We are so excited about a new product that we had to share it with a blog post in hopes others will enjoy the same success we've had.

It's one tasty chew (we give it with some other food) which the pugs actually like and will eat as a treat (natural bacon flavoring) daily. No daily brushing of teeth, no yucky water additives, no dental chews that are often filled with things like corn, sugar, wheat, soy and other ingredients which can trigger allergies. Best of all, our vet might just have to admit with their next checkups that there is no need for an expensive and scary dental!

Instead, just a yummy treat for your pug each day. (And, yes, all of our pugs -- even finicky Lilibeth -- loves these.) It's that simple! Seconds in the mouth, and 24 hours of fighting plaque.

We will look at before and after photos plus delve into the science behind this revolutionary product that veterinarians and animal nutritionists developed, but if you are busy and just want to go ahead and order now, here is the link - Pawtree Plaque Control Chews.  (Remember, pawTree offers a 90 day money back guarantee so there is no risk.) But, read on if you have the time because you'll want to understand why this product is so effective.

So why do pet owners need to deal with oral hygiene? Why not just let your vet pull a bunch of your pug's teeth in a few years. Why not just pretend that you love that nasty smell of your pug's nasty breath when he pants and sneezes in your face?

Because lots of bad things can result from bad oral hygiene. If the plaque and tartar is not removed, your pug might end up with gum disease (which causes overall discomfort, bleeding gums, loss of teeth, organ damage – liver, kidney, heart disease – decreased appetite because it’s painful to eat, bad breath, bone infections, blood infections like sepsis which is deadly, diabetes.)

Pugs as a breed are notorious for having horrible teeth. (In fact, all brachy breeds of dogs and cats can deal with dental challenges). Pugs' teeth are crowded or rotated -- there is simply less room for all the 42 teeth a dog should have. When teeth are crowded there is no space for gum between the teeth and each root has less support from the bone in the jaw. The lack of space between the teeth makes it easier for plaque and bacteria to accumulate and it is more difficult to keep the teeth clean. That, plus the little bone support, tends to lead to inflammation and loss of teeth. Additionally, a pug's underbite can cause abnormal contacts of teeth to other teeth and/or to tissue in the mouth. Compare this palate of an Australian Shepherd (on left) with a pug's (on right):

Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva, and it develops within hours after your pet eats. If you brush your pug's teeth after every meal or anytime he has snacks it's not that hard to remove. But, tartar will form within 24-72 hours if plaque has not been removed. Tartar is hardened plaque that becomes calcified and firmly attached to teeth. Often professional cleaning (the dentals under anesthesia at your vet) is required to remove tartar.

80% of all dogs (and cats) show signs of poor dental health by the time they are 3 years old. 95% of pet dental health is left untreated.

Said a different way, only 5% of pet parents have compliance in the dental health of their pets because there aren’t a lot of good, easy methods available and they are too costly.

These statistics are not surprising given the fact that pet owners have not had many effective options available .... at least not until now.

• Brushing teeth? Well, this only works if you do it every single day. And that's assuming you can actually get your pug to cooperate and that you can reach those teeth to truly clean them. Honestly, we've never had success with this over 3 decades of owning pugs .... plus, we have multiple pugs. It's not realistic.

There is no denying that anesthesia can be risky with brachycephalic breeds, like English Bulldogs and pugs, who have a higher overall perianesthetic mortality rate than other breeds. You can read more in this article, but studies have shown that brachycephalic dogs may have a higher risk of death compared to non-brachycephalic dogs, according to BMC Veterinary Research and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  We are blessed to have a vet who is an expert with brachy breeds but, even then, we know there is always a possibility of complications anytime any of our pugs -- young or old -- undergo a surgery.

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As soon as PawTree came out with these plaque control chews we ordered some. We have been using them (yes, on all our pugs) over the past several months. After about 2.5 weeks we started noticing fresher breath. After about 90 days we started noticing whiter teeth and pinker gums (reduced plaque and tartar). There is no bleeding of the gums with our old senior (with the few teeth he has left ha!) which we were starting to see around Christmas time.  Similar results from other pet owners (dogs and cats) are pouring in. Here are some real life before and after photos . . .

