 By Katy Cable-A 3-minute read For the past few weeks nearly every dog owner I know is complaining about their dog's relentless scratching and itching. I too, hear the incessant licking and tap-tap-tap-tap-tap of the dog tag as Olive attacks her own itch in the middle of the night. That starts me itching my own dry skin and you get the picture. Did you know your dog can suffer from seasonal allergies just as you do? Over half of all pet owners aren't aware their fuzzy family members can be feeling miserable thanks to allergens. Now lets take a look at what type of allergy it might be and how you can offer some relief for your sweetie. There are two main types of allergies: food allergies and environmental allergies. Food allergies frequently cause diarrhea, vomiting, bloat and sometimes irrational behavior due to your pet feeling uncomfortable and having no way to get relief. Later, itching and irritation can follow. If your pet gets itchy during winter, spring, summer or fall, and there isn't a bout of vomiting or diarrhea first, it's most likely a reaction to a seasonal allergens. If symptoms continue year-round, it's more likely a sensitivity to something in their diet. There are a several exceptions to this rule. For example, living in So. Cal where we don't get snow, a hard freeze, or, with the exception of this year, RAIN!😜environmental allergens can build up and cause year-round issues. And, without extremes in our seasons, allergies can persist or worsen year-round. Most humans who experience seasonal allergies, suffer from dry, red, itchy, puffy eyes. Sneezing, and a dry persistent cough. Dog allergies more commonly take the form of skin irritation or inflammation – a condition called allergic dermatitis. If your dog has seasonal allergies, their coat will become very itchy. You'll notice them scratching excessively, and they will most likely bite or chew their paws or other areas of their body. If your pup is rubbing up against you (especially if you don't have food in your hands) or if you notice them rubbing against furniture or rolling their faces into plush rugs or carpeting for relief, most likely they’re desperately trying to relieve uncomfortable itchiness as best they can. If this continues long enough without relief, their skin will become red, inflamed, warm and tender to the touch. Other signs of allergic dermatitis include patches of hair loss, open sores on the skin, and scabbing. If left untreated, hot spots can develop. A hot spot is raw, red, inflamed, infected skin that occurs when your dog's natural bacteria overwhelms an area of their skin. Typically the skin will be very red, and often there’s weeping, bleeding, and hair loss. Pugs, English Bulldogs, Basset Hounds and Irish Setters with allergies can also suffer from ear problems as a result. Their ear canals may be hot, red, itchy and inflamed as part of a generalized allergic response, or they may grow infected with yeast or bacteria. If your pug's ears are giving them problems you will notice them scratching at their ears, and shaking their heads frequently. Often you will notice anything from a hint of a sweet smell to a horrible foul odor in their ears. Upon cleaning their ears you may find a brown discharge that can be thin and runny or a thick clumpy sludge. While respiratory symptoms aren't common in pets with allergies, they do occur. A running nose, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing and that scary "back-breathing" in flat nosed, brachy dogs, can also attack four-legged seasonal allergy sufferers. Another tell-tale sign of an allergy is redness. Allergic pets often have puffy red eyes, red gums, a red, possibly bumpy blemished chin, red paws and even a red anus. Seasonal allergies can worsen or turn into year round problems. Allergic reactions are produced by your pet's immune system, and the way his immune system functions is a result of both nature (his genetics) and the environment. The more your pet is exposed to the allergens they're sensitive to, the more intense and long-lasting the allergic response becomes. In order to build up your pet's immune system and tolerance try to first identify the culprit and eliminate exposure Helping a Pet Suffering From Environmental Allergies. As someone who has been plagued by allergies all my life, my physicians recommend a few simple things which you can also do for your pet. We all need to enjoy the great outdoors but limit exposure during peak readings for pollens, ragweed, etc. During a rough season, it's important to shower both at night and in the morning to remove allergens. I recommend you do the same for your dog if they are symptomatic. Also use an air purifier and close windows during windy days and the peak pollen hours from 2-8 AM.
I hope this puts an end to some of your fur baby's suffering this season. For great tips each week, please subscribe to my free weekly blog by clicking the link below. Pugs and kisses!🐾 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By Katy Cable- TWR / A 3-min. Read In the last year of working with pet parents, I have seen the demand for "grain-free" pet foods rise tenfold. I have also noticed nearly every brand of commercial pet food now offers a “grain free” variety. But is "grain-free" really better? When discussing dog foods with pet-parents, I often see frustration that their dog's current "grain-free" food isn't helping with their allergies, tummy upsets, arthritis, or weight loss. Many times their conditions are getting WORSE! While it is impressive that so many concerned pet-parents are learning about better nutrition, once again I see the $$$ “big business” $$$ of pet food companies at it again. It begins with the beautiful displays and packaging which is often just a misleading marketing scam. The reality is they’re making record profits on cheap ingredients that are simply not good for our pets. While a "grain-free" diet is certainly ideal for carnivorous canines who have difficulty digesting grains, if those grains are simply replaced by more starchy-high glycemic carbs, you are actually WORSE off. “Grain-Free" Doesn't Mean “Carb-Free” Funny enough, most pet foods marketed as "grain-free" contain even higher amounts of carbs, they just come from other “grain-free” fillers like potato or corn. In July an alert was issued by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) warning grain free kibble may be linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) It seems that pet foods which contain potatoes or legumes as the main ingredients, may be causing an increase in taurine deficiency-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs who aren't typically predisposed to this form of heart disease. Grain-free dry dog food is a new booming market segment, but it appears the high starch/carb content in these diets depletes the digestible taurine level in the food. And while legumes and potatoes are called out as the problem, grain-free kibble is usually higher in starchy carbs than grain-based dry dog food. The higher the starch level in any pet food, the less protein is included. I’m Especially meat-based protein. Once again, it’s IMPERATIVE to read those labels carefully. If you read the ingredients of many, many pet foods the way I do, you will notice the grains have often been swapped out for even less meat-based proteins and more starchy carbs such as: white potatoes, rice, and corn. These carbs quickly turn to glucose in the system and cause surges in blood sugar. And that is why many dogs eat and eat and eat without feeling satisfied. It’s no different than that CRASH we get after consuming a bag of potato chips or a candy bar. Out pets are getting obese and starving to death at the same time. The most important thing to consider when selecting ANY pet food, but certainly a "Grain-Free" variety, is choosing one that lists a premium animal or fish protein as the first two or three ingredients. There are several very popular