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The piglet pups we all know and love, Pugs are one of the most adored dog breeds today. But did you know they’ve been around longer than most modern breeds? While many families treat their Pugs like royalty, their fascinating history might explain exactly why.  🏯Origin of the PugThe Pug is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, believed to date back to before 400 BC. Because of their long history, their exact origins are somewhat debated. Most experts agree that they originated in Asia, particularly China, and are related to other short-faced breeds such as the Pekingese. There are alternative theories suggesting they may have descended from small bulldog-type dogs or were bred down from larger mastiff-type breeds like the Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff), though these are less widely accepted. The American Kennel Club officially recognised the Pug as a breed in 1885. 🎎 PurposeIn Ancient China, as early as 400 BC, Pugs were highly prized companion animals owned by emperors. They were considered a symbol of status and were kept by members of high society. Some were even guarded by soldiers, highlighting their importance. Throughout history, Pugs have continued to be associated with royalty and nobility. They were owned by notable figures such as Prince William II of Orange and have been featured in many artworks over the centuries. Their role as lap dogs and loyal companions remains perfectly suited to the Pugs we know and love today. 🐕 Appearance of the PugThe distinctive, wrinkled face of the Pug is hard to miss. They have a compact, sturdy body, a large round head, and often greet you with their tongue slightly sticking out. Their eyes are large and prominent, paired with small ears that sit atop their rounded head. Adding to their piglet-like charm, their tightly curled tail rests high over their back, supported by short, stocky legs. Pugs come in two main colours: fawn and black. Coat types can vary slightly, but generally, fawn Pugs have a double coat, while black Pugs tend to have a single coat. Males can grow up to around 36 cm and weigh up to 9 kg, while females are typically slightly smaller, reaching about 30 cm and up to 8 kg. ✂️ Coat CareThe Pug’s short coat is relatively easy to maintain, but they do shed year-round. Regular brushing—ideally a few times a week or daily—can help reduce loose hair around the home. They should be bathed only when needed and thoroughly dried afterwards, especially within their skin folds. Moisture trapped in these folds can lead to irritation or infections such as hot spots. Facial wrinkles and, in some cases, areas around the tail or hindquarters may require regular cleaning to remove dirt and buildup. If not cleaned properly, these areas can quickly develop sores or infections. 💖 A Pug's TemperamentPugs are entertaining, affectionate, and lively little dogs. They adore human companionship and are happiest when by your side. They are intelligent and respond well to calm, consistent training, along with regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviour. Pugs are not suited to living outdoors full-time. They are sensitive to both heat and cold and thrive in an indoor environment where temperatures are controlled and they can be part of family life. Despite their small size, they are loyal and will bark to alert their owners to strangers. They are generally excellent with children and other animals, especially when well socialised from a young age. Daily walks are important to keep their weight under control and to satisfy their curiosity, though exercise should be moderate. 🩺 HealthUnfortunately, Pugs are prone to several health issues, largely due to their brachycephalic (short, flat-faced) structure. They are sensitive to temperature extremes—struggling in both cold weather and heat—and should not be left outside in harsh conditions. Breathing difficulties are common, and some poorly bred Pugs may require corrective surgery to improve airflow, such as widening the nostrils or shortening the soft palate. Other health concerns include allergies, skin conditions, mast cell tumours, and Pug Dog Encephalitis (an inflammatory brain disease). Pugs are also prone to rapid weight gain, so careful management of diet and exercise is essential. Their short legs and breathing limitations mean they should not be over-exercised, and walks should be adjusted based on weather conditions. Close supervision during activity is important, as they can quickly become overexerted.
