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As one of the oldest dog breeds, pugs have had a special place in people’s hearts more than two thousand years! As part of our ongoing breed profile series, here is pug-specific information for current and potential owners.

Personality: The breed’s carefree demeanor means they are very comfortable around children and other pets, but time alone makes them anxious. Pugs love attention and will go to great lengths to get it, sometimes leading to destructive behavior when left alone for long periods of time.

Exercise: Pugs require less exercise than many other breeds, making them a good pet for smaller homes and apartments.

Nutrition: Pugs are known for their voracious appetites, meaning owners must monitor their pet’s food intake to prevent obesity and diet-related disorders. We recommend a quality dry food, lightly moistened with warm water to help with digestion.

Lifespan: This breed typically has a lifespan of 13-15 years.

Health Concerns: Overall pugs are a moderately healthy breed, but are susceptible to hip dysplasia, eye disease, patellar luxation, and Pug dog encephalitis. A major concern is Brachycephalic syndrome, which affects short-nose breeds. This disorder occurs when physical abnormalities obstruct the airway, making breathing difficult. Signs of this disorder include noisy breathing and difficulty swallowing. This is a serious disorder that requires surgical intervention.

Pali Vet is happy to announce our new Tele-Ultrasound services. We have a team of 3 certified sonographers on our staff who perform the ultrasound scans. Next, our in-house sonographers partner with a team of Board Certified Radiologist for interpretation of the images. The benefits of in-house ultrasound are numerous. Firstly, we’re able to minimize travel for your ailing pet. Secondly, we’re able to minimize the amount of waiting time for pet “parents” to receive a doctor-generated, individualized treatment plan. This means we’re able to proceed with treatment quicker. We’re also able to schedule follow-up visits and follow-up scans at your convenience, without having to factor in a third party.

Having this technology in-house also allows us to offer ultrasounds as part of our wellness protocol at a discounted price. As the standards of 21st century veterinary care strive to approximate the standards of human care, we are finding that many of our clients are eager for more preventative care and a focus on wellness. Wellness Ultrasound is one of the latest and greatest tools in our preventative care arsenal. Wellness Ultrasounds are appropriate at all ages, and are highly recommended for middle-aged and senior pets.

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The foxtail plant represents a hidden summertime danger to pets. Once inhaled, the barbed seeds of these common grass-like plants can travel through your pet’s respiratory system, where they become lodged in place, causing internal damage. Foxtails can also become embedded in the skin, eyes and ears, or enter the digestive tract. The shape of seed means that it is gradually forced deeper into tissue, traveling throughout a pet’s body, creating abscesses, damaging tissue, and spreading bacteria. Internalized foxtails may migrate to vital organs, causing major damage and even death.

Symptoms of foxtail ingestion are violent sneezing episodes; bloody discharge for eyes, nose or throat; irritation of external tissues; and, externally, embedded in the animal’s skin. If you suspect your dog or cat may be affected, contact us immediately. The foxtail(s) will be located and removed quickly to minimize the damage done.

A new strain of the canine influenza virus (CIV), N3N2, has emerged in the Midwest. While currently subject to geographic limitations, this new form is highly contagious and capable of transmitting quickly between dogs in close proximity, raising concerns that it will spread to other areas of the country. Although similar to kennel cough on the surface, it is important to be able to distinguish between the two.

CIV infection is a mild upper respiratory tract infection characterized by signs of lethargy, anorexia, low-grade fever, nasal discharge, and wet cough. Twenty percent of dogs have the potential to develop a severe disease course. Dogs with more severe disease usually present with high fever, an increased respiratory rate, and pneumonia.

Kennel cough (Bordetella) is also spread through contact with other dogs, but contains key differences. Symptoms include a dry, hacking cough, no lethargy (normal behavior), no fever, no nasal discharge and a normal appetite. Continue Reading