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Showing posts from September, 2018

Why Do Dogs Howl?

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Have you ever wondered why some dogs howl? We all know that dogs bark and whine and cry and whimper. These are all perfectly normal ways for a dog to communicate. But you may forget that dogs howl, too. They may not do it very often, but your dog is just as capable of howling as any wolf or coyote. Barking, whining, whimpering and howling are all ways for your dog to communicate and they all signify some particular feeling or desire. We're most familiar with barking and other daily sounds our dogs make. We can identify the way our dog barks to let us know he's hungry or he wants out. We usually know what it means when a puppy whimpers. But it can be quite startling to hear a dog howl. Dogs may howl for several reasons and they are similar to the same reasons that wolves howl. Anyone who has ever heard the haunting, lonely sound of a wolf's howl probably won't soon forget it. A wolf may howl when he's alone to give his position to his packmates. He may howl, i...

Do Dogs Dream?

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A sleeping dog snores and appears to dream. They yelp, bark, make strange noises and move around. Sometimes the noises sound quite distressing and can make you feel quite sorry for the animal. We may not be able to ask our dogs if they dream but all of the scientific data points to the fact that yes, indeed, dogs do dream. According to researchers, dogs have the same kind of sleep patterns that humans have. That is, they have SWS, or Slow Wave Sleep, the first stage of sleep. This is light sleep in which the dog is easily awakened. Your dog's breathing is slow and regular but he's ready to spring into action if needed. The other stage of sleep with which most people are familiar, and which dogs shar e, is REM sleep. This is when you see your dog twitching or moving his paws. He may bark, whine or growl in his sleep. Dogs and humans have similar EEG readings at this point and we know that humans dream during this REM stage, so it makes sense to extrapolate that dogs are drea...

Can you get sick from kissing your dog?

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The physical and emotional benefits of owning a dog are well-known. Less considered is whether all those slobbery kisses from our furry friends can lead to sickness. Since it is possible to get deathly ill from kissing your dog, it is probably a good idea to avoid the kissing as much as possible. Most of us have probably kissed our dogs, either superficially, or with a real wet one, but is that really a good idea? Our pups come in contact with lots of germs that live in our environment. Also, they naturally carry bugs in their saliva , which they can easily spread through kissing or licking. Essentially, we all should always wash our hands after handling, feeding and brushing our pets, and in reality, avoid kissing them. If you kiss your dog, there is a possibility that you might exchange plaque from his mouth to yours, which could introduce different bacteria into your mouth that could be harmful. If you haven't noticed, dogs enjoy licking their rear ends, so if you kiss your ...

Identifying Dog Disease Symptoms-and What to Do Before It's too Late

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Every dog will display symptoms of sickness during its lifetime, and Knowing how to detect the symptoms is a very necessary aspect of pet ownership. While early detection of the disease can save you thousands in vet's bills, and most importantly, it saves your dog from suffering and being subjected to a flood of medications and therapies. The following are descriptions of dog disease symptoms to watch for: Scratching, licking and chewing - are dog disease symptoms that can lead to even greater problems. When the preservative Ethoxyquin found in commercial pet foods causes an allergic reaction, excessive chewing can break the skin and lead to infections. Gas and bloating - Chronic flatulence and bloating can be the sign of a digestive problem and possible infection or allergic reaction to the grains in an unsuitable food source. Scooting - is one of the more common dog disease symptoms that indicate blocked or infected anal glands because of a consistent diet of soft ...

Science reveal that Dogs look like their owners

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It is often said that people will normally grow up to be like their parents. But did you know that this also extends to dogs? Have you noticed how many people have dogs that match themselves physically? What makes us identify with the dogs we choose to spend our lives with? We see this phenomenon not only with our dogs but also with the dogs of people we know personally, including celebrities. Why do people choose a dog that looks like them? The answer may give you a new appreciation of the strong bonds we humans have forged with our furry friends. In fact, there are some strange and unexpected similarities with the way we choose our other, two-legged life partners. We have heard about dogs and their human companions looking for the same. But perhaps we have never seen evidence as persuasive as these images. It is a scientific fact that dogs look like their owners. Michael Roy, of the University of California at San Diego, was one of...

Dog Cancer – And What You Should Be Conscious Of

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Like knowing that your loved one is suffering from cancer; being told that your family pet dog has this disease is equally as devastating for sure! Dogs can develop cancerous tumors and like humans early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment that may eradicate it, therefore, curing your beloved companion of this particularly nasty illness. But it is very unfortunate that not all dog owners are aware that dogs can have cancer. But this is true; dog cancer is rampant and could account for the mortality of your pet. It is one of the leading causes of death especially for a ten-year-old canine or more. Just imagine that out of four dogs, one has the possibility of having cancer. It might be my dog, but it might also be yours. Now, knowing that dog cancer actually exists is not enough. You should go deeper and understand more. Start on the basic such as by knowing the types of canine cancer. Why is it important to know the different types of canine cancer? It is simply because by ...

