Earlier this week Lucy the Puggle dog was chowing down constantly and couldn’t seem to get her fill of dog food. I’ve been feeding her a combination of soft and dry Blue Buffalo dog food, so there wasn’t any sort of change food wise. But she just could not stop eating, and I didn’t understand why.
And then, all the sudden she slowed way down and ate practically nothing for 2 days. Instead of eating, she slept. And slept and slept and slept.
She even stopped chewing on my pant legs she was so tired.
And then yesterday it was raining, so I reached for her dog coat. And then it hit me. The coat fit. When I had first bought it a few weeks ago it was so small it wouldn’t even stay on her. But now, the coat was nice and snug. Ahhh, she’s just going through a growth spurt. I get it. This is totally normal.
So then I started to wonder. When do dogs actually stop growing? Is every bred different, or are their some general guidelines? And I have one more question. What do you think about the microchip thing? Does YOUR dog wear a collar or did you have a chip implanted in them?
Lucy’s next vet visit isn’t for a few more weeks, but I wanted to know what you thought about the issue. I’d be grateful for any advise.
~Mavis
Lisa says
Have her absolutely chipped. We’ve had 2 lost dogs at the shop and each time I drive them up to the local vet clinic and have them read the chip. Both times the dogs were safely returned to their owners. Both times neither dog had a collar on.
Leanna says
Do the chip. Super easy just like a shot. If she ever gets lost or heaven forbid gets picked up by the dog catcher all shelters check for a chip as do animal clinics and vets. Just make sure you do the paperwork so that she gets in the system. Do it soon and take that sample with you.
Erin says
Our dog has a chip and wears a collar. We’ve had a couple dogs wander into our yard and we were able to return them quickly by calling the number on the collar tag. It’s much easier than taking them to a vet to have them scanned, so I see the chip as a back up in case our dog somehow loses her collar.
Beckybeq says
Definitely chip. Also, be careful with the Blue Buffalo. Apparently there was a manufacturing change of some kind around the end of ’12 and there have been a lot of serious complaints about abnormal thirst, lethargy and some real bad reactions.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/blue_buffalo.html
I’m getting real tired of trying to find a food that is not trying to kill off my animals. 🙁
Cee says
Thanks so much for this! I feed Blue Buffalo as well and one of my dogs has seemed more lethargic then normal these past couple of days. I’m thinking I might need to take him to the vet now to be on the safe side. I wish more posters put the brand they were feeding so I could see if there was a trend – my pooches are on the chicken and rice large breed.
Sigh – it’s supposed to be a great brand 🙁
Cee says
I meant type not brand (obviously BB is the brand)
Kathy says
Absolutely have Lucy chipped. I know someone who has her dog chipped; he is also in a harness when she walks him. He slipped that harness once, took off like a bat out of you-know-where and had no ID because it was on that slipped harness. If it weren’t for microchip, she wouldn’t have seen him again (her words). And yes, pups go through growth spurts just like human kids. Most are full grown by 18 months, but it really does depend on the breed. My sister’s were told their Dachshund/Rat terrier mix dogs were done growing at 2 years old.
Elena says
Do the chip and the collar!
Crystal says
Absolutely YES on the microchip. I have found many dogs wandering around town or out in the country, and I am always so incredibly happy to be told they have a microchip and their people have been contacted (I take them in either to the nearest vet or the local humane society, as both places will scan for a microchip). Also, my sister’s cat went missing almost two years ago and was recently returned to her after someone brought him in to a vet who scanned for a microchip. Microchips save lives, and I see no good reasons not to have one done!
As for size. A lot of it is based on breed. Generally, toy breeds reach full growth around 9 months, small and medium breeds around 12-18 months, and giant breeds sometimes not until over 2 years old. Mixed breeds, like a puggle, are harder to guess accurately the adult size. Most likely she will be pretty close to full height by 8 months, but may continue gaining in muscle and filling out for another few months. Adult size will probably be under 40 lbs, but, since she is a mixed breed, that is harder to guess accurately.
