Limping is one of the most common reasons why dogs are brought into the vet. This could be caused by a foreign object stuck in their paw, a strain or tear to their ligaments or they could have been bitten or stung by insects. In serious cases, dogs limp due to broken bones, trauma, or vascular conditions. Since they are unable to tell us where their pain is coming from, it is our responsibility to be observant on their physical wellbeing and seek veterinary advice whenever necessary. There are two types of limping: gradual and sudden onset. Differentiating between these two categories can help narrow down the cause of your dog’s limping and play a crucial part in determining your next course of action. If…
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How Does Our Dogs Show Affection?
It is easy for us humans, to show affection to our dogs through our actions. A belly rub, treat or snuggle session says “I love you” in a language that both people and their dogs can understand. Dogs express their emotions using their body language in a variety of ways. It’s not always easy to tell how they are feeling based on their behaviours, but here are some ways your dog may show you love. Eye Contact For many dogs, eye contact is a display of trust and affection. Research has shown that when we gaze lovingly into our dog’s eyes, they understand and are likely to return the affection. Dogs and humans both release oxytocin (a feel-good hormone) when they look into each other’s…
How Often Should We Brush Our Dogs?
Grooming our dogs is an essential part of caring for them. Every dog is unique, and so are the individual grooming needs of each dog. Generally, short-haired dogs have fewer grooming needs compared to long-haired dogs, but how often dogs need their hair brushed, trimmed, and washed are dependent on the length, texture and density of their coat. Coat care through brushing and combing helps to remove dead or loose hair (which reduces shedding) and foreign materials, prevents and removes knots that can cause discomfort, and keeps the coat shiny by distributing natural oils. Regular grooming is essential for the health and welfare of all dogs, but some have greater grooming needs than others. Not only does it prevent painful mats from forming, it reduces…
What does it mean when my dog yawns?
Our dogs may not be able to tell us what they need in actual words, thus they use their body language to communicate with us, which includes barking, pawing and even yawning. The most common association with yawning would be that your dog is feeling exhausted or bored. In fact, there are various reasons behind each yawn. It is an important signal for us to understand our dog’s current state of mind. How a dog yawns looks just like how any human yawns, with their jaws opened wide and sometimes accompanied by a big, deep breath. Some dogs produces sound when they yawn, while other dogs may yawn silently. Yawning can occur at any time of the day, regardless of what your dog is doing….
My dog vomited. What should I do?
I am sure all pet parents will agree that nothing gets us out of bed quicker than the sound of our dog regurgitating and about to vomit. We could be feeding them quality food and yet, they still throw up occasionally. Not to worry as more often than not, dogs vomiting is not a serious matter. Typically, dogs vomit to expel food that they should not have ingested. However, your dog may also throw up for other reasons, and this should not be ignored. Vomiting could indicate that it could be having dietary issues, pancreatitis or something else. It is important to address your dog’s vomiting, so that you can help them feel better and ensure that it is not the sign of something more…
Is my dog feeling cold?
Most people assume that dogs are fully protected from the cold because of their fur coats. The truth is, dogs can suffer from colds just like humans do. Whether indoors or outdoors, it is important to keep your dog sufficiently warm for its own health and safety. So how can we tell if our dogs are actually feeling cold? All dogs need protection from the cold. It doesn’t matter whether they are thick-furred, dark-coated, or have long hair, any dog still needs protection from the cold. Puppies, tiny dogs, as well as dogs with short hair need extra protection from the cold. Factors such as age and health also affect your dog’s ability to withstand cold. Sick dogs, puppies, and senior dogs might not have…
Is My Dog Having A Fever?
One of the best things to do in the world is snuggling with your furry best friend. Our dog’s body is constantly warm to touch, as they have a higher normal body temperature than we humans do. Just like humans, dogs get fevers and we need to know when our dog is sick and when it is time to visit the vet. Dogs have an average body temperature of 101 to 102 degrees celsius, which is normally considered a high fever in humans. Knowing if your dog is sick can help prevent fatal complications while at the same time, ensuring your dog stays happy and healthy. A fever is a symptom that something is going on inside your dog’s body. It indicates that he is…
Dogs and Their Sleeping Positions
Just like humans, dogs sleep in a variety of positions. Whether it is sleeping on their side or sleeping on their back with their bellies exposed, there is a lot we can learn about them through their sleeping positions and habits. By observing their positions, we can spot clues that give insight into how they’re feeling. Let’s dive into the world of exploring our dogs’ sleeping habits! 1. The Side Sleeper Lying on their side with their legs extended is one of the most common sleeping positions for dogs. This is also prominent in puppies as well as older dogs who could be suffering from stiff joints. If you find your dog in this sleeping position, allow it to get a prolonged period of restorative…
Do I Need To Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
As dedicated pet parents, we put in extra effort to care for our dogs. We spend time researching on the best food to feed them, we buy them all the toys and treat they could ever wanted. However, it becomes a different story when it comes to brushing their teeth. Just like humans, plaque and tartar builds up on and around our dog’s teeth when there is improper dental care. Not only does gum diseases lead to pain and discomfort for dogs, it could also lead to serious health problems such as kidney, liver or heart disease. It is best to start developing this habit of brushing teeth when our dogs are still puppies, it is not too late to start now! Take it slow,…
Resource Guarding In Dogs
Resource guarding is a common behaviour found in many dogs. It is where a dog uses avoidance, threatening, or aggressive behaviours to retain control of food or other items in front of a person or another dog. This behaviour is also called possessive aggression, and any dog breeds can be equally affected by it. Aggressive behaviours are displayed when you try to approach something they find valuable. It could be mild behaviour, such as growling at you or running away with the item that they love. On the other hand, some dogs show full-blown aggression and may potentially bite the person or another dog that tries to come near the object they are guarding. Other behaviours include ingesting food or treats at a very fast…