2 Adorable Rescue Pugs Help Kids Learn to Count by 2’s

2 Adorable Rescue Pugs Help Kids Learn to Count by 2’s

We have just launched a new project called Kids’ Pet Club to inform and entertain pet-loving kids. Snorting snoring comedic duo Kilo the Pug and the adorable star of The Backseat Barkers, Fishstick the Pug host a series of videos including Dog Song Sing-Alongs and DIY Dogs. Our adorable rescue pugs help kids learn to count, care for pets, and make all sorts of crafts.

Pugs have such cute, funny, friendly faces with big heads, big anime eyes and big personalities, they make natural hosts.

Scientific Research and anecdotal evidence have shown that looking at cute dogs and puppies can help relax children and may also help with focus, processing and memory. We have seen first hand how dogs can make the lives of kids better through Reading, Service Dog and Therapy Dogs Programs.  Kilo the Pug certainly brings my daughter and I a lot of joy joy and makes us smile and relax. I’d love to Therapy Work with him in person but he is still too anxious and reactive with strangers and in new places- he would hate it. Through this video series, I can share his little face and help lots of kids without stressing him (he loves the camera as he gets paid in treats and hugs).

Dog Song Sing-Along Video Series

We have just released the first of the Dog Song Sing-Alongs  “Counting to 20 by 2’s”.

DIY Dogs

We have another series called DIY Dogs hosted by the Pugs including Crafts like making “DIY Treat Jars” and “DIY Duck Tape Bow Ties”, as well as “Cooking with Kilo (and Fishstick)”.

Penny P Pug

We will also be testing some Sing-Along and Read-Along Videos for the younger pre-school pet-lovers featuring our animated character Penny P Pug which I am very excited about too. Penny P is a whimsical, wonderful, impulsive little pug puppy full of energy and enthusiasm. Penny P can’t sit still (except when she is asleep in a heap) and every day is an adventure. She has “things to see and things to do, things to smell and things to chew”. She is easily distracted and frequently has to be reminded “Take a Paws and think things through, then you’ll know just what to do”.

Penny P Pug getting muddy with hose

Do you have a Pug that makes you Smile? Tell us in the comments and please share the new videos with any kids you know.

What should your Pug be for Halloween?

What should your pug be on Halloween? Halloween costume ideas for Pugs

Cool Costumes for Pugs for Halloween

Do you like to celebrate holidays and occasions with your Pug like I do? What should your Pug be for Halloween this year? We are off to the Pugoween Fundraiser for PugALug Pug Rescue at PawsWay on Sunday with Kilo the Rescue Pug so we definitely needed some inspiration.

See photos from the Pugalug Pugoween Party HERE.

I am sure political costumes will be popular this year, especially in the US, and who could forget Fishstick the Pug on the red carpet as Donald Trump with his lovely bride Lottie at Woofstock filming Backseat Barkers.

fishstick-as-donald-trump-and-lotiie-as-bride

Movie characters like Star Wars, Minions, Ghost Busters, Batman, and Disney Princesses are always popular. Kilo doesn’t mind his Super Pug, Bat Pug or Minion Costumes too much. Which do you think he should wear?

Kilo as Darth Vader (costume bought at PetSmart)

“Give yourself to the Dark Side”. Kilo

 

Kilo the Pug dressed as Darth Vader for Halloween
Kilo as Darth Vader

Kilo the Pug as Batman and Superman

Superpug versus Batpug

Kilo the Pug as an Adorable MinionTongue out tuesday kilo dressed as minion

What should your Pug be for Halloween? Check out more comfortable Halloween Costumes For Kilo the Pug including DIY

Kilo Bond

Shaken not stirred.

Kilo the Pug Black Tie formal wear like James Bond

Pumpkin

pugs halloween costumes

Ash Ketchum from Pokemon

kilo in his pokemon gear

Pirate

pugs halloween costumes

Devil

TH Devil Kilo

Canadian Mountie

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Tom Cruise in Risky Business

Kilo Pug ready to rock

Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy on Halloween

Halloween is actually very stressful for Kilo the Pug.

Kilo hates strangers coming to the door so he is crated in the basement with Kongs and chews or sits on my knee on a leash. I would never take him trick or treating as he would be terrified.

  • Always choose pet clothing that is safe and comfortable for your dog to wear. Make sure your dog can easily stand, sit, lie down, walk, and use the bathroom at any time while in costume. Always double check f there are things sewn onto the outfit, your pet may try to eat them and can get really sick. If your pet doesn’t like getting dressed up, don’t force him or her. Kilo the pug is not a fan of putting his paws through tight sleeves or wearing much so he often just has loose soft things or a simple bandana or collar or harness or vest instead.

Stay safe this Halloween by making sure your dog doesn’t escape or ingest anything dangerous like chocolate or candy, decorations, or costume pieces. Always contact a vet or the ASPCA Hotline immediately if they do. Halloween is the second most common time for dogs to get lost after July 4th and a common time for poisoning to occur.

Foods You Should Never Share With Your Dog Kilo sits on couch with bowl full of chips watching Blue Jays Game

  • Don’t leave your pet unsupervised or in a high traffic area.
  • I bet we see a few Blue Jays costumes in Toronto as well. Just be careful with the Halloween treats and chips LOLDo not leave snacks within reach. Kilo will steal chips and chocolates, wrapper and all.
  • Make sure your dog can’t get out the front door while handing out candy.  Think about crating them or relaxing with them somewhere quiet.
  • Make sure tags are up-to-date, detailed and on.
  • Keep them on a leash during Halloween!

What Do You Think Kilo The Pug Should Go As? What’s your Pug going to be this year?

Here is a video we did of 99 Cute Halloween Pet Costumes on Talent Hounds featuring lots of pugs of course.