Sarah says
Absolutely do the chip! It is cheap and well worth it. She can get out of her collar or might not have it on for whatever reason. Also, there are people out there who actually steal dogs (either because they’re hoping for a “reward” for your “missing” dog or because they are in fact CRAZY) so having a chip will help in those events. Also make sure she is licensed in your jurisdiction for the same reasons.
I’m not very sure about the growth thing. I’d guess 6 months to 1 year before they reach full size, but they might still bulk up a little after that.
BTW I love all the pics of Lucy, she’s adorable 🙂
Courtney says
Our cat is chipped and when we get our puppy this weekend, he will soon be chipped. We ordered a tag for him from this website: http://islandtopdesigns.com/
She also has an Etsy store and she can do custom work. Our tag looks awesome! Sweet Lucy needs a pretty necklace!
Rachele says
We have a pug. She stopped growing (getting taller and longer) at about 9 months, but continued to fill out until she was about 2 years old.
Absolutely get the chip. I watched them implant Jemima’s – it didn’t seem to hurt her at all. I am honestly not even sure if she noticed and it is such a relief to know that, were to she escape and lose her collar, she could be easily identified by that chip and returned to me.
Adriana says
I have had my puggle since he was 8 weeks old back in 2005. Regarding the chip – get it done, the cost is well worth the procedure and in helping get her home in case she gets lost. The registration website is pretty cool too, you can post a pic and add a description to help identify her.
And the growth spurts, hmmm, they will keep going for a while. First tall, then a gradual filling out of the body frame. My dog was expected to reach no more than 25 lbs based on the small sizes of both his pug father and beagle mother. But now at almost 8 years old he averages 35-40 lbs. He’s not overweight (he runs with me and has even trained for a half marathon) he is just a thick-and-stocky kind of puggle. And boy do they eat! All the other puggle owners I have ever met say this is the one thing to be careful with – food portions and puggle food smuggling!
All in all they are loving dogs that just want to be a part of the family unit. Just don’t put any of your food down low or it will be gone!
Becca says
Go for the chip. Our cats are and though they’re indoor only cats the security that I can get them back if they get out is nice.
I’ve never gotten around to getting our dogs chipped, not sure why… but would like to. Maybe I’ll do that at their next vet appt.
Crystal says
I would go with the microchip and a collar. My little dog doesn’t have a microchip because she is allergic to EVERYTHING and we decided we didn’t want to chance it. We did get her a FurCode tag though. I would highly recommend looking into one.
Jenn says
I have a question for everyone who has had their pup chipped. Can you update changes of address or phone numbers it the system? I’m assuming that you can, but I want to make sure before I have by boys done. Thanks!
Cee says
Yes, the last time I had to do it (ages ago) it cost a small fee to change the record in the system- you update the manufacturer’s database so be sure to get the name of the manufacturer that the vet uses. I also left a record with my former vet telling them how to contact me – in case something happened before the record changed because the original record included my veterinarian’s information as well.
Ellen says
Jenn, my dog’s chip was through AVID and yes, updates can be done. Changing vet info was free with AVID; changing my contact info (at a later date) was less than $10 (sorry; can’t recall the exact amount).
For those who haven’t gone through the process, after the chip is placed, you need to fill out and mail paperwork to the chip company. I think some have a “one-time” fee (mine was) and others have a recurring fee.
I also had a tag made for my dog’s collar, with her name and my phone number.
It’s not a bad idea to take a picture of your dog now (those of us who are not Mavis), in case a “lost dog” poster might be needed.
Rachele says
Go with Home Again if possible as it is free to make any changes that you might need.
Shari King says
We use HomeAgain also. Haven’t had to use it yet, but good to know that changes are free. Thanks!
Beckybeq says
Interesting. We just got our first foster dog on Thursday. The rescue she came from (Bella’s Bully Buddies) uses Home Again for the microchip.
Crystal says
Yes you can. Just check with the chip company when you have it done (there are a few different companies that do microchips). They should give you the information about how to update address and phone number in the future.