So we have found that you need to use these chews for at least 90 days and be consistent and administer daily. (Again, pawTree recommends offering them along with some food -- a treat, snack, or meal). This supplement is now going to be an ongoing staple for our pugs. Doing the math, even with the amount of pugs we have, it is still much more cost effective than yearly dentals. It is so worth the investment. I regret not having taken before shots. But, we have not given these chews to our big rescue dogs, so I think we will start these Lexi and share the photos periodically, updating this blog post. Thankfully, other pet owners have been taking regular photos, however, so let's look at some of these before and after shots:

While the pugs think it's a "treat", it is actually controlling plaque and tarter. Scientifically, it works from the inside out through the bloodstream via their saliva.

Easy peasy! They chew it. They ingest it. Then it works from the inside out! Seconds in the mouth …. then it works for hours! Basically, seconds in the mouth for 24-hours of cleaning.

Yesterday I attended a zoom conference call with executives and experts from PawTree and I learned a lot about why this product has helped our pug's teeth. I want to share some of these specifics with you.

The key ingredient is 100% organic kelp. Pawtree searched high and low for the right product and ingredient because sourcing is key. The kelp in the PawTree plaque control chew is sustainably sourced from the pristine waters of Scandinavia. Kelp is rich in iodine and other minerals. Kelp supports oral health and overall health in our pets. (Incidentally, did you know that kelp can also help the pigment to develop and darken on the pug's mask and ears? We have given puppies who seem to be lighter -- some develop pigment more slowly, while others are basically born with it -- kelp as a supplement for years now.)

I took the time to write this blog post because I know pet owners (and especially pug owners) needed to know about this product. Once again, order now at http://pawtree.com/pickwickpugs.com

I was honestly reluctant to order these plaque chews initially because I figured they would be just like all the other brands we’ve tried in the past. I figured the pugs would turn their “noses” up at them, not eat, and that it would be a waste of money. Or, that they simply would not work. Since I am a PawTree PetPro, it’s my responsibility to be up on the latest products … so, I added the plaque control chews to my cart and paid for them.

I am glad I did. This tiny chew is like a treat for EVERY ONE of our pugs (yes, Tory inhales, but we have several who turn their nose up to many things). No one passes up this plaque control treat, however, and we offer it to them separately before breakfast, like an “appetizer” while I prepare their breakfasts. It’s now one of their favorite times of day!

The "natural flavoring" added? Well, it's natural bacon flavoring. No wonder the pugs love it!

Many pet owners think that because they feed kibble, their pet will “clean its teeth” through the chewing. They think ‘the kibble is hard, and it will scrape the teeth, so I don’t need anything to control plaque and tartar.’. This is a fallacy, however, and perhaps why 95% of pets have poor oral hygiene. Does chewing cereal help you clean tartar off your own teeth? No. Neither does your dog chewing kibble.

Thinking your dog eating kibble will clean his teeth is like me telling you, “hey, don’t brush your teeth … just eat pretzels everyday … they’re hard and crunchy … they’ll scrape and clean your teeth.!”

Well, I hope you wouldn’t believe me if I said that. Don’t go out and buy Costco sizes of pretzels. It won’t work.

However, IF your pet uses the PawTree plaque control, the hard crunchy kibble (or raw bones or ?) that he’s eating will then help remove the plaque and tartar, because the plaque and tartar softens and it will start to break off.

Once again, these chews contain no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, fillers, or preservatives.

It is made in the USA, developed by Veterinarians and Animal Nutritionists for both dogs and cats.
Before we close, let’s look at one more before and after set of photos (there are hundreds of these).

This product is quite simply a game changer and amazing. You have to allow it time to work. If you think about weight gain … it took 9 months to get the weight on, so you aren’t going to lose it in one week. The same with the tartar build-up. But if you are consistent and give it a few months, you will be thankful you added this into your daily routine. Your vet might not like it … he will be losing money … not just with the dentals, but with treatment and meds for all the diseases caused from gum disease and poor oral hygiene (liver, kidney, heart, bone infections, blood infections, sepsis, and diabetes.)

You get 90 small chews per jar. There’s a one sized jar which is for both dogs and cats. The directions and ingredients are on the bottle and on the website as well.

It's soft, so our senior pugs have no issues chewing it.

NOTE: We do not have any pugs with hyperthyroidism but, if we did, the iodine in the kelp would not be good for that pug.