Share your photos and costume ideas with us in the comments below, by e-mail and on Kilo’s Facebook Page so we can add your dog in the Talent Hounds gallery which we will be updating daily.

15 Foods You Should NEVER Feed Your Pug

Infographic Top 15 Worst foods to Feed your dog pug

The Top 15 Worst Foods to Give a Pug

It can be so tempting to give your adorable pug some scraps while you’re cooking or eating. Pugs are famously devoted dogs that will rarely leave your side, and that’s no different in the kitchen or at the dining table. In fact, Kilo is even more interested in food than me – he is obsessed. He tries to jump on my lap while I am eating or looks up with big brown eyes pleading. I confess, we bond over toast and peanut butter in the morning, and I occasionally share certain other tasty treats with him too…

While many fruits and veggies or peanut butter or grilled lean chicken and beef are generally OK snacks to give Kilo, there are certain people foods that you should never share with your pug.

15 Human Foods That Can Be Toxic For Dogs

1. Alcohol

wine

Beer, liquor, wine, and foods containing alcohol should all be avoided. Alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain that it has on humans and it takes far less to do damage. The smaller the dog, the greater the effect, which is why this is a big no-no for pugs.

Symptoms may reportedly include vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma and death.

2. Avocado

There is some debate about the risks and benefits of small quantities of certain avocados from different areas; however many contain a substance called persin. It’s found in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit. So we think it’s probably better to avoid the risk at home.

3. Chocolate

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We had only been fostering Kilo for a few weeks when he stole a whole box of dark chocolate brownies. I had to rush him to my vet where they induced vomiting and gave him charcoal. A very traumatic expensive experience but he still loves the smell of chocolate and regularly tries to climb up on the dining table to see if anyone dropped chocolate wrappers or crumbs.

Kilo the Pug Happy tongue out smile

Chocolate contains very toxic substances called methylxanthines like theobromine, which are stimulants and stop a dog’s metabolic process. They are in all kinds of chocolate, even white. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate.

Eating it, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.

We are not experts in canine health, but we’ve chosen to use Carob as a substitute for chocolate.

 

4. Caffeine

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Caffeinated products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee, and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death.

Symptoms of caffeine poisoning can reportedly include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and fits. In addition to tea and coffee – including beans and grounds – caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It’s also in some cold medicines and pain killers.

5. Cooked Bones

Dogs love bones, and pugs are no exception! But make sure they’re always raw, as a cooked bone can be a choking hazard. Some bones can splinter and cause obstructions or lacerations in your pug’s digestive system. Raw bones are an important part of a raw diet and certain commercially prepared cooked bones should be safe, so consult your vet or a trusted source on specific bones. Always avoid cooked chicken bones and other bones leftover from cooking.

6. Fat Trimmings

Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis. Meat is an important part of your pug’s diet, but make sure to limit the fat content if you are preparing it yourself. Consult your vet for more information on what kind of meat content your specific pug may need.

7. Grapes and Raisins

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Many people do not realize that grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs. In fact, we were at an event last week and someone served grapes for kids and a dog ended up ingesting some. Luckily his parents saw and knew the dangers and took him to the emergency vet where they induced vomiting.  Although it is apparently not entirely clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Just a small amount can make a dog ill, especially a small breed like a pug. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, a dog may become lethargic and depressed.

8. Macadamia Nuts

Dogs shouldn’t eat macadamia nuts or foods with them because they can be fatal. As few as six raw or roasted macadamias can make them ill. Symptoms of poisoning may include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, depression, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

9. Onions, Garlic, Chives

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Like onions, leeks, and chives, garlic is part of the Allium family, and it is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants. Onions and garlic in all forms – powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated – can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. That can happen even with the onion powder found in some baby food or spaghetti sauce. A tiny dose is probably OK, but eating a large quantity just once or eating even smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, breathlessness, pale gums, elevated heart rate, and collapsing. Poisoning from garlic and onions may have delayed symptoms, so if you think your dog may have eaten some, monitor him or her for a few days, not just right after consumption.

Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs, and microscopic confirmation of Heinz Bodies. I called my vet and the ASPCA hotline when my little thief Kilo ate onions and they weighed his risks based on age, size, quantity and time passed. He ended up being fine but gave us quite a scare.

Read about our Onion Scare with Kilo the Pug when he stole an onion quiche.

10. Cherry, Persimmon, Peach, and Plum Seeds or Pits

The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits, and sometimes stems too. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus cherry, peach, and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them, and dogs don’t! The flesh of these fruits is fine for your pug, but make sure to store them out of reach.

11. Raw Eggs

eggs

There are dog owners who feed their pets raw diets and tout the benefits of raw eggs for their dogs. But there can be two possible problems with giving your dog raw eggs: The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog’s coat if she’s been eating any substantial quantity of them for a long time. Cooked eggs in moderation are OK!

12. Raw Fish

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Salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes “fish disease” or “salmon poisoning disease.” If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog. Cooked fish like salmon can be an excellent source of protein, good fats and amino acids.

13. Salt and Salty Snack Foods

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures, and even death. As such, we encourage you to avoid feeding salt-heavy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn to your pets. While not recommended, giving your pug salt can be a way to induce vomiting if he’s eaten something even more toxic.

Before it’s baked, bread dough needs to rise, and that’s exactly what it would do in your dog’s stomach if she ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch a dog’s abdomen and cause severe pain. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it makes alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.

 

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure may be seen within a few days.

Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods and peanut butters may be sweetened with xylitol. Always read the label before giving your pug processed food.

In Case of Emergencies

It’s a great idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre – at (888) 426-4435 – handy and accessible in case of an emergency. If you think your dog has gotten into something toxic, call for emergency help right away.