I also have my dogs scanned about once a year or so to make sure the microchips are still functioning properly. They don’t often fail, but I would rather find out about it at my regular vet or by taking my dog in and asking the humane society to scan them (they are happy to do so if they aren’t busy) than by my dog getting lost.
Heather says
I have Home Again and chips in both of my dogs. Changing the address and any other info is free. I adopted a dog from someone who had him chipped with the same service I use for my greyhounds and it was very easy to transfer the new guy. There is a place for pictures too. It was really neat to see a pic of my new guy at 6 weeks old!
I also do collars on my dogs as well. I’ve gotten into making them myself and they have one for every holiday now. We have to have the rabies tag and a city tag on our dogs, so we would have to have collars on them anyway.
Mavis says
That is a great question Jenn!
Jenn says
Thank you all for the input! Something I really need to do besides just their tags on their collars.
Elizabeth says
She is so absolutely adorable! I know you are in love. 🙂
I have two dogs who are microchipped because they came from a rescue group – and the groups automatically did it. This way, should anything happen, the girls will be returned to us.
All three of our dogs wear collars with tags that include several phone numbers to reach us. But as others have said, collars can get lost.
We’ve been lucky. A few times, Izzy (our wildest girl) got out and took off. Each time we got her back. So frightening! We’ve never actually used the microchip to retrieve her, but it gives me piece of mind knowing it is there.
I’ve never had to change our information for the micro chip – but yes – you can do it. Your vet will have instructions for contacting the company.
Patti M says
I got my rescue dog micro chipped because she was a flight risk. She was seriously afraid of everything. She has occasionally slipped her collar on walks if she gets nervous. I am very glad for the peace of mind the micro chip give me.
I found a dog that was not micro chipped and after calling numerous vets and the spca, hanging signs etc. to try to find her owner, I had to find her a good home. While I know she is loved in her new home, I always feel bad that someone else is missing her. She probably would have gotten to her home if she was chipped.
Annette says
I have a yellow lab and I swear he was only a puppy for a week then he slept for another week dreaming puppy dreams, next thing I knew he weight 85 lb.! Not a lap dog! About the chip…I didn’t hesitate to do this, things happen. Before we got Oakley a wonderful sheep dog wandered into our yard one afternoon with a stick in his mouth wanting to play fetch, I spent most of the day with this guy in my front yard hoping someone would claim him since he was obviously well loved and trained. He spent the night in our garage and next morning I brought him into the local vet to see if he was chipped, if not I was going to keep this guy! He ended up scanned with a chip and the family who owned him were Sooo happy to be reunited with him that same day! I missed him but then realized I needed an Oakley. In short, just do it, if it hurts its only for a second and a lot less painful than a missing pet.
Kay Snyder says
We do the chip and no collars. We have the privacy fence and the dogs are always with us. Like connected at the hip. Constantly. I can’t go to the bathroom without at least one waiting for me outside the door.
Mavis says
Just like little kids. Cute. 🙂
Ponyryd says
Definitely do the chip and the collar with contact info in case she every gets lost.
Just so we are clear, NO ONE is afraid of a guard dog wearing a pink rain cost.
schmei says
My experience is with cats, but get the chip. The procedure take a nanosecond – if Lucy’s getting vaccines it will just be like another shot – and you don’t have to worry about your pet getting lost without a collar.
She is sooo cute.
Cindi Myers says
I love her coat! Yes on a collar with an ID tag AND a chip. Totally worth it and so easy and cheap.
Lauren says
Big dogs like labs grow until they are 2, but I think little dogs stop growing sooner. Our little Aussie mix was about as big as she’s going to get once she was a little over a year old.
I have had a chip in every dog I’ve ever had. I can’t recommend them enough. Our dogs wear collars with ID tags, but collars and tags get lost. I had a dog once that got loose and when I found him, he still had his collar, but the tag was gone. The local humane society usually will micro chip dogs for cheap.
