Kelly N.'s profile

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answered a question How much dry food should I feed my dog?

It usually depends on size and weight of your dog. There is a recommended serving size on the bags of dry food, but I recommend calling your vet to ask what is appropriate for your dog specifically in order to lose, gain, or maintain weight.

answered a question Why does my dog eat cat food?

Dogs are curious by nature. They also want what they can't have! A lot of times dogs try to go for another animal's food to show that they are dominant and that they can do what they want. Make sure to separate the food into different rooms and teach your dog that it is not good to do that-- however, you will still probably try to catch them sniffing.

answered a question My dog has bad breath - what can I do?

Give them an ice cube to lick with a LITTLE squeeze of lemon. They are likely dehydrated! Routinely brush their teeth as well. You will probably still face some stinky yawns, but the ice cube trick usually works!

answered a question How should I socialize my dog?

Start by letting them sniff other animals on your usual walks. This is probably best away from your apartment/home, as you don't want them to get protective. Once you are in a neutral zone, ask permission of another dog's owner that is approaching you. Make sure to have a tight leash and make sure not to get involved in the first meet and greet! Let the dogs do their thing. Keep this a routine for a little while, eventually you will be able to take your dog to a dog park (ON LEASH). After a few times at the dog park, if you are seeing success, you can take your dog off its leash. You should start to see some progress in about 30-60 days. Forming these good habits will help a lot. I have a rescue, so it took a bit more time - but stay patient and loving.

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answered a question Can anyone recommend a mobile vet that comes to the house in Las Vegas, NV?

Try calling your usual vet. They will most likely make house calls if you have been with them for awhile -- if not, they will probably have the best recommendation as they have worked with your dog already in the previous years.

answered a question Why does my dog growl?

Dogs growl for hundreds of reasons. They may feel uneasy with their environment -- too many people, unfamiliar animals, etc. They may also feel anxious or unguarded. They may feel protective of you. They may hear something that they don't understand. Comfort them with attention and a safe space. Make sure that they know you will protect them and make them feel at ease with some petting and perhaps some treats. If the barking becomes excessive or aggressive, teach them not to do that and praise them when they stay quiet. Dogs get anxiety just as humans do.

answered a question Why does my dog hump my leg?

They are showing dominance. Try some gentle, non-aggressive acts to show them that you are the leader. Praise with treats when they listen to you.

answered a question Why does my dog eat coal?

This is a sign of indigestion in dogs. If this isn't just a 1 time curiosity type of thing, call your vet and ask them what steps to take next.

answered a question Why does my dog run away?

Dogs have natural, wild instincts. Some breeds do this more than others, but the main reason is that they just want to run. Younger dogs especially, 1-5, will continue to do this -- if they aren't listening to you when you call them back then they probably don't recognize you as a dominant leader. Try a few, non-aggressive (of course), ways to get your dog to understand your leadership. You can try more commands, for example, they can't eat without sitting before their bowl - or try gently flipping them onto their backs (GENTLY) to make them understand - if they try to get up and battle you, keep holding them there and rub their bellies. When they listen to you, make sure to praise them. In the meanwhile, prompt them with treats to get them to run back inside.

answered a question Why does my dog have a dry crusty nose?

This could be a common cold or lack of ability to regulate circulate. Try adjusting the temperature in your house. If it stays extra dry and crusty, call your vet -- it could also just be from old age.

answered a question Why does my dog lick her paws?

Just routine maintenance as humans shower. Dogs naturally want to groom themselves just like any other being, however, their feet are what get the dirtiest! If you notice excessive licking and/or lightening of hair on paws, this could be a skin issue that you should call your vet about. Keep a close eye and all will be well.

answered a question Why does my dog shiver?

Smaller dogs tend to shiver more than larger dogs. If you have a small dog that is constantly shivering, try giving them a small teaspoon of sugar in their water every so often. Small dogs tend to get lower blood sugar faster for some reason! Large dog? They may be anxious or excited. Cold weather? Get a fancy little sweater for them! If the shivering continues to be abnormal, call your vet and ask questions -- it could be more breed specific, as it is normal for some smaller breeds to do this out of anxiety/behavioral issues.

answered a question Why does my dog shiver?