brands that substitute nearly all the animal protein with starchy-BAD carbs and charge a premium for nothing more than a “grain-free” bag of corn, and brewers rice. Following the protein, look for LOW-GLYCEMIC ingredients. Sweet potatoes in lieu of white potatoes. Peas, chickpeas, quinoa and lentils instead of rice, oats and corn. According to leading integrated holistic veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, with Mercola Pets: "Dogs are by nature scavenging carnivores and don't even have a carbohydrate requirement. We are putting into their bodies a bunch of foods that are metabolically unnecessary, that are setting up the same degenerative processes that are occurring in human bodies.” You may wonder why pet food contains grains and/or other “bad-carb” fillers if they're not even nutritionally necessary. The answer is simple: -PROFITS! Grains, corn, rice and potatoes are cheap fillers, and this is why they're the main staples of most popular commercial pet foods. To create a high quality, meat-based pet food would cost substantially more. It’s much easier and less expensive for pet food manufacturers to load their foods with corn, rice and wheat and keep higher profit margins. That doesn’t mean great “grain-free,” “low-carb” pet food options don’t exist, but if you don’t dig a little deeper and do your homework, you may be getting PET FOOleD!*+ So, before you reach for that bag of “grain-free” food, READ THOSE LABELS! Let me know if you have any questions or would like some recommendations for your pet. Thanks for taking the time to read this and care for your pup! Pugs and 😘 kisses! -Katy 🐾🐾❤️ +For more information on the pet food industry, I encourage you to check out the documentary PET FOOleD. Surprisingly, it’s not “as dry as dog kibble” but very informative and entertaining! www.petfooled.com 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By, Katy Cable/TWR/A 3 min. “HIGH” Several years ago, I wrote a blog about the astounding results I was seeing in dogs using CBD oil to keep them calm during 4th of July fireworks. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Arthritic pets, pets with seizures, anxiety, psychosis, depression, end-of-life issues, trauma, even cancer and metabolic diseases were all seeing unbelievable results from CBD oil. In a very short amount of time CBD and hemp products have gone from underground to the hot new thing! What was once only a handful of established companies selling CBD pet products, it’s now a booming market with everyone from Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog in the CBD business. If all this “buzz” (-pun intended 😜) about CBD/Hemp products has you confused and apprehensive, let me clarify all the important things you need to know. When I first heard the words “HEMP”, “CBD” & “CANNABIS”, the thing that came to mind was getting “high” and I got scared. I would never want to turn my little pugs into "pot-heads" and have these CBD's become the new “gateway" drugs for further excessive sleeping, binge snacking followed by opiates and heroin. I was extremely reluctant and apprehensive about using them. Once I turned to my trusted holistic/integrated vets for some clarification, I realized I was way off base. These vets have been using CBD's successfully for some time and straightened out my misconceptions. What is CBD anyway? All mammals have an endocannabinoid system which is located in the brain and central nervous system. It’s crucial for establishing and maintaining health. Among its many functions are regulating memory, metabolism, immunity, sleep, mood, appetite and pain sensation. CBD’s (short for cannabinoids) act on any imbalance in these various receptors in the body. They create balance and provide the support needed for relaxing, repairing, or restoring any deficiencies in the body. There are many varieties of cannabis plants with hemp and marijuana being two popular ones. These plants contain, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is a "psychoactive" cannabinoid that produces the "high.” Dogs naturally have an abundance of receptors in their brains and are therefore extremely sensitive to THC. So much so that should your pet get into your stash of edibles it could make them gravely ill. That put the fear of God into me about ever giving my pet CBD’s until I was informed these CBD’s were NON-PSYCHOACTIVE, meaning they contain NO THC. They are 100% non-toxic and safe. So, you get all the relaxation without the intoxication. And now they’ve become a mainstream health-boosting miracle worker. HOW CBD’s CAN HELP YOU & YOUR DOG! -THE ABC’s A’s- ANXIETY: CBD Has Been Extensively Studied For Its Amazing Effect On Stress, Anxiety And Noise Phobias. I couldn’t believe how great it worked on dogs who would typically go off the charts ballistic on the 4th. With CBD they were calm and content. It also worked miracles on Olive. Although she has no issues with the 4th of July, car and airline travel were another story. These caused such extreme stress and anxiety she would vomit, drool and shake even after trying nearly every anti-anxiety drug and natural supplement. Now after taking CBD, she relaxes and actually enjoys travel. I have also witnessed amazing results with frantic barking dogs in shelters or suffering separation anxiety. It’s the perfect remedy for anxious dogs visiting the vet, having nail trims or dental procedures! And it’s not just for your pets. CBD’s can be a tremendous help for those suffering from panic disorders, PTSD, and anxiety. Best of all there are NO SIDE EFFECTS. APPETITE: I know many cancer patients taking medical marijuana to increase appetite and now CBD’s are found to also work wonderfully. Not only with cancer but for many illnesses and aging. So if you’re having trouble getting your pet to eat, try some CBD to help stimulate their appetite. ANTIOXIDANT: With natural antibiotic properties, CBD is shown to be a more powerful antioxidant than vitamins C, D and E. CBD protects the brain from cell death caused by free radicals and toxins. It’s a great anti-aging supplement. AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: CBD has been shown to decrease the production and release of inflammatory cytokines that can cause allergies and a wide range of autoimmune conditions. B’s- BRAIN HEALTH: CBD Can Help With Neurodegenerative Diseases:For dogs suffering from spine and nerve issues, CBD shows a lot of promise. CBD’s fight free radicals that cause aging and help repair dying brain cells. CBD Can Treat Seizures And Epilepsy: I know so many pugs (and other breeds of dogs) suffering from seizures. Most dogs are put on strong drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. While they may help control the seizures, they can be extremely harmful to your dog’s liver and other organs. And the drugs don’t work in all cases. CBD has been working well in about 15 dogs I personally know. Dogs went from such frequent seizures they were considering euthanizing until the CBD’s cut the frequency from hourly to monthly! I am SO excited about this and hope more people will look into this option for their pets suffering from seizures. C’s- CHRONIC INFLAMMATION/PAIN RELIEVER: CBD inhibits the production of inflammatory macrophages and decreases chronic inflammation. I've seen over 20 dogs unable to walk without assistance or limping after an injury or over-exertion, bounce back quickly after using CBD's. They work so well for pain that scientists are considering them a new class of drug for the treatment of chronic pain. Studies show CBD to be very effective for:
CANCER: With it’s anti-tumor effect, CBD has even been shown to stop cancer cells from growing and increased tumor cell death. This is HUGE! Cancer is the #1 threat facing our pets with 2 out of 3 dogs getting cancer in their lifetime. How exciting to have this promising new option which is affordable and doesn’t have the horrible side-effects of most conventional treatments.
