Why Do Dogs Lick You? Is This Normal?
My dog licks my hands and face a lot. They will also lick the water off my legs when I get out of the shower and try to lick the lotion off my skin. Is this licking behavior normal?
Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks? Is This Normal?
Q: Whenever there’s a block party in my neighborhood with fireworks, my dogs freak out as soon as they hear them. It’s so pitiful to watch them hide and whine! Why are dogs scared of fireworks, and how can I help my pups overcome this fear? A: The loud booms of fireworks can be really scary for our four-legged friends. The good news? There’s plenty you can do to help keep your dogs calm, including some expert-approved techniques that will help your dogs cope better come Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve. We spoke to veterinarians to learn more about why fireworks spook dogs, if it’s normal for dogs to be afraid of fireworks, how to help alleviate your dog’s fear of fireworks, and more.
Why Do Cats Act Like Their Food Bowl Is Empty? Is This Normal?
Jump to section Why Do Cats Meow at Their Food Bowls? What To Do About a Cat Meowing at a Bowl with Food Still in It What To Do If Your Cat Is Meowing at a Truly Empty Food Bowl The Bottom Line
Why Do Dogs Howl? Is This Normal?
Dog howling is a form of communication. Reasons why dogs may howl include: Expressing emotion—good or bad Seeking attention As a response to certain noises (such as a siren) Separation anxiety Mimicking (for example: someone is singing, or another dog is howling) Underlying health issues “Each dog will have its own reason for howling—and, yes, they can be happy or sad when they howl,” says Sandra Mitchell, DVM, DABVP. “They may also be worried, nervous, excited, or just looking for attention!”,My dog howls and makes loud, high-pitched noises whenever they hear a siren or another dog howling. It’s almost like they’re trying to mimic the sound. Is this normal? What should I do about it?
Why Do Cats Chirp at Birds? Is This Normal?
Q: I’ve noticed my cat will sometimes make these weird noises when she sees birds outside the window. It’s sort of a rapid-fire chattering, chirping sound. Why do cats chirp at birds? Is this normal? A: Cats chirping at birds mainly has to do with the fact that cats are (gasp!) predators and birds are their prey. Basically, it’s their natural hunting instincts kicking in. So yes, it’s normal. And not only that, but cats chirping at birds should actually be encouraged. If you’re a cat parent, you may have seen your cat chirp at birds before. This type of cat chattering can also be directed at other small animals like squirrels or chipmunks. If you’re wondering why cats chirp at birds and other animals, you’re certainly not alone. We tapped several feline behaviorists to get to the root of this seemingly weird cat behavior.
What Is Dog Trancing? Is This Normal?
Dog trancing is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It’s an odd behavior that “makes them look like they are in a trance,” say Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado. So what does that look like exactly? “When dogs are trancing, they tend to walk very slowly, back and forth, under something that lightly touches their head and back,” adds Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM.,Q: My dog will sometimes walk under my plants really slowly. It’s the weirdest thing—it’s almost like he is dreaming or in a trance! Should I be concerned with this behavior?
Why Do Cats Rub Up Against You? Is This Normal?
Jump to section What Does It Mean When a Cat Rubs Against You? Should I Worry if My Cat Is Rubbing Against Things All of the Time? How Do You Get a Cat To Stop Rubbing Against You?
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws? Is This Normal?
Q: Why does my dog keep licking his paws? I’ve searched his feet and there are no cuts on his paw pads or anything stuck between his toes. Is this normal? A: There are several reasons why dogs may lick their paws—ranging from itchy paws caused by allergies to normal grooming to behavioral issues or other health concerns. Most of the time, it’s pretty normal, especially if it’s only occasional licking. However, if you notice that there’s excessive paw licking or your dog seems to be in pain, you should take them in for a checkup to determine the underlying cause of this behavior.
Why Do Cats Open Their Mouths When They Smell Something? Is This Normal?
The flehmen response gets its name from the German word flehmen, which means “to curl the upper lip.” In addition to curling back their upper lip, a cat may curl their tongue, or show their front teeth, while others simply look perplexed or disgusted. You can see the flehmen response in action here:,Q: My cat randomly makes the weirdest face after smelling something. Their mouth just hangs open and they look super confused! Is this normal?
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Is This Normal?
Q: Whenever I take my dog outside, they want to eat grass. Why do dogs eat grass? Is this normal? A: Good news, pet parents: It’s normal-ish for your pup to eat grass—but there are some things to be on the lookout for. If your dog chomps on a few blades here and there, it may be because they’re bored or because they just like the taste of grass. However, there are instances in which it can be cause for concern. We tapped two veterinarians to find out exactly why dogs eat grass—and what you can do about it.