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Assistance Dogs Australia has a vision - a world where every person with a disability has the opportunity to experience connection, inclusion and independence through the human-canine bond. Their role is to empower that connection with integrity, respect, care and accountability. To truly understand what a profound impact the power of an assistance dog can provide, we share with your the story of Charlotte and Letty.  Charlotte & her beautiful Assistance Dog, Letty. Charlotte is a bright 10-year-old with autism, ADHD, Phelan-McDermid syndrome and a severe intellectual disability. Once non-verbal and still unable to read or write, she needs constant care. Everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, leaving the house, or grocery shopping, were overwhelming for her and exhausting for her family. After years of trying everything, Charlotte’s family found hope in Letty, a highly trained Assistance Dog. Letty helps keep Charlotte calm and focused in public, making simple outings like shopping possible again. She’s also supporting Charlotte’s communication and independence, and even improving bedtime routines from hours of struggle to just 30 minutes. With Letty by her side, Charlotte is making meaningful progress. For the first time, her family can imagine a future where she can build independence and experience more of the world. Did you know it costs $60,000 and 2 years to train an Assistance Dog?!The power of an assistance dog cannot be measured, the impact they make on the lives of their owner and their family and friends is huge. Your support can help more children like Charlotte access life-changing assistance dogs and the hope they bring. Want to help train more dogs like Letty? From 8 weeks old, each puppy begins training with expert trainers in Assistance Dogs Australia's puppy kindergarten and with volunteers, building the skills, confidence, and socialisation needed to change a life. By 14 months, dogs like Letty go into Advanced Training, mastering cues tailored to the type of support they'll be giving. At graduation, each dog is carefully matched with someone on the waitlist, like Charlotte, empowering them to live a more independent, confident and connected life. Together, we can give more people with disability the safety, confidence and independence an Assistance Dog brings.  To find out more about you can support Assistance Dogs Australia, visit their website here! To help support a pup's training journey - visit here! Your support is truly life changing! Stories and information, proudly gathered from Assistance Dogs Australia.
All donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible. It’s something most pet owners know… dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate. But why is chocolate so dangerous and why is chocolate toxic to dogs, and what actually happens if they do eat it? Our guide explains the risks, symptoms to watch for, and what steps to take in an emergency.  What makes chocolate toxic to dogs? Chocolate contains two substances that are harmful to dogs:
What is Theobromine? Theobromine is a naturally occurring compound found in cocoa and is the main ingredient used to make chocolate. It’s toxic not only to dogs, but also to cats and other pets. Different types of chocolate contain different levels of theobromine:
Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs If your dog has eaten chocolate, symptoms can appear within a few hours. Keep an eye out for:
What to do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate. Time is critical when it comes to chocolate toxicity.
Prevention is Protection The best way to protect your pet is prevention:
 Yes - your dog does in fact have a 3rd eye lid and did you know, humans used to have one too? A dog's third eye lid is also known as the 'nicitating membrane.' Throughout evolution, the third eye lid in humans has shrunk and today is simply a small feature in the inner corner of our eyes, which helps to drain tears and keep debris away from the eyes. What does my dogs third eye lid do?Like humans today, animals have two eye lids that move vertically, the upper and lower eye lids. These eye lids work to protect the eye lids from any debris, damage, sun light and to maintain moisture on the eye balls. It is responsible for creating up to 50% of a dog's tears so is vital to their eye health. The third eye lid of dogs and other animals such as cats adds even more protection to the eye ball and is not normally visible. Where is the third eye lid on my dog? A dogs third eye lid is located under their lower eye lid and sits in the corner of the eye. When needed, the third eye lid will extend across the dog's eye to protect it from any damage and helps to spread moisture across the eye ball. The third eye lid is opaque in colour and a dog is unable to see through it. It moves horizontally across the eye. The third eye lid also contains lymph nodes so helps to prevent eye infections. Unlike the upper and lower eye lids, the third eye lid does not move voluntarily and moves independantly. It is often triggered by the retraction of the dog's eyeball into it's socket (closing it eyes) Can I see my dogs third eye lid? in normal circumstances, no. In healthy dogs, their third eye lid is often not visible and will not cause any interruptions to your dogs day to day life. For this reason, if the third eye lid is visible, it's a good indication that there may be a health concern for your dog. Some conditions that can affect the third eye lid in dogs includes;
Should you have any concerns about your dogs third eye lid or their eye health, you should always consult your vet for an examination. If a dogs third eye lid is not functioning correctly, it could lead to eye damage, pain or discomfort for your dog.