Order now at http://pawtree.com/pickwickpugs.com 

I do have one favor. If you have time to take photos and document the results -- or any feedback at all -- I would love it if you could share and email.  The only reason I became a PawTree petpro is because I believe so strongly in their products and I see the positive results. We feed pawTree (kibble plus freeze-dried raw, and treats) each day. Our dogs also use many of their supplements daily (and have tried all of them). If I didn't believe in these products 100% I would not be feeding them and using them on our pugs (we also regularly use the Shed Shampoo/Conditioner, the Fresh Cotton Spray, the Flea/Tick Spray, the ear cleaner, and the supplements, with specific dogs: Gastroplus probiotic, aches away, bladder health, joint support, chillax, CBD, and feed pawTree kibble + pawTree freeze-dried raw, fish oil, treats daily, and broth and pawPairings seasonings on occasion.

It makes me happy to hear when others have fabulous experiences as well. Thank you for considering pawTree for your pugs. Recently, the owner of one of the pugs we bred mentioned how healthy his boy is doing at 18 months. He feeds pawTree and follows our suggestions. He attributed his boy's health and athletic build and shiny coat to this nutrition plan -- plus some nice magic in the genetics ;) (thank you Mother Nature).

I took the time to write this blog post because I know pug owners needed to know about this product. With their 90 day money back guarantee, there is no risk to order! http://pawtree.com/pickwickpugs.com

Every pug owner and lover needs to own this helpful and entertaining e-book "The Pug Bible - A Guide to Your Pug's Health and Happiness." It received a major overhaul just this past month and is kept relevant and updated regularly thanks to the e-book format. From nutrition, health, grooming, pug history, training, shopping lists for new puppy owners, how to puppy proof your home, vaccinations, grooming, to nutrition, how and what to feed, care of senior pugs, teenage trials and tribulations, the history of the breed, and articles by veterinarians, input from AKC judges, breeders, trainers, behaviorists, and important pug experts, this 425 page e-book is an invaluable guide for all pug owners.  Order here. A 2nd e-book "The Pug Puppy Primer" (training book) is included in the price, and includes step-by-step instructions with videos on how to train all of the important behaviors and skills, and even fun tricks. Here is a sneak peak of both e-books:

The engaging videos and photographs will entertain all pug lovers and owners. Here is a sample video, History of the Pug Part 2 (of 3 videos).

Or this video about vaccinations, worms, parasites and other gross things you never wanted to know . . .

Check it out!   Order here

Wow! Cindy, Lola, and Umberto traveled with Amy to Perry, GA to compete in the Peach Blossom Cluster. A few ribbons are missing in this photo, but there is still plenty of "purple" we brought home . . . .

Our biggest win of the cluster was Cindy's Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex for another major. If our math is correct, this finished her championship.

On the first day, it was Lola's turn to win big. (Thank you Judge Connie Clark for your kindness and grace in the ring and making it one of the most enjoyable conformation experiences I have had in these past 11 years of showing pugs.) Out of the Bred-by-Puppy class, Lola (Pickwick's Never Too Old, Too Wacky, Too Wild) was awarded Winners Bitch, Best Bred By Exhibitor, and  Best of Opposite Sex to the#1 pug in the USA, shown by a major professional handler. (The most recent competition stats for pugs - posted January, 2025 -- you'll notice that Cindy ranks 21, but she will most likely climb higher after her wins at this show in Perry.)

Before the 2nd day of shows, I made sure to cook some amazing bait (liver)! Perhaps it tasted better being cooked on a camp stove?!

The campsite was in a nice shady area and the weather was divine. It did get pretty cold at night in that tent, though, so I was thankful we had the "Buddy" propane heater. There was rain the night before so I made sure I brought the coffee maker and anything else needed into the tent. Fortunately, it stopped raining around 6:00 AM before we had to leave for the show. (Yes, every morning was a 4 AM wake-up call).

