In stark contrast to its name, this condition is anything but happy for the affected dogs and their caregivers. Throughout this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about happy tail syndrome in dogs, including causes, symptoms, treatments, and possible prevention.

What Is Happy Tail Syndrome?

Happy tail syndrome is a painful condition characterized by a non-healing wound at the tip of a dog’s tail. The syndrome develops when a dog wags their tail so enthusiastically that it repeatedly bangs against hard surfaces like walls, chairs, and tables, or even people and other pets. 

A dog’s tail is composed of a chain of hard, vertebral bones covered by very little muscle or fat for padding. Therefore, it’s easy for the thin skin at the tip of the tail to split open as the tail whacks against these hard surfaces over and over.

Despite our best attempts, dogs who wag their tails so vigorously that they damage it are often unable to stop the behavior. As the tail continues to bang against surfaces every time a “happy dog” wags it, a non-healing, painful, bloody ulcer develops at the tip of the tail. 

This is often accompanied by blood splatters and smears on surfaces around the household, a frustrated pet parent, and a not-so-happy dog. The longer the condition remains untreated, the worse it becomes. Occasionally, the chronic wound becomes infected and the bones and nerves at the tip of the tail are also compromised.

Large breed dogs with powerful, long tails and shorter hair coats are the most likely to develop happy tail syndrome. This condition is diagnosed most commonly in Pit Bulls, Labradors, Greyhounds, and Great Danes, but any dog can be affected. While there is no clear age predilection, it is more common in younger, more enthusiastic dogs. 

Causes of Happy Tail Syndrome

The most typical cause of happy tail syndrome in a dog is exuberantly wagging their tail to express themself until the tip is damaged from repeated trauma, as discussed above. However, it sometimes happens after a stay at a boarding facility, where a dog may be wagging more than usual in combination with tighter-than-usual living quarters – a recipe for happy tail syndrome. 

In less common instances, a pup can develop a dog tail injury that leads to happy tail syndrome. For example, they hurt the tip of their tail playing at the dog park, climbing under a fence, having it caught in a doorway, etc. Once the initial damage occurs, however, the tail wagging and striking surfaces prevents the wound from healing, much like the more common presentation of happy tail.

Symptoms of Happy Tail in Dogs

Dogs with happy tail syndrome may have one of more of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding from the tip of the tail
• Bald spots at the tip of the tail
• Biting/chewing at the tail
• Whining during or after tail wagging
• A foul smell around the tail
• Black or discolored skin near the end of the tail
• Pain or yelping when the end of the tail is touched or handled

Despite the pain associated with this condition, dogs affected by happy tail syndrome often do not stop wagging their tail.

How to Treat Happy Tail Syndrome

Since we cannot tell a dog to simply stop wagging their tail, treatment of happy tail syndrome can be frustrating. Ultimately, treatment depends on the severity of the syndrome and whether or not it is a recurring issue. 

In minor cases, dogs can be treated with a combination of pain medications, antibiotics if needed, and a bandage. The bandage acts as a dog tail protector during the healing process, providing padding and cushion around the wound. Unfortunately, the tail is a very difficult area to cover as any bandages tend to slip off, especially in dogs that wag their tail energetically. 

Many pets will also need to wear an Elizabethean collar (also known as e-collar or cone-of-shame) to prevent them from ripping off the bandage and causing further trauma to the tail, and most will require a sedative to help decrease their incessant wagging. 

While veterinarians typically try a more conservative treatment such as bandaging and oral medications first, most chronic or recurrent cases of happy tail syndrome will require a surgical tail amputation. The tail will be shortened to a length that it no longer strikes surfaces when the dog becomes excited, and any damaged vertebrae, infected tissue, etc. will also be removed at that time. 

But don’t worry, dogs with happy tail syndrome are not upset that their tail has been shortened  and will continue to wag their stumpier tail as happily as before (this time without injury). 

How to Prevent Happy Tail in Dogs

Since you can’t bubblewrap your dog’s tail indefinitely, or reasonably pad every hard surface in your household, a dog tail injury like happy tail syndrome is not easily preventable. 

That being said, pet parents can be vigilant for areas where their dog’s tail tends to whack against hard objects, such as hallways. Take steps to prevent your dog from becoming overly excited in that area, or quickly move them if they do begin wagging enthusiastically. 

Another potential prevention technique for happy tail syndrome is encouraging calm behavior as often as possible. Provide treats and other rewards when your dog is relaxed, and avoid showing attention during periods of over-excitement. Instead, wait until they calm down before acknowledging or rewarding them. 

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So what exactly makes dogs so eager to eat? And do you find yourself asking: why is my dog always hungry? Should we be worried if our canine companion never seems satisfied? 

Read on to learn about hunger in dogs, the difference between normal and abnormal dog appetites, reasons your dog may always be hungry, and what you should do about it. 

Hunger in Dogs: What’s Normal

Some dogs will scarf down their food in the blink of an eye or seemingly materialize out of nowhere the second they hear you open the pantry door or crinkle a food wrapper. Other dogs may have a more peckish appetite and turn up their nose at some meals and treats. Both appetite types can be normal. 

While all dogs should display some level of hunger throughout the day, normal hunger in dogs will typically vary based on age, sex, and breed. Expect a young, playful puppy to act hungrier and more ravenous than an older, sedentary dog. 

Younger dogs will generally have voracious appetites to support their growth and higher level of activity. As dogs age, their appetite tends to decrease. Older dogs have less demand for calories as they are not growing, less active, and have slower metabolisms. 

Dogs who are sexually intact often have bigger appetites than their spayed and neutered counterparts as sex hormones can boost metabolism. On the other hand, some intact dogs actually show less interest in food, particularly if there is a potential mate nearby. 

Another major factor affecting hunger in dogs is breed. Some breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and Beagles, are known for their large appetites. Other breeds, like Chihuahuas, usually have humble appetites in proportion with their small size.

Do Dogs Get Full?

It’s not uncommon for dogs to appear like bottomless pits, however, at some point all dogs will reach a point of satiation or fullness. The point at which a dog gets full varies from dog to dog. 

Hunger and fullness are controlled by hormones inside the body. When the stomach is full, it sends hormone signals to the brain letting it know that it has eaten enough. Some dogs are able to override these signals and continue to eat regardless. This is common in rescue situations where the dog was previously in an environment where food was scarce, or in households in which dogs are given treats and essentially rewarded every time they beg. 

In cases where a dog never seems full, it can be tempting to continue to feed them, especially when they consumed their recommended serving size in the blink of an eye. However, continuing to feed dogs until they no longer want to eat can result in obesity and a number of associated health conditions. 

A good rule of thumb is to look for external signs that your dog has eaten enough as opposed to gauging their hunger by whether or not they will eat more. If their weight is stable, they are able to rest and relax after meals, and if there are no associated changes in thirst, urination, and defecation, then you can rest assured that they are eating enough to satisfy them. In cases where you are still unsure, consult your veterinarian.

Signs a Dog is Actually Hungry

As discussed, it can be difficult to differentiate real hunger from a dog that simply acts hungry all the time. Scarfing down food at mealtimes, constantly begging, trying to scavenge for food, being aggressive about food, etc. can all be signs that a dog is actually hungry but some dogs will act this way whether or not they truly need more calories. 

Reliable signs that your dog is actually hungry include:

• A sudden increase in appetite, known as polyphagia.
• Becoming aggressive around food when they weren’t previously.
• Breakthroughs in training regarding food such as counter surfing, digging into trash, stealing food from plates, etc.
• Weight loss.
• A loss of sheen to the coat.
• Restlessness or whining incessantly despite regular meals.
• Continuing to lick the food bowl after eating for more than a few moments.
• Developing coprophagia (i.e. consuming feces).

Essentially, any change in your dog’s normal behavior or habits around eating is a good indication that your dog is truly hungry, and warrants an investigation to determine the underlying cause. 

Why Is My Dog Always Hungry? 10 Possible Reasons

If your dog is always acting hungry, there are a variety of reasons that could explain your pup’s behavior. Here are some of the most common causes of hunger in dogs. 

Inadequate calories/nutrition. It is possible that your dog may not be eating enough to satisfy their caloric needs. Make sure you are feeding a complete and balanced diet and check the food label for recommended feeding amounts and portion sizes. If you still aren’t sure if you’re dog is getting the right amount of food, talk to your veterinarian to help determine appropriate portions. 

Boredom. Just as humans sometimes find themselves standing in front of the pantry when they need something to do, dogs will also eat when they are bored. Make sure your dog has plenty of enrichment activities and gets exercise throughout the day to alleviate boredom. 

Anxiety or stress. Anxiety in dogs raises their level of stress hormone, known as cortisol. Extra cortisol increases appetite and leads to emotional eating. 

Diabetes Mellitus. Perhaps one of the most telling signs of diabetes in dogs is a sudden increase in hunger. This is due to the development of hypoglycemia and the body’s attempt to increase accessible blood sugar. The associated hunger is often accompanied by weight loss, increased thirst, and an increase in urination. 

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease). Dogs suffering from hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s disease have an excess amount of the stress hormone, cortisol, in their system. Extra cortisol makes dogs excessively hungry. Dogs with Cushing’s disease also develop a pot bellied appearance, symmetrical hair loss, skin infections, pant excessively, and have increased thirst and urination.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. Dogs with EPI are not producing adequate amounts of the pancreatic enzymes needed to properly digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Since these dogs are unable to digest nutrients properly, the nutrients are not absorbed and pass in the stool, leaving affected dogs perpetually hungry. These pets often have large bowel movements and obvious weight loss.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease. IBD affects the intestines ability to properly absorb nutrients. Dogs with this condition will often have an increased appetite along with weight loss, diarrhea, and occasionally vomiting. 

Cancer. Cancer often uses glucose as a source of energy to grow inside the body, therefore, dogs with cancer usually have an increased appetite. These pets will usually also have weight loss despite eating more and perhaps other signs of illness such as lethargy, weakness, vomiting, etc.

Intestinal parasites. Dogs with heavy burdens of intestinal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, or tapeworms will usually be hungrier than usual due to the stolen nutrients. Other signs of a parasite infection include weight loss, a poor hair coat, diarrhea, and possibly vomiting. It is very uncommon to actually see worms in your pet’s stool, so a lack of worms does not mean parasites are not present. 

Medications. Certain medications, particularly steroids like prednisone, can result in a noticeable increase in appetite. 

How to Deal With a Dog That Is Always Hungry

If your dog has a sudden increase in appetite, it is your responsibility to consult a veterinarian, determine the cause, and treat any medical or behavioral conditions if needed. 

If your dog simply overeats, it is your job to determine how much and how often they really need to eat to avoid the development of obesity. 

For dogs that are healthy but have seemingly insatiable appetites, adding healthy fiber to their diet can be a great way to help them feel full. This can be accomplished with prescription pet foods for weight management and/or weight loss, or by working with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to determine what can be added to their diet to supplement fiber without creating a dietary imbalance. 

Be cautious not to reward begging by giving your dog a treat every time they pull out their adorable puppy dog stare or sharing your snacks every time you rummage the pantry. Create firm boundaries around treats by giving them only after desired behaviors like sitting, staying, and/or pottying outside. 

Lastly, making sure your dog receives plenty of physical and mental stimulation can help dogs with hearty appetites enjoy decent amounts of treats without developing obesity or behavioral problems surrounding food. Simply taking your dog on a walk and allowing them time to stop and sniff as often as desired can be a great way to provide both physical and mental stimulation, burn calories, and enjoy parts of life outside of eating. 

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Fortunately, heart attacks in dogs are extremely rare events. Even so, it’s still important to be able to recognize a potential heart attack in a dog, as it is a serious and life threatening condition. 

Read on to learn about heart attacks in dogs, what to do during a dog heart attack, what to expect if your dog has a heart attack, and how you can prevent a heart attack in your dog. 

What Happens During a Heart Attack?

The medical term for a heart attack is “myocardial infarction.” Heart attacks occur when a vessel that brings blood to the heart is blocked. These vessels are called coronary arteries. They are usually blocked by an accumulation of cholesterol or fat, but other substances can also cause a full or partial blockage. This process is known as atherosclerosis. 

When the blood flow to the heart is blocked, the heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen, and the heart muscle begins to die. The heart is then unable to properly perform its normal function of pumping blood to the rest of the body. 

Heart attacks happen suddenly or acutely. This is different from cardiac disease or heart failure which are chronic diseases that progress over time. Usually, in the case of chronic disease, the heart reaches a breaking point where it can no longer keep up with the demands of the body. These episodes are sometimes mistakenly referred to as heart attacks, but are not the same. 

Can Dogs Have Heart Attacks?

Yes, dogs can have heart attacks, but they are very, very rare events. However, it is believed that due to a year-over-year increase in dog obesity, heart attacks in dogs may be becoming more common. 

There are also other serious cardiac conditions, such as cardiac arrhythmias which are abnormal heartbeat patterns, that can cause symptoms very similar to a human heart attack in dogs. 

Heart attacks can happen in dogs of any breed or size. Similar to humans, it is believed that older dogs are more likely to suffer from heart attacks than younger dogs. 

Causes of Dog Heart Attacks

There are several causes and risk factors for heart attacks in dogs, such as: 

Atherosclerosis. As mentioned earlier, this is the buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the arteries. This is rare in dogs, but is the cause of a “true” heart attack.

Obesity. While obesity does not cause a heart attack directly, excess weight leads to higher blood pressure and cholesterol, which both increase a dog’s likelihood for having a heart attack.

Nephrotic syndrome. Kidney failure or damage leads to a loss of protein, which can lead to blood clot formation. A blood clot that forms inappropriately in the arteries can block blood flow to the heart and lead to a heart attack.

Tumors. Masses or tumors growing on or around a dog’s heart and/or arteries can impede blood flow to the heart.

Hypothyroidism. An inadequate amount of thyroid hormone in dogs causes a slower heart beat and metabolism, weight gain and high cholesterol, and poor blood flow, all of which can lead to a heart attack.

Vasculitis. This is inflammation of the blood vessels and is usually a secondary symptom of other disease processes like autoimmune disorders or infection. Inflamed blood vessels are narrower and can increase a dog’s likelihood of having a heart attack.

Endocarditis. Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart’s chambers and valves is called endocarditis, and most commonly occurs due to a bacterial infection. This is seen most often in dogs with severe dental disease. 

Pre-existing cardiac disease. Chronic heart disease and heart failure in dogs is much more common than heart attacks. However, a dog with a weaker heart is more susceptible to a heart attack than dogs without pre-existing cardiac disease. 

Intense fear or stress. In response to sudden fear or distress, the body releases a large amount of adrenaline as part of the fight or flight response. This leads to a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause arrhythmias, constriction of blood vessels, and even heart muscle spasm, all of which can cause the heart to suddenly fail or decline. Fortunately, this is extraordinarily rare in humans and even less common in dogs. 

Signs of a Dog Heart Attack

Dogs experiencing a heart attack will display one or more of the following signs:

• Sudden collapse
• Weakness
• Fast heart rate
• Irregular heart rate
• Abnormal breathing
• Heavy panting that is not exercise or heat induced
• Difficulty standing
• Lethargy/exercise intolerance
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Tilted head
• Stiff forelimbs

What to Do During a Dog Heart Attack

If you suspect your dog is having a heart attack, the most important thing to do is remain calm. Your dog can sense your fear and anxiety which can make theirs even worse and exacerbate clinic signs. 

Instead, try your best to keep your dog calm to help slow their heart and make it easier for them to breathe. Wrapping your dog in a blanket and speaking softly and slowly to them can be soothing and help them calm down.

Next, contact a veterinarian right away and follow their guidance. Most likely, they will advise you to bring your dog to the clinic immediately, as the sooner your dog is stabilized, the greater chance they will recover. 

Do not attempt CPR on your dog unless you have been properly trained or a veterinarian advises you to do so. Incorrectly performed or unnecessary CPR can cause more harm than good. If your dog has collapsed and is unconscious, seek veterinary care right away.

Dog Heart Attack Recovery

Dogs who have suffered a heart attack or any other cardiac event often require hospitalization and supportive care for several days regardless of the cause. 

Your veterinary team will likely need to run a series of tests such as blood work, an echocardiogram, and an electrocardiogram to determine the cause of your dog’s heart attack and how to best help them recover moving forward. In many cases, a dog who experienced a heart attack will likely need both lifestyle modifications such as a better diet and more exercise as well as medications and supplements to help prevent another episode. 

How to Prevent Heart Attacks in Dogs

The best way to prevent a heart attack in a dog is to provide them with a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet, and avoid fatty treats like potato chips, french fries, and cheese that can lead to excess cholesterol. 

Keep your dog at a healthy body weight and make sure they receive plenty of exercise to keep their cardiovascular system strong. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are also great for helping your dog maintain a healthy heart, lower inflammation, and decrease cholesterol in the body.

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Wheezing is a sign that something is altering your dog’s breathing and should never be ignored. Read on to learn why dogs wheeze, what dog wheezing sounds like, common causes of dog wheezing, and how to treat wheezing in dogs. 

Why is My Dog Wheezing?

Wheezing occurs when something partially obstructs the normal flow of air through a dog’s airways. The partial occlusion can be either in the trachea or the bronchi, which are large tubes that carry air from the lungs to the trachea and vice versa. A partial occlusion could be due to swelling and inflammation in the trachea or bronchi, an object lodged in the airways, or numerous medical conditions.

What Does Dog Wheezing Sound Like?

Dog wheezing makes a characteristic sound, sometimes called stridor. It sounds very similar to the noise that humans make while wheezing. Wheezing dogs make a high pitched whistling noise that is more evident on the exhale, or breathing out, than the inhale. Typically, dogs will wheeze with their mouth open, but it can be heard through nasal breathing as well.  

Causes of Wheezing in Dogs

Wheezing can be caused by anything that irritates or causes inflammation in the airways. The most common causes of wheezing in dogs are:

Allergies

Allergies occur when a dog’s immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance—typically pollen, dander, mold, dust, etc. This overreaction causes the airways to become inflamed and swollen, which then constricts the air passages. The result is a wheezing dog. 

Typically, allergic bronchitis or allergic asthma will occur shortly after the pet inhales or is exposed to the allergic agent, such as stopping to sniff a plant while on a walk or at home while you are dusting off the fans or furniture. In some cases it can be seasonal, depending on what is blooming at the time.  

Wheezing secondary to allergies usually isn’t severe, although it can be uncomfortable for your pet. Therefore, you should still discuss this with your veterinarian and see if there are any adjustments or medications that can be prescribed to help keep your pet comfortable. In severe cases of allergies, such as after an insect bite, the wheezing can progress to anaphylaxis, which is life threatening if not addressed immediately.  

Asthma

Canine asthma, also referred to as canine chronic bronchitis, is most common in older small breed dogs. This condition is characterized by long term inflammation and excess mucus in the lungs. Usually, bronchitis results in coughing, but as the disease progresses, scar tissue forms in the lungs and a wheeze will develop.  

The cause of bronchitis isn’t always identifiable. In some dogs, chronic bronchitis is the result of recurrent cigarette smoke exposure, so always be sure to smoke outside the house or open windows on opposite sides of the room to create adequate airflow if you share a home with animals. Asthma in dogs is often triggered or worsened by poor air quality. Dogs suffering from asthma can benefit from adding an air purifier to the home and cleaning regularly to avoid dust accumulation. Unfortunately, asthma cannot be reversed, but dogs can be treated with low doses of steroids to help reduce the lung inflammation.

Infectious Diseases

Many infectious diseases in dogs can cause tracheobronchitis, or inflammation of the trachea and airways, that can result in wheezing. Canine infectious respiratory disease complex, casually referred to as Kennel Cough, is a common culprit. Dogs with upper respiratory infections typically spend time around other dogs regularly by visiting the dog park, doggy day care, the groomers, or even walking in the neighborhood. Usually these dogs have a cough but the secondary inflammation in the airways can leave an affected dog with a wheeze. 

Infectious parasites can also affect the airways. Heartworms live in the heart but are over a foot long. Sometimes they poke out of the heart valves and tickle the lung tissue, resulting in swelling and a cough or wheeze. Certain intestinal parasites have larvae that migrate through lung tissue before making their way to the abdominal organs, which has the same effect. Remember, just because worms are not seen in a dog’s stool, does not mean they don’t have parasites. Many times, internal parasites cannot be grossly detected in feces.  

Irritation

Many different substances can cause irritation to a dog’s airways. Common irritants include household cleaning products, perfumes, scented candles, incense, smoke, hairspray, and aerosol deodorants. Dogs who are sensitive to these products or certain scents can develop a wheeze when exposed to them. This cause of dog wheezing is often short lived and only happens when the dog has exposure to the product. Usually it isn’t serious, but it can be uncomfortable for your dog. Make sure you open windows to allow adequate airflow into the home when using these products around a sensitive dog, and avoid using aerosols with the dog in the room. 

Foreign Object

A wheezing dog could potentially have a foreign object stuck in their trachea or bronchi. If an object is partially occluding the flow of air, a wheezing noise can be observed as the air moves through the smaller space around the obstruction. This is different to a choke, in which the entire airway is blocked.  

Dogs with a foreign object in their airways will likely also cough or clear their throat repeatedly in attempts to dislodge the item. This issue is more commonly noted in younger dogs or dogs who have a tendency to chew on items like bones, balls, toys, or random household objects. It is also seen in dogs who run and play in densely wooded areas, as sometimes small sticks or plant materials can make their way down the nose or throat.   

This is always considered an emergency. Even if a dog seems to be breathing OK other than a wheeze, the object could move, causing a full obstruction. Or it could make its way to the lungs, causing a serious infection or a life threatening condition called a pneumothorax, in which the lungs are punctured.  

Tracheal Collapse

The trachea is a tube composed of cartilaginous rings held together by fibrous soft tissue. In humans, the trachea runs perpendicular to the ground, but in our four legged friends, it runs parallel to the ground. Therefore, it can be affected by gravity over time. As dogs age, the trachea can become weak and flimsy, and the top portion of the trachea begins to flatten out, blocking the flow of air through the windpipe. This mostly occurs in older small breed dogs. Dogs with a collapsing trachea will wheeze, cough, and gag, especially when pressure is applied to their neck, like when wearing a collar.  

