Bugsy is a Big Boy

Bugsy needed deworming shots last weekend, so we set off for Happy Hayop to get them, only to find out that the clinic is closed on Sunday afternoons.

Since we were in the area anyway, we decided to stop over at our favorite pet supplies store, Pet Studio, to get Bugsy a new harness and leash because he had already outgrown his first one.

At the pet store, he met a pretty Japanese Spitz, post-grooming, and promptly fell in crush with the little lady. He wriggled in excitement, talked with her, followed her round and round the store, and tried to hump the dog that was twice his height and size. The lady dog wouldn't have any of it and left in a huff leaving Bugsypup frustrated.

Bugsy's in his new leash and ribbon, chilling next to his latest love interest

We then went on to have a snack at the pet-friendly Santana Grove where Bugsy vented out all his frustrations at his human pops' foot.

My little boypup is now a big boy.

-Bugsy's Human

Bugsy Has Demodectic Mange

A couple weeks ago, the little shih tzu pup developed a nasty itch. At first we thought it was normal dog itch and ignored it but a few days later, he wouldn't stop scratching and we suspected it to be ticks or fleas and bought him a medicated flea and tick collar as recommended by the pet supplies store we frequent. Two days later, the itch seemed to worsen and the fur on his neck seemed to have fallen off (his human pops says he looks like a monkey with a bare neck and a furry head).

By this time, I had decided to remove the collar because Bugsy's skin might be too young and sensitive for the collar (although the package said it can be used by puppies 12 weeks or older). Another day later, his itching had not improved at all. A coin-sized wound appeared on his neck, his skin was pink in patches and he wouldn't stop scratching. We decided to bring him to Happy Hayop that weekend to get checked. They took one look at him and said they needed to scrape off some skin for testing and that's how we found out that he had demodectic mange.

Demodectic mange is  is caused by a microscopic mite of the Demodex genus. Three species of Demodex mites have been identified in dogs: Demodex canis, Demodex gatoi, and Demodex injai. The most common mite of demodectic mange is Demodex canis. All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess this mite as mites are transferred from mother to pup via cuddling during the first few days of life. Most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any consequences from being parasitized. If, however, conditions change to upset the natural equilibrium (such as some kind of suppression of the dog's immune system), the Demodex mites may "gain the upper hand." The mites proliferate and can cause serious skin disease. (source)

The vets of Happy Hayop said he needed at least three weekly injections of Ivermectin to kill the nasty mites. We're currently on his 2nd dose and his neck now looks like this-

Bugsy relaxing after lunch and a walk

His skin is still pinkish but his wound has completely healed, the skin on his neck is baby smooth once again, and the fur on his neck is starting to grow back. The gray spots are just Bugsy's birth marks. Like any worried momma, I've been trying to find out more about demodectic mange and my research tells me that everything should be fine once his immune system matures. *crosses fingers*

Juvenile onset of Demodectic Mange - Young dogs have inherently immature immune systems and are thus susceptible to the development of demodicosis without any sinister underlying diseases. As they grow up and their immune systems mature, they tend to naturally gain control of their mite infestation; in fact, 30-50% of dogs under age 1 year recover spontaneously from generalized demodicosis without any form of treatment. (source)

In the meantime, I'm just glad that the treatment is working and Bugsy remains to be a hyperactive ball of fur who doesn't itch as much anymore!

-Bugsy's human

Me and My Birth Parents

Hello again everybody,

I just had Holistic Puppy for dinner and it was yummy! I finished every last kibble. My vet, Dr. Bong from Happy Hayop, says it's good for my sensitive skin because it has no chicken in it. He rubs my ears when I visit and makes sure I'm comfy. I like that guy.

Anyway, my mum told me I should talk a little bit about myself so you get to know me. I'm not really sure what to tell you guys but I'll just start with the basics. I was born on July 12, 2010. That makes me 15 weeks and 2 days old today! (I had mum count it for me) I'm a pretty big boy now and I weigh 1.9 kilos or 4.19 pounds according to my vet. They said I'm a bit heavy for my age but mum says she'd still like me no matter how fat I get.

The humans I lived with before were nice enough to give me pictures of my birth parents, so I won't forget about them. Here's my pops-

Dad

My human mum says he kind of looks like he's been in a fight I think I look a bit like my old man, tough and brave looking. We have the same markings too on our faces and backs, only he's gray and I'm brownish. I got my color from my birth mum, here she is-

Mom

Look at that, we have the same color- gold and brown with dark ears that looks exactly like mine! They say she's a sweet-tempered dog and sometimes I think I'm a little bit like her (just a little bit).

Now that I'm a big boy, I don't live with my birth parents anymore. I have my own human and she's pretty cool because she gives me treats and teaches me tons of new stuff. I gotta go now, imma go and play tug of war with my new Taz stuffed toy. Later!

-Bugsy