Expert says spending too much time on your phone is making your dog sad

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There are several warnings about spending too much time on your phone; you’ll develop tech neck, it causes loneliness, and you’re missing out of real life! But these warnings have failed to convince us to put down our phones. Maybe this reason will be heartbreaking enough to spur us into action. According to one expert, spending much time on your phone is making your dog sad! It is tough with your furry friend. When you pay too much attention to your phones than to your dog, you are damaging your emotional bond with your pooch making your pooch feel lonely and isolated and this can lead to doggy depression and behavioral issues. According to a veterinary surgeon and VetUK founder, Iain Booth ‘We’re a nation obsessed by our mobile phones , and all that time on our phone affects our dog more than cats because dogs are pack animals and look to their human's owner for leadership and contact.  Your puppy needs steady love and interaction, much like kids.  Therefor...

How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Hurricane

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Hurricane season is once again upon us. Opening in August (typically) and ending just after Thanksgiving, one never knows which one will be the next Andrew, Katrina, Hugo, George, or even the most recent in North Carolina. In this season of hurricanes and tropical storms, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that not only are you ready to evacuate at a moment's notice but also to have your pet ready to go, as well. Hurricanes are usually very trackable and, unlike tornadoes, can be predicted long enough in advance for an area to brace for damage. This one advantage allows you to act as a responsible pet parent and prepare for the worst-case scenario which is a luxury, not all storms bring with them. Dog owners face a number of challenges and frustrations just keeping their pet safe from the elements. When storms blow through an area, it can lead to even more damage, sometimes very costly in nature. However, if you take some time to prepare for storm conditions, it can s...

Why Dogs Eat Grass

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You are outside with your dog, it is a nice summer day, the grass is very green and you are enjoying this time with your pup. Then you see your dog eating grass, and you ask yourself, why my dog eats grass? Is he hungry, bored or sick? Why is he eating things that are not food? The truth is that some dogs love to eat grass. This habit usually has no bad side effects, except perhaps when he throws up the odd time. This does not affect the dog too much. He will just vomit and be on his way. It probably bothers you more than your dog. Some people believe that dogs eat grass in order to add more nourishment to their diet. A lot of dogs will eat other things besides meat and grass is one of them. They believe dogs are trying to balance their diet of meat with some 'salad' on the side. If you are feeding your dog on high-quality food with all the nutrients that he needs, he may not eat grass, but if he is only fed meat alone, this could affect him in his choice of diet. Another t...

How to handle the Grief of losing a Dog

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Losing a dog can be a heartbreaking experience. Only dog owners will really understand how these animals become an important and irreplaceable part of the family all through their lifetimes, with traits that are unique, adorable and utterly unforgettable. If you're a dog owner and a true dog lover, it's a terrible day when your dog dies. It's almost as bad as losing a human being with whom you were very close as a friend or family member. But many people who don't own dogs or for some crazy reason don't like animals or pets cannot understand your grief. "Take it easy, he was just an animal" few of the more insensitive fellows of that lot may say to you.  This makes it hard for you to overcome your sadness. As a matter of fact, you might start questioning yourself. "Am I crazy or hypersensitive, that I'm so overcome with grief over the death of my dog?" If you find yourself asking such questions to the mirror on the wall, don't worry a...

Why Do Dogs Bury Bones

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To understand why domestic dogs sometimes bury bones it is necessary to take a look at the way in which wolves hunt in the wild. Burying bones is a peculiar canine behavior inherited by present-day dogs from their ancestors in the wilds. Caching or hoarding food is done by the dogs to save food for the rainy days. Of course, modern-day dogs do not need to hoard food. Responsible owners ensure that the dog has enough food every day. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years but they still retain the inherent behavior of caching food. Centuries ago, finding food was a constant challenge for the dogs. Life was hard for the early canines. These carnivores may find prey but other dogs in the pack would share in the bounty. Other scavengers like the jackals, hyenas, big cats and vultures would also want their share. These animals like the dogs have excellent olfactory senses and once they get wind of the kill they would come to partake with or without the consent of the dog tha...

10 Amazing Photos of 50 Cent With Dogs

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50 Cent (aka Curtis James Jackson) has been an explosive figure in the hip-hop industry since his major label debut in 2003. Despite a hard childhood and youth, he has managed to pull himself out of the streets with unique rhymes and an ear for finding other rap talents. They say a dog is a man's best friend, so 50 Cent is one man who has taken his talent a notch-further finding comfort in these four-legged pets and he takes every opportunity available to flaunt his furry friends with heart-warming pictures. 50 Cent is a pretty big name, best known around the world by not only rap fans who like to watch music videos but as well as pet lovers like us; I fell in love with this rapper when he released his first hit track "In Da Club". If you are a pet lover and love this rap star like I do, then check out his 10 amazing pictures with dogs, clear evidence that this rapper, investor, actor, and a businessman is in love with DOGS. You can judge the heart of a m...