CBD’s Are Legal, Safe & Non-Toxic: Because CBD oil for pets is derived from hemp oil and contains no THC, all 50 states have now approved the use of hemp-based CBD for human and animal products. With so many studies showing the health benefits of CBD, the most encouraging result is that CBD is completely safe, even when taken in high doses and over extended periods of time. CBD is non-toxic and animals don’t appear to build up a tolerance. Choosing A High Quality CBD Oil I’m sure you’re excited to race out and purchase some of this magic CBD oil but I urge you to do your research first! With any product that has this kind of interest, you must be very mindful. Not all CBD oils are the same and with minimal regulation you must be extremely careful. Here are a few things to look for:
If you wish to purchase products, you'll receive a 10% discount if you use discount code: WEEKLY RUNT at checkout. https://www.treatibles.com/ I now enjoy Treatibles myself when flying (no anxiety and no hangover!🤪) and I give them to Olive all the time as a healthy snack. I also give them to friends who are trying to use more natural pain relief methods for everything from chronic pain management to mensural cramps. I hope if you try them out you’ll keep me posted on your own results. Pugs and kisses! 😘🐾💕 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By Katy Cable/TWR A 3 min. Read 💕 February is Doggy Dental Health Care month and believe it or not, this is a crucial element of your pup’s overall health. Here’s some very important tips and facts for you to “brush-up” on: I always thought people who brushed their dog's teeth were being a tad obsessive, but when my vet informed me they pulled 13 teeth out of my Pug Raisin's mouth and handed me a bill large enough for me to sink my own teeth into, I realized how important doggie dental care is. Unless you're a four year old child, you probably wouldn't dream of going day's on end without brushing your teeth. Believe it or not, just like us, your dog shouldn't either. When plaque is allowed to accumulate on your dog's teeth, within a few days it hardens into tartar. Tartar adheres to the teeth and irritates the gums. Irritated gums result in an inflammatory condition called gingivitis. Dogs with gingivitis have red rather than pink gums, and they often also have stinky breath. If the tartar isn't removed, it builds up under the gums, eventually causing them to pull away from the teeth. This creates small pockets in the gum tissue that trap additional bacteria in the mouth. Once things progress to this stage, your dog will have developed an irreversible condition called periodontal disease, which not only causes considerable pain, but can also result in abscesses, infections, loose teeth, and bone loss. But here's what's really shocking: Should your dog develop periodontal disease, the surface of his gums will be weakened, which can allow mouth bacteria to invade the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. If his immune system doesn't kill off the circulating bacteria, it can reach the heart and infect it with a multitude of scary issues. Some types of bacteria found in the mouths of dogs produce sticky proteins that can adhere to artery walls, causing them to thicken. Mouth bacteria are also known to promote the formation of blood clots that can also severely damage the heart If that's not bad enough, studies have linked periodontal disease in both humans and pets to systemic diseases of the kidneys, liver, and lungs. It can also result in diabetes complications, problems during pregnancy, and even cancer. These serious health problems can either develop or be worsened as inflamed or bleeding gum tissue allows harmful oral bacteria to filter into the bloodstream quicker than a pug can devour a meal. In addition to systemic diseases, infections in the mouth and gums often create other problems including tooth root abscesses, jaw fractures, nasal infection, and in extreme cases, eye loss and oral cancer. If your dog is lucky they may get by with a simple cavity or chipped tooth. That probably scared you enough to start looking for a now doggie toothbrush. And that's good news since most of these conditions can be avoided or greatly improved once good oral hygiene has begun and any dental disease has been resolved. As you can see, your dog's oral hygiene is much more than just an obsessive grooming afterthought. It's an extremely important factor in maintaining your dog's health and longevity. I advise you begin by talking to your vet and getting a thorough evaluation of your dog's teeth, gums and mouth. In my case, with young Olive, I began daily brushing at home which is sufficient for now. But with Raisin, I needed twice yearly cleanings and a major oral surgery to repair just a few years of neglect. Pugs, and other "flat-nosed" breeds come genetically disadvantaged in terms of dental health. They seem to have teeth settled in the far reaches of their throats. Not only are they hard to find, they’re even harder to clean. Their cramped, flat muzzles and shape of their mouths makes properly cleaning back molars about as easy as resisting homemade brownies straight out of the oven. Again, your vet can recommend possibly adding some tartar-removing sprays, and other products which might be useful. Hopefully you can get things under control and a deep cleaning with anesthesia will not be necessary. Here are a few simple tips for keeping your pet's mouth healthy and introducing the toothbrush:
The next step is to use a safe, natural dental cleaning product designed for pets and apply a small amount to the gauze before you rub your dog's teeth. I am a fan of Oxyfresh products With minimal time and effort all that brown hunk around the back teeth comes right off and usually professional cleanings can be avoided. If you don't have canine toothpaste, you can use organic coconut oil. Once they get used to this, you can progress to either a finger brush or a soft toothbrush the right size for their mouth. If your furry companion is highly resistant to having their teeth rubbed or brushed, or, in the case of a new rescue/shelter dog that comes with a mouth needing major attention, you can use Treatibles CBD treats and oil. (Use promo code: WEEKLY RUNT to receive a 10% discount on your order) This all-natural cannibis works miracles to chill-out an anxious dog. (To learn more about all the amazing benefits of CBD read my blog) I have tried several prescriptions and have found CBD to be the most effective and with ZERO harmful side-effects. Also, ask your vet about products that when applied to the teeth go to work to break down plaque and tartar without brushing. I love Oxyfresh products. Those can be an added bonus for Pugs or other pets with dental issues. Remember, the more rubbing and brushing your pet will allow, the more quickly you'll see results, and the easier it will be to maintain dental health. ☠️ALERT REGARDING DOGGIE DENTAL TREATS Please be cautious when purchasing doggie dental treats. Many contain harmful if not toxic ingredients. Before You Buy Dental Care Treats, Read The Ingredient List! I see lots of pet parents gravitating to dry kibble and dental treats to keep their dog’s teeth clean. This is a popular misconception. In addition to not containing healthy, species appropriate ingredients, they are loaded with harmful, if not toxic, synthetic additives and preservatives. Some of the most popular products such as: Milk Bone Brushing Chews and Purina Beneful Healthy Smile Dental Twists contain the synthetic toxic preservatives BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) which are used to prevent fats and oils in food from turning rancid. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program has identified BHA and BHT as cancer-causing agents that consistently produce certain types of tumors in laboratory animals. Unfortunately, the FDA still permits use of these chemicals as preservatives in food, deeming them "generally recognized as safe" in low doses. In addition, smaller treats that are chewed and swallowed in a matter of seconds provide no real dental benefit for your pet. Remember, even with bones, dental treats and a healthy diet, it’s still necessary to brush your dog’s teeth. It’s one of the best things you can do to keep your sweetie from becoming “All Bark and No Bite!” 