Dogs

In This Article What Is Dog Separation Anxiety? View 2 More +

While humans tend to stumble without a light on, dogs often seem to move with ease at night. So can dogs see in the dark?   Thanks to an evolutionary advantage and the unique structure of their eyes, they’re surprisingly well-equipped for low-light conditions. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to dogs and night vision, beginning with how they see differently from you.

Try Behavior Modification Sometimes, additional modalities are needed to treat behavior problems in pets. Behavior modification can help you change the emotional response your dog has to offending situations or triggers. Through this cognitive therapy, your dog can learn to become less afraid of stressors and more calm. In some cases, behavior modification can help a dog to the point where they will no longer need to be on medications. This is something a veterinary behaviorist can help you with as well.,Be Supportive Learning and avoiding what causes your dog stress, ruling out possible underlying illnesses, and seeking professional help will all improve the quality of life for your anxious dog. Scientific evidence has shown that stress has negative effects on health in people, and this is true in dogs as well. A 2010 study of 721 dogs concluded that, “The stress of living with a fear or anxiety disorder can have negative effects on health and lifespan in the domestic dog.”2 For this reason it’s important to be proactive to help your dog with their anxieties. Don’t give up. The solution may not be quick or easy, but with dedication and the right professional assistance, you can help your dog be happier and healthier.,For people, anxiety can feel overwhelming and debilitating at times. If you have a dog that struggles with fear, anxiety, or stress, it’s important to be supportive and patient. Calming a frequently anxious dog is possible, but it may require collaboration between you and your veterinarian, or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. If you have a nervous dog, here’s some insight you can use to identify the signs and triggers, and steps you can take to help calm your dog’s anxiety and improve their quality of life.

Indoor plants can be a temptation for your dog to lick, chew, or dig up. During the holiday season there may be additional plants due to decorations, seasonal purchases, and gifting. It’s important to keep in mind that some of these holiday plants are toxic to dogs, and can cause poisoning if your pup chews or ingests plant material. While it is never recommended to let your dog eat plants inside or outside the house, here are a few specific holiday plants toxic to dogs.

By Carol McCarthy Whether dog or human, most physical exams start with hopping on the scale to be weighed. People rarely like this ritual, but dogs may not mind, especially if the vet rewards them with a treat. Sometimes, however, you might want to weigh your dog at home, between visits to the vet. Find out how—and why—you should weigh your dog at home, below. How Often Should I Weigh My Dog? Dr. Susan O’Bell, staff veterinarian at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, suggests dogs be weighed at least once a year, while Dr. Matthew Rooney, owner of Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists in Longmont, Colo., says most pet parents can be satisfied with weighing their dogs every six months. In other cases, you might want to weigh your dog more frequently, depending on age and health conditions, they say. “For example, puppies should be weighed far more often, at least every three to four weeks for the first four to six months of life,” O’Bell says. Chronic medical conditions, particularly those that result in changes in appetite or water consumption (such as cancer or diabetes), require more frequent weight checks as well. Your veterinarian can recommend how often your dog should be weighed. If visits to the vet for weigh-ins are stressful for your dog, difficult for you to schedule or he has a chronic health issue, you can weigh your dog at home. “Many clients ask me if they can use their home scales,” O’Bell says. “I generally tell clients they can use home scales for basic trends, but any major discrepancies should be then confirmed on the hospital scale.”

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. 

Do Certain Dog Breeds Enjoy Ice More Than Others? Large and active breeds tend to chew more, in general. However, dogs of all shapes and sizes can learn to love chewing ice cubes.,There can be something particularly satisfying about crunching an ice cube between your teeth when you want something cold—and many dogs share that craving with their pet parents. But is chomping on ice cubes safe for your dog? Generally speaking, yes. Water is essential to your pet staying hydrated, and it doesn’t matter if the water comes in liquid or solid form, including ice cubes. However, while ice cubes are safe in many cases, they can also potentially cause harm. Here are some risks and precautions to consider before giving ice to your dog. Can Ice Damage Your Dog’s Teeth? Ice cubes, or anything so hard that you cannot indent it with a fingernail, are known causes of tooth breakage in dogs. The larger and more firm an ice cube is, the higher chance of a tooth fracture. And chewing on anything hard frequently can cause significant wear to tooth enamel. Using smaller cubes or shavings and giving ice in moderation can help avoid these issues, she notes.

Farting is simply the body’s way of releasing gasses that have accumulated in the digestive system. Essentially, the bacteria that normally live there break down nutrients that your dog’s body can use. Though this is a necessity for your pup’s health, the downside is that it can cause your dog to fart a lot. Blech! Every dog’s situation is unique, so it’s impossible to say just how much farting is normal across the board. However, if you’ve noticed any of the following them it’s time to call your vet: Your dog is farting a lot more than is typical The farts have become super smelly Their farting is associated with other gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhea, constipation, or a tender tummy,Jump to section Why Do Dogs Fart? Why Does My Dog Fart So Much? How To Reduce Excessive Dog Farting

Jump to section What Is Gabapentin? Is It Safe for Dogs? What Is Gabapentin Used for in Dogs? Gabapentin Side Effects in Dogs How Much Gabapentin Can I Give My Dog? Gabapentin Dosage for Dogs How To Give Your Dog Gabapentin How Long Does Gabapentin Take To Work? FAQs About Gabapentin for Dogs

In This Article What To Expect for Dogs Recovering From Neutering or Spaying View 2 More +