The Strange Thing Dogs Do

Humping....Irritating but normal

As long as it’s not done to excess, humping is actually completely normal, but there are ways you can curb the behavior. Humping can also be a dominating behavior.

Utter Destruction....Burn out that pup's energy first and foremost! 

There are as many ways that dogs can engage in destructive behavior as there are reasons why. Anything from anxiety to not getting enough exercise If you find that your dog is destructive, the first step toward curbing the behavior is to consult with a vet or dog trainer.

Butt Dragging....Take your pup to the vet asap!

Butt dragging is not normal and is usually a sign that something is medically wrong with your dog. It could be something simple, such as needing to have her anal glands expressed, or it might be something more serious. If you can’t tell anything from a visual inspection, a vet is the next stop.

Falling and Leg-paddling....Seizure?

Twitching in their sleep is one thing but your dog suddenly falling over and starts to twitch or paddling her legs, there’s a good chance that it’s a seizure. Other signs include appearing worried or clinging to you beforehand, and walking in circles afterward. It is incredibly important that you take your dog to a vet if you suspect she had a seizure, because symptoms almost always worsen without help.

Bathroom Audience...The toilet stare-down....

It can be unsettling to have your dog stare at you as you sit on the toilet (especially if you suffer from bathroom “shyness”!) but there’s nothing particularly “wrong” with the behavior. Dogs just aren’t as hung up on privacy as we are. Still, if the idea of a canine audience truly bothers you, there’s nothing wrong with closing the door or teaching your pooch to stay when you need to do something personal.

Poop Eating.....Gross but possibly normal?

Two primary reasons. First, he may be trying to keep his space clean. That’s right. Some dogs eat their feces as an act of cleanliness. This is an instinctive behavior that female dogs engage in when they’re with their young litter in order to keep the den clean. Gross right?! Second, his food might not be meeting his nutritional needs. Eating poop can be a dog’s attempt to bolster his diet. Either way, it’s not something you want to continue (nor is it healthy). Take your dog to a vet or get a trainer

Reverse Sneezing...Scary!

All of a sudden your dog starts making a horrifying sound that seems like a cross between snorting and choking, and she looks like she’s trying to vomit but is also really self-conscious about it. What’s going on? It’s a “respiratory event” that can be caused either by over-excitement or as an attempt to get rid of mucus. Though it looks awful, if you just let it run its course for 30 seconds or so, your dog will go right back to normal.

Easter Pet Precautions

It's almost Easter! Here are some tips to keep your pet(s) safe during Easter.

*Keep chocolate and candy treats far away from pets. 

*Just say no to giving Easter meal food scraps to your pet. To much fatty foods and spices can wreak havoc on pets' digestive systems. Do you really want to clean puke or runny poo on Easter? 

*Keep fake Easter "grass" away from your pets.

*Have pretty Easter lilies? Make sure you pets can't get to them (poisonous to pets if ingested!) 

*If you have a traditional Easter egg hunt, just keep pets inside so they don't get trampled or trample people from all the excitement. 

*If you are doing some gardening on Easter weekend keep pets away from pesticides and fertilizers.

*Try to avoid purchasing rabbits and chicks for children during this time. Although cute and fuzzy they do need proper time and care. Pets are forever and not just a fad.

*If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

How to Calm a Stressed Out Cat or Dog

• Always think of your and pet's safety first before ever approaching a anxiety-ridden or scared animal.

• Use a calm voice and calm behavior. Do not yell or make quick movements!

• Lure the pet toward you slowly with a toy or food.

• Isolate anxiety-ridden pets temporarily to calm down. 

• Never lock pets up in a cage or tiny room for 24/7!

• Figure out what maybe agitating or causing stress to your pet.

• Use pheromones to calm your pet, which comes in a spray or plugin form.

• Use other non-medication aids like body wraps or pet-safe herbal liquids, chews or tablets. Always ask a veterinarian before using any type of herbal aids!

• Consider using short-term medication from your veterinarian.

• Consider sedatives that could help your anxiety ridden pet. Always ask your veterinarian as well as get a second or third opinion to be on the safe side.

• Explore options for long-term medications from your veterinarian.

Keep Your Pet Safe During a Snowstorm

•  Store up activities for dogs and cats to do while you're together indoors. Kongs, catnip toys, treadmill, scratching posts, etc.

•  Stock up ahead of time on all pet food and medicine your animals may need over the weekend—travel may be much more difficult or impossible in the event of a snowstorm

•  Prepare for a power outage, especially if your family includes fish, reptiles, pocket pets or exotic pets.

•  Have a coat and booties ready for any dog who needs them. Be ready to protect your pets from very strong wind and cold.

• If possible keep your pets indoors! If your pets must be outside provide them adequate covered, draft-free, dry shelter.

•  Make sure your pets wear identification at all times (even better: have them micro-chipped as well) to dramatically increase your chances of reunification should one become lost.

•  Keep your dog on a leash after heavy snowfall. Dogs are much more likely to get lost during winter, especially during and after a blizzard.

•  Watch out for ice melts! Snow-melting salt and liquid de-icer can be very painful to dogs’ feet and can make pups ill if ingested, so make sure to clean off your dog’s paws with a moist washcloth after a walk. This goes for antifreeze as well!

• Tap your car hood before starting your vehicle to ensure there are not strays or wild critters.

New Year Resolutions for You and Your Pet

*Always measure your pet's food! Use a 8 oz measuring cup and follow the recommended feeding guideline on your pets dry food or ask and follow your veterinarians advice.

*Choose an age appropriate pet food: puppy/kitten, adult, senior. Also consider your pet's lifestyle: indoor or outdoor? Sedentary, active, or hyper?

*Try a new activity with your pet. Hiking, swimming, new/longer walking route, new game, etc.

*Incorporate more playtime/exercise time especially if you have a very hyperactive pet.

*Schedule annual well-checkup trips to the veterinarian. Also follow vaccination, flea/tick prevention and/or medication schedule as prescribed by your veterinarian.

*Groom your pet daily Short hair or long hair, your pet will benefit from a good brushing. Also gives you some bonding time with you lovely pet.

*Start brushing your pets teeth. Good oral hygiene is a must especially when pets get older.

*Teach new tricks to your pet. Works especially well on active breeds who need constant stimulation.

*Keep your pets collar/tag/ID/microchip information up to date. Ensure you have your correct, updated name, phone and address inputted. That way if your pet gets lost there will be no issues in finding you as the rightful owner.

*Consider adopting or fostering another pet. If not animal shelters can always use donations and volunteers. Contact your local animal shelter/rescue and ask what they need the most.

Pick one or all of these New Year resolution for a happy, healthy life for you and your pet!