The 3rd day, Judge Richard D Albee preferred a different bitch, and pro handlers snatched the bigger wins that day, but Umberto still won Reserve Winners Dog and Cindy and Lola won their classes. The final 4th day of the cluster was a better day and Cindy's (Pickwick's Oh the Places You'll Go) won Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex with an important judge for pugs, Jason Hoke. Again, the BOS win was to the #1 pug in the USA and it was a 3 point major. When we were getting the win photo, Hoke complimented Cindy's pigment, and the black on the bottom of the paw (which is part of the breed standard) and dark nails, markings. He mentioned that so many pugs do not have this now, (to the detriment of the breed.) 

It is because of these beautiful headpieces of Pickwick pugs that we chose to focus on breeding only fawn pugs during our first decade. After a long conversation with Pamela Donaldson, (Highland Kendoric pugs), shortly before her unexpected and tragic death, she emphasized how she had mixed blacks and fawns in her breeding program with great success over the years. She learned these things from her mentor, the late Doris Aldrich, Kendoric pugs, a very important pug breeder of the 20th Century. Indeed, if you look back at Cindy and Lola's pedigrees, you will find several amazing black pugs (photos below). The sire of the Dr. Seuss litter, Maverick (GCH Felzar's When Stars Collide at Paradise) had a black littermate who was also a show superstar. In these photos of the grandparents, great, great great etc. ancestors of Cindy and Lola (and Pepper, who lives in Texas) you will find many magnificent black pugs. Yet, all 3 pups from the Dr. Seuss litter are beautifully clear and light ... not smutty at all ... with those feet pads deliciously "dipped in black." You also find a very famous pug in their pedigree, "Dermot", who won the toy group at Westminster in 2006.

One more show cluster next weekend in Montgomery, Alabama, then we are hoping that Stella's breeding took for her last "Galaxy" litter and we will be busy with puppies over the summer.

This was an especially fun show because hubby Jeff got to join me! He showed Cindy (who went on to win Winners Dog and Best of Opposite Sex!) and I showed Umberto and Lola. Umberto won Winners Dog and Best of Winners and Best of Breed Owner Handled. On Friday, Lola won Best Bred by Exhibitor and she won Reserve Winners Bitch both days, to her sister Cindy. (They like take turns beating each other ;)  Thank you judges Constantine-Amodei and Cindy Meyers for recognizing our beauties in the ring! They won't show Saturday because Amy is judging a piano competition out of town but they are entered Sunday, and in the cluster in Perry, GA the following week and in Montgomery, AL the week after that. Then, hopefully, puppies and a busy summer of raising and training. It probably will not be until Fall before we can get back in the ring but, if we are honest, dog shows are SO HOT in the summer (especially for pugs) so that's the best season for a break.

In Cindy's win photo the camera picked up some sort of odd glare so her eyes look weird. In reality, they are perfectly black with no white around at all, as you can see in this video of her. Also on this video is a shot of Lola gaiting (she is TOO happy .... a young soul still .... in the ring) and Umberto, also standing on the examination table. He has come such a long way in his confidence and jolliness at shows from when he first arrived in US from Serbia.

Thanks to all who joined us to celebrate this brilliant 14.5 year old pug's life! A "living funeral" of sorts, I really think Sebastian (Booger, The Boog) enjoyed his special celebration. Many thanks for the toys and treats we will donate to rescue in his name (Kristie, Karlie, Melissa, Roxanna, Linnea, Emily, Heather R and hubby, Heather T and of course Bandit, Georgie, and canine guests ;)) Many thanks to Nomad's Land in Attalla for having such a peaceful, dog-friendly place to be. It truly is a thin place there and highly recommend their airbnb's and hostels. Super friendly folks.

Here is Boog's Bio which we printed out to display. Another funny story I thought about after I had put this together was when we took a trip to a 4+ star hotel with him to celebrate my 50th birthday. (I'll post the video of that trip below). We went to dinner and left him in the bathroom while we were gone (a couple of hours). When we got home, he was so panicked that he literally ate the door frame and scratched at it. Jeff got paint to match and fixed the door lol .... almost perfect ;) and so we used a canvas crate after that. Well. Don't do this. He managed to get out of that crate in a matter of seconds. But, he was perfect otherwise. This hotel in Asheville, NC was amazing. They greeted him by name after handing us glass of champagne. There was a dog bowl and dish with a mat in the room for him and each day they made the bed and added a special baked biscuit from the dog bakery around the corner. One day it had his name! That was a wonderful memory we will cherish forever! (video below)

He is truly an exceptional pug, AKC Achiever Dog award recipient, and he needs an incredible send off. But it suddenly dawned on me that perhaps he would like to be a part of the celebration! So, we are holding a special event just for him and have rented a red caboose which is on dog-friendly property so friends can join us and bring their canine family members as well. The location is about an hour away so we are grateful to those friends who will make the trek there. It's a very peaceful spot ... sort of a thin place ... so perhaps one day in the (hopefully far off) future, we might venture back and sprinkle a few ashes on the grounds.