Tracheal collapse cannot be reversed, so it’s important to take steps to manage the condition as soon as it begins. A veterinarian will take chest X-rays to diagnose the condition and prescribe medications to help ease coughing, wheezing, and airway inflammation. Small dogs should be walked on a harness as opposed to a collar to help prevent the condition from developing. 

Heart Disease

Congestive heart failure resulting from any form of heart disease leads to a buildup of fluid in a dog’s lungs. The fluid takes up room in the airways, and the affected dog might begin to wheeze. In most cases, congestive heart failure will affect older, small breed dogs, but even large and young dogs can be affected. These dogs will usually also cough, run out of breath easily, and in severe cases, their gums may appear purple or blue. Congestive heart failure is always an emergency and warrants a veterinary visit immediately.  

How to Treat a Wheezing Dog

Treatment for dog wheezing depends entirely on the cause. In many instances, some over-the-counter antihistamines are perfectly appropriate, while in other cases, dogs may need a short course of steroids or even prescription allergy medication to help them breathe more easily. In severe cases, dogs may require hospitalization for oxygen support while the underlying cause is determined and treatment is initiated.  

When to Worry About Wheezing in Dogs

While a dog wheezing is never something to ignore, fortunately, it’s usually not life threatening. If your dog is otherwise acting normally and eating and drinking well, you likely don’t need to run to the veterinarian right away. Simply monitor them in case it worsens and make an appointment with your regular veterinarian for evaluation.  

On the other hand, if your dog’s wheezing is also accompanied by difficulty breathing, a persistent hacking cough, weakness or collapse, facial swelling and hives, or blue/purple gums, take your dog to the emergency veterinarian immediately, as these could all be signs of life-threatening conditions. 

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Fortunately, there are many medical, supplemental, and holistic treatments that can provide reliable pain relief for dogs. In this article, we’ll discuss signs of pain in dogs, types of pain medications for dogs, and other pain relief techniques you can implement for your dog.

How to Tell If a Dog Is in Pain

Most dogs instinctively hide their pain. This was a great survival tool for dogs in the wild who didn’t want to be seen as an easy target for predators, but it isn’t so great for pet owners who find it difficult to determine whether or not their furry best friend is uncomfortable. Therefore, it is important that dog owners learn to recognize signs of pain in dogs. This will also help them determine if any pain relieving tactics you and your veterinarian try for your dog are working effectively.

Pain in dogs can manifest in a variety of physical and behavioral changes, some of which are more obvious than others. Dogs in pain may show one or more of the following signs:

• Limping
• Yelping or whining
• Decreased activity
• Irritability or abnormal aggression
• Hunched posture
• Decreased appetite
• Hiding
• Reluctant to walk or play
• Restlessness

OTC Pain Relief for Dogs

It’s easy to be tempted by our medicine cabinet and give our pet some of our tablets in an attempt to help them feel better. However, you should never administer pain medications to your dog without consulting a veterinarian first.

Most over-the-counter human pain medications are toxic to dogs. While low doses of aspirin may be tolerated by your dog, recent studies have suggested that it is a relatively ineffective pain medication in dogs, and likely to result in vomiting, diarrhea, or other adverse effects. Other medications such as Ibuprofen (i.e., Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (i.e., Aleve, Midol) are highly toxic to dogs, and should never be given, even in small amounts.

Acetaminophen, most commonly known as Tylenol, is relatively safe when given at the correct dose for dogs under the guidance of your veterinarian. However, this dose is not the same as the human dose due to metabolic differences between species. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause red blood cell toxicity, so always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog this medication.

Types of Pain Medication for Dogs

Veterinarians can prescribe a variety of highly effective pain medications that are generally safe for most pets to take. Pain medications for dogs fall into three main categories:

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs)

The over-the-counter medications mentioned earlier are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, but all of those are designed for human use. Veterinarians can prescribe NSAIDs for dogs that are specific for canines.

NSAIDs work by blocking a specific enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which the body uses to make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the precursors to inflammation. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, inflammation is reduced and less pain, discomfort, and fever is experienced. Unfortunately, prostaglandins are used for beneficial bodily processes like protecting the gastrointestinal tract and assisting in blood clotting. Therefore, to mitigate serious side effects, these medications should only be administered under direct supervision of your dog’s veterinarian.

Carprofen is one of the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs for dogs. It is also sold under the names of Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen, and Carprovet. Another very commonly prescribed NSAID for dogs is Meloxicam, also known as Metacam and Meloxidyl. Both of these NSAIDs work similarly in the body, and are prescribed to reduce pain and fever due to any cause such as post-operative pain, pain from trauma, or pain secondary to illness or infection.

Another NSAID prescribed with increasing frequency is Grapiprant, known mostly as Galliprant. This NSAID is specifically prescribed for treating osteoarthritis pain in dogs. Like other NSAIDs, Grapiprant reduces prostaglandins, however, it does not block COX enzymes, and specifically focuses on a dog’s joints. Therefore, it does not affect any other part of your pet and does not have to be cleared by the kidneys or liver. This makes Grapiprant a safer choice for senior pets or for chronic use in pets suffering from osteoarthritis, such as dogs with luxating patellas or hip dysplasia.

Opioids

Veterinarians can prescribe opioids to help control pain in pets. The opioids used by veterinarians are the same as many of those used for humans, such as morphine, entanyl, butorphanol, codeine, and buprenorphine.

Opioids are excellent pain-relieving medications. These medications inhibit pain by attaching to proteins on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, gut, and other parts of the body, which blocks pain messages from being sent through the spinal cord to the brain.

Opioids are usually handled very well with little side effects when used at the proper pain relieving dosages.

Typically, these medications will be used in the hospital or clinic setting on an in-patient basis. This is mainly due to the risk of drug abuse by humans. In some cases, however, especially when pets are extremely painful, your veterinarian may prescribe codeine tablets or even place a long acting transdermal fentanyl patch on your dog. Fortunately, we do not have to worry about addiction in pets, as they are unable to act on their urges.

Other

Depending on your dog’s specific cause of pain, your veterinarian may prescribe other pain medications such as gabapentin, methocarbamol, tramadol, and steroids. These medications are also prescribed in humans, but at different doses.

Gabapentin is prescribed for neuropathic pain relief, so it is commonly used in dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or cauda equina syndrome. However, gabapentin is also often prescribed for any soft tissue injury or trauma cases since there are nerves throughout a dog’s entire body that can contribute to their pain and discomfort. It’s not entirely understood how gabapentin works, but researchers believe it blocks calcium channels which reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and therefore dampens pain. Gabapentin is a very safe medication with its most common adverse effect being mild sedation or drowsiness.

Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant. By helping the muscles relax, tension dissipates and pain is reduced. This medication is often prescribed for dogs with back pain, acute inflammatory muscle disease, or traumatic wounds. While this medication is relatively safe, some dogs do not tolerate methocarbamol well and can develop lethargy, weakness, ataxia, and nausea.

Tramadol is a partial opioid agonist and works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. This medication was once prescribed often for dogs in pain, especially dogs that could not be given NSAIDs due to renal or liver disease. However, the latest research shows that Tramadol does not work well to relieve pain in dogs. It may still be prescribed, however, as it is relatively safe and a good option for dogs that can’t handle other pain medications well.

Steroids, such as prednisolone or methylprednisone, are not pain relieving medications directly, but work very well for reducing inflammation in a dog’s body when prescribed at a certain dose. By relieving inflammation, pain is secondarily reduced. Steroids are not a typical first option for pain relief as they have a long list of potential side effects, but in some instances such as ear infections, a short course of steroids can provide pain relief while also decreasing swelling and allowing for easier management and treatment of a dog’s disease.

Natural Pain Relief for Dogs

In addition to medications for pain relief, dogs can be given a variety of herbal remedies, such as turmeric or boswellia, or supplements like glucosamine and CBD oil. Unfortunately, the evidence behind most of these is mainly anecdotal. This does not mean that they don’t work, but it does mean that proven medications for pain relief should not be denied to your dog in favor of these alternatives. Instead, it is best to use them as conjunctive treatments.

The one supplement with proven efficacy is omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 supplements have been shown by randomized controlled studies to reduce inflammation and relieve pain for a variety of medical conditions in dogs. While this supplement can help, it should not be relied upon alone for sufficient pain control, and should be used as a part of a multimodal pain control approach.

Other Dog Pain Relief Tips

In addition to relieving pain through medications, herbs, and supplements, dog owners can make changes around the house to improve the comfort of their pet. Any dog that is feeling unwell should be given a quiet, clean, and comfortable place to rest. Activity should be limited until the pain is managed unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian. Dogs with mobility issues can greatly benefit by the use of an orthopedic dog bed and adding ramps or non-slip surfaces to the home, especially those with hardwood floors.

Veterinarians are also able to provide other non-invasive pain relieving treatments such as laser therapy, physical rehabilitation exercises, acupuncture, and more. Depending on the dog’s source of pain, owners can provide a massage to improve blood flow and aid in relaxation.

With so many options for pain relief in dogs, it can be overwhelming to know what to try for your pet. Your veterinarian will help guide you through the decision making process and together you can come up with the best pain control approach that works for you and your pet. Keep in mind that it can sometimes be a trial and error process. However, with a little patience and persistence, your dog can enjoy a comfortable and happy life.

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Let’s discuss the science behind chocolate toxicity in dogs, what happens if a dog eats chocolate, and what you should do if you catch your canine companion with their paw in the metaphorical chocolate chip cookie jar.

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?

No, dogs should absolutely never eat chocolate. Chocolate is a toxic food for dogs, and depending on your dog’s size and the type and amount of chocolate they ate, it could cause a serious medical emergency. 

While chocolate ingestion in dogs is rarely fatal, it can be if they eat enough. Even small amounts of chocolate can make your dog sick. 

Dog owners should avoid giving their dogs any people food that contains chocolate, or leaving their dog unsupervised around any tempting chocolaty goodies. 

Why Is Chocolate Bad for Dogs?

Chocolate is bad for dogs primarily because it contains two methylxanthines compounds: theobromine and caffeine. 

Theobromine poses a more serious risk to dogs, but both are problematic. Dogs cannot metabolize these compounds easily like humans, so they build up in their system and cause clinical signs of chocolate toxicity. 

Some chocolate varieties and candies are made sugar-free and sweetened using a substance called xylitol, which is also toxic to dogs. 

Types of Chocolate and Their Danger Levels

Different types of chocolate contain different levels of theobromine and caffeine. Below is a breakout of the types and the dangers they pose to dogs:

Dark Chocolate and Baker’s Chocolate: Chocolate varieties that are more pure, such as dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate, contain higher levels of these compounds, making them more dangerous for dogs than other types of chocolate. These chocolates are often used when baking and cooking, so pet parents should take extra precautions when working with dark chocolate. 

Milk Chocolate: Milk chocolate contains less theobromine and caffeine per ounce, but can still cause serious illness if enough is ingested. Keep milk chocolate candy away from dogs to prevent ingestion.

White Chocolate: White chocolate contains hardly any theobromine or caffeine, and is not nearly as dangerous as other chocolate varieties.

While milk chocolate and white chocolate contain less theobromine and caffeine, they do contain higher levels of sugar and fat. Although not necessarily toxic themselves, these ingredients can cause gastrointestinal upset and trigger serious illnesses like pancreatitis. 

What Happens if a Dog Eats Chocolate?

Ultimately, what happens if your dog eats chocolate will depend on their body weight, the amount of chocolate they ate, and the type of chocolate they ate. 

Both theobromine and caffeine affect nearly the entire body by increasing the heart rate, causing diuresis (increased urine production), dilating blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscle, and stimulating the nervous system. 

If your dog only consumes a small amount of chocolate (proportionately to their body size), the signs will likely be limited to the gastrointestinal system like vomiting and diarrhea. 

Larger doses of chocolate consumed by dogs will result in gastrointestinal upset in combination with more serious symptoms, such as:

• Panting
• Tremors
• Restlessness
• Increased heart rate
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Seizures
• Collapse
• Death

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity do not show up immediately. Since dogs do not metabolize theobromine and caffeine efficiently, they continue to build up as they are released by the digestive system, and signs of chocolate toxicity can continue to worsen over time. Without treatment, these symptoms can last for days as the affected dog’s body slowly breaks down the toxins.

Dog Chocolate Calculator 

If you know exactly how much chocolate your dog ate, what type of chocolate they ate, and your dog’s weight (in kilograms), it is possible to calculate whether or not they will develop any form of chocolate toxicity. 

Step 1: Determine Theobromine Per Ounce

Note: It’s best to always use the maximum amount of theobromine in your calculation so you don’t underestimate the dose. 

Step 2: Convert Pounds to Kilograms

To convert your dog’s weight to kilograms you divide their weight in pounds by 2.205. You can also use the chart below.

Step 3: Do the Calculation

Plug your numbers in using the following formula:

(Theobromine per ounce x ounces consumed) / Dog’s weight (in kilograms) = Dose of theobromine

Step 4: Understand Theobromine Dose Results

The result of your calculation can help you understand whether or not to go to the veterinarian. Any result greater than 20 mg/kg requires immediate veterinary intervention and treatment.

Chocolate Toxicity Calculation Example

Let’s say your dog weighs 22 pounds (or 10 kilograms), and you find out they ate a standard sized milk chocolate Hershey’s bar which is 1.55 ounces. 

Multiply the ounces of milk chocolate (1.55 ounces) by the concentration of theobromine in milk chocolate (58 mg/oz). This comes to 89.9 mg of theobromine consumed. 

Now you simply divide this number by your dog’s weight in kilograms (10 kg). So 89.9 mg of theobromine divided by 10 kilograms of body weight comes out to a dose of 8.99 mg/kg of theobromine. 

Here is the calculation example written out: (58 mg/oz x 1.55 oz) / 10 kg = 8.99 mg/kg.

At this dose, your dog will likely be okay, although you should expect them to have some vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy for a day or so since this is very close to the 10 mg/kg level of toxicity that causes gastrointestinal upset. 

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate

If your dog ate chocolate, do not wait and see whether or not they develop symptoms of toxicity. 

Start by calculating the ingested dose if you are comfortable using the directions above. If you are not comfortable performing the calculation or do not know how much chocolate your dog ate, call your veterinarian, the local emergency clinic, or Pet Poison Helpline for advice. Alternatively, you can simply bring your dog to a veterinary clinic or emergency veterinarian for evaluation and treatment if needed. 

Oftentimes, pet parents aren’t sure how much chocolate a dog ate, and a calculation of the dose they consumed isn’t possible. In these cases, it’s best to treat the dog quickly rather than taking a “wait and see” approach. 

When you are taking your dog to the veterinary clinic, be sure to bring any wrappers or packaging of what they ate, as that can help determine the maximum amount of theobromine they may have consumed. 

It’s always best to have dogs treated within the first hour of consumption, before digestion has taken place. This means the stomach contents can be emptied before the toxic compounds are released into their system. 

Treatment for chocolate toxicity can vary greatly depending on the dose a dog consumes, but starting treatment sooner rather than later always results in the best outcome for your pet and a lower cost to you. 

How to Prevent Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

Chocolate toxicity in dogs can be easily prevented by ensuring that your dogs never have the opportunity to consume chocolate or chocolate-containing goodies. 

Here are some simple ways to keep dogs away from chocolate:

• Never leave your dog unsupervised in an area where chocolate is within reach.
• Teach your dog to “leave it” or “drop it” so you can intervene if you see them about to snack on dropped chocolate.
• Store all chocolate items on the highest shelf in a closed off pantry. 
• Put a dog gate at the kitchen door to keep dogs away from food.
• Do not leave tempting chocolate treats in decorative bowls or under the Christmas tree during the holidays. 
• Make sure your children and guests know that chocolate can be harmful to dogs so they don’t share anything potentially dangerous.

Dogs and Chocolate: FAQs

Can chocolate kill dogs?

Yes, if dogs consume chocolate in great quantities, they can die. However, death from chocolate ingestion in dogs is rare. Fast treatment can offer dogs a better prognosis and outcome. 

How much chocolate can kill a dog?

A fatal dose of chocolate for dogs is 100 milligrams of theobromine per kilogram of body weight. However, some dogs may die from smaller doses of theobromine. Different types of chocolate have different levels of theobromine. Dogs are more likely to die or experience serious complications if they consume dark chocolate, baker’s chocolate, or cocoa powder. 

Can dogs eat white chocolate?

While white chocolate is not as toxic as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, it is still not recommended for dogs. White chocolate contains high levels of fat and sugar, which can lead to pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal problems in dogs. 

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A common concern that plagues new puppy parents is noticing their sweet puppy breathing fast while sleeping. Is this normal? Should you be worried? 

Read on to learn more about puppy respiration, why your puppy might be breathing fast while sleeping, whether or not you should be concerned, and what you should do if you notice fast puppy breathing during sleep.

Understanding Puppy Respiration

Before we can say that a puppy is breathing “too fast,” it is important to know what the normal respiration for a puppy should be. The normal respiratory rate for a puppy at rest is between 15-40 breaths per minute. This is higher than an adult dog, which is between 10-30 breaths per minute while resting. 

Puppies take more breaths at rest than adult dogs because they are growing and require more oxygen to fuel their quick metabolism and cellular growth. 

The best way to evaluate your puppy’s breathing rate is while they are sleeping. This is not the same as lying down – they need to truly be asleep. That way, you know they aren’t breathing quickly because they just finished playing, are excited, are hot, etc. 

To figure out your puppy’s breathing rate, set a timer for 60 seconds and count the number of times their chest rises and falls as they take breaths while asleep. 

Why Is My Puppy Breathing Fast While Sleeping?

If your puppy’s breathing rate is between 15-40 breaths per minute, the rate is considered normal and you have nothing to worry about.

However, if your puppy’s breathing rate is above the average range, there are a couple reasons why this may be happening. Some are completely harmless, while others may require a discussion with your veterinarian.

Normal Causes of Fast Puppy Breathing

Here are some normal reasons your puppy is breathing fast while sleeping:

Recent exercise or play. The most common reason a puppy will be breathing quickly while resting is from a recent play session. If your puppy just finished wrestling a new toy, chasing you around the living room, or jumping on other pets, they need more oxygen than normal to release all that built up carbon dioxide and replenish their cells. This is a normal and unconcerning cause of fast puppy breathing. If this is why your puppy is breathing quickly, their respiratory rate will begin to slow down as they rest – usually within the first 10-15 minutes. 

Temperature. If your puppy is sleeping outside on a warm day, if they are resting near a heat source like a heating pad, if it’s warm inside their enclosure, or if they just finished playing outside on a warm day, they may simply be breathing quickly to lose heat. Panting or quick breathing is the most effective way for dogs to lose heat. 

If you suspect this is why your puppy is breathing too quickly, steps should be taken to cool them down, as puppies are extra susceptible to heat stroke.Turn down the heat, remove the heating pad, aim a fan towards them, and/or bring them into the air conditioning to help cool them down. Always make sure they have plenty of water. 

Dreaming. Perhaps the cutest reason for a puppy breathing fast while sleeping is dreaming. Yes, puppies dream just like we do! These types of dreams occur during REM sleep, and other physiologic changes are noticed too, such as an increase in heart rate. Puppies who are breathing fast due to a dream will usually also show other signs of a vivid dream like twitching and even whimpering or howling. There is no need to wake your puppy up if you notice these signs, but an easy way to make sure they are simply dreaming is to nudge them awake and see if the fast breathing stops.

Fear or anxiety. Puppies can have raised stress levels when they first enter a new home, and they may experience a little anxiety after being separated from their mother and litter mates. Emotions like stress, anxiety, and fear will cause an increase in cortisol, which is the hormone responsible for the fight or flight response. This hormone will raise the heart rate, which results in a subsequent elevation in breathing rates. Typically, the stress response will subside once a puppy is deeply asleep, and in time, your puppy will be used to their new home and family. 

Abnormal Causes of Fast Puppy Breathing

Now that we’ve covered the normal reasons a puppy will breath fast while sleeping, let’s discuss some reasons that could be cause for concern:

Pain. Puppies are as clumsy as they are adorable, and sadly, they are known to hurt themselves from time to time. They can also accidently be dropped, kicked, or stepped on due to their small size. If your puppy is in pain, they’ll breathe more quickly. Usually, you’ll notice a limp or perhaps a swollen area to help key you in that your puppy is in pain. If this is the suspected cause, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian so they can receive safe, effective pain medication along with any other treatments your puppy may need.

Heart disease. Occasionally, puppies are born with congenital heart defects. Inside the uterus, your puppy’s heart is one large pump with open holes between the four different chambers. At birth, these holes should close so that blood can now be diverted to the lungs or to the rest of the body. If one of these holes fails to close, it can lead to a murmur and insufficient heart beat in the affected puppy. Puppies can also have abnormally narrow vessels or leaky/weak heart valves. 

An insufficient heart beat can result in blood not oxygenating well, which will require a faster heartbeat and also a faster respiratory rate in an attempt to gain more oxygen. Puppies with a congenital heart defect will usually be weaker, tire easily, and will always have a higher respiratory rate than normal. These defects can be deadly, and a visit to the veterinarian is critical. 

Lung disease. Puppies have weaker immune systems than adult dogs. Therefore, they are susceptible to airway infections and diseases like pneumonia, influenza, kennel cough, and more. These diseases impede the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. Subsequently, puppies with lung disease have to breathe faster to make up for the reduced oxygen intake they receive with each breath. The worse these infections become, the harder it will be for your puppy to take enough oxygen. 

Puppies with lung disease will usually also show other signs of illness like lethargy, coughing, nasal discharge, and a reduced appetite. They should see a veterinarian for treatment right away as the sooner the illness is identified, the better the prognosis is. 

Anemia. Red blood cells are needed to carry oxygen around the body and distribute it as needed. If a puppy has low red blood cells, also known as anemia, they will need to work harder to circulate the red blood cells they do have around the body faster. This causes the heart and lungs to work harder than usual and you will see a rise in your puppy’s respiratory rate. 

