Alison B.'s profile

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answered a question Why does my dog grunt like a pig?

Often dogs "snort" or make sounds like that. It may be just some type of "effort" they are expending when they exert energy. I've heard many hundreds of dogs do that. It is also a way they clear their breathing passages of some small irratant.

answered a question Can I catch a cold from my dog?

Pets are great companions, but it is important to keep them healthy. Make sure their shots are up to date and they are well cared for. You will keep them and your family healthier that way. If you are concerned about a minor virus, such as a cold, being passed between your family and your pet, don’t be. But if you have any fear that your pet may have something more serious that could be passed on to you or your family, contact your vet and your healthcare provider.

answered a question How can I make my dog smell better?

If you want to make your dog smell good without getting him wet, reach for the baking soda. There is no set amount to use; how much you put on your dog will depend on his size and how long his fur is. Just use enough to work it well into his fur, getting it all the way down to the skin. Follow with a good brushing to remove the excess baking soda. This "dry bath" will leave your pet smelling fresh and clean with no water required. If you prefer, purchase a good commercial dry shampoo for dogs. Spray it on him and brush it out. Easy to use wipes also will help keep your dog smelling good between regular baths and are especially easy to use on short-haired dogs.

answered a question Why does my dog bite the air?

If a dog snaps at the air, and he's not feeling playful or threatened, it may be an indication of a neurological or behavior problem.

Some people use the terms “fly biting” or “fly catching” to describe canines who appear to be nipping at an invisible fly, instead of directing their snapping and licking at a person. Repeated episodes of fly catching may be a sign of seizure activity, which can often be controlled through medication.

Other dogs air snap out of boredom, if they don’t get enough exercise or stimulating play. This can turn into an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Additional exercise and food puzzles may help to eliminate the behavior, but medication may be needed for severe cases.

If you’re not sure why your dog is snapping at the air, consult your veterinarian. If it's associated with aggression, you’ll want to work with your vet or a certified trainer to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

answered a question Why won't my dog eat?

When a dog won’t eat, it is referred to as anorexia. This is different from anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder found in humans. Instead anorexia describes a complete loss of appetite in dogs. Because loss of appetite in dogs can indicate illness, it is important to seek veterinary care if you notice changes in your dog’s eating habits. It is especially important to respond promptly to a refusal to eat in dogs that usually eat well.

answered a question Why does my dog dream so much?

Dogs, like people, can have seizures. They also can dream. It’s important for owners to distinguish between seizures and the twitching that commonly occurs when dogs are dreaming. There are some characteristic traits associated with seizures and dreaming that can help differentiate between these two conditions.

answered a question Why does my dog shake in his sleep?

Just like us, dogs dream. They go through three sleep stages: NREM, non-rapid eye movement; REM, rapid eye movement; and SWS, short-wave sleep. It is in the SWS stage that a dog breathes heavily while he is sleeping. Animal experts theorize that dogs dream during the REM stage and act on their dreams by twitching or moving all four paws as if they were chasing a rabbit.

Dogs who sleep all curled up must keep their muscles tensed and are therefore less relaxed than dogs who stretch out when they sleep and are less likely to twitch in their sleep.

answered a question How can I tell if my dog has worms?

Animals with worms may show no obvious outward signs of infection. Normal bowel movements do not rule out the possibility of parasite infection. However, when signs are present they can include diarrhea, or blood tinged stool, mucous in the stool, variation in appetite, poor hair coat, weight loss and vague signs of abdominal or rectal discomfort, abdominal enlargement, scooting of the hindquarters and excess licking or irritation around the anus. Some parasites can cause severe blood loss and even death, especially in young, weak or malnourished pets.

answered a question How to stop my dog from barking at other dogs?

The easiest and most immediate help is to use management techniques. When you see another dog, even if your dog hasn’t noticed, turn and go the other way, cross the street, or move behind a car. You get the idea. Don’t wait until your dog starts reacting. You are trying to avoid the problem and prevent your dog from practicing the reactive behavior. The more your dog is able to bark and lunge, the more likely that he’ll do it next time. After all, it does keep other dogs away.

answered a question Why does my dog growl at me for no reason?

She/He may just be telling you and others that you are in her/his territory.

answered a question Should I let my dog eat grass?

Dogs do not have the means to digest grass, as they lack the enzymes needed to break down the fibres. Thus, there is little nutritional value in it for them. One reason for eating grass may be due to a feeling of nausea. It is possible that dogs learn this is a temporary solution for stomach irritation.

answered a question Why is my dog following me everywhere suddenly?

It’s about security. You are your dog’s world. When you leave for a long time, your pet’s security is disrupted. If the constant stalking of you by your dog is out of control, it’s possible that your dog has separation anxiety.