I've baked a cake for the dogs, dehydrated minnows and chicken paws for the "Barkcuterie board", got a chocolate cake and prepared food (broccoli salad, charcuterie board, artichoke dip and such for the humans) and made a "Booger's Bio Board" filled with stories of his life and photos (his nickname is Booger. We figured AKC wouldn't allow that in his registered name, so his full name is now Sebastian, BGR, CGC, RN, RA, TKN, TKI. It's funny because a lot of dog owners want to know what the BGR stands for ... how do they get that title? I answer, "Oh, it's very special and he has the only one." lol)  We have some other games and activities planned, like the Balloon Pop to glean wisdom from the Proverbial Pugs (sage advice tucked inside each balloon.) 

We also plan to have a quiet time to do a short service for him, loosely based on the Episcopal Church's St. Francis Blessing of the Animals service. 

Blessing of the Animals Service
Collect for St. Francis
Most high, omnipotent good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy. O God, you have made us and all living things. You are even more wonderful than what you have made. We thank you for giving us these pets who bring us joy. As you take care of us, so also we ask your help that we might take care of those who trust us to look after them. By doing this, we share in your own love for all creation. We ask this in Jesus' name.  Amen.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; and
where there is sadness, joy.
O, God, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
THE BLESSING 
"Sebastian, may you be blessed in the Name of God, the Creator, Redeemer and of the Sustainer. May you find joy with the God who created you. Amen.”
THE BLESSING PRAYER
Most high, almighty Lord, our Creator, yours are the praise, the glory, the honour and all blessings! To you alone do all things belong. Be praised for giving us the animals, birds and fish which fill your world. May we think of you and thank you when we play with and care for our pets.
Be praised for making us so happy to have our pets and to have them to play with. We ask you, Lord, that we may be good to our pets always, so that they may be happy also. Help us always to take care of them so that they will be healthy. O God, your world is wonderful. May we all come into your even greater world of the kingdom of heaven where we shall see even more wonderful things and where we shall live and love for ever. This we ask to your eternal praise, and to our blessing. Amen.
LESSON
The Creation Story (Abbreviated from Genesis 1:1-34)
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and a great dimness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. On the first day, God created light and darkness. On the second day, God created the sky  above and the waters below. On the third day, God formed the land and called it Earth, and gathered the water and called it Sea. God blessed the earth with vegetation and food. On the fourth day, God separated the day from the night, creating the sun, the moon, and the stars. On the fifth day, God brought forth swarms of living creatures in the air, in the water, and on the land, and God bid them to be fruitful and multiply. On the sixth day, God created humankind in God’s image, giving them dominion over the animals. God blessed them and bid them to be fruitful and multiply. On the seventh day, God saw that everything that God had made was very good and God rested and blessed the seventh day and made it sacred.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; and
where there is sadness, joy.
O, God, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
GOSPEL
Leader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (11:25-30)
Glory to you Lord Christ.
At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, God of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, God, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Creator; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal God. ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
THE PRAYERS
Leader: Let us give thanks to God our Creator for all the gifts so freely bestowed upon us and for the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea;
All: We thank you, Lord.
Leader: For the richness of the mountains, plains and rivers;
All: We thank you, Lord.
Leader: For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women;
All: We thank you, Lord.
Leader: For all creatures that breathe, and move, and have life;
All: We thank you, Lord.
Leader: For the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers and trees;
All: We thank you, Lord.
Leader: For the trust you have shown in giving into our care these, our pets;
All: We thank you, Lord.
Leader: That each pet here may be treasured with care;
All: We pray to you, Lord.
Leader: That we may love and honor all your works, O God;
All: We pray to you, Lord.
Leader: That we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation;
All: To the honor and glory of your name, now and forever, we pray to you, Lord. Amen.
THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
May you be blessed in the Name God, the Creator, Redeemer and of the Sustainer. May you and your animals enjoy life together and find joy with the God who created you. Amen.
THE CLOSING PRAYER (said together)
Almighty God, our great Creator, yours are the praise, the glory, the honor and all blessings! To you alone do all things belong. Be praised for giving us the animals, birds and fish which fill your world.
May we think of you and thank you when we play with and care for our pets. Be praised for making us so happy to have our pets and to have them to play with. We ask you, Lord, that we may be good to our pets always, so that they may be happy also. Help us always to take care of them so that they will be healthy. O God, your world is wonderful. May we all come into your even greater world of the kingdom of heaven where we shall see even more wonderful things and where we shall live and love forever. This we ask to your eternal praise, and to our blessing. Amen.
BLESSING
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord show his face to you and have compassion on you! May God turn his face to you and give you peace! And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you now and always.  Amen.

