Dogs

Dogs bring joy to our lives with their unconditional love and pleasure in simple things. But mentally, dogs are more complicated than many people think. In a 2013 study on the canine brain, Emory University scientists concluded that dogs’ brains bear some striking similarities to ours, particularly when it comes to emotions. When it comes to mental health, dogs are more like us than you may think. Like people, dogs can experience stress, anxiety, depression, grief and other mental and emotional issues. But unlike people, they can’t tell us how they’re feeling or seek help. So how can we tell if our dogs are suffering? And how can we help them?

5. Norwegian Elkhound Photo credit: Adobe/Chris Norwegian Elkhounds are cold weather dogs dating back to the Vikings. Now the national dog of Norway, Elkhounds were originally used as hunting dogs. This history means they can have a lingering prey drive and may chase after smaller animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, or cats. Introductions to cats must be done with care, and pet parents should keep their Elkhound on a leash or within a fence when outside.,6. American Eskimo Dog Photo credit: blendshapes/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Despite their name and resemblance to the Arctic fox, American Eskimo Dogs are descendants of the German Spitz and not related to North American Inuit people. But these dogs still thrive in cold weather thanks to their thick double coat and small, thick ears that help them retain heat in low temperatures.,While some pups are best suited for warm and sunny days, cold-weather dog breeds have a thick double coat to help them thrive in winter. Many of these dogs’ ancestors hail from the Arctic or other frigid regions, though today they can be found throughout the world. If you live somewhere cold, these dogs could be a good fit for your home (but make sure you invest in a good brush for all that fur). That said, pet parents should always be mindful of the temperature and never leave their dog outside when it’s too cold. Doing so can expose even the fluffiest snow dog to frostbite or hypothermia. These breeds also tend to be sensitive to heat, so extra precautions need to be taken when temperatures rise. Here are some of the best dogs for cold weather.

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Why Is My Dog Suddenly Following Me Everywhere? If your dog has always been a confident, independent dog and has suddenly become clingy, there’s a good chance they are trying to tell you something. Often, this may mean something is wrong—that they aren’t feeling well or something in their body has changed and is making them less confident, like a loss of sight or hearing. Any time a dog’s behavior changes markedly and suddenly, it is time to schedule a checkup.,Why Is My Newly Adopted Dog Following Me Around? In most instances, newly adopted dogs won’t feel confident right away since they are in a new situation with new people, and they don’t know the routines and what to expect. This puts them almost back in puppy mode, as their new people become “mom” and take on the role of showing them the environment and teaching them the expectations for the household. Fortunately, most dogs become less clingy with time as they adjust to the new situation.,We’ve all had the experience—you walk to the kitchen to refill your drink, and your little shadow is underfoot. Or you head into the bathroom, only to find a curious nose pushing the door open behind you. Although you surely enjoy your dog’s companionship and may even like being followed around sometimes, it can get to be a little much. If it causes you or someone else to trip, it can be dangerous as well. So why do dogs like to follow us everywhere? Can it ever a sign of a deeper problem you need to address? Here are all the answers you need, including when to be concerned and what you can do to stop your dog from following you if it gets to be excessive. Reasons Dogs Follow You Everywhere There are many reasons dogs choose to follow us. Probably the most consistent one is that it’s in their genes—throughout history, dogs have been pack animals. When we remove dogs from their canine pack, they simply adopt their human pack instead. The same instincts that kick in with wild dogs are present in our canine companions. But genetics aren’t the only reason dogs like to follow people. Dogs are social animals. Just as we enjoy their companionship, they often like ours as well. And what better way to show it than to stick close to your buddy? Further, if your dog was adopted as a young puppy, she may be “imprinted” on you, truly feeling like you are their “dog mother.” In other cases, some dogs just get bored, so they figure that if you’re doing something, why not tag along? These dogs will often greatly benefit from more exercise. Lots of pets learn to clue in on daily routines, like the fact that they are fed or walked at certain times. What better way to make sure you don’t forget than to be right there and waiting? We often unconsciously reward this cute behavior, too, by providing food or treats. Just beware that this can be a double-edged sword, as it makes your dog more likely to repeat the behavior, which might not be something you want. Occasionally, dogs will stick close to your side if they are nervous, frightened, uncertain of strangers, or not feeling well. This is especially common during thunderstorms and fireworks; dogs see us as their protectors in these events. And the very occasional dog gets so anxious if they are separated from their pet parent that they panic—this is not a good situation for either party.

