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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
An anxious fawn Pug standing restlessly on a living room rug Dog Breeds

What Causes a Pug to Keep Moving and Not Lay Down

Knowing what causes pug dog to keep moving not lay down begins with identifying physical discomfort, respiratory tightness, anxiety, or acute digestive distress. Because Pugs are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, lying flat on their chest or side compresses their already narrow airway, making standing or pacing easier for breathing. Other common triggers include joint pain, overheating, environmental stress, or early signs of a veterinary emergency such as gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat). Observing accompanying symptoms like heavy panting, a swollen abdomen, or nocturnal wandering helps pinpoint the cause.

Aug 12, 2026 8 min read
Healthy adult fawn Pug standing in a living room showing standard body shape and size Dog Breeds

How Big Do Pug Dogs Get? Height, Weight & Size Guide

Adult Pugs typically reach a height of 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds according to official kennel club standards. When evaluating how big a pug dog is at full maturity, most puppies achieve their full shoulder height between 9 and 12 months of age, though muscle density and chest width continue filling out until around 18 months.

Aug 12, 2026 9 min read
A fluffy Ragdoll cat sitting next to a food bowl in a bright room Cat Breeds

What Do Ragdoll Cats Eat?

When cat owners ask what do ragdoll cats eat, the answer is that Ragdoll cats require a complete and balanced diet rich in high quality animal protein, moderate fat, and low carbohydrates tailored to their specific life stage, with adult maintenance foods containing at least 26 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis. Feeding canned wet food is strongly recommended to maintain optimal hydration and prevent urinary tract issues, while daily treats should never exceed 10 percent of their total daily caloric intake.

Aug 12, 2026 11 min read
Freshly cooked homemade dog food ingredients for a Pug mixed in a stainless steel bowl Nutrition

How to Make Dog Food for a Pug (Vet-Informed Recipe & Portions)

When learning how to make dog food for a pug, combine 40-50% lean protein (like 93% lean ground turkey), 30-40% complex carbohydrates (like sweet potatoes), and 10-15% vegetables and healthy fats. You must add essential supplements, particularly calcium and omega-3s, because 95% of unformulated homemade dog food recipes lack sufficient essential nutrients.

Aug 12, 2026 9 min read
A pregnant female Pug resting comfortably on a dog bed in a cozy room. Breeding

How Long Are Pug Dogs Pregnant?

To answer how long are pug dogs pregnant, the average canine gestation period is 63 days from the day of ovulation, with a normal physiological range of 58 to 68 days. When calculating from a single mating event, the timeframe is typically 56 to 72 days.

Aug 12, 2026 9 min read
A pug standing proudly on a dog show ring mat after winning a competition. Dog Breeds

Did a Pug Win the Dog Show? Yes, Vito Made History in 2024

Yes. When fans ask did the Pug win the dog show during major national broadcasts, the answer is finally yes. Vito, a 3-year-old male Pug, won Best in Show at the 2024 National Dog Show. Additionally, Ch. Dhandy's Favorite Woodchuck captured Best in Show at Westminster in 1981.

Aug 12, 2026 5 min read
Fawn French Bulldog sitting on a wooden floor looking closely at a small cube of cheese. Dog Breeds

Can French Bulldogs Eat Cheese? Safe Types, Limits & Risks

French Bulldogs can safely eat cheese in strict moderation as an occasional reward. It should never exceed 10% of a dog's daily calorie allowance. Low-fat and low-lactose choices like plain mozzarella or cottage cheese are safest. Because Frenchies are prone to rapid weight gain and acute pancreatitis, high-fat, aged, or seasoned varieties must be avoided.

Aug 12, 2026 6 min read
Close-up of a fawn Pug dog showing its folded button ears in a bright home setting Dog Breeds

Are Pugs’ Ears Good for Dogs? Anatomy, Infection Risks, and Care Guide

Many pet owners wonder whether a pug's ears are healthy or pose medical risks. Although these folded flaps conform to official breed standards, their downward shape reduces airflow and traps heat, moisture, and natural wax inside the auditory canal. While not inherently defective, this anatomical trait makes the breed more susceptible to outer canal inflammation (otitis externa) than upright-eared dogs. Maintaining auditory health requires regular weekly inspections and routine gentle cleaning.

Aug 12, 2026 6 min read
A fawn Pug sitting on a living room carpet looking at the camera Dog Breeds

Why Do Pug Dogs Lick So Much? Air, Ears, and Furniture Explained

Owners often wonder why do pug dogs lick so much. Pugs lick frequently due to a combination of normal canine social instincts and breed-specific physical traits. Their brachycephalic facial structure, deep skin folds, and tendency toward food or environmental allergies make licking more pronounced in Pugs than in longer-snouted breeds. While licking often serves as a way to greet owners, self-soothe, or request attention, repetitive licking of the air, household surfaces, or other pets can signal underlying nausea, dental discomfort, skin irritation, or stress.

Aug 11, 2026 11 min read
A purebred seal point Ragdoll cat resting in a bright living room. Cat Breeds

How Much Are Ragdoll Cats? Price Guide by Quality and Source

For prospective pet owners asking how much are Ragdoll cats, a purebred Ragdoll cat from a reputable breeder typically costs between $1,000 and $2,800 for a pet-quality kitten. Show-quality Ragdolls and cats sold with breeding rights range from $3,000 to over $5,000. Alternatively, adopting a Ragdoll from a rescue organization or rehoming a retired breeding adult generally costs between $75 and $900.

Aug 11, 2026 5 min read