Lisa says
I would suggest the microchip for sure! We found a Shitz Zu dog in the middle of the street last week, out of town in the dark. It was scared and dirty, but only had an invisible fence collar on (obviously the batteries were dead in it!). I do not want a dog, but my girls and husband do. Since it was the evening we had to keep the dog in our house overnight. Oh boy were the girls thrilled! They bathed him and fed him and kept them in their room all night long. He was a really well mannered dog. I was praying that it had a microchip, because I KNEW the girls and husband were thinking that if the owners weren’t found we could keep it and I was like NO WAY! The the morning they him to the local vet and when they scanned him there WAS a microchip. Phew! The owners came and got him and were so happy. They worried about him all night. He was 7 years old. The wife brought the girls some tulips and cookies to thank us for taking care of her dog. She was almost in tears.
Kathy says
We got a puppy around the same time you did (although MUCH bigger). Our vet recommended microchipping when they spay her. She definitely won’t feel a thing. I’ve had dogs for most of my life and never lost one, but I’ve found a few and you never know.
Colleen says
Our vet said the same thing – to microchip when we spayed our pup. Which we did – more for our own piece of mind than anything else.
Judy N. says
Definitely a chip and collar..a lot of people who would find her might not take the time to run her to a vet or animal shelter to see if she has a chip, the collar should have her rabie tag on it and you can go to Walmart and have a special Tag made to put on it with HER name and your phone number. This is what I have for my 1 year old Chihuahua.
Also change Lucy to “Taste of the Wild” it is Made in the USA and its completely Grain Free… you might want to take her off canned food because its not good for their teeth. Causes tartar built up faster then dry, makes their poop really stinky.
Here’s a link to the Dog food and they have Tons of stores in your area to buy it. Its cost is in the line of prices like Blue Buffalo
http://tasteofthewildpetfood.com/
Good luck with Little Lucy..she’s cuter then ever =)
LYNDA Kling says
Microchip AND collar..my corgi puppy is eating so much now, I have been giving her 3 meals a day instead of 2…
Sue C says
I highly recommend both a collar and microchip. I don’t know how many times I found my dog’s id tag had fallen off her collar. If she were to have gotten lost, no one would have know where to locate me. The microchip makes it possible should your pup ever get lost be brought home safely. As a reminder, make sure that you keep the microchip companies number handy as you want to update it whenever you move or change phone numbers.
Rhonda Hittle says
I would highly recommend a chip and a collar… then if the worst happens and she gets loose someone will hopefully see her tag and call you… and if the tag gets off and the collar also… you have the micro chip to make sure that you get you precious lucy back….All 3 of our dogs are micro chipped and also have collars… Thanks for the great blog… I love reading it everyday…
Crystal says
Absolutely get her chipped. A collar is a good back-up but can be taken off and discarded. The best time to microchip them is when you get her spayed. I LOVE the coat. Can’t wait for more Lucy stories. Thanks.
Sydelle says
Our dog was an escape artist. Fenced yard: climb the fence, escape. Collar with chain in yard, slip collar off neck, climb fence, escape. Collar with airplane cable, chew chain, collar, climb fence, escape. We met a lot of nice people who found our dog, called the number on the collar (when he was just climbing the fence to escape). When there was no collar. Pound picked him up, gave him shots. Bail him out, $$$$$$$$$. He really just didn’t want to be alone. So, he became an indoor dog. Was he just training us? Anyway. ID the dog. Collar, chip, whatever. Save yourself the heartache, the search, the cost of bail. The not knowing.
Beth Beltz says
Mavis, I have never commented on your blog before but I read it often. Please, microchip your doggie. After hurricane Rita we adopted a Schnauzer because he could not be reunited with his family. After hurricane Ike we adopted a Pug for the same reason. Both the dogs are fantastic companions and could not be reunited with their owners. We allowed one year after they came to live with us to try to find their family before we microchiped AND put collars with tags on them. They are home now and we are their family. Your Lucy will be a wonderful companion for your family.
Michelle Wright says
Yes, do the chip! Last I knew it was about $25 and if you ever need it, you would think it was the best $25 you ever spent. The chip is about the size of a short grain of rice and it’s in in a couple seconds. Don’t watch mom! It’s not a big deal but she might yipe and by then it’s already done.