Smaller dogs tend to shiver more than larger dogs. If you have a small dog that is constantly shivering, try giving them a small teaspoon of sugar in their water every so often. Small dogs tend to get lower blood sugar faster for some reason! Large dog? They may be anxious or excited. Cold weather? Get a fancy little sweater for them! If the shivering continues to be abnormal, call your vet and ask questions -- it could be more breed specific, as it is normal for some smaller breeds to do this out of anxiety/behavioral issues.

commented question Why is my dog shedding so much?

This is both determined by type of breed and time of year. Dogs shed more when it's hotter out -- hello spring and summer! To help them, and your clothes, brush them regularly. Shedding all year? Do some research on your dog's breed types to determine appropriate grooming maintenance.

answered a question Why does my dog sit on me?

This is either a form of dominance and/or a need for attention. Dogs want to be surrounded by their "pack" - allow them to sit next to you and pet them for comfort. Do not show aggression, but let them know that you are the dominant of the household by giving them treats for sitting NEXT to you. ONLY if they show you aggression after doing so, gently flip them on their backs. Keep them there, rub their bellies - it will all work out.

answered a question Why does my dog groom me?

Dog's are natural care takers. You are part of their "pack" and are likely their "leader" --they want you to feel protected and loved. They trust you to care for them and they want to provide you with respect. Dogs are affectionate beings -- a true man's best friend, enjoy it!

answered a question Why does my dog sleep all day?

Dogs require more sleep than humans. Puppies and small dogs can sleep up to 16-18 hours a day! It is part of their nature.

answered a question Why does my dog have a dry nose?

Dry nose could be from a variety of different reasons, the main two being: (1) a cold, or (2) temperature of air. The nose is how they circulate their body temperatures. If your dog is panting, it is probably #2. If your dog has had a dry nose for longer than 24 hours, it could perhaps be a cold. Call your vet if it continues longer than that! This is very common.

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answered a question Why do my dog's legs shake?

I was worried about this in my dog as well. My rescue dog ended up having a damaged spine (before I got her) that never healed properly -- this caused her hips to stiffen and her legs to shake. It also could be from weak muscles. Call your vet and give them the low down. There are a number of reasons this could be happening dependent on other behaviors associated -- pay close attention and don't stress, your pup will appreciate you noticing!

commented question Why does my dog bite the air?

This could be a number of things, dependent on age and well-being. If the puppy is young, it's common to do this out of excitement and playfulness! If it continues consistently at older ages, it could be a sign of anxiety, or another behavioral issue. Call your vet and ask questions depending.

commented question Why does my dog get jealous?

They are protective of you and want to make sure you are safe. If your dog is getting "jealous" it could be from another human/animal approaching you that they unfamiliar with. Let them know that it's okay by allowing the unknown obstacle to be sniffed and/or the other human to provide them treats.

answered a question Why does my dog like to sleep with me?

They love you and want to feel safe. Safety comes in numbers, especially when the number 1 is you! You are your dog's leader, they want to protect you and they want you to protect it. Don't want him or her always on your bed? Place their bed right next to yours.

answered a question Why does my dog have hiccups?

They are just like humans, so most likely they ate too fast or didn't inhale enough air. Help them out with a spoon full of peanut butter -- usually does the trick for my fur baby!

answered a question How can I keep my dog off the couch?

Provide them with another comfortable alternative. Get them a bed or put a pillow on the floor next to the couch. They really just want to be close to you! Not staying there? Hide treats in the bed or sit with them next to the bed the first time. Maybe you make them do tricks in their bed. You want them to feel like its a safe place -- long term, only give them potty treats after coming in from outside when they are back in their bed! Make them go there first and foremost.

answered a question Why does my dog growl at night?

He or She might be scared. Dogs do this when they are apprehensive or when something seems to be out of their control. Maybe they heard something that you didn't, or maybe they just have a hard time seeing at night and become anxious. Give them a quick pat on the head and let them know it's all good.

answered a question Why is my dog staring at me?

Curiosity! Dogs are complex beings that want to understand and learn -- toss a new trick into the mix to amp up their use of brain power. Dogs are only as smart as you allow them to be, and don't mind the creepy eyes in the meanwhile.