😁 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾 VEGAS PUG PARTY...JoinIng Fellow “Pug-A-Holics” Was The Best Anti-DEPRESSANT Money Could Buy!2/18/2019  By Katy Cable-TWR / A 4 min. read Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but in THIS girl’s case, PUGS are! Feeling horribly depressed as my 53rd birthday hit me like a slap in the face, my amazing husband gave me the gift of a lifetime and agreed to accompany me on: Pugs Take Las Vegas. -A weekend adventure equivalent to Coachella for Pug lovers! As festival season kicked off, Pugs from the around the globe converged on Las Vegas for a “Pug-a-Palooza” of their own. Spearheading what is already a popular East Coast Pug travel trend(PugTakeovers...), Kristin Andrews, vet, and pug-mom to the late-great Chubbs The Wampug (66k followers ) twisted the paws of the organizers and got the green-light to make her “party-city” hometown the next destination. What was originally thought to be about 35 attendees, quickly turned into a sell-out crowd of 165 pugs from all around the globe. Included in the mix were several social media “PUG-lebrities” including: Minnie & Max the Pugs, (@minniemaxpugs)Surf Gidget the Pug, (@surf_gidget_the_pug), Milo & Otis the Pugs,(@otisthepugwalsh) and the new baby sister to the late Chubbs the Wampug, (@chubbsthewampug) Ms Worldwide. Typically having a child or pet with you in “Sin-City” will make you as welcome as a rash, but we found a luxurious base camp and invaded the pet (and eco) friendly Element Hotel in nearby Summerlin. The weekend kicked off with alfresco dining at Maggianos Italian restaurant where we enjoyed a family style dinner and perfect spring temps. Pugs were dressed-to-impress from head-to-tail, many sporting matching coordinated outfits with their human family members. And what could have been “dog-gone” madness, with crazed dogs running amuck and lifting legs with abandon, was instead a group of purrrrectly behaved Pugs. Unlike toddlers throwing temper-tantrums, there were no screaming-crying melt-downs with our fur babies. The Pugs were quite happy flopping around as food tidbits fell to the ground like a spring rain. The following AM we rose at the crack of dawn to brave the sweltering heat for a hike at picturesque Red Rock Canyon. Pugs aren’t known for their hiking agility. These stocky, bowling-ball shaped dogs are more likely to tumble down a hill than climb up one. With temps soaring in the high 90’s, most pugs preferred sleeping like rocks in their comfy, luxurious, all-terrain wheeled strollers. Friday night’s “Pugs, Pizza, & Pajamas” party was a sell-out with over 165 pugs invading every square inch of the hotel lobby. Tripping over pups romping in the festive pug-jamas was the cutest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on! Pugs had the option of indulging in pizza or could stick to their “summer-body diets” and enjoy grain-free, low-carb, lamb, beef & turkey “aPAW-tizers” sponsored by Nulo with organic, GMO-free, pizza toppers from Shake&Wag! Guests were treated to sWAG bags filled with amazing pet products including organic pet shampoo, designer poopy bags from Metro Paws, and CBD treats from Treatibles. The evening concluded with a champagne toast to Chubbs and other pets who have left us for the bridge. Early Saturday Olive and I headed to the “Pugs in the Park” playdate while hubby took off for a much needed-round of golf. Hundreds of pug-obsessed locals joined the “Pugs Take Vegas” weekenders at a beautiful, dog park for “mutt-mingling” and photo-opps with their favorite “pug-lebrities!” We had the pleasure of hitching a ride on Surf Gidget’s pimped-out tour bus. Complete with plush carpet, a mini-fridge, toilet, designer beds and even her own convertible parked inside, her ride was nicer than our hotel suite. Later that afternoon, back at the hotel, a raffle was held with “must-have” “pug-para-FURnalia!” Proceeds from both the weekend event and raffle raised nearly $20,000 for Southern Nevada Pug Rescue. The weekend’s main event was Saturday night when nearly 100 pugs boarded a fleet of party buses and caravaned downtown for a private rooftop dinner at The Commonwealth. It was nothing short of “Pugs-Gone-Wild” as they had us crying in hysterics with their version of “lap & pole” dances. Following dinner, we headed to the Bellagio and the infamous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign for group pictures. It takes a lot to stand out in Vegas but the controlled chaos caravan of pugs parading down the strip in strollers and canine contour was definitely the talk of the town on that night! The pugs put the superheros and showgirls out of business and were by-far the most sought-after photo-opp! The next AM everyone was “dog-tired” and for our farewell brunch at the appropriately named, Lazy Dog restaurant. The patio was a buzz with the surround sound of snoring pugs sleeping soundly in their “Sunday Brunch Attire” -That is until the candied bacon and eggs hit the table. With tears in our eyes (partly from Visine and no sleep) we said our goodbyes and promised to keep in touch on social media. I can honestly say I don’t know when I’ve had so much fun or seen a better organized adventure in my life. My depression melted away faster than a snow cone in July as I realized wrinkles are an adorable Pug trademark and age is just a number! -Heck in dog years I’d be long gone! A huge “Round-of-a-PAWS! “ to Kristin and Sand for spearheading a “PAWS-itively PERFECT” weekend no one will ever forget! *There’s still time to attend THIS YEAR’S Vegas Pug Party coming up on Thursday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 3. Now, bigger and better than ever, this year’s event will be held at the beautiful Lake Las Vegas Hilton and features all the same favorite activities. PLUS, we’ve added Saturday’s PUG Con. featuring vendors, speakers, contests, auctions, AND THE WORLD’S LARGEST PUG WEDDING officiated by Elvis. You don’t want to miss this “Bone-Anza”. 😀A huge thanks to the sponsors and hosts for making this such a memorable weekend. Please click the names for a link to their sites. To enjoy more videos and photos of this event and find out about more fun activities, follow me on social media and sign up to receive my weekly blog.  By Katy Cable No question, our pups fill our hearts with love ❤️ but they also play an important role in the vital health of that organ as well. You may be very surprised to learn dogs offer much more than just companionship. The following are 10 health benefits of owning a dog you may not have known: 1. Since it's ❤Valentines Day❤ (almost) Let's start with your ticker! An astounding amount of research concludes that owning a dog will give you a much healthier heart! Not only are dog owners are less likely to have a heart attack, if they do, their survival rate is much higher than those who don't own a dog. Studies have shown that the simple act of petting a dog lowers a person’s heart rate. Men tend to fare even better, as male dog owners in particular tend to experience a reduced rate of heart disease. 2. Your overall health will improve. Dog owners experience far fewer illnesses compared to non-dog owners. Perhaps because dogs expose their owners to lots of germs which builds up their immunity. As a result, not only do dog owners get sick less often, should they fall ill, it is with much less severity than a non-dog owner. Dog owners also tend to have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels compared to non-dog owners. 3. Believe it or not, your dog may save your life by helping you detect cancer. Dog’s have an amazing sense of smell which can be used for many purposes including tracking, drug detection, finding missing person's, and even detecting cancer. A number of dog owners credit their dogs with saving their life when their dog began repeatedly nudging, licking, and sniffing spots that turned out to be cancerous. Finally, many dogs are trained service animals who provide life-saving skills by detecting seizures, low blood sugar and other possible life-threatening health issues. 4. You’re less likely to suffer from "the blues" as owning a dog helps depression. Dog owners are far less likely to suffer from clinical depression and those who have been diagnosed, aren’t likely to be as severely depressed as those who do not own a dog. Caring for a dog naturally relieves depression symptoms since owners tend to be more positive around their pet. 5. Dog owners are much less "stressed-out!" Many studies have shown all the ways owning a dog reduces stress hormones. Playing with your dog, walking your dog, petting your dog, and even LOOKING at your dog can greatly reduce your stress levels. Even the stress of a new pet, training a pet, or caring for a sick pet, are far outweighed by the overall stress-relief benefits. 