10/11/2026
Hello K4YP family & friends!
I don't share many updates on my pets so I'd like to take a moment to do that. My Pudgey (pictured, getting acupuncture at VCA) will be 15 in December! He has given me some health scares over the last year and was recently taken to the ER again for another suspected pancreatitis flare up but this time he hurt his back while being so forceful with some vomiting that occurred. Sadly, the decision that was made that night at the ER to treat his back threw a wrench in keeping his collapsing trachea cough under control as we discontinued Hydrocodone and started him on Codeine. It helped for his back pain but then what was a controlled cough (maybe breakthroughs a few times a month) came on with a vengeance and he couldn't walk a few steps without hacking.
As a pet parent & petcare professional we do our best to make the right judgement call for what the pet needs based on the info we have and what we know about the pet. It's been ~2wks and I'm happy to say that Pudgey is back to his normal self; happy, hungry & active. There is still occasional coughing but nothing like it was. We are currently in a limbo as we approach the recheck blood work date that will allow us to know what OA meds he can be on again. I truly believe he is still so active because of the rehab I started for him many years ago. A body in motion stays in motion! Look into Hydrotherapy, Laser therapy, Acupuncture for your aging pets!
For an almost 15yr old pug he is currently doing fantastic! Although I can't forget for an almost 15yr old pug that can change quickly. So as some of you already know my availability to certain types of petcare is limited and changes based on how Pudgey is doing. I'm so grateful to have all of your support during Pudgey's senior years.