Ten Most Ask Questions about Golden Retrievers

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The breed of golden retrievers is preferred the world over because these dogs are very friendly. They love to play with their owners. They even try and make friends with visitors to the house and other dogs. They love strenuous physical activities. If you are planning to buy a golden retriever you have made a wise choice but you should have complete information on the breed. So here are some frequently asked questions about Golden Retrievers and the answers: Question 1 . Will all males mark territory or lift their legs? Answer:  If males are neutered early, generally 6 months to 1.5 years, they will not be territorial. Question 2. Why is it appropriate to spray my female? Answer : By spaying your female before her first heat cycle you will be able to protect her against mammary tumors, uterine, cancer, and ovarian cancer. In addition, sterilized pets tend to behave better. Question 3. Why is it appropriate to spray my male? Answer : By spraying your male you can prevent your...

Dog saved a little girl from choking to death

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Louie the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel began barking and frantically running around the apartment to get the attention of Shannon Weeks. Shannon, from Dartford in Kent, followed the dog to her daughter's bedroom and found her one-year-old daughter lying face down. Fortunately, it was not too late and the child was fully recovered, but the doctors said she could have died if it were not for Louie. Louis does not even belong to the family, her owner is Shannon’s nan Maureen Tarrant, who brought him to her apartment that same day. Shannon, 23, said: "The dog kept barking and barking." "He hardly ever does that so I did not know what to think ... Louis was going in and out of the rooms and back to Chloe. "I went out and saw him outside of my daughter's room ... It was the worst you can imagine. "I entered and my daughter was face down, she was pale and was not breathing, she had vomited and choked on her own sick, the only thing I remember doing is scream...

How Therapy Dog Can Help College Students' with stress

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In some universities and colleges, such as Georgetown in Washington, DC, dogs have been on campus for years as lucky charms to sports teams. However, gradually more dogs are becoming part of campus life to help relieve stress. With the return of students to the University of South Carolina this year, they were greeted by Indy, a therapy dog who will soon become a constant presence on campus, according to Raleigh News & Observer. Once the dog training is complete, she will participate in pet-a-puppy events and hold office hours at the University Student Health Services. The University of Southern California has a dog on campus since 2016. The black golden puppy known as Professor Beauregard Tirebiter - but you can call him "Beau" - has office hour at the student’s health center. According to the media reports, the university said it believe the dog was the first full-time facility pup on a college campus. Research suggests that positive interactions with dogs can create...

Designer Dog Clothes

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Designer dog clothes are developed by some of the top designers in the canine fashion world. These collections come in an array of colors and styles and form a perfect selection for all kinds of occasions such as weddings and other social events. These designer dog clothes go for a pretty penny, just as for the designer clothes you yourself might wear. Shop around for the most reasonable prices and the styles you want. The style and fabric of the dog apparels vary according to the breed. One of the biggest issues, why there are some pet owners who are apprehensive about purchasing designer dog clothes, is the hefty price tag that comes along with it. For example, a custom-made Mary Jane prom dress for your little puppy can set you back almost a hundred dollars, when you can settle for the homemade version at less than half the price. But then again, that's only one side of the coin. As you know, when you're looking to buy something, it should not only be the price tag that ...

All You Need to Know About Canine Flu

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In recent years, there has been a lot of information in the news about dog flu or as it is otherwise known canine flu. More recently, the new bird flu or avian flu has emerged that has been spreading to humans too. With all this going on, it's enough to make you want to lock the doors keep your dog safely hidden away and wait for it all to pass! The good news is, you and your dog don't have to go into hiding to avoid catching anything. A few simple precautions will keep you safe and allow you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors to the full. Let's begin by identifying some specific facts about canine flu or dog flu. The highly contagious virus which is responsible for canine flu was originally spotted in around 2004 in the greyhound racing population. Many dogs died as a result and many more taken ill. That said, the virus is shown to be deadly in only 10% of the most susceptible dogs. I.e. Young puppies or older dogs whose immune systems are weakened. More recently, cani...

How to keep Elderly Dogs Healthy and Active as They Age

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Most domestic dogs live between 10 and 13 years, although many live up to 16 years, dogs that spend time outdoors may have a shorter life due to exposure to health hazards such as chemicals, traffic, infections, human violence and fighting with other dogs. As with humans, a better medical care and quality food now mean that dogs can live longer and this poses unique challenges to dog owners who care for the older dog. The following are some things you should consider as your pet is getting old. Joints and muscles: Puppy does not remain flexible and energetic forever, and when their muscles tone decreases and their joints become inflamed with conditions such as arthritis, the cat may experience greater difficulty moving around. Ensure your pet beds are easy for him to climb. You can also consider creating ramps out of plywood covered in carpet and use it to help him climb up stairs or his favorite patch on the sofa. As pet age, caring for them becomes even more important. When a pet b...