go potty on puppy pads.

2. Spend time with the puppy. Puppies will sleep 18 hours, but there still 6 hours left to play. If you don’t play with the new puppy, the puppy will find something to play with, including their poop.

3. Make the house or space “puppy safe.” Take a look around your house and look for any sharp and edgy objects that may be lying around the house. Keep toxins such as plants harmful for pets and cleaning supplies away. Make use of baby gates to block access to the stairs and rooms that are not puppy safe such as basement, kitchen, etc. Keep small objects such as jewellery, hairpins, coins, etc. away from your puppy’s reach. Keep garbage out of your pup’s reach and cover it with a lid so that your pup can’t open. Never leave your puppy unsupervised and when use a crate when you cannot watch him/her.

4. Make sure to put things away that you don’t want the puppy to chew on. Those 28 baby teeth will start to develop and cause a lot of teething. Now would a good time to offer teething aids to your puppy that will soothe and massage his/her gums or else expect loads of chewed up furniture, shoes and anything else that your puppy can get his hands on. There are tons of teething toys available in different sizes and shapes that you can find online or at a pet shop to help you with a safe and enjoyable teething process.

5. Don’t miss veterinarian visits. Puppies have to get several vaccines at 6, 9, 12 and 16 weeks. Vaccinations protect your puppy from life-threatening diseases. Here is the list of vaccinations that you must get for your puppy:

  • Parvovirus
  • Distemper
  • Measles
  • Parainfleunza
  • Bordatella (optional)
  • Hepatitis

6. Puppies need a lot of supplies.

  • Puppy Bed – Puppies need their own bed that can be their very own space to relax and unwind.
  • Training pads – Training pads are essential at the time of housebreaking your puppy.
  • Water Bowls and Food Bowls – Your puppy must have a water bowl with clean fresh water at all times and a food bowl. It is always good to add a little warm water to the food before serving to make it more palatable and easier to chew kibbles.
  • Doggie Towel – Puppies at a young age cannot be given a bath, however, they need their paws cleaned and dried. A doggie towel is a must-have to ensure those paws remain clean and dry.
  • Puppy Teething Toys – Keep those teething troubles at bay with the use of teething toys that will keep your puppy busy and will also massage his gums and teeth. And it keeps your furniture intact too!
  • Puppy Training Aids – Whether it is tasty treats or biscuits or housetraining aids, you can make training much easier with these aids.
  • Puppy Grooming Products – Groom your puppy from an early age to establish it as a positive routine to make him/her comfortable in being handled.

Only one puppy left

Tootsie aka Big Girl has been adopted and goes to her forever home March 17th. So this means we only have one puppy left, Meat Sause, aka Meatball Jr.

He is such a mellow guy and loves to cuddle. He was the first born of the litter and has a lot of chareristiscs of his dad. We believe Jr will be big like his dad, full grown 30 pounds.

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