6. You will exercise more and be in better shape. Owning a dog motivates you to get outside and exercise every day. On those days when you'd much rather flop on the couch and stuff your face with potato chips while watching TV, the sight of your doggie waiting by the door anxious to go for a walk, will likely be the motivation to get out there. Just a 30 minute walk every day can greatly improve your overall health. 7. Your social life (and maybe ❤love❤life) will improve. Not only is walking your dog great exercise, Forget Match.com, your very own dog might also help you get a hot date! People are much more likely to stop and talk with you when you’re walking a dog. Going to the dog park or running errands with your dog may just lead to other dog-loving strangers striking up a conversation with you about your dog. -And WHO KNOWS WHERE THAT MAY LEAD😍! 8. Your kids will be less likely to have allergies. Children raised with a dog in their home are less likely to have allergies. In fact, living in a home with a dog can help kids grow up to have an increased immunity to pet allergies later in life as well. 9. You’ll feel safer.Dogs can be an effective home security system. Studies show that barking dogs deter burglars. Just knowing that you’ve got a dog who can use its keen sense of hearing to detect anyone prowling around can help increase your sense of security, which is good for both your mental and physical health. 10. Dog owners grow old gracefully. The elderly also greatly benefit from owning a dog. Not only do dogs offer wonderful security and companionship, caregivers of elderly patients report they experience far less stress. Research also shows Alzheimer’s patients have fewer outbursts when there is a dog in the home. Olive and I would like to wish you a Valentine’s Day filled with lots of pugs, kisses and everything that makes your ❤️❤️sing!  Katy Cable -TWR A 5 minute read My blog this week is two-fold. I first want to clarify the often misunderstood differences between a "Therapy", ESA (Emotional-Support-Animal) and a "Service" dog. I also want to introduce you to the many rewarding opportunities in therapy dog work and let you know how to get involved. I will never forget the horror I felt watching "Bear" a 135lb, out-of-control black Lab, jump up and knock over a tiny 5 year-old girl just a fraction of his size. He proceeded to grab the soft-serve ice cream cone right out of her hand and snarf it down in all of 5 seconds. The poor little girl was completely terrified and began crying as Bear then tore through the crowds, lift his leg and peed on a decorative planter at the elementary school graduation ceremony. The real kicker was this dog was wearing a "Therapy Dog" vest. Unfortunately, situations like this have become all to common. Many dog owners, wishing to have their pets accompany them to more and more activities, pop a vest on their back and BOOM! -Now they've got a dog they can take anywhere they please. Now I'm all for dog-friendly places and nothing makes me happier than meeting service and therapy dogs when I'm out and about. On the other hand, people ordering service-vests on-line then parading their barking, disobedient dogs through crowded malls, restaurants and hotels. infuriates me. These selfish, clueless people, whose dogs couldn’t don’t have the temperament or skills to pass a basic obedience class, are doing a major disservice to those true assistance dogs. They also put everyone in danger. According to the ADA, a "service animal" is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. This includes detecting drops in blood sugar, on-coming seizures, anxiety attacks, and assisting the impaired or disabled with tasks. These animals are legally allowed to accompany their owners anywhere and are not limited by restrictions which may sometimes be placed on "pets." For example, a disabled renter does not have to worry about finding housing that allows pets. Legally, these highly trained, highly skilled assistance animals are not considered "pets." It it is also not legally required that a service animal wear a vest or disclose that they're assisting someone with a disability. Under the law, if the animal isn’t immediately identifiable as a service dog, staff may only inquire if the dog is a service animal for a disability and what task they perform. They may NOT ask to see any ID, medical documentation, or require the animal perform the task. Unless the dog is out of control and can’t be managed by their handler, they may not be denied access or service. What is is completely taboo is leaving a so-called "Service Animal" unattended barking at home or in a hotel room, while the owner pops out for the evening. A true assistance dog accompanies their owner or abides by the rules for "pets" when not formally working. The owner of a service animal is also responsible for any damages incurred by their dog such as a cleaning fees or carpet steaming. Therapy Dogs on the other hand, provide comfort and emotional support through specialized visits. Any legit therapy dog organization should require that dogs master all Canine Good Citizen skills as well as other specialized tasks that may be required in medical/hospital settings. In addition, extensive temperament tests are done to confirm dogs don't get aggressive or act inappropriately. Any dog a year or older who passes the evaluation can become a therapy dog. Dogs only need to have the required vaccines and cannot be in heat during visits. If you have a dog that is well trained (or could be well trained) enjoys attention and petting, isn't easily agitated or anxious, I would encourage you to look into trying some therapy work. I have listed a link below to Therapy Dogs International, the company I worked through. TDI is one of the largest, most respected companies, however, there are many groups around if you check online. Most sights have a list of required skills as well as evaluation dates and locations. Make sure the organization carries insurance since you don't want to be liable if an accident occurs during a visitation. The group should also list opportunities and places seeking visits from therapy dogs. Hopefully you can read testimonials and see photos from current members as well. By far some of the most rewarding experiences in my life have been making therapy dog visits with my first Pug Raisin. Unfortunately, my current Pug Olive, is still overcoming anxiety issues from her abusive past. She isn't a good candidate for therapy work just yet but I'm hopeful she'll be ready someday. I really miss it. My experience doing therapy work began as a fluke. A woman approached my then 7 year-old daughter about bringing Raisin to elementary schools and helping kids develop their reading skills. I chimed in asking what was involved and how much it cost. The first step was my daughter had to take Raisin to a formal evaluation and make sure he had the right temperament. He also needed to demonstrate he could perform all the Canine Good Citizen skills on command. Karley surprised me with her interest and went right to work training Raisin. Not long after, we took him for his evaluation at a medical facility packed with beautiful dogs practicing their commands with their owners. I immediately turned into a nervous stage-mom wondering if he would make the cut. Most the dogs being evaluated before Karley and Raisin didn't pass. They were encouraged to come try again once they had mastered certain skills. I wasn't optimistic and had my "good try" speech prepared. Low and behold, Raisin passed with flying colors. That afternoon Karley became the youngest therapy dog handler and our life-changing journey began. After-school Karley took Raisin to elementary schools and started helping "at-risk" students learn to read. These children were more than most trained, mature teachers could handle let alone a child of roughly the same age. Seeing the students were not interested in reading they only wanted to play with Raisin, Karley decided to write a book about his “Wags-to-Riches” life hoping it might be of interest. "Raisin, -A Doggie's Tale..." is a heartwarming, funny story told from Raisin's POV. It teaches children how to be responsible pet owners and how to overcome obstacles. The book was such a hit with the kids, Karley published it on Amazon then used social media to market it. Within