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Dr. Jenny Max, DVM
Lead Veterinary Editor & Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM

DVM, Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM is the Lead Veterinary Editor at ShowDogsWest, dedicated to translating complex veterinary science into clear, actionable guidance on pet health, nutrition, and responsible care.

Professional Biography

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM is the Lead Veterinary Editor at ShowDogsWest, dedicated to translating complex veterinary science into clear, actionable guidance on pet health, nutrition, and responsible care.

Credentials

  • DVM
  • Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Editorial Standards

ShowDogsWest documents its sourcing, corrections, update process and standards for pet-health content in the editorial policy. Read the editorial policy.

Latest Publications

153 Articles
A fawn French Bulldog sitting close to its owner on a living room sofa. Dog Breeds

Why Are French Bulldogs So Clingy?

Dog owners asking why are French Bulldogs so clingy find that they are naturally velcro dogs primarily because they were selectively bred over centuries as dedicated urban companion pets rather than independent working dogs. This selective history is reinforced by physical brachycephalic traits that make human proximity physically reassuring, as well as a neurochemical oxytocin bonding loop between dogs and owners. While constant affection is standard for the breed, sudden spikes in clinginess can indicate medical discomfort or separation-related distress.

Aug 02, 2026 7 min read
A calm and friendly French Bulldog sitting peacefully in a sunlit living room. Dog Breeds

Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? What the Data Really Shows

When dog owners ask are French Bulldogs aggressive, population-level research from the Royal Veterinary College (VetCompass 2021) shows that French Bulldogs have significantly lower odds of aggressive behavior compared to the overall dog population, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.64. However, individual French Bulldogs can exhibit aggression, snapping, or biting when triggered by medical pain, acute breathing distress, fear, resource guarding, or communication breakdowns caused by their flat-faced physical structure.

Aug 02, 2026 8 min read
A fawn Pug dog standing on a plain backdrop showing its square body and wrinkled face Dog Breeds

What Does a Pug Dog Look Like

What does a Pug dog look like? A Pug is a small toy breed known for its compact, square body, large round head, flat face with deep wrinkles, dark prominent eyes, and tightly curled tail. Standing 10 to 13 inches tall and weighing 14 to 18 pounds, Pugs feature a smooth, short coat in fawn or black with distinctive dark markings.

Aug 02, 2026 7 min read
An adult Pug standing comfortably in a living room wearing a properly fitted dog diaper Dog Breeds

What Size Dog Diaper for Pug

When figuring out what size dog diaper for pug pets is best, most adult Pugs fit a size Small or XS (Extra Small) dog diaper, depending on the manufacturer's specific sizing grid. According to official breed standards from the American Kennel Club (AKC), an adult Pug ideally weighs between 14 and 18 pounds, with a waist circumference typically measuring 14 to 19 inches. Because Pugs have a thick, cobby body structure, taking an accurate waist measurement directly in front of the hind legs is essential before buying diapers.

Aug 02, 2026 8 min read
A fawn pug dog digging into a soft beige blanket on a couch Dog Breeds

Why Does My Pug Dog Dig in the Blanket

If you are asking why does my pug dog dig in the blanket, pugs dig in blankets primarily due to an inherited denning instinct passed down from wild canine ancestors. Scratching, circling, and burrowing allow pugs to shape a cozy nesting spot, regulate body temperature, and mark territory using scent glands in their paw pads. For most pugs, this is a normal bedtime comfort habit. However, because pugs are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, owners should ensure heavy bedding does not cause overheating or airflow restriction.

Aug 02, 2026 6 min read
A fawn Pug dog looking up showing its flat brachycephalic facial structure and characteristic nose wrinkles. Dog Breeds

Why Do Pug Dogs Snort? Causes, Triggers, and Warning Signs

If you are asking why do pug dogs snort so frequently, the answer lies primarily in their flat-faced, brachycephalic skull structure, which compresses their upper nasal passages and soft tissues into a compact space. This unique anatomy restricts airflow, causing normal breathing to sound like snorting, grunting, or huffing during excitement, physical activity, or rest. While occasional snorting is a typical trait of the breed, frequent, labored, or sudden high-pitched breathing can indicate Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and requires veterinary evaluation.

Aug 02, 2026 10 min read
A full grown Pug Chihuahua mix dog sitting comfortably indoors Dog Breeds

Pug Chihuahua Mix: The Chug Dog Breed Guide

The Pug Chihuahua mix, commonly called a Chug, is a small hybrid dog resulting from crossing a purebred Pug with a purebred Chihuahua. Full grown companion dogs (Pug Chihuahua mix hybrids) typically stand between 6 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, with an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Combining the affectionate, easygoing nature of the Pug with the alert personality of the Chihuahua, this mix adapts easily to apartments and smaller homes.

Aug 02, 2026 8 min read
A fawn Pug sitting calmly on a hardwood floor in a home setting. Dog Breeds

Do Pug Dogs Pee When They Are Excited? Causes and Fixes

Many owners ask, do pug dogs pee when they are excited? Yes, pug dogs, especially puppies under one year old, frequently pee when they are excited. Known as excitement urination, this is an involuntary physiological reflex triggered by a surge in adrenaline during high-arousal moments like greetings or play, which temporarily overrides bladder sphincter control in young or highly emotional dogs.

Aug 02, 2026 9 min read
A fawn Pug dog sitting on a wooden floor in a bright living room Dog Breeds

Do Pug Dogs Drool? Breed Comparison, Causes & Care

If you are wondering do pug dogs drool, the answer is yes, but they generally produce less slobber than larger brachycephalic breeds like Mastiffs or English Bulldogs. Their tight-lipped jaw structure helps keep saliva inside the mouth under normal conditions. Light drooling during meals, warm weather, or excitement is completely natural. However, sudden or heavy drooling (ptyalism) can indicate dental disease, digestive distress, heat stress, or an oral injury that requires veterinary evaluation.

Aug 02, 2026 7 min read
Fawn pug sitting next to a bowl of dog food in a home kitchen. Nutrition

What Do Pug Dogs Eat? A Complete Guide to the Pug Diet

Understanding what pug dogs eat starts with providing a complete, balanced small-breed commercial dog food as their primary daily diet, supplemented by small portions of safe fruits and vegetables. Nutritionally, pugs are facultative carnivores and omnivores that digest both animal proteins and plant starches efficiently.

Aug 02, 2026 8 min read