By far and away the most common cause of anemia in puppies is parasites. Both internal parasites like hookworms, and external parasites like fleas, can cause serious blood loss in puppies. Other diseases, like Parvovirus infection, can cause severe anemia in puppies. Anemia for any reason can be deadly in puppies if left untreated. Anemic puppies will often have pale gums, are constantly cold, and are often weak and lethargic. 

Severe dehydration (hypovolemia). Another component of blood that is important for transporting oxygen is volume. A large part of blood is water. If puppy’s become too dehydrated, there isn’t enough volume in the blood to adequately circulate the red blood cells and distribute oxygen. 

Puppies can easily become dehydrated from illness, heat, too much play, etc. A puppy with vomiting and/or diarrhea can become severely dehydrated within 1-2 days. Always make sure your puppy has access to fresh drinking water and never withhold water from puppies. They need 3-4 times the amount of water that adult dogs need. Any puppy with vomiting or diarrhea should see a veterinarian immediately. 

Diaphragmatic hernia. Another congenital abnormality puppies can be born with is a type of diaphragmatic hernia called a peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). This happens when the diaphragm, which separates the abdomens from the lungs, does not develop properly. Abdominal organs, like the liver and small intestine, can slip through the defect in the diaphragm and compress the lungs of affected puppies. This results in rapid breathing that usually does not resolve with time. This condition can be life threatening. 

Should your puppy be diagnosed with a medical condition, a pet insurance policy from Spot Pet Insurance can be very helpful. You should make medical decisions for your pup based on what they need and not on financial limitations. Consider customizing a plan that works for you and your puppy now and throughout their life.

Puppy Breathing Fast: Is it Normal?

The majority of time, a puppy breathing fast while sleeping is normal and nothing to worry about. This is especially true if the rapid breathing only lasts a few minutes and is infrequent. Likely, they just finished a good play session right before flopping down for a nap, or maybe they are experiencing a vivid puppy dream. 

However, there are some cases, as discussed above, that are worrisome and require a visit to the veterinarian. If your puppy’s fast breathing does not resolve or you notice other troubling symptoms, make sure to contact your vet. 

What to Do If Your Puppy is Breathing Fast While Sleeping

If you notice your puppy breathing fast while sleeping, there is no need to act immediately. 

First, make sure they are truly sleeping and not simply lying down, then count the number of times they take a breath in 60 seconds. If the number is above 40, continue to monitor them to see if it slows down after 10 minutes or so. Their breathing rate should slow down if your puppy was playing or they were anxious before taking their snooze. Also watch for any other signs that might indicate they are dreaming, like twitching and making little noises. 

If the respiratory rate stays high even after they have been sleeping for 10-15 minutes, and you don’t notice any other signs of dreaming, it could indicate that something more serious is going on beneath the surface. At this point, it’s a good idea to make sure they aren’t too warm, especially if it’s warm where they are resting, and make sure they have plenty of access to water. Check their gums to make sure they are nice and pink.

If you notice pale gums, or any other signs of illness such as lethargy, weakness, a loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, a bloated abdomen, fleas, limping, etc. your puppy should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is not advised to wait longer than a day for a veterinary appointment, as illness and disease can progress quickly in puppies, so take them to the emergency clinic if necessary. 

To summarize, the next time you notice your puppy breathing fast while sleeping, know that it is likely nothing to be concerned about, especially if they aren’t showing any other signs of illness. Give your sweet pup a good inspection, and always contact a veterinarian if you notice anything abnormal just in case. The sooner an issue is found, the easier it will be to treat and the better the chance your puppy will have for a full recovery.

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So how can you determine if your cat is overweight? Or perhaps you are worried your cat is actually too thin? If you’ve ever asked yourself how heavy should my cat be, read on to learn how to identify a healthy weight for your feline companion so you can better manage their overall health and longevity.  

Average Cat Weight: What the Scales Say

The average domestic cat should weigh roughly 10 pounds or 4.5 kilograms, although this can vary greatly. Factors such as breed, sex, spay/neuter status, and age can all affect a cat’s ideal weight range. For example, a male Maine Coone can be 25 pounds and considered ideal, while a female Persian cat can weigh 8 pounds at a healthy weight. Many cats are mixed breeds these days, which can make it even harder to determine an ideal range for “all cats.” 

Another issue with using the “average” cat weight to help you determine if your individual cat is within their ideal range is the fact that more than 60 percent of cats in the United States are now overweight or obese. This skews the average toward a heavier number than is actually ideal for most cats.  

We make it easy to track your pet’s weight using our FREE weight tracker. Sign up today!

How Heavy Should My Cat Be?

Cats, like humans, are individually unique and special. Therefore, there is no “one size fits all” weight recommendation. Instead, owners and veterinarians can rely on specific indicators to determine whether or not a cat is over or under their ideal weight.  

The best way to determine if your pet is at a healthy cat weight is to ask your veterinarian. While your veterinarian will weigh your cat, they will also evaluate their frame size and lean muscle mass to determine a healthy weight for your cat. Most veterinarians are trained using the Body Condition Scoring method, which you can also learn to use yourself to help manage your cat’s weight.  

Body Condition Scoring is the act of physically and visually assessing an animal to determine their Body Condition Score (BCS). BCS is measured on a scale of 1-9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being severely obese. A BCS of 4-5 is considered ideal. 

The three main places used to determine a cat’s BCS are their ribs, waist, and lower abdomen.  An ideal cat with a BCS of 4-5 will have a distinct waist where their ribs end and their abdomen begins, and it should be visible from their topline and profile. You should be able to easily count their ribs by gently applying pressure with your fingers and they have minimal abdominal fat under their belly.  

Underweight cats with a BCS of 3 or less will have visible ribs and vertebrae that can be counted without touching, a very sharp waist, and no abdominal fat.

Obese or overweight cats with a BCS of 6 or more will have a belly that hangs down when viewed from the side, their abdomen will often be wider than their ribcage when viewed from the topline or profile, and you will not be able to count their ribs using gentle pressure with your fingers.  

Purina has created an easy-to-follow cat body condition chart that all cat parents can print out and hang up next to their pet’s food container for reference. It can be used as a daily reminder of what your cat should look like, so you can more easily notice if they have strayed out of a normal body condition score and take steps sooner to correct the issue. 

Why Maintaining a Healthy Cat Weight is Important

As mentioned, feline obesity is not a benign disease, meaning that it isn’t wise to turn a blind eye to your cat’s pudgy waistline. Cats carrying around extra body weight have extra stress and strain on their body. Overweight or obese cats are more likely to develop serious health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, painful arthritis, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, kidney disease, and more. Cats suffering from obesity do not live as long as their lean companions.  

On the flip side, it is also important to ensure that your cat is not underweight. Unintentional weight loss in cats can be a sign of serious health conditions such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or diabetes mellitus.  

By maintaining a healthy cat weight, you increase their chances of living a longer, more comfortable life. 

Obesity complications in felines can reduce a cat’s lifespan by an average of two years. Therefore, weight management is important for cats of all ages, especially older cats. Obesity in cats has been linked to various types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, and urinary disorders. Furthermore, carrying around excessive weight can worsen osteoarthritis, heart disease, and respiratory disorders in cats.

Maintaining a healthy weight for your senior kitty is imperative. Gentle exercise that’s easy on the joints (and without excessive jumping or sharp turns) is ideal for senior kitties; using a feather toy or wand can be inviting. On the other hand, sudden or gradual weight loss that has been non-purposeful can indicate an underlying health condition in a senior cat. Therefore, speak with your veterinarian if your once plump older feline is suddenly looking a lot more frail than previously.

How to Help a Cat Lose Weight or Gain Weight

The easiest way to treat excess weight in cats is to avoid it to begin with. It is much harder to lose weight than it is to simply take proactive steps to maintain a healthy cat weight, which are outlined in the next section. 

If you notice that your cat is looking more round than they should or used to, or if your veterinarian recommended that your cat lose weight, here are some easy weight loss tips for cats:

• Switch to a weight management cat food
• Measure out portioned meals to ensure your cat is not taking in excess calories
• Make sure to limit treats and only offer low calorie treats throughout the day
• Separate cats on a diet from their housemates during mealtimes to prevent them from stealing extra food
• Encourage your cat to exercise by feeding them with food puzzles, playing with them for 10 minutes at least three times daily, having them chase a laser pointer, or purchasing interactive toys
• Consider forage feeding to increase both mental and physical stimulation.  

If you suspect your cat is underweight or if you’ve noticed your cat is losing weight, it’s highly recommended that you first schedule a veterinary visit to rule out serious medical causes of weight loss. Even if you have taken in a stray that is underweight but otherwise seems healthy, they could need medical intervention for internal or external parasites that are leaching critical nutrients from them.  

Once your veterinarian has ruled out medical causes of cat weight loss, helping your cat gain weight is simple. Start by increasing portion sizes of meals or consider switching to a higher calorie cat food. While it’s tempting to spoil a skinny cat with treats, do not go overboard. Treats lack essential nutrients and can result in your cat putting on more fat than muscle, instead of a steady amount of both. Once your cat has reached an ideal weight, transition them to a weight management diet to prevent them from gaining too much. 

How to Maintain a Healthy Cat Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight for cats starts with the basics. Rather than “free feeding” your cat or cats by leaving food out all day, measure out their meals so you can control their calorie intake.  Make sure you are feeding a quality, complete and balanced diet so they aren’t missing any essential nutrients, and ensure they have access to fresh, clean drinking water all day. 

Weighing your cat regularly is another key in maintaining a healthy weight. Baby scales work well for this, or you can simply weigh yourself with and without your cat and then subtract the difference. By checking your cat’s weight regularly, you’ll be able to notice changes in weight before you can visibly see them. It’s a good idea to weigh cats at least once a month if not more. 

Most importantly, do not underestimate the importance of exercise for cats. Encourage cats to chase toys or climb, and consider leash and harness training them so they can get those steps in. Building lean muscle mass will not only help boost your cat’s metabolism, but it helps cushion and protect their joints.  

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Let’s discuss the risks of high temperatures to our dogs, how to recognize heat related problems in dogs, how to keep a dog cool and cool a dog down quickly, and how to help prevent your dog from overheating to begin with. 

Dogs and Summer Heat: 3 Dangers to Be Aware Of

Heat and warm weather activities can become dangerous for dogs if pet parents don’t take the proper precautions or learn to recognize signs of trouble. Here are some summer dangers for dogs to be aware of:

Overheating and Heat Stroke

A dog mainly loses heat through panting, or evaporative cooling. As the outside air moves over moist airways, it evaporates the warm moisture and heat is lost. This relies on good hydration and rapid breathing to move the air quickly. On humid days, this system is even less effective since evaporation is not as efficient. Dogs are also able to lose heat through conduction, or by sitting or lying on a cool surface to help bring their body heat down.

Since neither of these cooling mechanisms are as effective as sweating, dogs can overheat quickly and easily, especially on hot, humid days. In temperatures as low as 75 degrees, a dog’s internal temperature can rise to dangerous levels quickly, such as when they are inside of a car, resulting in heat stroke. Heat stroke, also called heat exhaustion, is a serious medical emergency that requires aggressive, supportive treatment. 

Dehydration

Dogs are also at risk of dehydration during summer play. Not only are they losing water through normal body functions and exercise, but panting requires moisture to evaporate to work. This moisture evaporation results in additional water lost. The longer a dog plays outside and the more aggressively they pant, the more likely they are to become dehydrated.  

Burns

Paw pad burns are another common summer threat for dogs. Surface temperatures can be 40 to 60 degrees warmer than ambient air temperatures. Asphalt and concrete temperatures can reach 125 degrees when in direct sunlight at temperatures as low as 77 degrees. This is warm enough to burn a dog’s paw pads, especially if they stand and walk on it for more than a brief moment. 

Dogs can also suffer from sunburn – especially those with light or white coats. Dog-safe sunscreen should be applied to exposed areas. 

Signs of Heat Related Problems in Dogs

Pet parents must be able to quickly identify the signs of heat stroke so they can take actionable steps to reduce their dog’s temperature and save their life. 

Signs that your dog might be struggling to cope with the heat or developing heat exhaustion include:

• Excessive panting
• Refusing to stand/walk
• Dark or bright red tongue and gums
• Stumbling
• Collapse
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Seizures

If you notice these signs, you must take immediate steps to help cool off your dog (keep reading for tips), and find a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. 

Numerous body systems and major internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys and the brain, are all affected by extreme body temperature elevation. Some complications like clotting disorders may not appear for up to 48 hours after the event. It is best to have your veterinarian examine your pet – even if they are no longer showing signs of heat stroke – so that no complications are overlooked and a care plan can be established. 

How to Cool a Dog Down Quickly

If you notice any signs of heat stroke in your dog, or if they simply seem to be too hot, use these steps to help cool them quickly:

Step 1: Pour cool water over your dog’s back, but do not submerge your dog in water.

Step 2: Aim a fan towards your pet to improve airflow and aid in heat loss.

Step 3: Provide cold drinking water or even ice cubes for your pet to lick and chew. 

Sept 4: Wet their paws and ears to help with heat loss.

Step 5: Find a well shaded, cool area for them to lay down. 

Step 6: If possible, rush them inside an air conditioned building or vehicle. 

A few things you should NEVER do include:

Do not cover a dog with a wet towel, as this actually traps heat close to their body.

Do not submerge your dog in ice cold water.

Do not shave double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, or Huskies, as their coat actually aids in keeping them cool. 

How to Keep a Dog Cool in the Summer

The best way to keep your dog safe in the summer is to avoid allowing them to become overheated to begin with. Follow these best practices so that your dog can enjoy summertime safely:

Stick to morning and evening activities. Avoid outdoor exercise or play during peak daylight hours. Instead, take advantage of cooler temperatures in the early morning or late evening. 

Watch the humidity. Keep an eye on the humidity index and avoid long walks or play on humid days. 

Keep water handy. Always have plenty of fresh drinking water on hand to avoid dehydration.

Never keep dogs in hot cars. Never leave your dog in a parked car for even a short amount of time, as internal car temperatures can reach dangerous levels quickly.

Look for shade. Choose shady paths, trails, or fields when possible.

Try water-based activities. Opt for water activities to help keep them cool, even if it’s just setting up a sprinkler in the backyard for your dog to run through or setting up a dog pool for some wading. 

Pause for breaks. Take more frequent breaks on hot days for your dog to rest and cool down. 

Fan them off. Add a fan to their crate or environment for added airflow.

Try cooling beds. Use cooling mats or raised mesh beds to help dogs lose heat through conduction. 

Be careful with brachycephalic breeds. Be particularly careful with flat faced dogs (i.e. Frenchies, pugs, etc.), older dogs, and those that are overweight, as they develop heatstroke more easily than other dogs. 

Summer Must-Haves for Dogs

In addition to taking proper steps to keep your dog from overheating, there are some awesome products to make this even easier for pet parents.

Here are my top recommendations to keep your pets cool and safe while you’re out having fun this summer

• Carry a dog water bottle
• Use a doggy life jacket for novice swimmers
• Provide a cooling pad
• Have them wear a cooling products a bandana or vest
• Create pupsicles using a silicone dog treat mold and ice cream mix designed specifically for dogs
• Use an AC extender to make sure your dog gets a cool blast in the back seat
• Use a crate fan for added airflow
• Set up a doggy pool in the backyard

Pet parents are definitely not restricted to “dog only” cooling products. A good old fashioned backyard sprinkler and shade canopy are also easy items to add to your toolbox to help keep your furry friend cool in the summer. 

Summertime does not mean your dogs have to sit in air conditioning all day, instead, it simply means pet parents have to be a little bit more diligent and careful while enjoying the sunshine. Use this article to help you and your best fur friend have a fun and safe summer!

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While our dog’s paw pads are thick and tough, they aren’t shoes and are susceptible to burn and injury when in contact with hot surfaces, especially for longer periods. Continue reading to learn some ways to identify burnt dog paws, common causes of dog paw burns, treatment for burned dog paws, and how to prevent your dog’s paws from burning. 

Dog Paw Burns: What Are They and How Do They Happen?

A dog’s paw pads are composed of sheets of specialized keratin (aka skin cells) to form thick cushions that protect your dog’s feet and provide traction. Although paw pads are durable and less sensitive than the rest of a dog’s skin, they are composed of skin cells and experience wear and tear like the rest of the body.

A paw pad burn occurs when the outer layer of a dog’s paw pad is exposed to extreme heat or caustic agents, destroying the skin cells starting from the outermost skin layer and moving deeper. Dog paw pads are most commonly burned in the summertime from walking on hot surfaces like concrete sidewalks or asphalt roads. 

Paw pads can also be burned from walking on tennis courts, outside decks, around the edge of a pool or any other surface exposed to the intense summer sun. The longer a dog stands or walks on a hot surface, the more likely they will experience a burn and the worse it will become.

Other less common causes of paw pad burns are walking through chemical spills, walking over coals from a camping fire or being caught in a fire. 

Surface temperatures can be 40 to 60 degrees warmer than ambient air temperatures. For example, asphalt and concrete can reach 125 degrees in direct sunlight at temperatures as low as 77 degrees. This is warm enough to burn a dog’s paw pads, especially if they stand and walk on it for more than a brief moment. 

What Do Burnt Dog Paws Look Like?

Dogs often ignore or mask discomfort if it means spending more time outdoors with their humans. Even when their paw pads are burning, owners often don’t notice until afterward, once the pain has become so intense their dog can no longer hide it, or when you return home and your dog starts whining or licking at their feet. 

Signs of burned dog paws include:

• Limping
• Refusing to walk
• Holding a paw abnormally
• Licking at the paws excessively
• Whining or yelping

If you notice these signs, carefully examine your dog’s paw and pads. A paw pad burn will look like a red, ulcerated area on the pad. Paw pad burns can also appear like fluid-filled blisters on the pads, which will later burst open. 

In some cases, the paw pad will simply look more red than average, then a few days later, the affected skin will slough off, leaving a red, painful ulcer in its wake.

Treatment for Burned Dog Paws

If you noticed your dog has paw pad burns shortly after you were playing outdoors on a hot day, immediately rinse their paws or have them stand in a cool bath for 10 to 15 minutes. This will cool the skin and help keep the burn from worsening. 

Then, examine the paw pads closely to determine whether the burn is mild or needs medical attention. Mild first-degree burns will just be red and irritated, but the skin remains intact. If your dog has open ulcers or blisters, you should take them to the veterinarian immediately, especially because they may need pain medications as burns can be very painful. 

You can treat minor paw pad burns at home. Here are some steps to do this:

Step 1: Start by gently cleaning the burn with a mild antibacterial dish or hand soap and water. Do not use harsh substances like hydrogen peroxide or vinegar, as that can further irritate the painful burn. 

Step 2: Apply an over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment to help soothe the skin and prevent infection. 

Step 3: You can gently wrap the paw to help your pet feel more comfortable and prevent licking, just be careful not to make the bandage too tight. Bandages must be removed and changed daily so you can check the burns to ensure they are healing appropriately, reapply ointment and ensure the bandage is not cutting off circulation to the paw. 

If your dog bites or licks at their paws or bandages, an Elizabethan collar (aka the cone of shame) should be applied until the burns are healed. Minor burns should be fully healed in seven to ten days. During that time, it’s important that the dog stays rested and limits time on their feet. 

When to See a Veterinarian

In the case of more severe burns that are ulcerated, oozing or blistered, a veterinarian will need to see your pet. They will usually prescribe pain medications to keep your pet comfortable and antibiotics for deeper burns to help prevent infection. Your veterinarian may apply bandages to the paws and will probably send your dog home in an Elizabethan collar. 

Again, it will be essential that your dog does not lick or chew at their paw pads, as that can delay healing and cause infection, and they should be rested to allow the skin to heal. 

How to Protect Dog Paws From Hot Pavement

Hot summer days do not mean your dog has to sit at home. Keep your playtime from turning into a series of unfortunate events by taking these simple steps to avoid paw pad burns:

Seek out shade. Stick to well-shaded or grassy walking paths for outdoor play time in the summer.

Check surface temps. Check surface temperatures before taking your dog on a walk using the palm of your hand. If the surface is too hot for you to leave your palm down for more than ten seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Opt for morning walks. Walk your dog early in the morning, before the sun has had time to heat the pavement, or later at night after the sun has set and the surface temperatures have cooled.

Stick to light surfaces. Avoid dark surfaces like black asphalt, which tends to heat up very quickly in direct sunlight.

Try protective dog gear. Buy booties or shoes for your dog to protect their paws from hot surfaces or rough terrain.

Play in the water. Consider water-based activities like swimming instead of walking or running on hot days.

Apply paw protection. Apply paw butter to help moisten paw pads and keep them healthy. 

The post Burned Dog Paws: 7 Tips to Avoid Injuries appeared first on Great Pet Care.

White, foamy dog vomit is a relatively common reason dogs visit the vet. While it could be a benign symptom, there are times when white foam dog vomit can indicate a severe underlying condition.

Read on to learn why your dog might be vomiting white foam, what it means when your dog has white foam vomit and when to seek veterinary attention.

Dog Vomiting White Foam: Is It a Cause for Concern?

All dogs will occasionally have an upset stomach and vomit. It can be alarming when it happens, but it’s important to observe your pet for any other signs of illness or repeated episodes of throwing up. You should also take note of the color and contents of the vomit. 

White foam vomit typically occurs due to extra gas and saliva in the stomach. Gas in the stomach mixes with liquids to create a bubbly, foam-like liquid. White foam can also form in the respiratory tract if liquid in the airways mixes with air. Dogs vigorously coughing can sometimes be mistaken for vomiting. 

If your dog has only vomited white foam once, it’s okay to wait and observe them for 24 hours, especially if they are acting like themselves otherwise. Keep an eye out for more vomiting or other signs of illness like diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, collapse, etc. If any of these symptoms are noted, take them to a veterinarian. Do not wait more than 48 hours to seek veterinary care in these instances, as the longer you wait, the worse a condition can become and the more challenging and more expensive it can be to treat. 

If your dog is vomiting white foam repeatedly (once a day, a week or even once a month), they should see a veterinarian. It is not normal for a dog to throw up regularly, even if they seem okay otherwise.

Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

There are many reasons why your dog may be vomiting white foam, some of which are not concerning, while others can be life-threatening. Here are the most common reasons your dog is vomiting white foam:

• They have an upset stomach. An upset stomach can cause a dog to hypersalivate, swallow more saliva than usual and vomit white foam. Dogs experiencing occasional stomach upset will usually bounce back within 24 hours. 
• They ate something they shouldn’t have. If your dog ate something they weren’t supposed to, such as stealing food off the counter, rummaging through the trash, or nibbling up something in the backyard, it can irritate their stomach and cause them to vomit until their stomach is empty and only white foam or bile comes up. 
• They have bloat or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV). Bloat is a severe medical condition and can lead to GDV (when the stomach becomes rotated). This is a very uncomfortable and painful condition for dogs. They attempt to rid the air from their stomach by retching and vomiting, but only white foam comes up. Affected dogs will be noticeably uncomfortable and often retch and vomit repeatedly. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for survival. 
• They have an obstruction. Occasionally, dogs ingest something they cannot digest properly, like socks, toys, large bones, corn cobs, etc. These items are too large to move through your dog’s intestinal tract and become lodged somewhere past the stomach and before the colon. This will cause intestinal secretions to back up into the stomach and lead to vomiting. Intestinal obstruction is a severe medical emergency. These pets cannot keep anything down and will even vomit water. 
• They ate something toxic. Ingesting something toxic, like a household cleaner, houseplant, human medication or pesticide, can lead to white foam dog vomit. Some toxins are mild and might only cause temporary upset stomach, while others can lead to serious illness and even death. If you suspect your dog ate something toxic, it’s best to take them to a veterinarian immediately. 
• They have a respiratory illness. Common upper respiratory diseases like kennel cough can cause dogs to have a harsh hacking cough, often producing white foam. Many people mistake this hacking for their dog vomiting white foam. Most of these upper airway diseases are non-threatening, but in dogs with a weaker immune system, they can progress into pneumonia if left untreated. 
• They have an intestinal parasite. Some parasites, like lungworms and heartworms, directly affect the airways and cause dogs to cough up white foam with such force that it can be mistaken for vomiting. Other intestinal parasites that live in the intestinal tract as adults migrate through the airways as larvae and can have a similar effect. Heartworm disease can be fatal if left untreated, but it can be prevented with veterinary-prescribed preventives.

White foam dog vomit can be a sign or symptom of other diseases, including pancreatitis, infectious diseases, kidney disease, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. Anything that causes your dog to feel nauseous can lead them to vomit white foam. These cases are often, but not always, associated with lethargy, weight loss and potentially diarrhea. 

Treatment for White Foam Dog Vomit

Treating your dog’s vomiting depends entirely on the cause. In many cases, veterinary care is needed. However, if infrequent episodes of white foam vomit are your dog’s only symptom and they have no other signs of illness such as diarrhea, weakness, weight loss, or loss of appetite, it’s appropriate to try some home therapy before seeking veterinary care. 

How can you treat it at home?

The best thing to do for a single episode of white foam vomit in an adult dog is withholding food and water for 12 hours. This will allow the stomach to settle. Offer your pet food after this period and see what they do. If they eat with gusto and go on as usual, you have nothing to worry about. However, if they refuse to eat or if they eat and then vomit again, it’s time to go to the vet. 

It is not recommended to withhold food and water from puppies as they are at risk of developing dehydration, so they should go to the veterinarian sooner rather than waiting. 

Urgent veterinary care is needed in other situations, such as when your dog has vomited multiple times in 24 hours, continues to vomit after 24 hours or has other signs of illness. 

How will your vet treat it?

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and review your pet’s history with you. Be sure to tell your veterinarian everything you know about your dog’s medical history, including any medications or supplements they take and any recent changes to their health. It can be beneficial to bring any records to the appointment and know exactly what diet they are eating. 

Your vet may recommend diagnostics such as blood work, urine and fecal testing, and abdomen radiographs (X-rays). From there, they can work on treating the specific disease process or disorder. This may include surgery, medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, gastric acid reducers (like Pepcid), hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy, deworming, and more. 

In mild cases, especially those in which the dog is generally healthy otherwise, they may recommend starting with fluids and injectable anti-nausea medications and feeding your dog a prescription-based bland diet for a few days. 

All featured products were chosen at the discretion of the Great Pet Care editorial team and not directly recommended or endorsed by the author of this article. Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

General Cost to Treat Dog Vomiting White Foam

Depending on the level of care needed, the general cost to treat a dog vomiting white foam may vary widely. For example, if your dog requires an over-the-counter medication under veterinary guidance, it may cost a few dollars.  

Dogs who have continuous bouts of vomiting white foam will need a veterinary visit at the very least. Here are some cost ranges for the most common tests and treatments associated with diagnosis and treatment. Costs fluctuate by region, state, and a regular veterinarian vs. an emergency or specialty service. 

Costs can add up quickly, even if the problem is a minor one. One resource every pet parent should consider having is pet health insurance such as MetLife Pet Insurance. Many plans can help cover the cost of medical expenses related to accidents or illnesses. Some plans even offer preventative care package options to offset the cost of non-emergency medical care for your dog.

How to Prevent Dogs From Throwing Up

The best way to prevent your dog from vomiting is to keep anything they should not eat, lick, or chew out of reach and supervise them diligently when exploring new areas or playing with toys. Unfortunately, there is no way to eliminate vomiting entirely, as many illnesses occur without an identifiable cause.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to try to reduce the chance that your dog will vomit: 

• Make sure your dog has a wellness visit yearly to ensure they are in good health, and consider running routine lab work to catch any diseases or disorders before they manifest into major health concerns.
• Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date to prevent unnecessary infectious diseases. 
• Feed your dog a complete and balanced diet. 
• Transition slowly to a new diet if switching their food. 
• Limit human food treats to low-fat, bland (i.e., no spices added) fruits, vegetables and lean meats.
• Keep plants, medications, chemicals, cleaning materials, the trash bin, human food and any other potential toxins stowed away in a cabinet or closet that your dog cannot open.
• Watch your pet closely when playing with toys, especially if they like to rip things up. 
• Have your pet dewormed annually and keep up to date on heartworm prevention. 

Remember, the sooner a disease or disorder is identified and treated, the better your dog’s prognosis and the less expensive it will be to treat. If your dog is vomiting and you’re unsure what to do, call your veterinarian and ask them for advice. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad if my dog throws up white foam?

Any dog owner will tell you, all dogs occasionally vomit. While it can be alarming, it’s important to observe your pet for any other signs of illness or repeated episodes of throwing up before you panic. White foam vomit usually means your dog has extra gas or saliva in his stomach. If he only throws up white vomit once and does not show signs of diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, or collapse, you probably do not need to consult your vet.

What home remedies can I give my dog for vomiting? 

The best thing to do for a single episode of white foam vomit in an adult dog is withholding food and water for 12 hours. This will allow the stomach to settle. If, however, you notice signs of diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, or collapse, you should contact your vet immediately.

How can I settle my dog’s stomach after vomiting?  

After you have withheld food and water for 12 hours after vomiting, your vet may recommend a bland diet to help settle his stomach.

The post Dog Vomiting White Foam: Causes and Treatment appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Yellow dog vomit, in particular, is a relatively common reason that dogs visit the veterinary clinic. While it could be a benign symptom, there are times when a dog vomiting yellow can indicate a serious underlying condition. 

Read on to learn why your dog might be vomiting yellow, what it means when your dog has yellow vomit, how to treat and prevent your dog from throwing up, and when to seek veterinary attention.

Dog Vomiting Yellow: Is It a Cause for Concern?

All dogs, just like all people, will occasionally have an upset stomach and vomit. It can be alarming when it happens, but it’s important to observe your pet for other signs of illness or repeated episodes of throwing up. You should also take note of the color and contents of the vomit. 

Yellow vomit typically indicates stomach bile. The yellow coloration is usually very evident if your dog’s stomach was empty when they vomited. If you notice any blood or red-tinge to the vomit, it’s likely a good idea to take your dog to the veterinarian, as this could indicate a stomach ulcer, which can be painful and worsen over time.

If your dog only vomited yellow a single time, it’s okay to wait and observe them for 24 hours, especially if they are still acting like themselves otherwise. Keep an eye out for more vomiting or any other signs of illness like diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, or collapse. If any of these other symptoms are noted, take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as you can. Do not wait more than 48 hours to seek veterinary care in these instances, as the longer you wait, the worse a condition can become, and the harder (and more expensive) it can be to treat. 

Another indication that your dog should see a veterinarian for their yellow vomit is if the vomit happens repeatedly, such as once a day, once a week, or even once a month. It is not normal for a dog to throw up regularly, even if they seem okay otherwise.

Types of Yellow Dog Vomit

Yellow dog vomit doesn’t always look the same. It may appear as:

• Yellow foam
• Yellow mucus
• Watery yellow liquid 

Typically, when a dog vomits bile, it will be a small amount of vomit with a yellow foamy appearance. Bile in vomit can also appear like a slimy yellow mucus. 

Less frequently, yellow dog vomit can be watery. Typically, watery vomit is seen if your dog drank a lot of water before throwing up. This can still indicate bile, but watery yellow vomit is not as common.

Usually, when a dog vomits bile, it’s linked to an empty stomach, so there will often be little to no kibble or food in your dog’s throw up. 

Sometimes, a dog’s throw up is yellow for reasons unrelated to bile. Usually, in these cases it will be more watery and possibly contain grass or another object causing the vomit to be yellow. 

Why is My Dog Vomiting Yellow?

When dogs vomit yellow, it is usually caused by bile. Bile is a natural substance that is produced by a dog’s liver and assists with the digestive process. It is stored in the gallbladder and released into the very first part of the small intestine, or the duodenum, just beyond the stomach. 

While bile is the most common cause of yellow vomit in dogs, there are some other reasons you may see your dog throwing up yellow. Here are the most common causes:

Bilious Vomiting Syndrome

Some dogs have a condition in which whenever their stomach is empty, the bile can back up into the stomach. This irritates the stomach and causes the dog to vomit. Dogs with bilious vomiting syndrome often vomit early in the morning or late at night. It typically occurs in younger dogs. These dogs often do not lose their appetite and behave normally otherwise. 

This syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that your dog should see a veterinarian to make sure their vomiting is not a sign of something more serious. 

Liver and/or Gallbladder Disease

A disorder or disease of the liver, which produces bile, or the gallbladder, which stores bile, or both, can cause a dog to have repeated episodes of yellow vomit. Dogs with liver disease often do not feel well overall, so other signs of illness might be noticed such as lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice, or weight loss. 

Eating Something They Shouldn’t

If your dog ate something they weren’t supposed to, such as stealing food off the counter, rummaging through the trash, or nibbling up something (potentially disgusting) in the backyard, it can irritate their stomach and cause them to vomit until their stomach is empty and bile comes up. 

Food Allergies or Dietary Intolerances

Consuming a food, ingredient, or substance that they are allergic to can cause your dog to vomit and yellow bile may be seen. This is usually noticed after switching to a new dog food, or switching foods too quickly. However, allergies and dietary intolerances can develop at any point in a pet’s life. Dogs who are vomiting because of a food allergy or dietary intolerance will typically vomit soon after eating and there will be food or kibble present. 

They Ate Something Yellow

Your dog vomiting yellow doesn’t always mean bile. In some situations, they ate yellow grass, food made with yellow dye, or even a yellow object not intended for consumption, like a child’s rubber ducky. In these situations, you will often see the originally yellow ingested object, like blades of grass, in the vomitus, but you might not—especially if the object is too big or heavy to make its way back up the esophagus. 

Intestinal Obstruction

Occasionally, dogs ingest something they cannot digest properly, like socks, toys, large bones, avocado pits, etc. These items are too large to move through your dog’s intestinal tract and become lodged somewhere past the stomach and before the colon. This will cause intestinal secretions, like bile, to back up into the stomach and lead to vomiting. An intestinal obstruction in dogs is a very serious medical emergency. These pets cannot keep anything down, and will even vomit water. 

Other Diseases

Yellow dog vomit can be a sign or symptom of many major systemic diseases such as pancreatitis, infectious diseases, kidney disease, internal parasites, inflammatory disorders, toxin exposure, cancer, and more. These cases are often, but not always, associated with lethargy, weight loss, and potentially diarrhea. 

Treatment for Yellow Dog Vomit

Treating your dog for yellow vomit depends entirely on the cause. In many cases, veterinary care is needed. However, if infrequent episodes of yellow vomit is your dog’s only symptom, and they have no other signs of illness such as diarrhea, weakness, weight loss, or loss of appetite, it’s appropriate to try some home therapy before seeking veterinary care. 

The best thing to do for a single episode of yellow vomit in an adult dog is withhold food and water for 12 hours. This will allow the stomach to settle. Offer your pet a small amount of bland food after this period and see what happens. If they eat with gusto and go on as usual, you have nothing to worry about. However, if they refuse to eat or if they eat and then vomit, it’s time to go to the vet. It is not recommended to withhold food and water from puppies, as they are at risk of developing dehydration, so they should go to the veterinarian sooner, rather than waiting. 

If your dog has repeated, single episodes of yellow vomiting in the morning or late at night, try feeding a late night snack and an earlier breakfast. This will help decrease the interval overnight at which your dog’s stomach is empty. If this change does not work, it’s time to see your veterinarian to rule out more serious diseases. 

In all other situations, such as when your dog has vomited multiple times in 24 hours, continues to vomit after 24 hours, or has other signs of illness, veterinary care is necessary. 

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and review your pet’s history with you. Be sure to tell your veterinarian everything you know about your dog’s medical history, including any medications or supplements they take and any recent changes. It can be very helpful to bring your pet’s medical records to the appointment, and to know exactly what diet they are eating. Be completely honest and straightforward about anything around the house your dog may have eaten. 

Using this information and their physical exam findings, your vet may recommend diagnostics such as blood work, urine and fecal testing, and radiographs (X-rays) of the abdomen. From there, they can work on treating the specific disease process or disorder. This may include surgery, medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, gastric acid reducers (like Pepcid), hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy, deworming, and more. 

In more mild cases, especially those in which the dog is generally healthy otherwise, your veterinarian may recommend starting with fluids and injectable anti-nausea medications, and feeding your dog a prescription based bland, easily digestible diet for a few days. 

How to Prevent Vomiting in Dogs

The best way to prevent your dog from vomiting is to keep anything they should not eat, lick, or chew out of reach, and to supervise them diligently when they are exploring new areas or playing with toys. Unfortunately, there is no way to eliminate vomiting entirely as many illnesses occur with no identifiable cause.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to try to reduce the chance that your dog will vomit: 

Remember, the sooner a disease or disorder is identified and treated, the better your dog’s prognosis will be and the less expensive it will be to treat it! If your dog is vomiting and you’re unsure what to do, call your nearest or regular veterinarian and ask them for advice. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

The post Dog Vomiting Yellow: Causes and Treatment appeared first on Great Pet Care.

In this article, we’ll decode nail and paw biting in dogs, why they do it, when it’s a problem, and what pet parents can and should do about it.

Dogs Chewing Paws and Nails: Is it Normal?

Occasional brief sessions of paw licking and chewing are normal dog grooming behaviors. Most dogs will lick and chew their feet to clean themselves, especially after walks or play sessions outside. Some dogs may also exhibit this behavior as part of their nightly routine while they settle into bed or throughout the day while they are relaxing. 

However, if your dog has suddenly started licking or chewing in a way they never have before, such as much longer than normal or more aggressively than usual, it can be a sign that something is wrong. It’s also a cause for concern if your dog is incessantly licking, biting, or chewing at their feet. 

Typical grooming sessions don’t last much longer than five to 10 minutes maximum, and your dog should never leave themselves with raw or red paws afterward. It’s abnormal for your dog to stay up all night obsessing with their paws or to stop on walks or play sessions to bite or chew their paws. These scenarios are a good reason to inspect your dog’s feet and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. 

Why Do Dogs Chew Their Paws and Nails?

There are many reasons dogs bite and chew their nails. Abnormal reasons for paw licking and chewing include:

Allergies

Dogs with allergies usually have red, itchy skin and paws. Allergies are the most common reason dogs bite, chew, and lick at their feet frequently and repeatedly. 

Dogs with both environmental allergies and food allergies will often develop red, inflamed feet (along with other areas of their body), and they may start to lose fur in these places. Despite popular belief, environmental allergies are much more common than food allergies in dogs. Only about 10 percent of dogs suffering from allergies have a true food allergy. 

The inflammation in their paws is itchy and uncomfortable, so allergic dogs will bite, chew, and lick at their paws and nails to relieve the discomfort. These dogs will usually be gnawing on all four paws instead of just one. Allergies become progressively worse with time, so a dog may start just a little itchy and become more uncomfortable over time. 

Over-the-counter antihistamines are unfortunately not very effective in most dogs with allergies. Apoquel is a commonly prescribed oral medicine for allergic itch in dogs that provides fast, effective relief. Your veterinarian can work with you to help identify, alleviate, and manage your dog’s allergies. 

Injuries

Paw and nail injuries are relatively common. Our dogs don’t wear protective shoes like we do and are liable to hurt themselves while out and about in the world. Your dog may have irritated or cut their paw by stepping on something sharp or walking on a hot or rough surface, like gravel.

Dogs sometimes step on acorns, rocks, or other small objects that become lodged between their toes. Their nails can sometimes become torn, ingrown, or even broken during rough play or even on leisurely strolls.

If your dog is licking or chewing their paw due to an injury, they will typically be focused on one foot in particular, and it will have started abruptly. Dogs with an injury to their paw may or may not limp, depending on their pain tolerance and the location of the wound. The sudden, persistent paw chewing will usually be a new behavior for them and will last much longer than regular grooming sessions. 

Carefully check the top and bottom of your dog’s paw, and look between the toes, too. Minor scrapes or irritations are likely to heal with some simple, at-home first aid, but a veterinarian should examine cuts, wounds, or nail injuries. In most cases, paw injuries are not serious, and with proper wound care, antibiotics and pain medications, your dog will recover just fine.

Some dogs are very protective of their feet and may not allow you to examine their paws yourself. In these cases, it’s best to go to the veterinarian sooner rather than later so a professional can help check for any potentially painful or serious problems.

Parasites

Parasites, like fleas or mange, can cause our dogs to bite and chew frantically and constantly. Bites from these parasites leave the skin red and inflamed. Dogs with flea or mite infestations will often bite all four feet and will usually be red and itchy on other spots of their body as well. Ticks can also cause an itching sensation. If a tick attaches to your dog’s paw or between their toes, your dog may chew at it to stop the itch and remove the tick.

These pests can be challenging to find, so just because you don’t see any parasites doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Your veterinary team can employ specialized techniques and tests like skin scraping to determine if parasites are causing your pet to tear their feet apart.

Pain

A common reason our pets lick themselves is to alleviate pain. Dogs experiencing pain in or near their paw will regularly lick the area. This is often seen in dogs with arthritis but can occur with any painful condition involving the leg or paw. 

Dogs licking their feet due to pain will often focus on the specific paw that is uncomfortable instead of all four feet. In most cases of joint pain or arthritis, there will be no obvious redness or swelling noticeable on the outside of the paws unless they lick the area raw. Your veterinarian can take radiographs (or X-rays) of your dog’s lower legs and paws to confirm this cause of persistent paw licking. 

Paw Pad Disorders

Cracked, dry, or damaged paws can be painful and cause constant paw licking or chewing by our canines. Certain autoimmune disorders, like pemphigus, can cause painful lesions on the paw pads. In these cases, dogs are likely to bite all four paws. Other issues, like paw pad corns often seen in Greyhounds, lead our dogs to bite or chew the area incessantly and are usually limited to just one paw. 

Treatment for these conditions will depend on the underlying cause. If your veterinarian is concerned about an autoimmune disorder, a biopsy may be needed. Corns often need to be surgically removed. Over-the-counter paw balm is usually an effective remedy for dry or cracked paws. 

Infections

Bacterial and yeast infections of paw pads, nail beds, and/or skin on their feet can be another cause of consistent foot nibbling by our dogs. These infections can be secondary to paw chewing for another reason, like allergies or an injury.  

Infections can be localized to one paw or occur on all four paws. The affected paws will usually be red, hairless, and swollen. Infected nails will often turn dark brown near the base of the nail, and pus can sometimes be seen from the nailbed. 

A combination of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medications are usually needed in cases of infection. Additionally, your veterinarian will often need to determine what led to the development of the infection to begin with and decide whether the infection was the cause of the licking or vice versa. 

Anxiety

Overly anxious pets repeatedly lick or bite their paws and nails to self-soothe. It can help distract them from their anxious thoughts and gives them something to fixate on. Anxious dogs usually lick their front paws. The paws typically do not have any signs of redness or outward irritation. 

Dogs develop anxiety for many reasons. By working with your veterinarian, a trainer, and maybe even a canine behaviorist, you can find the best way to relieve your pet’s stress. 

Boredom

Lastly, if you and your veterinarian have ruled out other, more problematic causes of incessant paw licking, the reason may be boredom. Bored dogs will lick, bite, and chew their paws and nails to occupy their mind. Try increasing playtime with your dog to burn some of that energy and reincorporate training sessions to satisfy their mental drive. Providing food puzzles, safe chew treats, or motorized toys can help keep their attention away from their feet. 

Dog Chewing Paws and Nails: When to Worry

Every dog is different. Familiarizing yourself with your dog’s everyday habits and their typical amount of paw licking or chewing can help you recognize when something is out of sorts. 

Although dogs are expected to lick or chew their feet occasionally, sudden onset or constant licking or chewing is different. Dogs should never bite or chew their paws so vigorously that they leave their feet red, raw, or damaged. 

Your veterinarian should address paw or nail biting, chewing, or licking if it’s beyond the realm of normal behavior or if you aren’t sure whether it’s happening too much. A veterinary visit is necessary if the behavior is accompanied by limping, bleeding, swelling, redness, hair loss, pain, sores, or signs of infection like odor or drainage. 

How to Stop Dogs From Chewing Paws and Nails

Stopping your dog from chewing on their nails and paws relies heavily on determining and managing the cause of the behavior. Any parasites and infections must be treated, allergies must be managed, injuries should be doctored, pain should be addressed and boredom or anxiety must be mitigated. 