a few weeks, she made enough money to donate funds to a local shelter and purchase a new computer. Her book also caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey and Karley received an invitation to the White House where the President received an autographed copy. Best of all she got to watch her students thrive all because of her beautiful story, her love and her special little pug, Raisin. After watching my daughter transform through this unbelievable experience, I got a call to bring Raisin to the pediatric critical care unit of a local hospital. I remember sitting in my car in the parking lot paralyzed with fear. I was certain I had made a huge mistake. I was so terrified I would screw something up I couldn't bring myself to move. Healthy school kids were one thing, critically ill children were quite another. I somehow managed get as far as the lobby where I was immediately blindsided by a beautiful quilt hanging on the wall. Each square honored a child whose life was lost far too early. It took everything in my power not to run out the door hysterically crying. I so wished I had never committed to this. Raisin meanwhile had a spring in his step and complete confidence. He no sooner got his paw out of the elevator when literally every single staff member came over lavishing him with pats, strokes and attention. As we walked down the hall to visit our first patient, we passed a mom and dad slumped on the hallway floor. They sadly stared at their tiny 9 month-old daughter who was standing in a baby bouncer-saucer. She had two IVs her itty-bitty arms and look deathly ill. The toddler stood lifelessly gazing down at the ground. It broke my heart. The second we walked by this little pixie she began yelling and frantically pounding on her tray. I panicked. I was certain we had traumatized the poor little girl. I was waiting to be escorted out and told never to return when, to my surprise, her parents yelled, "You with the dog, please come back!" As I turned around I noticed the parents had tears streaming down their cheeks. They begged me to let their little daughter pet Raisin. I was so relieved! I happily took Raisin over and right then and there I experienced a miracle. Apparently this little toddler had never in her life displayed so much emotion much less enthusiasm. It was something her parents had never before witnessed. For the next 30 minutes they were all filled with joy. Everyone's faces lit up as the toddler giggled hysterically at Raisin's curly tail and funny Pug snorts. The color began returning to the child's face and she had an undeniable sparkle in her eyes. In that moment everything changed. I no longer panicked about therapy visits and looked forward to bringing happiness and joy to others in need. In addition to my daughter's and my own, I also was fortunate to witness many lives that were transformed because of Raisin. Difficult, problem children began behaving and excelling in school. Sick children riddled with cancer healed. Alzheimer’s patients recalled happy memories of a beloved pet. Prison inmates softened, and people took their last breath on this earth while petting Raisin. He was very, very, special. I am now a firm believer in the healing powers a dog can unleash. I hope if you're able, you'll consider participating in therapy work and will share some of your own miracles. For information regarding service animals visit: https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.ht For therapy or service dog work info. visit: http://www.cci.org/ http://tdi-dog.org/ To order a copy of "Raisin, -A Doggie’s Tale...click the link: https://www.amazon.com/Raisin-Doggies-Tale-Dumb-Dog-Tail-Waggin/dp/1453699929/ref=nodl_ 💕🐾This inspiring story is a must-have for any pug lover or child who struggles to overcome obstacles in life. Proceeds benefit various pug rescues nationwide.🐾💕 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  By Katy Cable - A 3 min. Read It seem like we're paying a lot of money for vets who are still "in-practice!" That was my poor attempt at veterinary humor. In all seriousness, if you welcome vet bills like a rash, here are a few simple tips to keep you splurging on your shoe addiction while also allowing your pooch to be in optimum health. According to research by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), it costs more than $1,600 a year to care for a dog, While I happen to know a few dog owners that blow through twice that amount in a single week covering gourmet food, daycare and their wardrobe. Now, these high-profile canines also have more social media followers than our President, so you get the picture. For a majority of us, food is the main expense of owning a dog. For others veterinary care tops the list. Most pet owners view their pets as part of the family, and spare no expense when it comes to their beloved pooch. That being said, the reality is most of us have some budget perimeters. Pet care expenses can suddenly put YOU into the dog house if Fido has an accident or illness requiring emergency treatment or surgery. Even the bill for routine exams can leave you feeling like you got kicked in the gut when all those, labs, tests, vaccines and whatnots get added up and require a swipe and signature. (There goes that new Chanel bag I was saving for.) In an effort to help keep your vet costs down, I recommend a few things: #1 Quality Diet! First and foremost DON'T pinch pennies and cut corners when it comes to feeding the best quality food you can afford. Do your research and read those labels. You don’t always get what you pay for when it comes to quality pet food. I have lots of helpful blogs on selecting the best foods if you need some assistance. Whatever you choose, remember, the nutrition you provide your pet is one of the most important tools in keeping your pet healthy AND keeping your veterinary costs down. #2. Find a knowledgeable vet you feel comfortable with. I can't tell you how many horror stories I heard from pet parents about bad experiences they've had with vets. Do your research. If possible find one who has experience with your breed of dog. Ask for references from rescue groups, dog clubs, trainers, and/or friends. Most vets give very low cost or complimentary consultations. Go get one. If the vet, office environment or staff makes you feel uncomfortable or their philosophy differs, shop around. And it should go without saying, if the vet is condescending, rude or seems abrupt with either you or your pet, RUN for the door. When we adopted Raisin from Pugs and Pals in Newport Beach, I chose to continue his care with Dr. Gail Renehan, DVM, and Dr. William Radovitch, DVM, owner of VCA/Airport Irvine Animal Hospital. It was a bit of a drive, (OK, a horrendous drive in traffic) but they’re SO worth the extra effort. The entire team is brilliant, caring, and compassionate, as well as very knowledgeable about the breed. I love my vet team and have learned so much from them. I also trust their expertise and judgement implicitly. I hesitate to publicize them too much for fear I won't be able to get an appointment if needed. 😜 Your vet team is your partner and it's so important to be able to communicate and feel comfortable with them. #3 Once you've found a great vet, your pet should be seen at least once a year for a regular check-up. However, if your pup is older or has a chronic health condition, a check-up every six months or more is a good idea. Preventive health care is just that. It involves regular monitoring of your pet’s health status and taking proactive steps as necessary to prevent the development of disease. You’ll be able to check on things like organ function and make changes in your pet’s treatment protocol, to prevent more serious issues from occurring.This definitely isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; how often you get exams should be tailored to your individual pet’s needs. #4 Do regular at-home checks on your pet. While it’s crucial to take your pet for a professional exam at your vet’s office at least once a year, you should also be doing at-home physical exams on your pet regularity. This is a simple, inexpensive and very effective way for you to keep a close eye on your pet’s health as well as detect any issues early on. Steps For Performing a Successful At-Home Pet Exam Perform the exam in a relaxed environment, preferably at the end of a busy day or after some exercise. If your dog will fit, put them on your lap, otherwise, let them lay on a comfortable doggie bed.