​Photos and more from the gathering to be posted in the next blog!!!

Updates for The Pug Bible e-book are coming along. We've updated some chapters and also added a chapter on the History of the Pug Breed. Here is a sneak peak of the video included (along with text) for this chapter .... The History of the Pug - Part 1 (1st of 3 videos). It has been fascinating interviewing longtime breeders who have been breeding since the 1960s and have made important contributions to the breed, AKC judges, trainers, and even veterinarians who specialize in brachycephalic breeds, and stream-lining of the training chapters (we moved a bunch to a separate book "The Pug Puppy Primer".) Thankfully, with the e-book format, I'll be able to make these edits with a seamless transition! Anyone who has already purchased The Pug Bible will be notified with the link once updates are finalized.

(NOTE: This blog post is for the adult owners in the family -- kids would most likely enjoy one of these comics or reads much more!)

If you own a bitch (female dog) that hasn’t been neutered, it’s important to understand when your dog is likely to have her first season, how often they happen, what to expect and symptoms to keep an eye out for that she’s in heat.

It's also important to understand what she's going through regarding hormonal changes and how that may affect her behavior, mood, appetite, and more. 

Seasons of Love . . . .

What is a season?
A dog’s season, otherwise known as being ‘in heat’, is the part of a female’s reproductive cycle that can allow her to become pregnant. When she’s in season, your dog may act differently and her genitals may swell and produce a discharge. Knowing how to recognize the signs of heat, and being able to roughly predict when a dog’s in season, can help owners avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Most reputable breeders require, as we do at Pickwick Pugs, that owners allow their female pug to complete at least one cycle before spaying. Honestly, our vet even recommends waiting until a year or a bit over a year before neutering a male. At an absolute earliest, however, our contract for pet owners at Pickwick Pugs is never before 6 months of age or before first cycle is completed.

Why do we require this?

Allowing a female dog to have at least one heat cycle before spaying her can potentially benefit her physical development. By allowing her bones and urinary tract to fully mature, this potentially reduces the risk of incontinence later in life.

Key points to consider:

• Bone and joint development:
  Dogs may benefit from going through one heat cycle to allow for proper bone growth and development, potentially reducing the risk of joint issues later on. Since pugs often have issues with hips later in life, why not give them every fighting chance from the start possible for a long, healthy life?


• Urinary tract maturity:
  A complete heat cycle can help the urinary tract fully mature, potentially decreasing the chances of urinary incontinence in older dogs.

Often, people think that spaying/neutering will instantly and miraculously "fix" any behavioral issues. This is not true. Nothing replaces training and then the special handling needed during adolescence (which, yes, is a little more challenging than with puppy's, but it won't last forever. We have another blog entry entitled "Teenage Trials and Tribulations" for more on this subject.)

When can I expect her first season?
Most smaller breeds can have their first season at around six months old, but this can vary quite a lot from dog to dog, while some larger breeds may not go in to heat until they are over a year old. Most of ours have been after 6 months with the earliest at 5 months. Sometimes it’s obvious that she's in heat while other times the signs may be more subtle.

What are the signs?
Signs your dog is in season may include: swollen vulva (the outer parts of the genitals) and sometimes red. Some dogs may be more noticeable than others. This change usually happens a few days before they begin to bleed. A vaginal discharge that can start off bloody but may become watery and more pinkish as their season progresses. For some dogs, the discharge may be more yellow in color or can be brown Cleaning their genitals more than usual by licking them. She may urinate more frequently. Most of our pugs have not bled heavily and, when they do, it is infrequent. It can be normal but if you are concerned at all do not hesitate to contact your vet.