 What is Bloat?Bloat is when gas and/or food stretches the stomach many times its normal size and the stomach turns more than 180 degrees on its longitudinal axis, sealing off both the entry and exit from the stomach. This causes the spleen swells placing pressure on the major vein bringing blood back to the heart from the lower body. Many damaging events follow including the release of toxins from the dying stomach lining and heart dysfunction. Without immediate care the dog goes into shock and dies. Bloat is an extremely serious condition, and should be considered a life-threatening emergency when it occurs. What causes Bloat?Sadly, the exact cause of Bloat is still unknown. even after extensive testing in controlled situations, Bloat does not occur consistently in the same simulations. It does however, seem to appear that it occurs as a combination of events. There are many theories about the cause of Bloat from Veterinarians. Factors may include feeding large meals of dry food followed by exercise, abrupt changes in diet, drinking a large amount of water after eating, and fast gulping of food. Other causes have been suggested but nothing has been proven. Symptoms, Signs & Treatment.The most obvious signs are abdominal distention (swollen, hard belly) and non-productive vomiting (animal appears to be vomiting, but nothing comes up) and retching. The stomach and abdomen will be distended and hard to the touch. This distension is first apparent on the left hind side of the abdomen Other signs include restlessness (pacing & panting), abdominal pain, and rapid shallow breathing. Profuse drooling may indicate severe pain. If the dog’s condition continues to deteriorate the dog may go into shock and become pale (check gum colour), have a weak pulse, a rapid heart rate, become lethargic and eventually collapse. There are no home remedies to treat bloat, your dog needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Bloat is an emergency situation. Your dog will be assessed by the vet to establish what stage of bloat they are in and if a tube can be used to remove the gas from the stomach or if surgery is needed. For more information, download our Bloat information Brochure HERE. We suggest any dog owners with a high risk breed of Bloat to keep this on hand and make sure everyone in your household is educated on the signs of Bloat.Under Australia's Disability Discrimination Act 1992, it's unlawful for airlines to deny boarding to passengers travelling with an Assistance Dog. This ensures people with disabilities can fly with their vital companions - both domestically and internationally.  Key Airline PoliciesMajor Australian carriers like Virgin Australia and Qantas welcome service dogs from approved organisations. These dogs travel free of charge in the cabin, right by their owner's side, as their assistance may be needed mid-flight. Requirements for Smooth TravelTo board without issues, owners must meet these standards:
Why It MattersAllowing Assistance Dogs to accompany their owners everywhere promotes an active lifestyle and ensures a safe, supportive experience for both. Airlines carefully consider factors like:
Real-Life InsightHear from Sheree and her Assistance Dog, Jade, on their travel adventures; 'My assistance dog, Jade, is a perfect candidate for airline travel: she has frequent exposure to busy places and public transport, remains calm in every situation and settles readily in any location. We have shared 12 domestic flights together and, typically, Jade has afforded herself the opportunity of sleeping through them all! She has breezed through all airport procedures and apparently only once looked suspicious. Fortunately the security guard who ‘pat down’ her orange jacket found no concealments! Taking up temporary residence in a hotel room without our usual ‘doggie door’ has only the added challenge of providing Jade with late night and early morning toilet breaks. Fortunately she is no stranger to elevators! Whether at home or away, Jade’s daily exercise and free play needs must be met, so locating suitable parks is always a priority. Though our experiences have all been overwhelmingly positive, and airport and flight staff accommodating without exception, I would only ever have Jade accompany me on flights of up to two hours duration. Being a wheelchair user I am required to board the plane first and disembark last, a procedure which potentially doubles the time Jade is not permitted to drink, toilet or freely move about. When I am occasionally required to take a long flight Jade enjoys a well deserved holiday of her own with my parents.' This information and so much more available from ASDOG Australia website here!
Be sure to not miss any of our other Therapy Dog Thursday blogs here!  Ziggy and Roxy, our February 2026 Dogs of the Month. Two Cavoodles who both have Luxating Patella's. What is a Luxating Patella?When a dog has a luxating patella, this means that their kneecap (the patella) slips out of its normal position in the thigh bone (femur). This causes the knee to dislocate (luxate) sideways. The term “luxating patella” simply means the kneecap dislocates out of place. There are two types of luxating patella: MPL – Medial Patellar Luxation This is where the kneecap moves inward out of position. This is the most common type of patellar luxation, and symptoms are usually seen earlier in a dog’s life. It is most commonly seen in small dog breeds. LPL – Lateral Patellar Luxation This is where the kneecap moves outward from its normal position. This is less common and is often seen in medium to large dog breeds. It is also more common in dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia. A knee affected by a luxating patella is more likely to develop arthritis earlier in life due to consistent rubbing on the joint cartilage. What causes a Luxating Patella?In most cases, a luxating patella is a hereditary condition passed down from breeding parents. However, it can also develop over time or be caused by a degenerative condition. It’s important to ensure that the medical history of breeding parents is known, to help prevent luxating patellas from being passed on to future litters. What happens when a patella luxates?In mild cases, signs of a luxating patella may remain asymptomatic, and dogs are often able to pop their kneecap back into place on their own, sometimes without the owner even noticing. A common sign is a dog walking with a “skip” in their step. They may briefly hold up the affected leg, kick it out, or shake it. If they quickly return to normal walking, it usually means the patella has slipped back into place on its own. As a dog ages with a luxating patella, they may become increasingly lame in the affected leg. This is due to ongoing cartilage wear, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis. If a dog needs help getting the patella back into place, they may cry out in pain and lick at the knee joint. It’s best not to handle the leg, as dogs can often correct it themselves. However, if the issue persists or the dog becomes distressed, veterinary attention should be sought as soon as possible. How is a Luxating Patella diagnosed?During a physical examination, your vet can diagnose a luxating patella and assign it a grade. Luxating patellas are graded from 1 to 4 to determine severity, guide treatment, and monitor progression over time.