Hopefully you will soon get your dog accustomed to massages so that you can eventually check them without much difficulty. If you examine your pet regularly you will begin to know what is normal and hopefully if there are changes you will notice them quickly because you are familiar with the terrain of his or her body. I have found it extremely helpful to keep a chart for my pets. If I notice an unusual bump, lump, wart or abrasion and don’t think it warrants immediately racing to the vet, I like to snap photos and make notes in my smartphone. I use an object or tape measure to indicate exact size and location. If it gets bigger a day or two later, I know it's time to call the vet. I am also a fan of shooting video clips of my pet's gait, unusual cough or behavior. This has been highly effective in helping my vet make a solid diagnoses. In the past my dreadful sketches and reenactments have only left her more baffled and my pet never performs on cue. On occasion I can simply send a text or email file and save myself a visit. #5 I highly recommend all new pet parents get an insurance plan. New puppies need lots of vaccines and more regular routine care visits. A new rescue/shelter pup might come with some unexpected health issues. While you are getting to know your new pet, a good insurance plan will protect you and keep your costs from spiraling out of control should something unexpected pop up. Plus, you are going to need that cash for all the great toys, beds and goodies you'll want to spoil them with. Remember, when it comes to your beloved dog, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. By spending your pet care dollars wisely, feeding your dog quality food, partnering with a trusted vet, doing home exams to catch issues early, and purchasing some insurance you can actually save lots of money (even a rent payment's worth) by reducing your pet’s future veterinary care costs. Please keep me posted on just what you plan to do with all that extra cash? 💰💰💰💰-Pugs and Kisses! 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾  ll By, Katy Cable-TWR /A 4 min Read Most of my followers are PUG-OBSESSED like I am, but for those joining the Weekly Runt interested in adding a Pug to your family, I want to educate you on some important facts about this special breed so you are not "unpleasantly" 😳 surprised! Believe it or not I never originally wanted a dog. I actually dreaded getting one and then I was introduced to PUGS! Now I know why people who love pugs say, "Its not just a dog, it's a PUG!" They’re darling. They’re hysterical. They tug at your heartstrings and all of the sudden you’re hooked and HAVE TO HAVE ONE! First of all, no two pugs are alike. Don't assume that magical, snuggle bunny Pug on your neighbor's lap or that comical Pug dressed up singing on YouTube is what you’re going to get. Pugs, like all dogs can vary greatly in their temperament, energy, intelligence and independence ranging from go-with-the-flow to I'm-in-charge-of-everything. That being said, there are some gross generalizations that tend to be SPOT ON: PUG PUPPIES: If I'm lucky, everyday at work I might have the opportunity to help out new pet parents shopping for their first puppy. Usually the puppy is cuddled in their arms dozing in and out of sleep. Just like a new sleeping baby, that in the blink of an eye turns into a high energy toddler on the move, the same holds true for puppies. Warn as I do, these parents are usually astounded when all too quickly that same puppy is a whirling dervish of energy who snuggles for 30 seconds and then is off again to race around the house, leaving a trail of destruction in his or her path. Pug puppies are no different from any other puppy. Expect nipping, chewing, gnawing, jumping, pulling on your pant legs, shoe destroying, and lots of mayhem. Here's the reality. The only puppy that’s a couch potato is a SICK puppy. Most are bundles of non-stop energy. You likely won't have a couch potato pug until at least the age of three and your pug may NEVER be a couch potato. Pugs from reputable breeders are more likely to have the pug temperament eventually, but they’ll all be little spitfires as puppies. If your pug is from the internet, a pet store, a newspaper ad, or rescue, then it's up for grabs what kind of temperament you may end up with. You might luck out and get a pug that has the solid and stable temperament that is the signature of the breed, but you might also end up with a pug like my Olive who has deep-seated issues stemming from horrific abuse. It may take diligent, loving, consistent, training to transform. -If ever! One of the best ways to wear a puppy out (or any busy dog) is to engage them in activities that make them work and think. This is why I cannot say enough about obedience classes! It will be money and time very well spent. Classes are a great way for both of you to bond, socialize and learn. One short hour of training can do wonders for taking the edge off of a busy new pup! A High Maintenance Breed: Don't get me wrong. I love pugs, but they are, without a doubt, a high maintenance breed. They need and want a lot of attention. Pugs are and were bred for the sole purpose of being companion animals. They need people. If you’re going to be gone for long periods of time and/or be too tired to engage with your pup when you get home from work, then a pug likely isn't the dog for you. And pug puppies are developing and learning. They need stimulation, guidance, time and attention. Any puppy left crated for eight to ten hours is going to be absolutely manic by the time you get home and will need you to devote the remainder of the evening to them. They are often referred to as “VELCRO DOGS" so if you don't want a dog that is going to be wherever you are all the time (including in the bathroom!) then rethink getting a pug. House training: Pug puppies will not be house trained in a month two months. Or possibly even six. Some pick it up quickly, but most take much longer before they are completely consistent and reliable. And most pugs won't ask to go out. Pugs generally will not just go outside and do their business while you relax comfortably on the couch enjoying a cappuccino. If they’re outside, you'd better be outside with them. Most will not potty outside without your company and encouragement. (Actually the only thing they probably will do without your fanfare is EAT!) PUG-ALICIOUS PUGS: Pugs have a variety of unique quirks that drive some people bonkers. They can be nosy, inquisitive, and often right under foot. Most are tremendously and dangerously food driven and will consume things that you don't consider edible. I'm not kidding. They will eat poop, grass, rocks, coins, sticks, basically anything they can get in their mouths. They ESPECIALLY love Kleenex and toilet paper. It is your most important job to PUG PROOF your home to avoid tragedy! I never trust any pug around any food source, garbage or even cabinets that they can reach. Trash cans sit up high on countertops, gates are installed, locks are placed on cabinets and chairs pushed away from table tops because even a sedentary pug will muster up the energy to "table surf" if they can get FOOD. -I have many ER vet bills to prove it. Things I never knew lived under the bed and old food left in a jacket pocket or a backpack have been devoured in a NY minute. Pugs can be quite vocal barkers, criers, howlers, moaners and grumblers. As a breed, they have the widest assortment of noises I've ever heard. You may have watched videos of them singing and saying, "I love you". Mine all cry and howl with joy when I return home after time away. And most snore louder than a 400lb man with a head cold. Pugs are referred to as “multim in Parvo” meaning “A lot of dog in a small space.” Pugs are tough little dogs that pack a lot of punch in their compact bodies. They’re confident and have no clue how small they are. Most will not initiate a fight, but many will vigorously defend themselves or others TO THEIR DEATH if a fight starts. Often they are hopelessly outclassed in the fighting department and can get seriously hurt if owners aren't careful. To say they are a food driven breed is a huge understatement. Be prepared for issues with food aggression and resource guarding. Especially if you have black female pugs and other dogs in your pack. Pugs are not fans of inclement or any extreme weather and will resist venturing outside in the cold, rain, snow, extreme heat or wind. And they can be prone to over-heating extremely quickly due to their "flat-noses.” Keep your environment in mind before getting a pug. Pug Smarts: While many people perceive pugs as dumb dogs. They aren't. In fact, most are extremely smart. Their outrageous food drive usually makes them fairly easy to train. They make amazing therapy and service dogs and you won't find better sports about dawning costumes for photos and videos. Because they’re smart, positive training, setting rules and boundaries is critical or you can end up with a problem on your hands. And while they are so much fun to dress up and take out, it's often easy to forget they’re DOGS. They need to do dog things such as go to parks, meet other dogs, play and have fun. Pugs are very adept at figuring out what you will and will not tolerate and will test the limits. You don't need to be a dictator, but all dogs want to know what the routine is and like a predictable