Dog saliva helps prevent canine cavities. The saliva found in the mouths of dogs is better suited to prevent cavities, in comparison to human saliva. “[Human saliva] has a PH of 6.5 to 7,” says Dr. Colin Harvey, emeritus professor of surgery and dentistry at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “The saliva of dogs and carnivores in general is slightly alkaline, around 7.5 to 8. The significance of that difference is that dogs do not get dental cavities nearly as frequently as humans. The slightly alkaline nature of dog saliva buffers the acids that are produced by some bacteria that are the cause of the enamel of the tooth being eroded away.” Dr. Eisner notes that despite the cavity-preventing nature of dog saliva, periodontal disease will still occur without active prevention. “Saliva coats our teeth,” says Dr. Eisner. “If it’s not brushed off by toothbrushing, it becomes plaque, which further traps the bacteria.” As the condition progresses, the bacteria can cause bone destruction in the tooth-supporting structures of the mouth. Regular toothbrushing and annual dental care are important for dogs. A puppy should have their first exam at 8 weeks of age. Dogs that have periodontal disease may need to visit their vet more frequently to monitor the progress of the condition.,Saliva helps dogs with digestion, but not in the way you think. A 2018 study revealed that a dog’s mouth does not have amylase, an enzyme associated with digestion that is abundantly found in human saliva. This suggests that dogs may have a different mechanism for digestion than humans.6 In fact, unlike people, dogs don’t have to chew their food to mix in the saliva and start the digestive process. A dog’s stomach and intestines can do all the necessary work. In dogs, the only function of dog saliva is to move food down the esophagus.,  There are a lot of myths surrounding dog saliva, especially whether it’s antibacterial or whether a dog’s mouth is cleaner than people’s mouths in general. Here are nine facts about dog saliva that may make you think twice about dog kisses. You can be allergic to dog saliva. While many people believe that pet fur is the culprit of allergic reactions to dogs, many of these allergies actually stem from proteins found in dog saliva. According to one study, dog saliva contains at least 12 different allergy-causing protein bands. When dogs lick their fur, the saliva dries, and these proteins become airborne.1 The researchers who conducted the study concluded that dog saliva has greater potential as an allergen source than dog dander. The study revealed that a specific protein profile (IgE) differs between dogs, making some dogs saliva more allergic for specific humans who are hypersensitive to this protein.

All dogs have different quirks and habits, but there’s one behavior you can almost always expect from canines: They’re going to chew things. The reasons for chewing can vary, says dog trainer and author Victoria Schade, but the solution is often the same. Pups need their own toys to chew so they don’t leave their bite marks on your possessions. And for Schade, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience training dogs for clients like Animal Planet, KONG toys are a favorite, whether for large dogs, small dogs or anything in between. “I love that KONG was the absolute innovator in the world of dog toys. They changed the way our dogs have fun,” she says. Though she’s not affiliated with the brand, she jokes, “I think KONG should hire me to be a spokesperson because I am an unabashed fan and subject matter expert!” Whether you’re a new dog mom or dad looking for toys for your puppy, or a longtime pet parent hoping to spice things up with a new KONG for your large dog or small dog, we’ve got the ultimate guide to the different types of KONG toys and how to use them, as well as KONG recipes and more.

Looking for a fun evening activity to do with your best bud? Checking out a dog-friendly brewery is a great way to get out of the house, try some tasty libations and make new friends. And the good news is that with the multitude of craft breweries around the U.S., you can easily find some dog-friendly ones that are downright obsessed (in a good way) with their canine customers. From offering dog-amenities like treats and merchandise to hosting fun events like Yappy Hours and benefits for local animal charities, these best dog-friendly breweries do much more than serve up delicious drafts—though they do that, too. In fact, the craft beer is just about as varied as the many kinds of dogs you’ll find happily hanging out at these bars, from lagers and belgians to IPAs and stouts. So kick back with a cold one and your best friends—human and canine alike—at these 10 best dog-friendly breweries.

3. Start with your dog leashed. “To begin your swimming lesson [start] near shallow, current-free water that allows you to walk next to your dog,” Ellis recommends. “Keep the dog leashed at first, until you know she’s comfortable returning to you when you call.” Begin in still water, calling out to your pup as you get deeper and she can no longer reach the bottom to encourage her to start her doggy paddle. Keep her leashed until you know that she will come to you when called to keep her from running off. Never pull on the leash to force your dog to come to you when she is swimming; this will only frustrate and panic her, causing her to wear herself out or go underwater. Use verbal cues to encourage her to come when called.,Does your dog’s water bug personality make you question if she is hiding fins and scales under her fur? While some dogs are natural swimmers and never feel like a fish out of water while in it, not all pups take to swimming so easily. From non-swimmers and doggy paddle beginners to expert pup lifeguards, these nine swimming tips from Nicole Ellis, APDT, American Kennel Club (AKC) CGC evaluator, will make your pup a dog swimming specialist in no time!

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