Treatment for Luxating PatellasGrade 1–2: These cases often don’t require major intervention. Management includes maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that involve sudden stopping, sharp turns, or spinning. Dogs may also benefit from physiotherapy or anti-inflammatory medication if discomfort is present. Grade 3–4 (or frequent Grade 1–2 cases): Surgery is usually recommended. This helps realign the patella, reduce pain, and minimise the risk of early-onset arthritis, especially in younger dogs. Seeing an Assistance Dog at work is a heart-warming experience, and the journey of training and preparing one to join their new owner’s life is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of this process but weren’t sure where to begin, or what role you could play, we’ve got you covered. In this edition of Therapy Dog Thursday, we’re excited to share a few ways you can get involved in the training and raising of a future Assistance Dog.
Volunteer as a Puppy Raiser! Welcome a beautiful puppy into your home (and heart) and help play a vital role in potentially raising a future Guide Dog who will assist someone with low vision or blindness in their day to day tasks. As a puppy raiser, you will love, nurture and help expose your puppy to the world, to help grow them into a confident and well socialised dog. Guide Dogs support you every step of the way with on going support from their Puppy Raising network and also cover costs of food, vet bills, collars, toys etc. Want to find out more? Visit their website here and register your expression of interest to learn more!
Volunteer to support a Breeding Dog! With Assistance Dogs Australia, you can share in a really special moment, by taking in a Mum-To-Be, pregnant breeding dog and supporting her through her pregnancy and birth. These beautiful babies will remain in your home until around 8 weeks of age. Your job during this time is to provide love, safety and a secure space inside for Mumma and, when they arrive, her pups. Support is provided by ADA during the entire process. Please be aware, carer's for this role must live within a reasonable distance from the ADA National Training School in Waterfall NSW. As most of our readers live in Victoria is would be great if you shared this opportunity with dog loving friends who live in NSW so they and then share this on with their networks - you never know who knows who - It's a small world these days! If you, or someone you know, would be a suitable 'Brood Carer', find out more here. You can also find other ways you can volunteer with Assistance Dogs Australia here!
Provide your salvia... no really! Lions Assistance Dogs need your saliva - that is providing you are a Type 1 Diabetic. Volunteers who provide their Type 1 Diabetic salvia are assisting in training Diabetic Alert Dogs - without even having to leave your home! To qualify to provide your salvia you must - Be a Type 1 Diabetic - Have well managed diabetes and it be safe for you to fall outside of the normal blood glucose range Lions Assistance Dogs provide collection kits and then freeze the salvia to store it until it is needed for training. Without these samples, they are unable to train their Diabetic Alert Dogs. Visit the Lions Assistance Dogs website here for more information on providing your salvia as well as other ways you can volunteer to support them.  These amazing organisations could not operate without the efforts of amazing volunteers and donations. To donate, visit the websites below. There can be a number of reasons why our dogs eat grass, which can range from simple behavioural habits to more serious health concerns. Finding out the specific reason your dog eats grass can help you address the issue or rectify any underlying health problems. 🥗 Eating Grass to Fulfill Nutritional VoidsGrass contains roughage, which is dietary fibre found in the indigestible (for humans) parts of plants. Although human digestive systems cannot break down and use the fibre from roughage, dog’s in fact can. If a dog is lacking fibre in their diet and it’s causing them to be unable to comfortably pass bowel motions, they may begin eating grass to help them pass this. If your dog’s diet is steadily consistent and they eat grass often, this could be a reason why. You should discuss with your vet and assess the nutritional content of your dog’s diet. Although there is no universal rule for how much crude fibre a dog should have daily within their diet, in general the suggested amount is anywhere between 2.5-6%, however this should always be discussed with your vet as every circumstance is different for each dog, based on their aged and health. 😋 Some Dogs Just Like Eating GrassSome dogs simply enjoy the texture and taste of grass. Some dogs may only eat specific types of grasses, or they might prefer it when it is at a particular length, or at certain times of the year (e.g., when new shoots appear). This habit can also stem from boredom. If you find your dog does this when they haven’t been for a walk or at times when they are alone, it could be a self-entertainment habit. The act of chewing releases serotonin and dopamine, the "happy chemicals, in a dog’s brain, so chewing is often a habit they use to alleviate boredom or anxiety. If your dog only eats grass periodically or a specific type of grass, it may just be a habit that they enjoy. It shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, however, you should always be aware of any chemicals or pesticides that have been sprayed on the grass, as these are toxic to dogs. Leaving them with suitable and safe chew toys can also give them an alternative to keep themselves entertained. 