Author: Brittany Natale

More specifically: Can a dog position their mouth so it looks like what we humans would define as a smile? Yes! “When the corners of the dog’s mouth, otherwise known as commissures, are pulled back— sometimes exposing teeth—humans commonly call that a smile,” says Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT, a certified dog behavior consultant, trainer, and nutritionist at Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles. Does that “smile” mean they are happy, the way a human smile (usually) means we are happy? It could—or it could mean something else entirely.,Jump to section Can Dogs Smile? Why Do Dogs Smile? Does It Mean They’re Happy? How To Identify a Happy Dog Smile When Is a Smile Not a Smile? Do Dogs Smile Because They Feel Guilty? So How Can We Tell If Our Dog Is Happy? How To Make Your Dog Happy

Reverse sneezing, known more formally as pharyngeal gag reflex and paroxysmal respiration, is exactly what it sounds like it is, says Dr. Kelly Diehl, DVM, MS, senior director of science communications at Morris Animal Foundation based in Denver, Colorado. Unlike a regular sneeze, a reverse sneeze pulls in air quickly with force instead of expelling air out. It usually doesn’t last longer than a minute. “Dogs can make odd sounds during an episode of reverse sneezing, and, for many dog owners, it can be scary watching a dog reverse sneezing,” Dr. Diehl says. The good news? The act of reverse sneezing isn’t harmful to the dog. “While it can be quite concerning for pet parents seeing it for the first time, reverse sneezing usually isn’t serious and is quite common,” says Dr. Kristan Riley, DVM, a Heal House Call Veterinarian vet in North Carolina specializing in hospice care for pets. However, it’s important not to confuse reverse sneezing with coughing or choking, as these are considered emergencies and require immediate attention.,Q: I notice that my dog will make loud snorting or honking sounds from time to time, almost as if something is irritating the back of his throat. It sounds kind of like what a backward sneeze would sound like, but it is deeper and more guttural. Is this normal? Should I be concerned?

“Dogs may shake or shiver for various reasons,” explains Dr. Julie Cappel, DVM, a veterinarian and veterinarian life coach based in Warren, Michigan. “Some may be normal, and some may indicate underlying disease.” Common reasons dogs shake, according to our experts, include:,My dog is shaking, and I’m worried because I’m not sure what could be causing him to do this. Why do dogs shake? Is this normal?

Dogs use their mouths to explore their world. Testing out a little piece of dirt here and there is pretty normal dog behavior. But actually eating it, especially compulsively or excessively, is not normal. Eating objects that are not food-related is an eating disorder called pica. Pica is typically considered a mental health issue, but it also can be the result of a medical condition or poor nutrition.,Q: I notice that sometimes my dog likes to eat dirt—whether it’s outside while playing or inside from my indoor plants. Why do dogs eat dirt? Is this normal?

As a dog parent, you’ve probably witnessed your dog roll in a pile of poop at least once. Maybe you’ve taken your dog on a quick walk around the neighborhood or enjoyed a weekend away in nature, when “bam!”—they’re suddenly writhing around in a pile of poop without a care in the world. This rolling behavior—when a dog rubs or rolls their body in a strong-smelling substance—is known as scent rolling. “Dogs will often sniff, then drop the side of their face, shoulder and body into the scent and wriggle back and forth or drag their body across the scent,” says Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Camp Bow Wow‘s animal health and behavior expert in Atlanta, Georgia. And poop isn’t the only stinky thing they may roll in. In fact, Dr. Amy Attas, VMD, founder of mobile veterinary practice City Pets: The House Call Vets in New York City, shares that dogs often enjoy covering themselves in a number of smelly things, including: Feces Animal carcasses Decaying plants, including compost, mulch and fertilizer Urine from dogs, cats and wildlife Other strong-smelling substances, including spoiled food and garbage It may be weird to us (and pretty gross, TBH), but Dr. Attas says this behavior is typical in both domestic dogs and wild dogs, and it’s often influenced by a dog’s instincts, social structure and individual personality. “While it may seem unpleasant to us, it is a normal part of dog behavior,” she says.,When I take my dog out for a walk, he likes to stop and roll in smelly stuff, particularly poop. The worst part is, it’s not even his own poop! I’m trying to understand this baffling behavior. Why do dogs roll in poop?

Most dog parents have been there—you’re taking your furry friend out for a walk, they go No. 2 either on the sidewalk or grass and the next thing you know, they’re kicking and scratching at the ground. Rest assured, ground-scratching behavior is quite normal, and sometimes chuckle-inducing. “Kicking and scratching after defecating is a normal behavior for many dogs,” shares Dr. Penny Coder, DVM, a senior veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary based in Washington, D.C. “It’s a natural part of their instinctive behavior and is generally nothing to worry about.”,I noticed that my dog will kick and scratch at the ground for at least a few seconds immediately after he poops. Why do dogs kick the ground after they poop? Is this normal?

Sighing is a natural body function common to humans and other animal, says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, the chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club (AKC). “[It’s] where the normal quiet respiratory rate is interrupted involuntarily by a louder and longer inhale followed by an appropriate exhale,” he explains. In humans, sighing typically occurs as part of an emotional response, to emotions like anxiety, arousal or pain, or simply to help regulate the respiratory system when the body needs it. “Occasionally, some air sacs can collapse, and sighing can help reset them,” Dr. Klein says. He says that, when it comes to dogs, sighing is often associated with emotional responses, too.,Q: Sometimes my dog will make a sound that’s pretty similar to a human’s sigh, but I can’t figure out why he’s doing this. Why do dogs sigh? Is this normal?