Sandy says
Chip. Do the Chip. I have two cats and the chip is just inserted like a shot. It doesn’t hurt them at all and you can’t feel it. They just beep-beep them at the vet every year to make sure that all the data still comes up. Collars come off. Chips are forever.
Teckla says
Absolutely, have her chipped. Collars can come off or be taken off. Once, in Kanas City, MO I was dog sitting for a good friend from St. Louis when Freeway squeezed out and went exploring when I was away from the house. Talk about having a heart attack!! Then we called our nearby animal clinic on the off chance someone might have turned her in. THEY HAD! What a relief that was. It would have done no good for them to have called the number on her collar; she was out of town, but they had already identified her by her chip. Yes, yes, it definitely pays to have that chip!
Barbara H says
Being an avid animal lover/rescuer I absolutely recomend that you micro chip Lucy along with a dog tag. Too many animals get lost, stolen, and end up in the shelters that unfortunately are not a no kill shelter and end up being put down for the lack of space. You can order a custom made tag (one you design yourself) at:
http://www.DogTagArt.com or you can order one that has already been designed. I like designing our animals tags 🙂
Lucy is adorabel, please keep her safe.
Also sorry to hear about Matilda. Sad day indeed.
Tammy S says
I would definitely chip and have her wear a collar with tags. All four of our rescued Bostons sport both chips and collars. Updating the info on the chips is simple, most of them have websites and charge a small fee to make the change – well worth it.
I also ask our vet to check the chip when we take them in for their check-ups. Just good to know they’re still working.
She’s a real cutie!
Vicki says
Chip! And a collar with tags if she’ll wear one. The Chihuahua Brothers aren’t supposed to wear collars because their tracheas collapse if they pull too hard on the leash, so they wear harnesses. Their tags, however, are not on the harnesses because the jingling noises scare them immensely and they won’t walk when there is jingling. They’ve never slipped out of the harnesses, though. They don’t wear their harnesses in the house, so I feel pretty safe with their chips. Both boys had them inserted at the time of their neuters. I don’t remember the brand of chip, but I’ve changed my contact information on the website and was not charged for it. Different vets use different brands of chip, but they should give you an information package after you have it done.
And that is one cute pup! As for growing, different breeds finish growing at different rates. The Brothers were finished between nine months and a year. Diego weighs seven pounds, and Skippyjon topped out at six and a half. Large breeds grow for a longer amount of time. My brother’s rottweilers didn’t stop growing until they were two years old.
Huey says
Yes, chip her. I cannot imagine the vet not recommending it. Collars & ID tags are great, but they can come off.
Amanda M. says
Our dogs and cats are all chipped. I would ABSOLUTELY do the chip AND the collar. Our vet has their info with the microchip as well as ours. Our dog did wander off and some people down the street took her to the vet- the only one in town. They recognized her but also scanned the chip. We had her back home within 15 min. It was a HUGE relief. Our dog is a pug and has never ever wandered out of the yard…. until last summer. She is 15 now and seems to be getting confused! Poor girl.
Melissa says
We take our dogs collar off once she is in the house. The plastic bottom pan of our metal dog crate recommends removing your dogs collar due to risk of choking. Twice now I have found her collar tag wedged through the bottom of the side of her crate, luckily her collar was loose enough she slipped out of it!! I will be having her microchipped at her next check up because she is shamefully naked a majority of the time.
Laura Reinhart says
Mavis,
i have two pugs, Frankie and Lily (brother and sister) Yes they go through growth spurts. Wait until she loses her puppy teeth, you might find one when she loses it. I feed my dogs Candidae. They have a web site and I bought this food back when we had the tainted dog food scare about 6 years ago. I feed kibble and add plain yogurt which cuts down on doggy gas. Pugs will eat voraciously so be consistent in how much you feed her.
I don’t know about your area but I belong to a pug meet up group. It’s great to socialize your pup and also to talk to other pug owners about health and training issues.
Candice says
Get her chipped! My dogs are collared and chipped. There are millions of ways a dog can loose its collar, but stray dogs are always scanned for chips. It is the best way to ensure that she will be returned home should anything ever happen.