🤢 Eating Grass to Induce VomitingThis is likely the most common reason people think their dog eats grass, but it’s often considered the least frequent primary reason in veterinary studies. Dogs are not necessarily trying to vomit when they start eating grass; rather, they may eat the grass because they are already feeling unwell. If your dog does vomit immediately after eating grass, it often means the stomach was already irritated and the indigestible texture of the grass simply helped to bring on the vomiting process. The tough, sharp blades of grass may tickle the throat or stomach lining. If your dog frequently vomits after eating grass, they should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, as there is usually an underlying health issue causing the gastric upset, such as:
We all know the amazing, hard work that organisations and charities do to help support those in need of an Assistance Dog - but how is that a pup goes from a little bundle of energy to a life changing new family member? It's the hard work of people like Georgia who help get them there!  Meet Instructor Georgia: Connecting to people – through dogs with Assistance Dogs Australia.Placing Assistance Dogs with clients holds a special place in Georgia’s heart. After years spent guiding puppies, volunteers, and clients through the life-changing journey of Assistance Dog training, she’s seen just how powerful these partnerships become. “It’s not just about providing support – it’s about fostering confidence, independence, and emotional connection,” she shares. “The bond that forms between a person and their Assistance Dog is powerful; it can create new possibilities, increase community connection, and bring a sense of companionship that can’t be replicated. Being part of that journey – watching lives transform through trust, teamwork, and love – is a privilege I’ll never take for granted.” Georgia has been part of the Assistance Dog world since 2020 and has spent almost four years in ADA’s operations team, working across puppy development, training, and instructing. Based in Queensland, she works closely with a dedicated network of volunteers who open their homes – and their hearts – to the puppies and dogs in training. “My role is really about supporting dogs and humans through every stage of development,” Georgia explains. That includes everything from educating volunteers, conducting training sessions, and running assessments, to supporting clients across Australia with their working Assistance Dogs. A “typical week” for Georgia simply doesn’t exist – and that’s part of what she loves. Her days are filled with managing dogs of all ages and developmental levels, checking in with volunteers and clients, scheduling follow-ups and assessments, providing training sessions, distributing supplies, documenting progress, onboarding volunteers, and sometimes racing around in her work van, fondly known as “the party bus”, collecting dogs for group outings and socialisation. It’s busy, hands-on, and constantly evolving. “Every week requires flexibility,” she says, “but it also brings a new opportunity to support growth – whether it’s a puppy nailing a new skill or a client building confidence with their matched dog.” One of Georgia’s favourite parts of the job is witnessing the full training journey, from Puppy Education through Advanced Training and into placement. Many of the dogs she works with, she’s known since the day they left the nest. “Watching them grow from playful pups into confident, reliable partners is one of the most beautiful transformations,” she says. Early development focuses on foundational skills, exposures, and building curiosity. Advanced Training introduces specialised tasks, tailored to support individuals with physical disabilities, autism and PTSD. Each dog moves at their own pace, and instructors like Georgia constantly assess their strengths and potential roles. The matching process is incredibly thoughtful. Instructors look beyond task capability, considering personality, lifestyle, home environment, handling style, and energy levels. “When we finally place a dog with their new teammate, everything comes together,” Georgia says. “We support them through the early days of bonding, connection, and learning how to work together. It’s a moment of immense pride and I never get tired of it.” Georgia works as a part of a huge, dedicated team, who help to improve and change the lives of the people who gain one of their dogs into their family. To find out more or to help support the incredible work of what Assistance Dogs Australia do, visit their website here. Assistance Dogs Australia. Information regarding accredited trainers and assistance dog training programs in Australia was sourced from the official website of Assistance Dogs Australia, available at: https://www.assistancedogs.org.au/instructor-georgia-connecting-to-people-through-dogs/
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