Behavior changes?
As your female pug comes into season, and certain hormones begin to increase, you may notice her behaving differently. This might include:

• Being more friendly to other dogs, (particularly males)
• Going out of her way to look for potential mates.
• When in season, and especially as she becomes more fertile, she may be less inclined to return to you when called
• Mounting other dogs, pets, furniture, toys or you
• Moving her tail to one side when touched or when around male dogs
• Being anxious, clingy, fidgety or nervous
• Nesting or gathering toys where she sleeps
• Being off her food --- pickier tastes, loss of or change in appetite
• Being more domineering
• Marking her territory with urine (When your pug is in season, she may pee more often and may use her urine to scent mark when out for a walk, in the garden or even around the house. When in heat, your dog’s urine contains hormones and pheromones that tell other dogs that she’s fertile. Male dogs can smell these hormones and may try to visit her, or may urinate near your house in an attempt to stake their claim. NOTE: We do not walk our female pugs around the neighborhood when in season. We tend to avoid places where there will be other dogs like pet stores or parks. Stay home and play more games or snuggle and watch more tv together.)
• Being defensive of other dogs going near her rear end
• The behavior may also change throughout her season. For example, she may be defensive of dogs sniffing her at the beginning or at the end of her season, but may be keen to let them investigate her when she is most fertile. All of these behaviors are natural and nothing to be concerned about and should disappear once she’s finished her season.

How often will a pug come into season? After your pug has her first season, she is likely to continue to have regular seasons, usually every six to seven months. 2 times per year (sometimes 3).  Younger dogs may have irregular seasons to start with, but these usually settle down and become more consistent within a few seasons. Your pug's seasons can be affected by being in the company of other females that are in season.

How long does a season last? Dogs are usually in season for about three weeks, but this may be as short as two weeks or as long as four.

How long does a dog in heat bleed? Generally, about 7-10 days (around half of her cycle). Your pug's bleeding is a sign that her body is undergoing changes that help her to become fertile.

How much does a dog in season bleed? Some dogs may bleed heavily, while for others it may be barely noticeable. Although some dogs may have a very obvious bloody discharge, it may be less noticeable depending on how much they groom and clean themselves.

Do dogs get ‘period’ cramps? It’s difficult to tell. Without dogs being able to tell us how they feel, it’s hard to know what your dog is going through, but we suspect that it’s generally not painful. Some dogs do seem to be uncomfortable during their season and may be a little fidgety, but it’s unusual for there to be any obvious signs of pain.

How to take care for a dog when she’s in heat:
Your pug may seem uncomfortable, anxious, and a little confused about the changes that are occuring to her body during her her season. To help your pug, try:

• Keeping her distracted with games -- play these around the house.
• Take her for regular exercise (away from male dogs who may show an interest in her. Consider games of fetch or some treadmill work versus walks around the neighborhood, dog parks, or pet stores.)
• Should you "go for walks" when your pug is in season? We don't advise this. During her season, your pug will be very interesting and attractive to males, and the feeling may be mutual, especially when she’s ovulating. To prevent any unwanted interest, or accidental oopsies pug-greatdane mutts, it may be best to walk your dog at quieter times of the day and stick to quieter areas where you know not many people walk their dog. During this time, always keep your pug on the lead to stop her from running off to a potential mate. Keep her close by in case any interested males do come too close. BEST OPTION: give her exercise and mental stimulation at home or in your garden.
•  Give her a treat filled toy – remember to count these as part of her daily calorie intake

How can I keep my house clean? Each dog is different, some dogs may not bleed a lot, and others may be meticulously clean and lick themselves to get rid of any discharge. However, if you’re concerned about your pug making a mess when in season then you could limit her access to sofas, bedding and carpeted areas. Some people put down plenty of towels in areas that their dog usually sits and others use special pants that help to catch the blood.

We generally use a combination of bitches britches and more crate or Xpen time.