For example, if your dog is chewing their paws like crazy and your veterinarian suspects allergies are to blame, they may prescribe a medicine for allergic itch, such as Apoquel.

Applying an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) or similar dog-cone alternative is a good short-term measure to stop your pet from licking their paws while you are waiting for a veterinary visit. Your veterinarian may also advise an e-collar at the start of treatment to keep your pet from causing further damage or a delay in healing. 

Wrapping your pet’s paws to stop biting and chewing is usually not a good idea. Many pets will simply rip off the bandaging, and some will even eat it, which can lead to intestinal obstruction. If the bandage is applied too tightly, it can cut off circulation to the paw and cause tissue death. Additionally, infections can take root if the bandage is left on too long or becomes wet or dirty, and further complications develop. 

The best way to stop your dog from chewing their paws and nails is to work with your veterinary team to determine and treat the cause.

The post Dog Chewing Paws and Nails: Reasons and How to Help appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Fortunately, the key to achieving and maintaining a healthy coat for dogs is more simple than one might think. Read on for simple and straightforward healthy skin and coat tips for dogs. 

What Your Dog Needs for a Healthy, Shiny Coat 

While grooming is perhaps the first thing you think of when it comes to reaching a healthy coat for dogs, it is important to realize that a shiny coat on the outside starts with a healthy dog on the inside. 

Dogs who are sick or stressed will conserve nutrients for essential bodily functions, and their coat will become lackluster. Similarly, dogs who are not receiving appropriate, adequate nutrition will be unable to produce a glossy coat. A dull, dry, or flakey coat could be the external indicator of an internal issue. 

Breed also plays a role in the look and feel of a dog’s coat, as well as how to manage their fur. Terrier breeds, for instance, naturally have a coarse coat, while other breeds, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, have softer, longer hairs. Some breeds, like Siberian Huskies, have a double coat consisting of a short, fluffy undercoat with longer, thicker hairs on top. 

The amount of time and technique needed for grooming will vary greatly depending on a dog’s coat length and texture, and the overall size of your dog. However, there are still some basic grooming principles that apply to all dogs (more on that to come). Developing a proper and consistent dog grooming schedule might be the simple fix needed to bring out the shine in your dog’s coat. 

Healthy Coat for Dogs: 8 Tips to Try

If you want to bring out the shine and ensure your dog’s skin and coat is healthy, follow these tips.

Feed a Complete and Balanced Diet

In order to maintain healthy skin and a glossy coat, your dog requires a complete and balanced diet. Your dog needs quality proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins, and it’s critical that they receive them in the proper “balanced” ratios. Constantly growing new hair and turning over skin cells requires energy, so it’s also important that dogs are taking in enough calories to meet that energy demand.

If your dog’s diet is poor quality or not easily digestible, your dog may not be able to extract necessary or sufficient nutrients from their food. It’s important to note that the ingredient list on a pet food bag does not indicate the quality of the ingredients nor how bioavailable the nutrients may be. Improperly balanced diets can cause dysfunction in certain body systems and result in impaired skin function. This is most commonly seen with improperly balanced home prepared meals or when vitamin and mineral supplements are added to diets inappropriately. 

Your dog should eat a diet specifically formulated for their life stage (i.e., puppy, adult, senior) and health status. Comparing diets can be confusing and overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian with any and all nutritional questions.

Provide Supplements for Coat Health

Pet store shelves are brimming with bottles, bags, and jars of supplements for a healthy coat. The majority of these are formulated with a source of omega-3 fatty acid combined with other ingredients. Omega-3 fatty acids have been repeatedly proven as the most beneficial supplement you can give your dog for skin and coat health, and most commercial dog foods for a healthy coat will include them. 

Not only are omega-3 fatty acids a natural and effective anti-inflammatory agent, but they also bulk up the skin’s natural fatty acid barrier and provide healthy fats to fortify and gloss your dog’s coat. Cold water fish such as anchovies, sardines, and salmon are the best source of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs. Dogs are not equipped with the many enzymes humans have to convert omega-3 fatty acids from plants into the biologically active forms EPA and DHA, therefore, hemp seed and flax seed are not as beneficial. 

Coconut oil is another source of healthy fats for dogs when fed in moderation. While it is not a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, it does provide healthy fats that dogs can use to strengthen their skin barrier and nurture their coats. It can also be used topically to moisten dry skin, noses, and paw pads. 

Comparing supplements for coat and skin health can seem daunting. Asking your veterinarian for recommendations is a great way to ensure that your dog will benefit from the product or supplement you invest in. 

Make Bathtime Routine

Bathing your dog will remove any dirt, debris, and odors from their coat and skin, and will also help to clear away any allergens that cause skin irritation. A good rule of thumb is to bathe dogs every 2-4 weeks depending on their individual needs, unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian. Bathing too frequently can dry out a dog’s coat and lead to flaky skin. 

Some pets require more frequent bathing if they tend to become dirty or perhaps if they suffer from allergies. In these cases, using a gentle shampoo formulated for dog coat and skin health or prescribed by your veterinarian is recommended. 

Using harsh soaps (like dish soap) can deplete a dog’s skin of its natural fatty barrier and leave their coat and skin dull and dry. In all cases, use a mild shampoo that is specifically formulated for dogs and following up with a nourishing conditioner for dogs to leave their coat soft, smooth, and shiny. 

Schedule Time for Brushing

Brushing your dog is essential to achieving that gleaming coat. Whether your dog has short or long hair, brushing will help remove debris from the coat and stimulate cell turnover. Additionally, it will pull out any of those dead, dull hairs, leaving behind the glistening, healthy hairs. The best part of regular brushing is that it will reduce the amount your dog sheds around the house or on your clothes, and it has shown to be a great way to strengthen the human-animal bond. 

Dogs with long hair and double coats will need brushing several times a week, if not daily. For double coated breeds, like German Shepherds, using a brush specifically formulated to reach their undercoat is ideal. Short-haired dogs will benefit from just one quick brushing session weekly. 

Provide Consistent Parasite Prevention

External parasites like fleas and ticks can irritate your dog’s skin causing them to scratch, bite, or chew at themselves. This self-inflicted trauma leads to microtears in the skin barrier and secondary skin infections, leaving your dog with red, crusty skin and a poor, thin coat. Furthermore, fleas and ticks carry a variety of illnesses, some of which can be life threatening. These very small insects are often missed by owners, so even if you aren’t seeing fleas or ticks, it’s best to keep your dogs protected year round. 

Internal parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms, survive by leaching nutrients from their hosts. Dogs with intestinal parasites will lose essential nutrients and the quality of their coat will diminish. Testing your dog’s stool annually for worms, as well as providing regular deworming as prescribed by your veterinarian, is important to ensure they aren’t losing nutrients to internal thieves. 

Manage Any Allergies 

Dogs who suffer from allergies experience an upregulation of inflammation in their skin causing redness and itchiness. The inflammation in the skin also alters their skin barrier and allows for opportunistic infections, which leads to more itching, infection, and irritation. Essentially, allergies lead to a snowball effect of worsening skin disease and poor coat health. 

Unfortunately, allergies cannot be cured, and must be managed long term. Identifying the allergens and working to avoid them is possible in some cases (such as food allergies), but in the more common cases of seasonal or environmental allergies, avoidance isn’t always feasible. If you suspect your dog has an allergy, work with your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s allergy and how to address and manage them. 

Offer Your Dog Regular Exercise

Activity gets your dog’s heart pumping and the blood flowing. Regular cardiovascular activity improves circulation even when pets are resting. This increase in circulation helps the blood carry necessary nutrients to the skin and other organs. Not only does this enhance overall health, but it improves the quality of your dog’s skin and coat. 

Exercise also prevents obesity, which is a major contributor to total body inflammation and decreased health, both of which can lead to a reduction in the quality of your dog’s fur. 

Maintain Overall Health

A happy and healthy dog who is eating appropriate amounts of a complete and balanced diet will be easily able to maintain a shiny coat. When your dog is in good health, the nutrients they ingest are used for normal body functions and maintenance, such as organ function, digestion, cell turnover, muscle repair, and more. After more essential bodily functions are satisfied, additional nutrients can be used for other tasks such as growing that luscious coat. 

Pets who are combating an illness such as an infection, organ dysfunction, parasites, stress, or endocrine disorders are forced to divert more resources and energy to fighting the illness and any associated inflammation. Therefore, they are not able to spare any nutrients for healthy skin and a shiny coat.  

When to Call Your Veterinarian

If your dog’s coat remains lackluster after applying all the tips above, or if they develop any other signs of illness such as decreased energy or anorexia, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. A dull, dry coat or flakey, crusty skin can be signs of an internal medical issue. Even if your dog seems normal, your veterinarian has a trained eye and hands, and may uncover something even the most dedicated pet parents can overlook. 

By feeding a high-quality complete and balanced diet, adding helpful supplements, establishing a regular grooming routine, and striving to keep your dog free from disease and in great health will reward you with a happy dog. Plus, their shiny coat will be turning heads on your next walk around the block. 

The post Healthy Coat for Dogs: 8 Tips and Tricks to Try appeared first on Great Pet Care.

So what if your favorite treat is gummy bears or other gummy candy? Can dogs eat gummy bears? 

Let’s discuss if our canine companions can eat this sugary treat or other gummy candies. We’ll also dive into potential dangers of feeding gummies to dogs and what to do if your dog gets into a bag of gummy bears. 

Can Dogs Eat Gummy Bears?

While gummy bears and gummy candies are a delicious treat for humans, they are not intended for canine consumption, and should never be shared with our dogs—even if those puppy eyes start to wear you down.

Regular gummy bears and candies are formulated with a large amount of sugar. While sugar is not directly toxic to dogs and unlikely to be life threatening if ingested, it can cause a slew of problems if eaten frequently or in large amounts. Therefore, think twice before feeding your dogs any gummy bears, gummy candies of any kind, and even fruit snacks. 

Much more concerning are the sugar-free variety of gummy candies. These gummies are artificially sweetened with an ingredient called xylitol, which is extremely toxic and life-threatening when consumed by dogs. It’s an emergency if your dog eats anything that contains Xylitol, such as sugar-free gummy bears, sugar-free chewing gum, or any other sugar-free treats. 

Why Are Gummy Bears Bad for Dogs?

As mentioned earlier, one of the main ingredients in gummy bears and gummy candies is sugar. Sugar isn’t harmful to our dogs in small quantities, so if your dog eats one or two gummies every once and a while, it isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, in small dogs or puppies, it’s more likely to cause an upset stomach or gastroenteritis. 

Dogs with gastroenteritis can experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which is never fun for them or those of us who have to clean up the mess. In some cases, dogs can experience such severe gastrointestinal upset from sugar ingestion, that they can become significantly dehydrated and require hospitalization for supportive care. 

Regularly sharing sugary treats such as gummy bears with our dogs can also cause them to gain weight. Obesity in dogs is linked to numerous health concerns such as osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, infections, and more. 

Since most of our dogs don’t brush their teeth after consuming sugary treats, feeding them gummy bears or other gummy candy can also predispose them to dental disease. 

Some dogs are particularly interested in sharing treats with us, and might not differentiate between the candy and the wrapper it came in. If your dog ingests the wrapper or packaging on gummy bears, they could choke or it could become lodged in their stomach or small intestine, resulting in a gastrointestinal obstruction—a life threatening situation. 

The greatest danger lies in the sugar-free gummy bears or other sugar-free candy that contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener. Xylitol is found in sugar-free gummy bears, sugar-free chewing gum, jelly beans, fruit snacks, breath mints, chewable vitamin gummies, protein bars, peanut butter, mouth wash, toothpaste, medications, and more.

When a dog consumes xylitol, it causes a sudden release of insulin in their body. This insulin causes all their blood glucose (or blood sugar) to shift into their cells, causing their blood sugar levels to plummet dangerously. Without enough sugar circulating in the bloodstream, a condition called hypoglycemia, your dog’s body cannot function properly. Dogs will often vomit, become lethargic, lose coordination, tremor, collapse, have seizures, or even die if blood sugar drops low enough.

Xylitol also causes liver damage. Usually the damage is transient and heals with time and medications, but dogs who ingest enough xylitol will experience liver failure, which is a fatal condition.

As recreational marijuana use becomes legal and more acceptable, veterinarians are seeing an increase in cases of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) toxicity in dogs. In many cases, these dogs consumed “edibles” in gummy form. While it is unlikely to be fatal if your dog consumes an edible, it can have serious, dangerous side effects. These include vomiting, incoordination, tremors, hypothermia, disorientation, hypersalivation, hyperexcitability, inappropriate vocalization, and more.

What To Do if Your Dog Eats Gummy Bears

If your dog eats gummy bears, first and foremost, don’t panic. Start by checking the label for any toxic ingredients, such as xylitol. If the gummy does not include xylitol and your dog only ate one or two gummies or candies, you’re probably in the clear. Monitor them for any signs of gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If those develop, take them to a veterinarian.

However, if your dog ate a whole bag of gummies and/or parts of the packaging, especially if they are a small dog, they should probably be taken to a veterinary clinic immediately. A veterinarian can give them an injection to make them vomit, which can prevent them from developing serious gastroenteritis or a gastrointestinal obstruction. 

Medical attention is likely necessary if your dog ate a gummy or other candy containing xylitol. If your dog is acting normally without any signs of illness, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 888-426-4435. This hotline will help you decide if any treatment is needed for your dog based on how much they ate. Alternatively, you can call your veterinary team or take your dog to the nearest emergency clinic to be safe.

If your dog is showing any signs of illness, take them to a veterinarian immediately. It can help if you call the veterinary clinic or hospital to let them know you’re on the way. Don’t forget to bring any product packaging with you and tell the veterinary staff that your dog ate xylitol. It’s also helpful to note the approximate time your dog ate the toxic substance. 

How To Prevent Your Dog From Eating Gummy Bears

The best way to prevent your dog from eating gummy bears, gummy candy, or any candy in general is to keep them safely out of reach. 

These treats should be stored inside cabinets or cupboards that our dogs cannot open. Do not leave gummy bears, gummy candy, or any other candy within reach, even for a minute, as it only takes a second for our dogs to scarf down something potentially toxic or harmful to them. Furthermore, do not leave them on the counter or any other exposed surface like a dining table, as our athletic canine friends can find their way up if tempted. 

Dogs are masters at rifling through backpacks and purses, even when they are zipped, so keep your bags and your children’s bags out of reach if they contain anything your pet might be tempted to eat. 

If you are tempted to include your dog in indulging your sweet tooth, consider feeding them something specifically formulated for dogs to avoid any negative side effects. 

The post Can Dogs Eat Gummy Bears? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Let’s review common weird dog noises, why dogs make them, and if the noises warrant a trip to the veterinarian. 

Why is My Dog Making Weird Noises?

There are four main reasons dogs make noises:

• Communication
• Respiration
• Digestion
• Discomfort or Disease

Dogs can’t speak the way humans do. Instead, they rely on a variety of sounds, coupled with body language, to communicate with humans and other animals. From barking, panting, yowling, whining, yelping, and more, dogs are making weird noises to express themselves. 

Other noises, such as snorting, snoring, or wheezing, are associated with breathing. These weird breathing noises are typical of some dogs, especially those with short muzzles like French Bulldogs and Pugs, but are more concerning in dogs who normally do not make them. 

Digestion is another source of bizarre sounds produced by our dogs. Burping, stomach gurgling, breaking wind, and more are all by products of healthy digestive processes. However, if these signs are accompanied by other changes in your pet such as vomiting, diarrhea, or anorexia, they could be due to a medical condition that requires treatment. 

Weird dog sounds like hacking, retching, gagging, coughing, and sneezing are more alarming and justify a visit to your veterinarian, especially if your pet is having difficulties breathing or showing any other signs of illness.

10 Weird Dog Noises and What They Mean

By familiarizing yourself with the noises your dog makes regularly, you can better distinguish between a normal noise and one that could indicate a health issue or medical problem. 

Barking, Baying, and Howling 

Barking is a dog’s primary form of communication and can mean many different things such as joy, fear, anxiety, excitation, and alarm. The best way to interpret a bark is evaluating the context. For instance, a dog who is barking, wagging their tail, and bouncing around playfully is likely excited, whereas a dog who is barking, snarling, and raising their hackles is probably threatened. 

Some dogs have the ability to employ a specialized bark such as a bay or a howl. Baying is a long, deep bark, whereas howling is a long, high pitched bark. Both noises have ancestral routes to hunting and are used to inform humans or packmates that they are on the trail for prey, tell unwelcome strangers to stay away, alert others to their location, and even to call for help. Some dogs even howl at sirens and seem to mimic the noise made by police cars and ambulances. 

Growling

Growling is a weird dog noise that we are all familiar with, and immediately recognize as a warning to stay away. However, the growl can actually mean more than that. 

Many dogs will growl while playing with one another or tugging on a rope toy. Over time, you’ll learn to interpret your dog’s unique growls using their body language and actions. A low rumbling growl could mean they hear something outside and want you to know about it, whereas a louder growl combined with pinned ears and a hunched posture could mean they want some space. 

Reverse Sneezing and Snorting

Perhaps the most startling noise we will hear a dog make is a reverse sneeze. During a regular sneeze, air is expelled rapidly through the nasal cavities. In contrast, during a reverse sneeze, air is sucked rapidly backward through the nasal passages, creating a loud, snorting sound. Many dogs will exhibit several reverse sneezes in a row, and it can be a bit startling for pet parents when a dog has one of these reverse sneezing fits. Dogs with short muzzles (brachycephalic breeds) tend to experience reverse sneezing more than dogs with long noses. 

Fortunately, reverse sneezing is generally a harmless condition likely related to allergens or other substances that would cause a regular sneeze. Some dogs also begin reverse sneezing when they become over excited, and will reverse sneeze until they calm down. 

Coughing and Sneezing

Dogs will cough or sneeze for many of the same reasons people do. Exposure to allergens, strong scents, dust, or smoke can lead to an innocent cough or sneeze. Additionally, dogs cough or sneeze if they have something stuck in their nose, like a piece of grass, or something tickling their throat. 

Upper respiratory illnesses, such as Canine Influenza Virus, can also cause dogs to sneeze or cough. Coughing can also be the result of a more serious medical issue like pneumonia or heartworm infection. While an occasional sneeze or cough is nothing to worry about, if it becomes excessive, lasts more than a day or two, or your pet shows any other signs of illness, a trip to the veterinarian is a good idea. 

Honking

Another loud, dramatic dog noise is honking. Typically, dogs will experience fits of honking during exciting situations or at night. This goose-like honking sound is characteristic for a collapsing trachea, a condition in which the trachea partially collapses and dogs need to honk loudly to re-open it. Dogs making this sound should see a veterinarian for diagnostics and treatment. 

Gagging and Hacking

Like coughing and sneezing, gagging and hacking are weird noises dogs make when they have something irritating (or even stuck) in their throat. If you hear your dog making a gagging or hacking sound, you should investigate the issue because they could be choking on something. If they make the noise only a few times and then continue about their business, it’s likely not concerning. However, if they make the noise repeatedly, it could be due to a medical condition such as kennel cough, asthma, an upper respiratory infection, heartworm infection, or intestinal parasite migration. 

Whimpering and Whining

Whimpering and whining are additional dog noises used primarily for communication. Like the bark, a whine can mean many different things. Dogs may whimper or whine when they are stressed, afraid, or in pain. Whining can also mean that your dog wants attention, such as food, a walk, or some tummy rubs. They could even be trying to ask you to help them find their favorite toy. When deciphering the meaning of your dog’s whine, use context clues such as their environment, body language, or energy level. 

Stomach Gurgling (Borborygmi)

Regular dog digestive processes can occasionally be noisy. These weird gut sounds are called borborygmi, and range from low gurgles to high pitched squeaks. Most of the time, these noises are nothing to worry about, especially if your dog is acting normally. However, if dog stomach noises are accompanied by other signs of illness such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting, or if your pet seems restless and uncomfortable, this could be the sign of gastrointestinal illness that requires medical attention. 

Groaning, Grunting, and Sighing

Dogs express emotions through noises like groaning, grunting, and sighing. Your dog might let out a deep, relaxed sigh as they curl up next to you in bed, or groan as they finally settle into bed at night. Maybe your fingers found that perfect spot right behind their ear and they vocalize their contentment through a series of adorable grunts. Occasionally, groans or grunts can occur in response to pain or discomfort. Again, using context clues and familiarizing yourself with your dog’s typical grunts and groans can help you quickly distinguish between an innocent noise and one that warrants investigation.

Snoring and Sleep Sounds

Possibly the most endearing noises our canine companions make, snoring and sleep sounds occur while dogs are resting. Snoring is usually an innocent noise. It happens more commonly in short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds due to their head, neck, and airway shape and structure. Some dogs always snore, and others only snore occasionally, such as when they are positioned differently, exposed to allergens, or are experiencing very deep sleep. However, if snoring is becoming very loud or more frequent, it could indicate an airway disease. 

Other sleep sounds such as barks, yips, whimpers, or growls are nothing to worry about, as your dog is likely experiencing a vivid dream. These noises should stop as soon as your dog wakes up. 

What To Do If Your Dog Is Making Weird Noises

Decoding dog sounds is a learned skill that you’ll strengthen through experience. In most instances, the weird noise your dog is making is harmless and no investigation or changes are necessary. Becoming accustomed to your dog’s routine noises and behaviors is the best way to detect any abnormalities or healthy concerns that require care or intervention. 

If your dog is making any weird noises you don’t recognize, new noises, or if the noise is accompanied by other signs of illness or distress, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian to make sure there’s no cause for concern. 

Otherwise, cherish your pup’s silly noises and maybe share a cute video online for your friends to enjoy as well. 

The post Why Is My Dog Making Weird Noises? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Fleas are still so prevalent that flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), or itching due to fleas, remains the number one cause of itching and allergic skin disease in dogs in the United States. 

Flea allergy dermatitis can be frustrating for pet owners, extremely uncomfortable for dogs and fleas can transmit disease to animals and humans. Fortunately, flea allergy dermatitis is easily preventable and treatable.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Fleas?

