Chinese Pug History and Dog Breed Information

The Chinese Pug is a breed of dog that has a long and fascinating history, stretching back over 2,000 years. This small, compact breed is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and has been highly prized for its charming and affectionate nature, as well as its distinctive wrinkled face and curly tail. The Chinese Pug is believed to have originated in China, where it was kept as a companion and lapdog by members of the imperial court. This breed was highly prized for its loyalty, playfulness, and affectionate nature, and it was often given as gifts to important figures and dignitaries. The breed’s popularity spread throughout Asia and Europe, and eventually made its way to the United States in the late 19th century. The Chinese Pug is a small breed, typically weighing between 14 and 18 pounds and standing between 10 and 13 inches tall at the...
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Should You Let Your Dog Sleep in Bed with You?

There are two camps among dog people:  those who believe dogs belong in the owner’s bed, and those who prefer their dogs to stay off the furniture.  What are the benefits to each scenario, and is one way better than the other?  These questions are answered below. Benefits of Co-Sleeping with your Dog There are many benefits to allowing your dog to sleep in bed with you.  These include: Protection A dog sleeping in your bed will provide more protection against a break in than a dog in a crate.  Even if your dog isn’t a natural protector, studies have shown that burglars are significantly less likely to target a home with dogs. Warmth Pet owners can save money on their energy bills by allowing their dogs into the bed.  A dog’s body temperature is naturally a few degrees warmer than a human’s, making even the smallest pet a natural...
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Why Do Dogs Do That: Zoomies Edition

Has your dog ever sprinted around your house, bouncing from chair to couch and back again with an unrivaled amount of energy?  If so, you are not alone in wondering what just happened?  This phenomenon is known as frenetic random activity period (FRAP), otherwise known as the zoomies.  What are zoomies, why do they occur, and how can they be stopped?  All of these questions will be answered here. What are Zoomies? Dogs can develop zoomies at any time, although most dog owners observe them after a bath, when a favorite human has returned home, or after a potty break.  The main characteristics of zoomies are wild bursts of energy where the dog seems to have no concept of its size or strength – or of your furniture and valuables.  While zoomies are completely normal, they can be dangerous for unsuspecting humans, animals, or china collections that are in your...
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Service Dog Etiquette

For dog lovers, resisting the urge to interact with a service animal can be extremely difficult.  However, distracting a service dog from its job can put the animal’s handler in danger.  Listed below are 9 rules of etiquette that people should follow when encountering a service dog in public.  Do Not Distract a Service Dog When a service dog is in a public facility wearing a vest or other indication that he or she is a service dog, you should always assume the dog is on duty.  Distracting the dog in any manner prevents the dog from providing the handler its undivided attention.  As a result, the dog may miss subtle cues that are important for the dog to perform its job.  Ultimately, service dogs are medical devices.  If you would not tamper with a diabetic person’s glucose monitor, you should never inhibit a person’s service dog. Do Not Touch...
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Product Review: Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites with EpiCor

The diagnosis of allergies in dogs is on the rise, which means more veterinary visits for pet owners.  Dogs with chronic allergies are more likely to suffer from repeat skin and ear infections, both of which can hinder a dog’s quality of life. Allergy treatments often have side effects such as sedation, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased itching and scratching.  For these reasons, dog owners frequently turn to natural allergy remedies to holistically solve the problem.  Here, Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites with EpiCor will be reviewed. Zesty Paws Allergy Chews Allergies can occur when the immune system is overreactive or under-supported.  Therefore, targeted immune system support can be very beneficial for dogs that suffer environmental, seasonal, food, or skin allergies. Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites contain colostrum, apple cider vinegar, and wild Alaskan salmon oil, all of which are common allergy fighting, natural ingredients.  Additional antioxidants control pollen and histamine...
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Do’s and Don’ts for Dog Owners: Lessons Learned the Hard Way

As a dog owner, I look back to my childhood in horror and cannot believe what awful dog owners my parents were.  I know that sounds harsh, but the level of pet-parenting dogs receive today is vastly different than it was 20 – 30 years ago.  Today I am what might be called an over-protective pet parent, but I am probably this way due to years of learning from my parents’ mistakes.  Here are my top do’s and don’ts for dog owners, gathered from my own experiences growing up. Don’t Assume All Dog Breeds are the Same Before I was born, my parents had only ever owned purebred cocker spaniels.  Until I had a spaniel of my own, I never understood why my parents thought dogs didn’t need training or exercise [note:  I do not recommend not training or not exercising a spaniel; rather, some dog breeds just happen to...
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6 Changes to Make with your Dog in 2020

A new year often spurs people to make significant changes in their own lives; but what about the lives of their pets?  Though 2020 is in full affect, consider the following in order to improve the life of your dog.  Sign Up for a Class Together Many pet owners wish they spent more quality time with pets while also wishing for better behavior and more socialization.  You can check all of these boxes by enrolling your dog in a training class.  Even if your dog has already mastered basic obedience, there are plenty of opportunities for teaching your pup new tricks.  For instance, introduction to Agility, Rally-O, or Canine Good Citizen training may all be appropriate for your dog. Learn to Make DIY Dog Treats More than half of household pets in the United States are obese, which leads to expensive health problems, decreased quality of life, and a shortened...
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The Importance of Good Gut Health for your Dog

Increasing research has shown that good gut health is vitally important for all mammals.  Not only is the immune system housed in a dog’s gut, but healthy bacteria are responsible for emotional response, nutrient absorption, and digestion.  Here, everything a pet owner needs to know about a healthy gut and your pet will be discussed.  What Does Good Gut Health Mean? What does it mean to have a healthy gut in a dog?  The digestive system is filled with good and bad bacteria.  There are specific colonies of good bacteria, each with a specific job.  When those bacterial colonies are well-populated and balanced, the dog’s digestive and immune systems function properly.  However, when the bad bacteria outnumber the good, the dog can suffer many health consequences.   Signs of Poor Gut Health There are numerous signs that your dog’s gut health is not in tip-top shape.  These symptoms include: Allergies/itchy skin...
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Product Review: Missing Link Ultimate Hip & Joint Formula

Nearly every senior dog will develop hip, joint, and arthritis pain as they grow older.  Oftentimes, arthritis pain can be managed with exercise and nutrition due to the inflammatory nature of this disease.  There are many supplements on the market for dogs that promise to alleviate arthritis pain, but which ones live up to these claims?  Here, The Missing Link Original Ultimate Hip & Joint supplement will be reviewed.  The Missing Link – Original Ultimate Hip & Joint Missing Link is marketed as the original superfood supplements for dogs.  The parent company was started in 1892 by a husband and herbalist wife duo who were interested in finding a way to keep their working horses healthy.  Eventually, Mary Ida Young capitalized on her herbalist background and created a company dedicated to providing premium care to animals.  Missing Link is formulated with so-called “superfoods” that are naturally sourced and contain high...
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