Over the years, we've found that keeping the female in a pen with an easily mopped floor or in her crate on heavy flow days is easier than fooling with the diapers or "bitches britches" but, we do use the diapers or carry a towel to put underneath if we venture outside of the home.

Remember, however, that although these pants may do a good job of keeping your house clean, they may not be effective at preventing her from attracting a mate or accidentally mating!

KEEP YOUR pug on a leash, do not venture out where a male may get to her. NEVER let her outside in fenced back yard when in season .... dogs have known to climb 6 feet fences to "visit" a pretty pug ;)

Possible complications? After your pug's season, she may (rarely) show signs of a false pregnancy. This is a condition that causes them to act as if they were pregnant when they’re actually not, with them producing milk and even gathering objects into a nest as if they were puppies. False pregnancy is caused by a change in hormones. Generally dogs recover from these signs naturally, but it can be stressful and can lead to more serious complications, such as pyometra (which is an accumulation of pus in the uterus (womb), which can be life threatening. Signs of pyometra: being off food, seeming tired, being sick, drinking more, licking her genitals, having a smelly vaginal discharge. It's very smelly fyi. If you notice any changes in the patterns of your pug's season, especially if they appear to remain in season for an unusually long time,  it's time to talk with your vet.

How long after bleeding is a dog fertile? In humans, a woman’s period is a sign that she’s finished ovulating, but in dogs it’s actually a sign that they are about to become more fertile. Dog’s may start with a very bloody discharge, but this changes and become watery over time. This can indicate that she is at her most fertile and this stage can last for around 10 days, but varies from dog to dog.)

What's happening physically to your puppy bitch:

Phases:

• Proestrus: The dog's vulva may swell and she may produce a bloody discharge.
• Estrogen: Levels rise during proestrus, preparing the dog to release eggs. 
• Hormones
• Progesterone: Levels rise during estrus, making the dog fertile. 
• Luteinizing hormone (LH): Levels surge at the end of proestrus, triggering ovulation. 
• Estrus: The dog is fertile and can conceive. Her vulva will still be swollen, but her discharge may be less bloody and more pink or straw-colored. 
  

What if my pug mates during her season?
We won't address this since it's not going to happen. We know you will take all the preventative measures necessary to prevent oopsies. But .... if you are concerned, talk to your vet. There are certain injections that can be used within the first few days after mating that can prevent pregnancy. Remember .... an ounce of prevention ....

• Walk her on a lead at quieter times of the day, or in places where there are fewer dogs
• Avoid taking her around to other people’s houses who have intact males, or to any socialization or training classes. (FYI - You can't compete in rally obedience and such when your female pug is in heat. Just plan to skip class for a couple of weeks if you are enrolled. Your teacher/trainer will most likely allow you to makeup those classes or apply the money toward a future class. They don't want a dog in heat in class upsetting all the other students ;)!!
  
• Avoid leaving her alone in the backyard. Some males may be able to smell that she is in heat and may try to get into your yard to mate with her
  
• If you have any intact male dogs in the house, and do not want them to mate, then you may need to keep them separated.
  

Recently, a new pug owner commented on how much her pug sheds. A lifelong lab owner, she commented, "And I thought my labs shed!" When they are covered in hair after holding the pug, the family members joke that they have "been pugged"!

Perhaps that's why, over the years, Jeff and I have replaced upholstered sofas and chairs with leather (or pleather or vinyl :). Honestly, we gave up on tape rollers and such years ago. There comes a point in time when you learn to wear pug hair with pride!

There are some things you can do, however, which greatly lessen the shedding:

Every week (or every other week):

• Wash them
• Always follow with a conditioner!

Every day (or every other day):

• Daily brushing with a boar brush. Bass is the best brush, but you can get a cheap one at Sally's Beauty salon. For thick coats, you can comb with a metal comb as well.
• Never brush a dry (or a super wet) coat. Each morning, we spritz the pug's coat each morning with the following (in video) conditioning spray we make, then brush, and check ears and nose roll (we use these but you can also use unscented baby wipes) if needed, or clean ears if needed with this 2-part solution and a gauze pad and/or q-tips). You can just spritz with water in a spray bottle, but we do love using this deodorizing spray, too, (if you don't want to fool with making it). Our grumble always smells great and their coats are so shiny and soft!

Here is how we make our conditioning spray if you'd like to have a go!