The majority of dogs will find flea bites uncomfortable. However, some dogs are hypersensitive to flea bites. These pets will experience a much more severe reaction to flea bites than other dogs and are therefore considered allergic to fleas. 

Dogs with flea allergy dermatitis, also referred to as flea bite hypersensitivity, have often been already diagnosed with other allergies such as food or environmental allergies. Flea allergies can develop at any age, but most cases of FAD appear in dogs between 2 to 5 years old. Flea allergies are the most common type of allergy diagnosed in dogs and cats.

What Causes Flea Allergy in Dogs?

Flea allergies occur once an animal has been exposed to fleas. As a flea feeds, it releases saliva rich in enzymes, peptides, amino acids and histamines. The body recognizes these compounds as antigens, triggering an immune response. 

Some dogs may show signs of itching within minutes of a bite, while others may experience a more delayed reaction 24 to 48 hours later. A single flea bite can make a sensitive pet itchy for up to two weeks. 

In many cases of flea allergy dermatitis, dog owners are confused about their pet’s symptoms because they have not seen a flea on their pet. However, it is important to acknowledge that fleas are tiny, about the size of a sesame seed, and very fast. Fleas can discreetly hop on and off your pet while they are on a walk or playing in the park. Fleas also do not need to live on your dog. These tiny, mighty bugs can live in your home, hiding in the cracks between cushions or in your dog’s bed after biting your dog. Another reason owners may not always find fleas on their pet is that they may be biting and scratching so vigorously that the fleas are removed before they are spotted. 

Dog Flea Allergy Symptoms

Dogs suffering from flea allergy dermatitis often display the following symptoms:

• Itching, redness, and crusting primarily on their back from just behind the rib cage to the base of the tail (this area is often referred to as the flea triangle.) 
• Biting or chewing their skin excessively
• Raw open wounds where hair has been chewed called hot spots around the base of the tail or the face
• Dragging themselves along the carpet
• Hair loss secondary to biting, chewing, or scratching
• Red bumps on the skin similar to pimples
• Oily appearance to the skin and coat
• Small black dots, called flea dirt, in the coat
• Loss of sleep/scratching through the night
• Decreased appetite and restlessness

Some of these symptoms occur because dogs are itching so severely that they traumatize their skin barrier and allow secondary infections to form. These infections compound a pet’s itch and irritation, making the situation even more uncomfortable for affected dogs. 

Diagnosing Flea Allergy in Dogs

Flea allergy in dogs can be quickly diagnosed by discovering fleas or flea dirt (little black specks of dried blood) in a dog’s coat. That said, the absence of fleas does not exclude flea allergy dermatitis as the cause of a dog’s itch because, as we discussed, fleas are not always present on a dog after they have taken a meal and caused the allergic reaction. 

In many cases, FAD is diagnosed based on the symptoms, coupled with the lack of consistent, reliable flea prevention being administered year-round.

Your veterinarian will need to perform a physical exam to rule out other causes of itching and make sure your dog hasn’t developed any secondary skin infections due to the severity of their itching.  

Dog Flea Allergy Dermatitis Treatment

First and foremost, any fleas on the pet will need to be completely removed, and new bites must be prevented. Your veterinarian will prescribe a reliable and safe flea product to kill any fleas actively on your pet and prevent any new bites in the future. A flea control product will be needed for all pets in the house (cats included) to eradicate these pesky insects from the animal’s environment fully. 

An anti-itch medication may also be prescribed to help your pet feel more comfortable while their skin heals. This may be a steroid or a prescription allergy medication such as Apoquel or Cytopoint. Apoquel is an oral tablet for dogs that relieves and controls allergic itch and inflammation due to skin allergies. Cytopoint is an injection given at your veterinarian’s office that controls allergic itch in dogs and provides relief for up to 8 weeks.

Secondary skin infections that may have developed will also need to be treated. Typically this will be a medicated shampoo and possibly oral antibiotics or antifungals as deemed necessary based on physical exam findings. 

Environmental treatment is also necessary. The inside of the house should be treated using a combination of flea bombs, sprays, vacuuming carpets and couches, washing all upholstery such as bedding, curtains, throw blankets and more. Treating your backyard, patio and porch is also advisable. In some cases, such as for large homes or those with many animals, hiring professional exterminators is a good idea.

Treating the environment alone is not sufficient to prevent FAD, as it will only rid the home and surrounding area of fleas present at that moment. In a short time, new fleas can move in and take root, especially if there are unprotected pets in the home to provide hungry fleas with meals.

Preventing Flea Allergy in Dogs

Thankfully, flea allergy dermatitis is easily preventable and begins with strict, year-round flea control. Monthly flea prevention comes in topical and oral forms to fit a variety of pets’ lifestyles and needs. Other products, such as flea control collars, are beneficial if applied correctly and changed regularly. 

Unfortunately, many over-the-counter options are not reliable at eliminating fleas entirely, so a prescription flea control product is necessary for pets who are hypersensitive to flea bites. 

Despite popular belief, fleas are not entirely dormant in winter months, especially if they have found their way inside our temperature-controlled homes. Therefore, flea products should be given year-round. If flea control products are discontinued in the winter months, it can be much harder to prevent an infestation in the spring and summer when flea numbers are the highest.

Unfortunately, fleas are here to stay, no matter how clean we keep our pets and our homes. By keeping our pets on a reliable and safe flea control product year-round, dog owners can avoid unnecessary veterinary visits, expensive treatments and save their dog from the discomfort that flea bites can cause.

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Find out whether or not dogs sweat, how dogs keep themselves cool and valuable tips to prevent heat stroke in dogs below.

Do Dogs Sweat?

Yes, dogs do sweat—however, the where, when and how sweating occurs in dogs is somewhat different than in humans.

Humans are relatively hairless (except for our scalp); therefore, we sweat over our entire bodies. Without hair to trap the moisture, the sweat easily evaporates and cools us down rapidly. 

In contrast, dogs are nearly entirely covered in fur. If dogs were to sweat into their coat, the moisture would become trapped, and it wouldn’t cool them down. Consequently, dogs have developed the ability to sweat in places where they do not have fur, namely their noses and paw pads. On warm days, your dog might leave wet paw prints behind on a walk; that’s their sweat!

Do Dogs Have Sweat Glands?

Dogs have two types of sweat glands: merocrine sweat glands and apocrine sweat glands. 

Merocrine sweat glands are found on a dog’s paw pads. This type of sweat gland is similar to humans’ sweat glands. They emit a clear, odorless fluid to help reduce internal body temperature. Many people think that their dog’s feet smell like corn chips–this is because a dog’s paws become salty from the presence of merocrine sweat glands. 

Apocrine sweat glands are located more broadly throughout a dog’s body, including areas with fur. Humans do not have this type of sweat gland, which emits pheromones. These sweat glands serve mainly as a tool for communication and don’t cool your dog down. 

Dogs also have sweat glands on their nose, but these are generally not used to cool your dog down either. These glands secrete mucus to help your dog’s nose stay moist, which increases their sense of smell. 

How Do Dogs Cool Down?

Due to the limited number and location of a dog’s merocrine sweat glands, dogs have other, more effective cooling methods besides sweating. A dog’s normal temperature ranges from 99.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, substantially higher than humans. To keep their internal temperature in this range, dogs primarily cool down through panting and a process called vasodilation. 

When dogs pant, they move air quickly over the moist surfaces of their lungs, mouth and nasal cavity. As the outside air passes over these surfaces, it evaporates the warm moisture. The inhaled air becomes warm as the moisture is released, and then it is exhaled, effectively moving the heat from inside a dog’s body to the outside in order to cool them down. 

Vasodilation happens when blood vessels expand near the body’s surface. When dogs are hot, they dilate their blood vessels, especially those on their face and ears. This allows warm blood to circulate closer to the skin surface and release heat before it flows back to the heart.

Dogs can also lose heat through conduction. Have you ever noticed your dog preferring to lay on a hard concrete floor instead of their soft, padded bed? They are probably trying to cool down! By laying their warm body on a cool piece of concrete or tile floor, heat can be transferred directly from them onto the object, and their internal temperature will decrease.

When a dog’s internal temperature rises too quickly and they are unable to lose enough heat through panting and vasodilation, heat stroke can occur. Heat stroke can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, especially on hot, humid days. If you suspect your dog has heat stroke, you should seek veterinary care urgently instead of waiting to see if your dog can cool down on their own. 

How to Keep Dogs Cool: Tips and Advice

Although dogs can lose heat through a variety of ways, they are not as efficient at cooling themselves down as humans are. Therefore, it is essential to be proactive about keeping our canine companions cool and avoiding overheating in the first place.

To help keep your dog cool, comfortable and safe, follow these tips:

• Always have cool water available, even if you’re just going for a brief walk or trip to the dog park.
• Choose shady places for exercise, such as walking trails with many trees. 
• Walk or exercise your dog in the early morning or late evening, and always avoid the hottest part of the day.
• Take your pup to a dog-friendly lake or stream to swim during the summer months.
• Keep your home at a comfortable temperature, especially when you are away and your dog is home alone. 
• Give your dog cold treats such as dog-friendly ice cream, ice cubes, or fill a hollow dog toy with non-fat yogurt or peanut butter and then freeze it. 
• Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle for any amount of time.
• Keep your dog trim, as overweight dogs can be at risk for overheating and heat stroke.
• Purchase a cooling vest or mat to help your dog lose heat more quickly. 
• Monitor your dog for signs that they are becoming too hot, such as heavy panting, loss of energy or refusal to move, and allow them to rest in an air conditioned or shady space with plenty of fresh water available before continuing to walk or play. 

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So what does it mean when a dog’s nose seems dry, warm, or cracked? Most of the time, there’s a perfectly normal reason a dog has a dry nose. But, occasionally, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. 

To help pet parents tell the difference, here’s everything you need to know about dog noses: what makes them wet, what it means if they’re not, and what to do if you notice your dog’s nose is warm and dry.

Should a Dog’s Nose Be Wet or Dry?

A dog’s nose is typically moist for several reasons: 

When it comes to smelling, wet noses work better. A thin layer of mucous over the nose helps the tissue attract and absorb scents. To further enhance their superior smelling abilities, dogs also lick their noses after sniffing. This act of licking transfers the trapped scents from the nose to their secondary smelling tool called the Jacobson’s organ. This specialized organ is located on the roof of the mouth and effectively allows dogs to “taste” the smells. Furthermore, by licking their noses, dogs are cleaning old scents away and keeping the nose moist and ready for fresh odors. 

Wet noses help regulate temperature. Dogs rely on evaporation as a primary way to cool themselves down in warmer weather. Unlike humans, dogs do not perspire, or sweat. Instead, they lower their body temperature by evaporating moisture from their tongues, nasal passages, and the lining of their lungs, cooling themselves as air passes over the moist tissue.

Dog noses are naturally moist. A dog’s tears drain from their eyes through their tear duct into their nasal cavity, providing even more mucous and moisture to their wet snouts. 

Canine noses are frequently moistened by exposure to wet objects. Dogs investigate closely with their noses, sticking them into things like damp grass, leaves, plants, and puddles. So moisture from the environment is often transferred onto a dog’s nose. When dogs drink, they tend to splash water up onto their nose and lick their lips and nose with their freshly moistened tongue. Some silly canines even fully submerge their nose in their water bowls when they go in for a drink. 

Causes of Dog Dry Nose

Although a dog’s nose is normally wet, a dry dog nose isn’t necessarily abnormal. The actual temperature and moistness of a dog’s nose can be affected by many external and internal factors. It can be helpful to think of a dog’s nose like a human’s lips. We don’t typically run to the doctor when we have chapped lips unless we notice something else going on. Therefore, the nose alone is not a good indicator of overall health. Some healthy dogs simply have noses that are naturally dryer than others, and sick dogs can have cool, wet noses, too.

Common reasons a dog might have a warm, dry nose—that are not cause for concern—include:

Environment

A dog’s living environment and climate have a big impact on the moisture of their nose, or lack thereof. In more humid environments, a dog’s nose will more easily retain its moisture, while in dry, arid environments, dog noses are more likely to dry out or even crack. Other factors, like wind, temperature, and cloud coverage, also directly affect your dog’s snout. For instance, on windy days, sunny days, and days that are either very hot or very cold, the nose will naturally be more dry and warm. 

Sunburn

Too much sun exposure can leave a dog’s nose dry and crusty. Dogs with pale or pink noses and thinner coats are the most susceptible to sunburn, but any dog can be affected if they bask in the warm sunshine for too long. 

Exercise

As we discussed, a dog’s nose helps regulate their temperature. When they’ve been exercising, the nose might feel warmer since they are using it as a means to cool down. Like humans, dogs also lose water while they exercise via metabolic processes and evaporative cooling. So they tend to be a little dehydrated after play sessions, which can leave the nose feeling a little dry. 

Sleeping

Dogs love to nap in warm places, which can raise their internal body temperature and make the nose feel warm. The nose is also usually drier after a nap since dogs aren’t licking their nose or drinking while they sleep. 

Age

Aging is another cause of a dry and crusty dog nose. As canines age, certain bodily functions slow down and become impaired, and their bodies simply don’t work like they used to. Old dogs produce less mucus, which makes their noses susceptible to dryness. 

Breed

Certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic or short-nosed breeds, are predisposed to having a dry, crusty, or cracked nose. Dogs with short muzzles, like Pugs and French Bulldogs, have difficulty licking their noses and don’t tend to put their nose in as many wet places since it is shorter and closer to their eyes. Other breeds, like the Lhasa Apso and Springer Spaniel, more frequently develop blocked tear ducts, which can also lead to a drier nose. 

Though less common, dry dog noses may also be the symptom of certain medical conditions, including:

Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies that dry out their noses. The cause of the allergy can be related to food or, more commonly, something in the environment. Some dogs are more severely affected by allergies than others, so if your dog seems uncomfortable, your veterinarian can help you determine the cause of the allergy and prescribe medication to help relieve your dog’s allergies and dry nose.

Hyperkeratosis

Canine nasal hyperkeratosis is a condition caused by an overgrowth of skin cells, called keratin, on the surface of a dog’s nose. This buildup of extra tissue leaves the nose particularly crusty, dry, and cracked. Fortunately, this isn’t a serious medical condition on its own. However, pups that suffer from hyperkeratosis are prone to develop infections in the thickened tissue. In these cases, it’s always best to check with a veterinarian who can recommend at-home care and rule out other conditions that could be linked to it, such as the virus that causes canine distemper.

Autoimmune Diseases

Although not very common, autoimmune diseases that cause a dry dog nose are discoid lupus erythematosus or pemphigus. These diseases change the surface of your dog’s nose, causing it to dry out, crust, crack, and even bleed. A veterinarian would need to perform a skin biopsy to diagnose these diseases, and treatment typically requires a life-long course of medications. 

Dog Dry Nose and Other Symptoms: What to Watch For

Most of the time, a dry or warm nose is transient and will resolve within hours. If your pet is acting completely normal, wait a bit to see if their nose becomes moist and cool again before calling the veterinarian. 

On the other hand, you should consult with a veterinarian right away if the dry nose is accompanied by any other changes in your pet, such as:

• Sores and/or pus on or around the nose
• Nasal discharge from one or both nostrils
• Bleeding from one or both nostrils
• Lumps or bumps around the muzzle or nose
• Scratching or pawing at the face
• Discolored or dry gums 
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Coughing and/or sneezing
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Loss of appetite or anorexia

As a general rule, if you notice any changes in the appearance of your dog’s nose that last longer than a few days, or if the dry nose is coupled with any other signs or symptoms, you should always err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care. 

Dog Dry Nose Treatment

In most cases, a dog’s dry nose is likely due to normal causes and will resolve on its own without any treatment. However, if the dry nose is linked to an underlying disorder or disease, your veterinarian may prescribe medications. Allergy medications, prescription ointments, antibiotics, steroids, and immunomodulators are all potential prescriptions your dog may need depending on the cause. 

If the nose is chronically dry and your veterinarian sees no signs of allergies or disease, you may need to use a prescription balm or salve to keep the nose comfortable. Home remedies and over-the-counter ointments can provide adequate relief and moisture for mild to moderate cases of dry dog nose. 

Popular home remedies include applying a few dabs of coconut oil, petroleum jelly, shea butter, or olive oil onto your dog’s nose several times a day. Over-the-counter nose butters and balms are also excellent options. 

Preventing Dry Nose in Dogs

While it isn’t always possible to prevent a dog’s nose from drying out due to natural causes, there are some simple proactive measures pet parents can take to retain as much moisture as possible. For instance, dog parents can run a humidifier indoors in dry weather, especially during cold winter months. Providing ample shade and shelter from the sun or wind can help prevent the crusting and chapping of a dog’s sensitive snout. Most importantly, it is essential to ensure that dogs always have access to fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration and overheating, which can contribute to dry dog noses. 

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As fate would have it, the toe that’s smallest in size turns out to be the one that causes dogs—and their humans—the most trouble. 

What is a Dewclaw on a Dog?

The dewclaw is the small, non-weight-bearing toe on the inside of a dog’s front or back leg. Almost all dogs have dewclaws on their front paws, but some will also have dewclaws on their hind limbs. Certain breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherds, will have a double dewclaw, meaning that they have two extra toes on the back feet. The Norwegian Lundehund, a rare dog breed, boasts at least six toes on each foot! (1)

The front dewclaw is typically a fully formed toe, meaning that it has bones and is firmly attached to the limb. More often than not, rear dewclaws are only attached by skin or a small tendon and are much more mobile and tend to flop around. However, on occasion, they can also have a bony attachment. 

Contrary to popular belief, front dewclaws are not simply extra appendages. Front dewclaws are actually useful to dogs who have them. In fact, dogs regularly use them to grasp and stabilize toys or treats while chewing. Dogs also use their front dewclaw for digging and to provide traction as they hoist themselves up onto raised surfaces, like the couch or even over fences. 

Research even suggests that the dewclaws contact the ground when dogs are running at high speeds (2). When this happens, the dewclaw digs into the ground, preventing the rest of the limb from twisting.

Common Dog Dewclaw Injuries

The dewclaws are injured more frequently than other dog claws. Signs of a dewclaw injury include limping, bleeding, excessive licking, swelling or warmth around the toe, and yelping or flinching when you touch the affected limb. Any of these signs mean that your dog should see a veterinarian. 

Keep in mind that some dogs are very stoic and may mask signs of pain. Even if your dog isn’t showing it, if you notice they have a dewclaw injury, it is likely causing them a lot of pain.  

The most common dewclaw issues include:

Torn or broken dewclaws

Dewclaws can easily become snagged during play or work due to their position on the inside of the leg. Therefore, torn or broken dewclaws are common in highly active dogs. Broken dewclaws can be quite bloody for such a small toe, but the amount of blood often depends on how severely the nail is broken. 

When a dog’s dewclaw is torn or broken, the “quick” of the nail is often left exposed. The quick of the nail houses the nail’s nerves and blood supply, so it is incredibly painful when injured. An exposed quick is so sensitive that even cold air can feel uncomfortable. 

Torn or broken dewclaws require medical attention. A bandage can be applied at home to help stop any bleeding, but this should not be a substitute for veterinary care. When your dog tears or breaks a dewclaw, the veterinarian will need to remove any part of the nail that is mobile or only partially attached, as any mobility of the nail will continue to irritate the exposed quick. Next, they will clean the area carefully with an antiseptic solution and shave the hair away from the nail to prevent infection. Additionally, a bandage may be applied to the paw for a few days to help protect the sensitive quick. It is very important to ensure the bandage is not so tight it limits circulation to the rest of the paw, as that could cause serious complications. Your pet will likely have to wear an Elizabethan collar (commonly called an e-collar) to prevent them from tearing off their bandage or licking the dewclaw, which can cause infection. Finally, your veterinarian will likely prescribe your dog pain relief medications and antibiotics.

Thankfully, dog nails grow and heal quickly. After a few days, the quick is usually no longer sensitive, and your pet’s nail will begin to regrow. Within a few weeks, the nail will look relatively normal. 

Overgrown dewclaws

Dewclaws are more likely to become overgrown since they don’t wear down from regular surface contact, especially in more sedentary animals who do not dig or play frequently. Overgrown dewclaws are also more likely to snag on things, like the carpet or couch, and become torn or broken. 

Luckily, all it takes to fix overgrown dog dewclaws is the simple practice of regular nail trimming. (Check out our step-by-step tutorial on How to Use Dog Nail Clippers here.) The quick of the nail grows as the nail grows, so pet parents must be careful when trimming overgrown dewclaws, and only trim small pieces away at a time. With regular trimmings, the quick will eventually recede. 

Ingrown dewclaws

Due to their natural curvature, overgrown declaws will eventually grow into the flesh of the toe if left unchecked. This is common in long-haired breeds, whose coats often hide overgrowing dewclaws from pet parents. It’s also common in dogs who are active and naturally wear down their other nails with regular play. Since they aren’t going to the groomer or the veterinary clinic for regular nail trimmings, their dewclaws aren’t regularly maintained. As you can imagine, a dewclaw curling into the pet’s flesh is very painful, and a veterinary visit is required. 

Your veterinarian will carefully trim the ingrown dewclaw, clean the wound, and may also apply a bandage for a few days. Additionally, your dog will need pain relief medication as well as antibiotics. It’s a good idea to have your dog wear an e-collar for a week or two while the wound is healing to prevent them from licking the wound, which can delay healing and cause infection. 

Infected dewclaws 

Dog dewclaw infections usually arise from trauma to the nail itself or small abrasions to the skin near the dewclaw. Infections of the dewclaw are also common in dogs who chew their paws regularly and transfer bacteria from their mouth to the nail bed. These are usually bacterial infections, but can sometimes be fungal. If you notice your dog licking the area more than normal, smell a foul odor near your pet, see pus in the hair around the affected toe, or the skin around the dewclaw looks red, an infected dewclaw could be the culprit. 

Prompt veterinary care is crucial if you suspect an infected dewclaw, as infection can spread to the bone of the toe if left untreated. Your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam to help determine the origin of the infection and may need to run additional tests, such as a nail bed cytology, blood work, and radiographs (X-rays). 

Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause of your dog’s dewclaw infection. Most treatment plans will include oral anti-inflammatory medications, oral antibiotics and/or antifungals, and paw soaks. Soaking the paw in a diluted chlorhexidine solution or Epsom salts can help draw out pus and reduce inflammation. Your veterinarian may also recommend an e-collar to prevent your dog from licking the infection site, and you’ll need to keep the affected foot clean and dry during the healing process. 

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General Cost to Treat Dewclaw Injuries

Preventing dewclaw injuries is the best way to avoid costly veterinary visits. However, dewclaw accidents happen to even the most well-cared-for dogs. 

Dewclaw injuries are common, so it helps to be prepared for the general costs of treating them. In most cases, this isn’t a very expensive injury to treat. 

Broken or torn dewclaws will likely bleed a lot, prompting veterinary intervention. In addition to office and examination fees, if your dog requires emergency care, expect to pay between $45 and $125 to be seen.

After treating the damaged dewclaw, bandaging it, and prescribing medication, costs will hover between $100 and $300. 

Overgrown dewclaws are easily remedied with canine nail clippers. If you aren’t comfortable clipping your dog’s nails, ask your veterinarian or groomer to do it. This service costs between $10 and $30. 

Infected dewclaws may require testing, bloodwork, laboratory work, and even surgery, depending on the extent of the issue. If the bone is infected, your dog may need x-rays and prescription medication, which cost between $125 and $300. 

Caring pet parents never want their dogs to feel pain or suffer. Always seek veterinary intervention if your dog is limping or showing signs of dewclaw irritation. Pet health insurance such as MetLife Insurance that covers accidents and illness may to help offset the cost of treating dewclaw injuries.

Should You Cut a Dog’s Dewclaw?

Given that the dewclaws do not touch the ground (unless running at high speed as noted earlier), the nails of dewclaws do not wear down naturally like those of the weight-bearing digits. Therefore, it’s important for pet parents to know whether or not their dog has dewclaws and check them regularly for overgrowth, especially in dogs with long or shaggy coats. If the nail seems long or is beginning to curl, it needs to be trimmed. 

Some dogs are very frightened of having their nails trimmed, likely because they’ve had their quick cut in the past, which can be painful and traumatic. If your dog is very wiggly or fearful when you try to cut their nails, it’s best to take them to a professional groomer or a veterinary clinic. 

If your dog is tolerant of nail trimming, tending to the dewclaws can be a simple DIY task. If the nail is clear, it’s easy to spot the quick and avoid cutting it. In dogs with dark or black nails, make sure to take little bits of the nail at a time, and stop cutting if your pet reacts painfully or at the first sign of blood. If you do cut the quick, styptic powder or cornstarch can be applied to stop the bleeding. 

How to Prevent Dog Dewclaw Injuries

The best way to prevent dog dewclaw injuries is to trim the nail regularly. Some dogs will need the dewclaw nails trimmed more frequently than others, depending on how quickly their nails grow. When the dewclaw is kept short, it’s far less likely to become broken and torn.

Dewclaws can be completely removed by your veterinarian to help prevent injuries. This is not recommended for front dewclaws or dewclaws that have a bony attachment. However, it is a simple procedure for dewclaws that are floppy and only attached by skin or a small tendon. Your veterinarian can help determine if removing the dewclaw is an option for your pet.

The post Dog Dewclaw Injuries: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Fortunately, less than half of lumps on dogs are malignant, or cancerous, and most are treatable. In fact, lumps on or below the skin are the most common masses reported in dogs, representing roughly one third of all tumors (both benign and malignant).

Most lumps on dogs look or feel similar regardless of whether or not they are cancerous, so it’s crucial to have it checked by your veterinarian to know for sure. While a quick Google search may be tempting, it’s easy to misdiagnose your pet’s lump and subsequently delay the care they actually need. Early intervention can prevent unnecessary discomfort and potentially save them from serious, life-threatening consequences.

Let’s explore some of the lumps and bumps that are common on dogs, their characteristics, and what they mean for a dog’s overall health and longevity. 

First Things First: Don’t Panic

Lumps and bumps pop up on dogs for a variety of reasons, many of which are of little threat to your dog’s life. The bump could be an abscess secondary to a bite, an inflamed hair follicle, a benign (non-cancerous) fatty growth, or a more serious condition, like cancer.  

Finding a lump on a dog does not necessarily mean the worst, but it is important for a veterinarian to evaluate it to ensure a proper diagnosis is obtained and a treatment plan is initiated if necessary. 

In most cases, it is appropriate to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you, such as your next day off work. However, if the lump or bump is hot to touch, growing quickly, producing pus or discharge, actively bleeding, or if your dog is in pain, you should take your dog to an emergency veterinary hospital for more urgent care. 

Types of Lumps on Dogs

Hard, immovable lumps on dogs, or sudden lumps on dogs tend to be more worrisome than soft, moveable lumps on dogs or slow-growing lumps on dogs, but that’s not always the case, as many different types of lumps can have a similar appearance. 

Lumps on dogs can occur either on the skin surface, referred to as cutaneous, or beneath it, referred to as subcutaneous. 

Common cutaneous masses, or lumps on the skin of dogs include:

Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant, or cancerous, lumps found on dogs. This type of dog skin cancer is usually on the surface of the skin, but can be below the skin, or subcutaneous, as well. 

These masses are usually red, raised, firm, and often form a wound that will not heal. A hard, bleeding lump on a dog’s skin is a typical appearance of a mast cell tumor, although they can vary greatly. 

This cancerous lump on dog skin tends to be aggressive and spread quickly, so it’s important to have it surgically removed as soon as it is diagnosed. Complete surgical removal is curative as long as the cancer has not yet spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, follow up radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be needed. 

Histiocytomas

Histiocytomas are benign (non harmful) skin growths that are most common in young dogs, but they can occur in dogs of any age. Histiocytomas are red, raised, hairless, button-like growths, typically the diameter of a nickel or quarter, and commonly occur on the head or limbs. 

Since this red lump on dog skin can appear similar to a mast cell tumor, you should have it tested by your veterinarian to be certain. Histiocytomas typically regress on their own without any treatment.

Perianal Gland Adenoma

Perianal gland adenomas are common skin tumors of dogs that arise from the glands around the hairless skin of the anus. These are slow growing, benign lumps that occur mostly in intact (non-neutered) male dogs, although they have been reported in spayed females as well. 

While these lumps do not spread to other parts of the body, they are locally invasive, meaning they disrupt surrounding tissues, and are prone to infection. So they should not be ignored. The treatment of choice in intact male dogs is castration and tumor removal. Small tumors frequently regress after neutering, and may not require surgical removal. Treated pets typically go on to live long, healthy lives. 

Sebaceous Gland Adenomas

Sebaceous gland adenomas are non-cancerous growths that protrude from the surface of the skin. These are usually hairless, firm, small lumps on dogs that occur mostly on the head, neck, back, eyelids, and limbs. These dog cysts can burst open, become irritated, infected, or a combination thereof, but usually they are not problematic. 

Removal may be recommended if sebaceous gland adenomas are troublesome to the dog, however in most cases, no treatment is necessary. 

Melanomas

Melanomas are tumors of melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in animal skin. A melanoma is usually a black lump on a dog, but they are sometimes red. These are hard, immovable lumps on dogs. Melanomas most often occur in the oral cavity or on the toes, but these lumps can be found on haired skin as well. 

While melanomas on haired skin are usually benign, melanomas found in the mouth or on the toes are usually cancerous tumors in dogs. Malignant melanomas are very aggressive, and quickly spread to other parts of the body. Surgery is necessary for treatment of melanomas. Some cases will require chemotherapy or radiation therapy in addition to surgery. The sooner a melanoma is identified and treated, the better the dog’s chances of survival will be. 

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas are a common cancerous growth of skin cells in dogs. These lumps can occur anywhere on a dog’s body, such as the abdomen, thorax, legs, toes, paw pads, ears, mouth, or nose. Frequent exposure to UV light is a known cause for developing this type of dog skin cancer, therefore, it is more often seen in dog’s with light coats or parts of the dog with little coat coverage, like the belly. 

Squamous cell carcinomas can appear many different ways. The usual appearance is a single red lump on a dog’s skin. Sometimes they develop as a small area of irritated, red, or ulcerated skin, while other times, they develop as plaques or crusts on a dog’s skin. Carcinomas of the toe or nail bed tend to be red, irritated, and ulcerated, and are usually quite painful. Dogs may even lose nails on the affected toes. 

Treatment of squamous cell carcinomas in dogs is surgery, especially if it is affecting the toe, as it tends to be more likely to spread from that location. If the lump is removed before it spreads, dogs have a great prognosis and chance of survival. 

Warts

Warts, or papillomas, are benign lumps on dog skin that are caused by canine papillomaviruses. Dog warts are usually small and light-colored with a rough, jagged appearance. These lumps are mostly found in or around the mouth, on the feet, or on the eyelids, but they can grow anywhere on the body. Young dogs less than 2 years old are the most commonly affected. 

Dog warts often disappear spontaneously as the dog develops immunity against it. However, some warts may need to be surgically removed if they become irritated, infected, cause pain, or fail to regress on their own. 

Hives

Hives in dogs are similar to hives in humans. They appear suddenly as red, raised, circular bumps on the surface of the skin, and can occur anywhere on a dog’s body, including in their mouth. Hives in dogs can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size. If hives become large enough, they can blend together, or coalesce. 

Hives are caused by direct contact with an allergic substance such as an insect bite, food, pollen, mold, vaccinations, or medications. Typically, hives are self-limiting and resolve after removal of the allergic substance. Nevertheless, allergic reactions can be severe, and potentially life threatening, so your veterinarian should be notified immediately if you notice hives on your dog. 

Common subcutaneous masses, or lumps below the skin of dogs include:

Lipomas

Lipomas, tumors of fatty tissue, are the most common benign tumor of dogs. These fatty lumps on dogs feel soft, or squishy, and are usually freely moveable beneath the skin, meaning that they are not fixed in place or attached to underlying tissues. Fatty tumors in dogs commonly appear on the chest or abdomen, but can occur anywhere on the body. Some lipomas will hardly grow after initially developing, while others seem to grow relatively quickly. 

Although lipomas are non-cancerous, they can still be problematic if they develop in places that impair a dog’s ability to walk or lie down. If a lipoma is growing quickly or in a worrisome location, surgical removal is typically recommended. 

Abscesses

Abscesses in dogs are pockets of pus underneath the skin. These are usually soft lumps on dogs that are warm to touch and painful, and occur secondary to a bite wound or skin injury. Abscesses in dogs are often just below the skin, can be large or small, and sometimes rupture and drain a foul smelling fluid. They can occur anywhere on the body. Abscesses are also seen on the muzzle of dogs, usually underneath the eye, secondary to dental disease.

Dogs with abscesses will need veterinary care to have the abscess drained and flushed out. Antibiotic therapy as well as pain medications are needed. Abscesses in dogs are usually so painful that many pets will need some level of sedation in order for the veterinarian to treat it properly and spare your dog from additional pain or discomfort. 

Soft Tissue Sarcomas 

Soft tissue sarcomas are a category of cancerous tumors, particularly those arising from the connective muscle or nervous tissues in dogs. Since these tissues are present throughout the entire body, these tumors can develop anywhere. Most often they are seen on the legs, chest, or abdomen of affected dogs, and are more common in middle aged to older dogs. 

Soft tissue sarcomas are typically hard, immovable lumps on dogs found beneath healthy skin. In most cases (but not all), these cancerous tumors in dogs do not typically spread, but will grow into and disrupt surrounding tissues. 

Surgical excision is the best treatment for soft tissue sarcomas in dogs. The surgeon must take wide margins to avoid leaving any of the cancer cells behind, so it is ideal to remove these tumors while they are still small. In some cases, followup chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be needed. After successful surgical removal, most dogs will live full life spans.

Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are a type of soft tissue sarcoma. They are lumps that grow from the nerve cells in dogs, and can occur anywhere in a dog’s body. They can be felt as hard, immovable lumps on dogs underneath the skin when they grow close to the surface. These lumps are usually not painful when touched, but some dogs will bite or chew at them due to nerve irritation. 

Peripheral nerve sheath tumors do not commonly spread, but are locally invasive. Treatment of choice is surgical removal of the tumor, although recurrence is common. In some cases, amputation of affected limbs and/or radiation therapy are necessary. Unfortunately, most dogs with peripheral nerve sheath tumors may only live up to one year despite appropriate treatment.

Enlarged Lymph Node

Lymph node enlargement in dogs occurs for many reasons such as infection, inflammation, or cancer. Enlarged lymph nodes are firm, moveable lumps felt underneath healthy skin of dogs. They are usually detected under the chin, on the neck, the front of the shoulder, or the back of the rear leg. Enlargement of a single lymph node is not as worrisome as enlargement of multiple lymph nodes, which is often indicative of systemic disease or cancer. 

Treatment of lymph node enlargement in dogs depends on the underlying cause. Various medications, chemotherapy, or even surgery may be recommended based on the cause of the lymph node enlargement. Depending on the cause the long-term prognosis can vary considerably.

Diagnosing Lumps on Dogs

As previously mentioned, any new lumps or bumps on your dog should be evaluated by your veterinarian. A thorough physical exam can help your veterinarian narrow down a list of possible diagnoses. Additionally, providing your veterinarian with a detailed history of your pet can be helpful. 

Let your veterinarian know whether the lump developed suddenly, if you’ve noticed any changes in your dog’s behavior, and whether or not the lump has grown or changed since you first noticed it.

Many different types of lumps and bumps on dogs can appear and feel similar, so testing the lump to determine exactly what it is and whether or not it could be potentially problematic for your pet is always advised. Bloodwork and/or imaging, such as radiographs (X-rays), may also be recommended based on your dog’s specific case. 

The first recommended test is usually a fine needle aspirate and cytology. This is a quick, non-invasive, and affordable test in which your veterinarian will use a needle to suck out, or aspirate, cells from the lump to determine their origin and behavior. The cells are then smeared on a glass slide, stained, and evaluated under the microscope. 

In some cases a biopsy will be recommended. This is a more invasive procedure in which your veterinarian will take a small chunk of tissue from the lump and send it to a pathologist. Your dog will likely require some form of sedation for this procedure, but can usually return home the same day. Biopsy samples are almost always diagnostic and can tell you exactly what is causing your pet’s lump and what treatment options are available.

Treating Lumps on Dogs

After the lump is tested and a diagnosis is confirmed, your veterinarian will guide you through treatment options, if necessary. As discussed, treatment can vary greatly depending on the type of lump your dog has. 

As previously mentioned, some common forms of treatment for lumps on dogs include:

• Surgical removal
• Amputation
• Draining (for abscesses) 
• Medications
• Topical ointments (for skin conditions like hives)
• Chemotherapy (if cancerous)
• Radiation (if cancerous)

Even when a lump is diagnosed as cancerous or malignant, your dog may have a great outcome, especially if treatment is initiated early and aggressively. 

The cost of treatment for lumps on dogs varies based on the diagnosis. However, treatment will always be more affordable if the lump is properly addressed and cared for earlier, while it is smaller and less likely to have caused secondary issues, like infection, that will also need to be treated. 

Remember, a lump cannot be treated until it is identified by you, the responsible pet parent. Check your pet frequently for new lumps or bumps so you can more quickly spot any abnormal growths on your dog and have them tested and treated earlier rather than later.

The post Lumps on Dogs: Types and What They Mean appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Rest assured, however, that as an attentive and caring pet parent, you can detect even the most subtle signs that your dog is in pain—if you know what to look for. Read on to learn about common signs of pain in dogs, what steps to take if you suspect your dog is painful, and how to manage pain in dogs.

Do Dogs Feel Pain?

Dogs feel pain in the same way that humans do, and often for many of the same reasons.  Common sources of pain in dogs include injuries like cuts and burns, infections like abscesses or ear infections, and chronic disease, like arthritis or dental disease. Dogs can also experience pain following surgical procedures. Essentially, anything that would cause pain to a human is also going to cause pain in dogs. 

8 Signs a Dog Is in Pain

Pain in dogs is often detected by changes in behavioral and/or physical changes. Dogs in pain may display one or more of the following signs:

Vocalizing

Whining and whimpering are commonly associated with pain in dogs. Dogs who experience a sudden, sharp pain will often let out a loud yelp. Other noises a painful dog might produce include howling, groaning, and grunting. Remember, just because your dog isn’t making any noise, does not mean that they aren’t painful. 

Self Protection

Dogs in pain will often protect the painful area or their entire body if the pain is widespread.  This looks like hiding, limping, or not putting weight on a limb. A painful dog may also try to protect an injured limb by lying on it or placing it in an abnormal position while sitting or lying down.  

Reduced Activity Level

Painful dogs may be reluctant to go on walks or run and play like they normally do, so pet owners may notice a decline in their normal level of activity. In some cases, a dog in pain may refuse to move completely. They may have trouble settling down and appear restless, constantly getting up and down or walking in circles. Some dogs may shake and tremble, especially when encouraged to walk or move.

Reduction in Eating and Drinking

A dog in pain may be so distracted by their discomfort that they are less willing to eat.  Depending on how uncomfortable they are, some dogs will completely refuse to eat anything.  Painful dogs may also drink less for the same reason. Standing and walking to the food and water bowls could also be challenging for a dog in pain. 

Changes in Daily Habits

A change in a dog’s daily habits could indicate that they are in pain or discomfort. One example is a dog who is well house trained suddenly having accidents in the house. Another sign of discomfort is a change in their usual sleep patterns. Additionally, if your dog normally rushes to the door when you come home but you’ve noticed that they aren’t greeting you as they normally do, that may also be a clue that they may be experiencing pain. Basically, if you notice an alteration in your dog’s daily routine, you should investigate, as they could be in pain or unwell.

Compulsive Licking or Chewing

Repeatedly licking, biting, chewing, or scratching at a specific body part is a hint that the area in question is problematic for that dog. For example, older dogs with arthritic joints may sit and lick at the skin over a painful joint in an attempt to soothe the internal ache. Unfortunately, some dogs will persistently lick, chew, bite, or scratch at an area until they’ve left a large wound, causing additional pain and discomfort.  

Uncharacteristic Aggression

Normally friendly and cheerful dogs may uncharacteristically display signs of aggression when they are in pain. The change in behavior is either because they are afraid you will touch the painful area, or because the pain is making them irritable. Alternatively, dogs who are normally aggressive might suddenly become docile and quiet when they would otherwise be barking.  

Abnormal Facial Expression and Posture

Flattened ears, a grimacing mouth, and wide, dilated pupils are all indications of pain in a dog.  Painful dogs may also assume a hunched posture with their tail tucked between their legs. It’s also common for uncomfortable dogs to pant excessively, even if they are in a cold room or haven’t been exercising. 

Dog in Pain: Next Steps

If you suspect your dog is in pain, you should always take your dog to the veterinarian. Even if the source of the pain is transient, like a joint sprain, you will at least be able to take home pain relieving medications so that your dog does not unnecessarily suffer in silence. It is important to properly identify the source or origin of the pain so that it can be addressed before it worsens.  Nobody is better able to do this than a trained and experienced veterinarian. Pet owners often misdiagnose the source of their dogs pain when they attempt to identify it themselves. 

Until they can see a veterinarian, any dog displaying signs of pain should be put on rest to prevent worsening any potential injury or underlying disease process. Running, jumping, stairs, and unsupervised play should be stopped, and the pet should be limited to short leash walks only for the purpose of urinating and defecating. Provide your dog with soft, padded bedding, and a quiet, cool environment to help them rest and relax.   

Never administer pain medications to your dog without consulting a veterinarian first. Most over-the-counter human pain medications are toxic to dogs. While low doses of aspirin may be tolerated by your dog, recent studies have suggested that it is a relatively ineffective pain medication in dogs, and likely to result in vomiting, diarrhea, or other adverse effects.

Additionally, you should not give your dog any leftover medications from a previous injury or illness without first speaking with your pet’s veterinarian. Certain drugs cannot be given at the same time, and your veterinarian may be unable to prescribe a more helpful medication for your dog if you gave another medication first.

How to Manage Pain in Dogs

Whether the source of your dog’s pain is acute, like an injury, or chronic, like arthritis, there are several approaches to pain management. Your veterinarian may require diagnostics, like imaging or blood testing to determine the source of your dog’s pain and develop the most effective treatment protocol. If possible, your dog’s source of pain will be completely eliminated by treating and curing the underlying cause. In the case that your dog’s source of pain cannot be cured, there are many treatments and modifications that can be made to ensure your dog has a good quality of life.  

Depending on the source of your dog’s pain, your veterinarian may recommend pain relief medications, surgery, specialized splints/braces, physical therapy, laser therapy, regenerative treatments, hot or cold packs, acupuncture, chiropractic, supplements, or a combination thereof. 

Once treatment is initiated for your dog, you should constantly assess their response and progress. Work with your veterinarian to tailor the treatment plan until it best meets the needs of you and your dog to achieve the best results.

Nobody likes to see their dog in pain, but thankfully, it can be well managed and even dogs with chronic pain can live long and happy lives. 

The post 8 Signs Your Dog Might Be In Pain  appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Before Hugo was my best furr-end and protector, he was an IED bomb detection and attack canine for the United States Army.  

In August of 2014, I moved away from all my friends and family in Arizona to Bryan, Texas to start veterinary school, and was living alone in a “less-than-safe” neighborhood. After my first year there, I desperately wanted to adopt a canine companion to keep me company and help me feel safe—a small, relaxed, and low-maintenance pet so I could still focus on my studies. Hugo was none of those things.  

You see, when I met Hugo in 2015, he had recently returned from his second tour in Afghanistan, where his handler was lost in battle. Hugo endured a blow that left him nearly toothless. He spent 4 months in the kennels of a military base recovering while his future was being decided.

Seeing as he was no longer able to hold his grip onto the bite suit due to his lack of teeth, and his temperament did not leave him eligible for titanium implants, Hugo was officially retired from service.  

Now Hugo faced another battle—learning to be a normal dog. Military dogs are work driven, they are not allowed to play with other dogs, and they are taught that it’s okay to attack humans in specific situations. Sadly, these dogs don’t always make good pets. Hugo was highly anxious, extremely energetic, and dominance aggressive against dogs and occasionally humans.  