world. Pug Energy: While pugs aren't ideal running partners or known for being athletic, sporting dogs, there are some, like Surf Gidget the Pug, that excel at surfing, swimming, agility, run like Greyhounds and are fit as fiddles. And while most would prefer to flop on your lap all day, that isn't good for either of you as you both should get regular exercise. Which brings me to the next important point... PUGS CAN EASILY GET FAT. As cute as they look with their square, barreling shoulders and chest, and the way they always act like they haven't eaten in a week, it is really easy to let them get dangerously obese! Pugs in particular need the right amount of food for their activity level. You significantly shorten their lifespan and quality of life by letting them get obese. (-See last week’s blog on extra “Dog Pounds” ) PUG HEALTH: This, more than any other issue is often the undoing of many a pug owner. As with any pure breed dog, a plethora of expensive health issues may crop up. DO YOUR RESEARCH on the breed and especially on where you are getting your pug. Rescues generally have a good idea of the health issues facing a given dog--don't assume that a rescued pug is going to be a health nightmare. You do put yourself at risk for expensive health issues with pugs from pet stores, internet ads and the newspaper. Even reputable breeders who have genetic testing going back generations offer no guarantee that your pug won't have a problem. Pugs have a very high rate of allergies—food being a big one—grains and bad carbs in particular. Pugs need a high quality diet. Grocery store kibble won't cut it and you can avoid a host of future problems if you start off feeding your pug a healthy, low-carb diet. Check any of my food-related blogs for suggestions. New Pug owners are always surprised to learn that fawn pugs shed like CRAZY. It's downright astonishing how much fur cones off those little bodies! They don't need extensive grooming you can't easily do yourself but they get enormous eye goobers and need regular cleaning of nose folds, ears and eye areas. And MY GOD they’re notoriously fussy about having their nails trimmed. You can see some real dramatic behavior around this. I've known several pugs to start screaming as if they were being killed at the slaughter before the nail trimming even started... They also do a horribly scary thing called “reverse sneezing.” I ran my first pug, Raisin to the ER, TWICE, convinced he was suffocating and was politely told it was just a reverse sneeze and all pugs do it. Pugs are one of the most affectionate, funny and overtly loving breeds you can ever own. To me, they’re worth every bit of effort, expense and time they require. I promise you these little clowns will provide hours of entertainment and completely melt your heart. But, in order to have a positive experience with this breed, I don't want anyone blindsided. As you can now see, a lot of time, and care must go into these amazing little creatures! My blog will be a great help keeping your new addition happy and healthy so I hope you’ll sign up. Pugs and kisses! -Katy 😘💝 🐾If you are interested in getting a pug, I hope you will consider rescuing one in need of a loving home. Message me for rescue groups in your area or check out the following rescues I work with here in So Cal: The Pug Queen Pug Nation Pugs and Pals Pugs and Roses Pug Rescue of San Diego 🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾 @pugsandpals @pugnationla.org #surfGidgetThePug  By, Katy Cable - A 3 min. Read Ahhhhh, it’s February! The month of LOVE! Everywhere you go, everywhere you look, love is in the air. From ❤️balloons and flowers at the grocery store to lingerie and jewelry ads on TV. This month more than any, the pressure is on to find the love of your life. I feel very fortunate that in addition to having a wonderful husband of 22 years, I also have a beloved dog. With that I have learned a thing or two about finding that perfect mate that may completely shock you and change your strategy. All my single friends think I have it made because I’m happily married. I have what appears to be the “perfect” relationship everyone is trying desperately to find. Not a day goes by when I don’t meet singles hinging all their happiness on finding that perfect someone. While I do consider myself very, VERY, blessed, I want everyone to learn the truth. My marriage is far from perfect and it’s certainly not always easy. It usually boils down to a daily conscious choice to stay together rather than some romantic fantasy straight off Lifetime Television. In today’s world (bonus points for living in LA) 22 years of a marriage is pretty much the equivalent of winning an Oscar, or an Olympic gold medal. It takes dedication, focus and hard work. It can be extremely challenging. It’s never equal. There are many times the scales get tipped and one person is doing a lot more of the “work” in the relationship. It boils down to two imperfect people choosing to honor their commitment. And even with that, ultimately the marriage is only as good or bad as the people in it. For those striking out in the search to find that “perfect person” why not start with a dog. Here’s 5 great reasons why: 1. Finding A Perfect Dog Is Much Cheaper And Far Less Time Consuming Than Finding A Perfect Mate. Like many things, it’s a numbers game. The more people you meet, the greater your odds for finding “The One!” Plus, it requires the same diligence, time and priority as anything else you want to succeed in. This means being available for dates, building on-line profiles, searching social media, attending parties, events, mixers and even agreeing to be “set-up!” That’s going to be tough to juggle if not impossible when finishing a masters degree or trying to get a promotion at work. It may even be hard to manage with normal day-to-day demands. Dogs are easy! Going out of town on business? Send them to boarding camp. Working day and night for tax season or the holidays? Get a dog walker. A new relationship will not blossom under extreme schedule demands. A dog on the other hand will be a great partner at the end of a business trip or long, stressful day. 2. You Don’t Have To Deal With The Dating Scene. Whether it’s bars, clubs, set-ups, dating sites, or Tinder swipes, dating can be time consuming, expensive and downright ego crushing. Most people would rather have a root canal than relive an awful date. Not so with a dog! No painful dating required. Dogs just need to get out in the fresh air and walk around. If you’re active, you can find one to run, swim or hike with you. For those whose idea of a strenuous day is peeling your sticky body off the leather recliner to grab the remote, a dog will happily flop at your feet and FETCH things for you. Whatever you enjoy, there’s a dog out there that loves that too. Every outing and date can be fun when choosing a dog. If it’s not a good match, there’s plenty more to consider. And even better, you’ll never go home feeling completely discouraged by some dating disaster straight out of a reality show. 3. They Build Your Confidence. When it comes to dating most people lack confidence. Everyone has that nightmare relationship that kicked them to the curb or they remember how horribly they might have treated someone. It’s easy to lack confidence in the dating scene even for those knocking it out of the park in every other area of life. Often, those credits don’t transfer to the dating arena. But a dog, that’s a whole different ballgame. A dog will love you unconditionally whether you have an MBA or dropped out of high school. And a dog’s love never wanes! They’re ALWAYS happy to see you regardless of the fact you’re wearing designer duds or last night’s dinner thanks to the stomach flu. Having a darling creature alway want to see and be near you is amazing for self esteem and happiness. Marriages are give and take. Even the strong ones can’t compete with the undying attention of a dog. 4. Finding a perfect dog to love is much easier than finding a perfect spouse. Just make a trip to any animal shelter or adoption event and watch how fast you fall in love with the loving gaze of an often stinky, shedding, drooling mess, of a dog that’s desperate to go home with you. One look and you can go from zero-to-psycho over this creature and lose all rationality. Finding A Marital Spouse Takes Much More Work And Searching. There’s so many deal-breakers and issues to consider beyond if the toilet seat stays up or down. Whether your standards are ridiculously high or merely, “doesn’t live with their parents and has their own Netflix account,” it’s tough to find available, suitable mates. On the other hand, when it comes to dogs, chances are probably 100% nearly EVERY SINGLE ONE would love nothing more than to go home and spend forever with you. 5. Last but not least, the very BEST reason to choose a dog is learning unconditional love. A dog will transform you into a more loving, kind, compassionate person. You will be healthier and happier just having a dog too! And although a dog will one day get their wings and leave you, to have your heart broken by a dog leaves you in gratitude for having gotten them in the first place. Not resentful or spinning with what was wrong with you. A dog is never going to dump you for another owner! Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾 |
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