Articles
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When leaving home for vacations, pet owners are confronted with the problem of what to do with their pets. Should they take them along or leave them at home? Reviewing a summary of boarding options and travel guidelines will make the decision easier while safeguarding the well-being of your pet and providing your own peace of mind.
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Following certain steps and offering rewards and praise instead of reprimands will put a positive spin on a dreaded task. This will help make nail trimming a more pleasant experience for both you and your dog. If all else fails, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further help.
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Treats are a wonderful way to provide positive reinforcement to your dog during a training session. Choose low-calorie foods such as green beans, carrots, and watermelon. Avoid foods that are potentially harmful such as chocolate, garlic, onions, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, and products that may have xylitol. Limit high-calorie treats and keep treats within 10% of your dog's total daily calorie intake. Keeping training sessions short and engaging while providing appropriate foods as treats can be a wonderful way to strengthen the human-animal bond.
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Most dog owners would agree that our canine friends are doggone cute. Some of their expressions and actions simply amplify their “cuteness.” But are they born with the innate “cuteness”, or do they learn how to be cute? This article discusses some of the reasons for these cute expressions and behaviors.
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Dogs were built to chew. That is a fact. Bones can lead to a number of health problems from minor injuries to severe illness. Our job as pet parents, is to provide them with chewing options that do not put them in jeopardy. Happy chewing!
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Burying of toys or food items by dogs goes back thousands of years as a means of preserving food and storing valuable or scarce food resources. Dogs today do it out of ancestral habit and as a means of resource protection. If you notice that your dog seems to be digging compulsively, contact your veterinarian.
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As long as there are dogs, there will be howling. Whether it is occasional, constant, mournful, or exuberant, howling is part of normal canine communication. Depending on the situation, a howl can take on different meanings.
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Dogs chasing their own tail can be amusing but also a sign of a bigger problem. Dogs that are left alone for extended periods may get bored or may not be getting enough exercise and to release all that pent-up energy, they chase their tails. Young pups chew their tails as they become aware of their body parts and is usually a passing phase. Older dogs however, may chew their tails when mental acuity diminishes. If your dog suddenly starts chasing or biting at his tail, schedule a veterinary visit, as the cause could be medical in nature (internal or external parasites, an injury, impacted anal glands, or a neurological problem).
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There are many possible explanations as to why dogs eat grass including gastrointestinal upset. However, most grass-eating dogs are not sick beforehand and do not vomit afterwards. Dogs may eat grass if they are bored, lonely, or anxious. Some dogs will eat grass as a reflection of their ancestral heritage and the need to scavenge, or dogs may simply enjoy the texture and taste of grass in their mouths. Regardless of why your dog eats grass, it is not the best snack for him and may be a vehicle for ingestion of intestinal parasites. You can train your dog to stop eating grass with treats, affection, or commands such as heel.
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Dogs will always lick, but it is sometimes embarrassing when they lick their private parts. Licking after eliminating is normal; however, if your dog licks more frequently, or you notice other signs such as discharge; swollen or red penis, vulva, or anus; pustules; discoloration of the skin; or if your dog strains to urinate, see your veterinarian for help. Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your dog's discomfort.