Hugo’s veterinarian at the military base happened to be my mother. She thought it was a wonderful idea to have her daughter adopt an attack-trained, 80-pound beast. I, on the other hand, disagreed. After much persuasion on her end, I agreed to meet Hugo—if only to appease my mom.  

Despite my disinterest, as soon as I met him, I fell in love with him. Hugo was beautiful and intelligent. He had a gentle soul that simply needed nourishing. His goofy smile and sweet kisses won me over in seconds. I knew at that time that I could not return home without him. 

Hugo became my veterinary school roommate, study buddy, therapist, and running partner. I’d say he was happy to transition to retired life. Although adopting Hugo and helping him learn to be a canine civilian has been challenging, we have made tremendous progress. He now enjoys making new friends with both dogs and humans, and even some cats! We still work on his social skills daily and the training never stops, but that makes our relationship even stronger. 

My experiences with Hugo have taught me valuable lessons about patience, understanding, and love.  Now, as I transition into my role as a full-time veterinarian, I see that I am better able to work with anxious or aggressive patients because of my time with Hugo. He’s a true hero—for our country and for me personally. I can’t imagine my life without him, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

The post Saluting My Military Rescue Dog, Hugo appeared first on Great Pet Care.

But we rarely pause to think about dog digestion and what comprises our dog’s digestive system. How it is different from our own? How long it takes for our dogs to digest food? Are there foods our dogs cannot digest?

One of the best and simplest ways to monitor our dog’s health is to keep an eye on their digestion. Here’s some more information about your dog’s digestive system and what you should know to keep everything running smoothly. 

Understanding the Dog Digestive System

The entire process of digestion is the result of many organs, enzymes, and systems.  The canine digestive system is similar in structure to that of a human, but there are notable key differences to the way our dogs convert food into usable energy. 

Think of the dog digestive tract like a long tube that begins with the mouth and esophagus, proceeds to the stomach, then the small and large intestine, and finally to the rectum. Although the liver and pancreas are not directly along the digestive tract, they are essential organs that help aid digestion and process nutrients. 

Digestion occurs in some form or another at every portion of the dog digestive tract, and digestion would not be possible without each and every component. With the exception of the mouth and esophagus, the entire digestive tract is inside your dog’s abdomen, where the majority of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.  

How Do Dogs Digest Food?

To better understand the dog digestive system and how digestion occurs, it is easiest to group it into four categories: the mouth and esophagus, the stomach, the small and large intestine, and the accessory organs.  

Mouth and Esophagus

When your dog eats food, this act kicks off the digestive process. Food is brought into the mouth by the front teeth and lips, then pushed to the back of the mouth by the tongue where it is ground up by the molars and swallowed. 

Dogs have forty-two teeth, whereas humans only have thirty-two. Therefore, dogs can complete this step more quickly and efficiently than we can. It’s often impressive (and a bit alarming) when our dogs eat two cups of food in under sixty seconds!. 

Chewing food, or masticating, breaks it into smaller particles and mixes it with saliva so  it can easily slide down the esophagus. A dog’s esophagus is a muscled, hose-like tube which passes through the neck and chest to the stomach. Unlike human saliva, dog saliva lacks digestive enzymes. Dog saliva primarily serves as a lubricant to help the chewed up bits pass from the mouth through the small esophagus and into the stomach without becoming stuck along the way.  

Stomach

Enzymatic digestion begins in the stomach for dogs. A dog’s stomach is a thick-walled, sac-like structure composed of smooth muscle. The interior surface of the stomach contains a series of gastric folds, which help grind and break down food, and the lining secretes hydrochloric acid, protein-digesting enzymes (proteases), and mucous to turn the ingested contents into a liquidy mush, called chyme.  

In dogs, the stomach stores food in addition to breaking it down. Food is reserved in a dog’s stomach for up to 8-12 hours. In contrast, food passes through a human’s stomach in as little as 30-90 minutes. 

Our dog’s ancestors sometimes went long periods of time without eating, so they would eat as much as possible when the opportunity presented itself. As a result, a dog’s stomach can stretch to allow for storage of food, and the muscular organ releases food into the small intestine in a regulated manner. This provides the dog with the unique advantage of being able to save and store food for when it’s needed. 

Small and Large Intestine

Once the food has been adequately liquidized into an easily digestible chyme, it moves into the small intestine where the food can be absorbed and processed. 

The first portion of the small intestine is called the duodenum. This early portion of the small intestine contains ducts leading from the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver, which contribute the final digestive enzymes. Additionally, the acid level of the chyme is reduced to prevent damage to the remainder of the gastrointestinal tract.

Next, the food enters the longest and second segment of the small intestine, the jejunum. This is where the food—now processed by acid, enzymes, and mechanical breakdown—undergoes nutrient extraction and absorption. The jejunum is lined with thousands of small, finger-like projections called villi, which draw out the nutrients and transport them across the intestinal lining to the bloodstream for use within the body.

Leftover waste, now devoid of nutrients, moves on to the last and shortest section of a dog’s small intestine, the ileum, which connects the small and large intestine.

The large intestine is the beginning of the colon in dogs. Moisture is removed from the remaining, unneeded, or unusable material, as it moves through the colon forming firm, fecal material. Any lingering minerals are also extracted here. The final product then exits the body through the rectum, and finds it way into your poop bag or scoop.  

Pancreas and Liver

Although the pancreas and liver are not directly a part of the dog digestive tract, they are essential for proper food digestion and preparing nutrients for absorption.

The pancreas contributes juices full of enzymes and hormones that are critical for digestion. These pancreatic juices enter the tract at the duodenum. The enzymes are responsible for breaking down fat, proteins, and sugars so they can be absorbed in the jejunum. Pancreatic hormones, primarily insulin, help regulate a dog’s blood sugar levels and appetite, stimulate stomach acid production, and signal stomach emptying. 

The liver makes bile, which is stored in the gallbladder, and added to the chyme in the duodenum. Bile is needed to properly digest fats and utilize them within the body.  Additionally, after nutrients are absorbed from the jejunum, most of them wind up in the liver, where they are processed for utilization throughout the body. 

How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Digest Food?

On average, it can take anywhere from 8-12 hours from the moment food enters your dog’s mouth until you see it again on the other end. This is about three times less than the amount of time humans take to digest a meal.  

The rate and efficiency of canine digestion depends on a combination of the following: 

Your dog’s breed. The breed of your dog often determines your pet’s size and weight, and has the greatest effect on the rate of their digestion. A dog’s digestive tract is roughly three times as long as they are, therefore, there is a direct correlation between the size of your pet and the length of their gastrointestinal tract. Larger dogs have a longer tract, so it takes food more time to move through.

Your dog’s age. Age has the second greatest effect on the time it takes for a dog to digest food. Puppies have the highest energy requirements, and therefore, need to eat and digest food on a more regular basis. Since they need a constant fuel supply for growth, food will not be stored in their stomach nearly as long as in adult canines. In a similar manner to humans, a dog’s metabolism will slow with age. Digestion becomes a lengthier process each year of your dog’s life. Senior dogs may chew more slowly, due to dental issues, and they will also digest food more slowly once it enters their stomach. In most cases, these age-related changes are not obvious to owners or clinically significant.

Your dog’s activity level. Very active dogs will digest food more quickly. They expend more energy, and therefore, must replace the fuel they used by consuming more and digesting quickly. Sedentary dogs, who have little energy output, will not need to digest food as rapidly, and it will linger for a greater amount of time in the stomach. Senior dogs are often less active than younger dogs, further contributing to their slow rate of digestion.

Your dog’s hydration level. Water consumption and adequate hydration speed up the digestive process. Increased hydration helps with enzyme secretion, saliva and mucous production, and keeps everything slipping along the tract appropriately.

Your dog’s food type. The type of food you feed your dog also determines how quickly it will pass through a dog’s digestive tract. Wet or canned food will move through more quickly than dry food. Furthermore, the more fibrous or firm the material, the longer it will take for it to pass from the stomach into the small intestine. 

Your Dog’s Digestive System: A Look at Certain Foods

As previously mentioned, some foods are easier to digest than others, and although our pets sometimes think they can eat anything, there are definitely limitations.  

Veterinarians are commonly questioned about ingested materials such as chicken bones, rawhide treats, corn, grains, and eggs, and whether our dogs can digest them.

Can Dogs Digest Chicken Bones?

The highly acidic environment of a dog’s stomach does make the digestion of small chicken bones and fragments possible. However, that does not mean that dogs should eat chicken bones! In fact, most veterinarians advise against dogs eating chicken bones. Chicken bones—or any bones for that matter—are not easily digested, and pieces that are too large can become lodged in the narrow tube of the small intestine, causing a mechanical obstruction, which is a life-threatening condition that requires surgery. Even small bones can be potentially problematic, as they can splinter into sharp fragments which can puncture through the gastrointestinal tract, causing peritonitis, an abdominal infection. Sharp pieces can also scratch or irritate the sensitive internal linings of the tract leading to severe gastrointestinal upset. 

Additionally, chewing on bones or antlers is the most common cause for chipped or broken teeth in dogs. Broken teeth are painful and can lead to a tooth root abscess if left untreated. Bear in mind that dental repair in dogs is quite expensive without insurance.  

Can Dogs Digest Rawhide?

Rawhides are commonly given to dogs as a reward and an outlet for their desire to chew. These treats are created from dehydrated cattle hides and often flavored with chicken or beef for palatability.  

Just as with bones, it will take these thick, fibrous treats more time to digest than regular food, but technically, yes, they can be digested. While small pieces of rawhide will eventually travel through the digestive tract without causing issues, larger chunks could lead to intestinal blockage.  

If you are a dog owner who gives your dog rawhides, be sure to supervise them and ensure they aren’t breaking off and swallowing large pieces.  

Can Dogs Digest Corn?

It has been said that corn is a “filler” in dog food, however, corn is not only acceptable in a dog’s diet, but also beneficial to their health. Corn is a great source of many nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, linoleic acid, and antioxidants.  

Corn must be cooked or processed first in order to remove the cellulose husk that animals, including humans, cannot digest. Once the outer shell is removed, corn is readily and easily digested. If the cellulose shell is not removed,  it will simply pass through the digestive tract unchanged, and will not cause any issues.  

Corn cobs, however, are not digestible and can easily become lodged in the esophagus or small intestine, so they should never be fed to dogs. 

Can Dogs Digest Grains?

Despite rumors that dogs cannot or should not eat grains, the truth is that dogs actually digest and metabolize grains efficiently, especially when they are pre-cooked. In fact, wild dogs and wolves eat grains regularly! One of the most sought after rewards from their herbivorous prey are the stomach and gastrointestinal linings, often full of grains and roughage. 

Carbohydrates from grains provide your dog with readily available energy thereby sparing precious protein needed for other essential bodily functions. In addition, carbohydrates provide a good source of fiber, which promotes gut health and motility, and essential nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, and vitamins.  

Can Dogs Digest Eggs?

Eggs are high in easily digestible protein and contain many essential fatty acids. Dogs can digest eggs both in their cooked form and raw form—shell and all! However, feeding raw eggs to dogs poses the same risk of foodborne illnesses that feeding raw meat does, so it is recommended that eggs be cooked before being fed to our pets.  

Avoid using spices, seasonings, butter, or oil while cooking eggs for dogs, as those ingredients can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Also, take care not to overfeed eggs, as too many can lead to high cholesterol and other nutritional imbalances. If you’re not sure how much is too much, reach out to your veterinarian. 

Caring for Your Dog’s Digestive System

Now that you have an understanding of the anatomy and processes behind digestion, use these tips to keep your dog’s digestion in top shape.  

Consider probiotics. Give your dog a daily probiotic supplement to keep their digestive tract functioning optimally. There are many different probiotic supplements specifically formulated for dogs. Contact your veterinarian for guidance selecting a product for your pet if you feel overwhelmed. 

Don’t use unnecessary digestive enzymes. Avoid supplementing your dog with digestive enzymes unless instructed by your veterinarian for treatment of a medical condition. Your dog’s digestive tract is already equipped with the enzymes necessary for flawless digestion, and additional supplementation could lead to imbalances. 

Keep an eye on your dog’s stool production. Dogs should defecate at least twice daily depending on frequency of meals and lifestyle. A combination of lack of dietary fiber, inadequate hydration, or more could be negatively impacting your pet’s digestive rate. 

Occasional loose stools or diarrhea are not alarming, but if your dog’s feces are typically wet, you should consult a veterinarian to screen for digestive issues. Ongoing diarrhea can lead to dehydration, loss of nutrients, and weight loss. 

Refrain from sharing greasy table foods. Refrain from sharing any greasy or fatty human food with your canine companions. Bacon grease, french fries, potato chips, or lots of cheese can overwhelm the digestive system and lead to serious illnesses like pancreatitis.

Feed a diet that is appropriate for your dog’s life stage. Puppies have different nutritional requirements than senior dogs. Take your dog’s life stage into account when selecting a diet, ensuring that you choose a diet that meets your dog’s unique nutritional needs.

Abnormal Dog Digestion: What to Do

A basic understanding of your dog’s digestive system will help you identify and avoid digestive issues before your dog becomes seriously ill. 

If your pet routinely experiences digestive upset, ask about a prescription dog food. These diets are uniquely formulated with fiber, protein, and fat ratios ideal for proper digestion.  

But if you notice any abnormalities or something seems off, it’s important to see a veterinarian. Digestive issues can have a wide variety of causes, and the most common causes of digestive issues may vary depending on your dog’s age. Together, you and your veterinarian can identify the cause of your dog’s digestive issues and create the best plan to keep your dog in top health. 

The post Dog Digestion: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Great Pet Care.

One morning, Mrs. Henderson noticed a drastic change in Scout’s behavior. It began as they left the house, when he seemed timid and afraid to walk past the garbage bins that had been placed out overnight. Next, he started barking as a child rode past on a tricycle and it took several moments for Mrs. Henderson to calm him down. Lastly, he approached strangers hesitantly, as if dipping his toes in the water.

What was wrong with Scout? Mrs. Henderson was worried that he might be sick. She called Scout’s trainer who explained that Scout was not sick—he was simply entering his second fear period.  

What are Fear Periods in Dogs?

Puppy fear periods or fear stages are normal milestones in puppy development, and all puppies go through them. During these times, puppies are extremely sensitive to traumatic experiences, and scary incidents that occur during these stages will imprint deeply into a young dog’s mind, affecting behavior for the rest of their life. Therefore, it is important for puppy owners to anticipate the onset of a fear period and avoid any negative or alarming events during a puppy fear stage.  

Puppies will experience two different fear periods before reaching adulthood. Each fear period will last roughly 2-3 weeks.  

The first fear period occurs relatively early in a dog’s life, when puppies are between 8-11 weeks old. The second fear period, which also lasts roughly 2-3 weeks, will occur less predictably between the ages of 6-14 months.  

A dog’s individual rate of sexual maturity and growth align with the onset of the second fear period. For example, a Chihuahua, who will be physically mature much sooner than a Great Dane, will likely experience their second fear period closer to six months, while it could happen in the Great Dane closer to the 14-month mark.

Are Fear Periods Normal for Puppy Development?

Several critical developmental periods occur during puppy maturity, and puppy fear stages are among them. As previously mentioned, fear periods in young dogs are normal, and all dogs of all breeds and sizes will undergo them.  

It is believed that these periods of fear in adolescent dogs will provide them with their “fight or flight” instincts. In other words, they are learning what they are supposed to be afraid of and subsequently avoid for survival purposes.   

During puppy fear stages, a single intimidating or painful experience will have a lifelong impact on the way your dog responds to that stimulus. This phenomenon—referred to as single-event learning—means that it takes only one negative incident with a particular trigger to cause an intense, permanent emotional response to that trigger in the future, regardless of the circumstances.  

From a survival standpoint, this learning style makes a lot of sense: puppies do not need to encounter life-threatening situations more than once to learn that they should be avoided.  

However, in today’s world, where our canine companions are typically well cared for, sheltered, and protected, these stages are not as necessary as they would have been in the wild. We can now use these stages to our advantage, to help the fearful puppy overcome his alarm and build trust in your relationship, which can prevent behavioral issues later in life.  

Characteristics of Fear Periods in Young Dogs

The first fear period coincides with the age that puppies are being separated from their mother and introduced to their new owners and homes. This is the time new owners will manage a puppy’s environment the most carefully and provide ample stimulation and socialization. New owners are also still familiarizing themselves with their puppy and might not notice any changes in their behavior. Therefore, the first fear period often passes unnoticed. 

The second fear period in dogs is often more pronounced and confusing for pet parents. Suddenly, their bold and adventurous canine companion becomes timid and hesitant. Their behavior towards familiar, or even unfamiliar, situations might change extremely, such as Mrs. Henderson’s experience with her adolescent dog, Scout.  

Fear behaviors vary widely between dogs, from cowering underneath the bed to suddenly snapping at other dogs or humans. It’s important to realize that a dog’s aggressive behavior is often fear driven, especially when these behaviors are uncommon for a specific pet.  

Whining, barking, or excessive panting are also telltale signs that a puppy is fearful or stressed.  Freezing in place, refusing to come out from a secure place, or trying to run away can also be signs of distress or alarm and may accompany a fear period.

How to Help your Puppy Through a Fear Period

Dogs often pass through the puppy fear stages without any necessary care, however, a pet parent’s response to an adolescent dog’s fear can help prevent lasting behavioral issues. Here are some tips for helping your dog through a fear period.

Stay calm. Firstly, do not panic or react dramatically when a puppy exhibits fearful behavior. Instead, speak in a normal, relaxed tone of voice, showing your young dog that you are not scared or concerned. Avoid speaking in soothing tones and overly comforting the pup, as that can reinforce the behavior. 

Avoid the trigger or fearful situation. Do not force your fearful puppy into a situation that makes him uncomfortable, as this will likely cause him to become more afraid. The more frightened your dog becomes, the harder it will be to wind him down. In contrast, calmly move away from the trigger at a typical pace and find an area to loosen up.   

Redirect the focus on something that your dog enjoys. Practicing commands such as sit, stay, and shake can help your dog concentrate and forget about the fearful trigger.  A favorite toy can also be a great distraction, as well as playing frisbee or fetch if your pet enjoys those activities.

Supervise socialization. Creating and facilitating enjoyable socialization experiences is important for all puppies, but can be extra beneficial during these times. It is important to supervise your puppy diligently while playing with new dogs, and avoid contact with other dogs whose behavior is unpredictable. Bring puppies hungry to social events with humans, such as veterinary visits, and bring their favorite treat along. This will make them more likely to accept treats from strangers and break through their fear.  

Despite our best efforts, we cannot protect our pets from everything. We are unable to predict every incident that will occur in this world, nor how our puppies will react to them. However, what we can do is recognize the onset of a fear period and react accordingly with positive behaviors to help our dogs adapt.  

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Although stress is not a pleasant emotion, the ability to experience stress indicates that your body is functioning normally, and all animals will experience stress from time-to-time. However, if levels of stress remain unchecked and elevated for prolonged periods, dogs can develop anxiety disorders, and, subsequently, undesirable behaviors. In addition, high levels of stress in dogs over an extended time can suppress the immune system and lead to a decrease in overall health and quality of life. 

By learning to identify stress in dogs, you can not only understand when your dog is feeling anxious, but also register and avoid triggers of anxiety in your pet. Using this information, you can implement calming techniques to combat and eliminate rising levels of stress.  

Let’s look at common stressors in dogs, recognizing stress in your dog, and how to calm your dog when they are feeling anxious.

Common Stress Triggers in Dogs

Any situation, surrounding, object, or being that disrupts the body’s normal state of functioning can trigger stress. 

Stress triggers can be broken down into three main categories: 

• Environmental
• Social
• Physical

Dogs may experience stress when exposed to one or all of the types of stressors. Below are some of the most common stress triggers in dogs:

Loud Noises

The most common environmental stress triggers in dogs are noise related. Dogs have extremely sensitive hearing. They can hear a much wider range and detect much quieter noises than humans can. Therefore, loud and abrupt noises can be quite shocking, especially to a dog hearing them for the first time.  

This canine stress trigger is amplified if the loud noises continue to sound over a period of time, as opposed to just a single loud blast or bang. This is why fireworks and thunderstorms can make our furry companions so fretful. Each crack of thunder or boom of the fireworks causes additional stress, such that the level of stress continues to climb until your dog is so wound up it will take them hours, if not days, to recover. 

Unfamiliar Scents

Unfamiliar scents are another common environmental stress trigger in dogs. Just as canines have incredible hearing, their sense of smell is also remarkable. Their incredible noses allow them to detect the scent of a novel human or animal in their environment long after they have gone. As territorial creatures, this can be unsettling for them. 

Additionally, their sharp sense of smell allows dogs to detect stress pheromones from other animals, even cats and humans. This can be particularly problematic at a veterinary clinic, where many animals visit and experience stress at some level.

New Places

It’s also quite common for dogs to feel stressed in a new environment.  Changes to their routine surroundings, such as moving to a new home, trying a new dog park, or staying at a new boarding facility can leave pets feeling quite uneasy. Car rides also fall under this category, as the inside of the car itself can be a new place, and the car is continually moving through changing settings with unfamiliar scents, making it difficult to adjust.  

Meeting New People

A common social stress trigger includes meeting new humans or pets. Although some dogs are very social and enjoy meeting strangers, others may be more timid or territorial. This is a regular occurence in puppies who were not socialized properly, or dogs that were possibly abused in a past home.  

Separation

Separation from owners or housemates is another common social stress trigger. Dogs are pack animals, and their humans and housemates are their pack. Being separated from their perceived pack can trigger stress, and the longer the separation lasts, the higher the level of anxiety—which can lead to a very stressed-out dog.

Physical Discomfort

Hunger, thirst, and illness or pain are physical stress triggers.  Physical discomfort triggers stress in dogs, just as it does in humans.  

Tips for Recognizing Stress in Dogs

There are many signs and symptoms to indicate a dog is stressed. Before beginning to look for signs of stress in your dog, it is important to learn your dog’s normal body language and establish a baseline for comparison.  

A relaxed dog will have a soft face and body, ears half way down their head and forward. They might be softly panting or breathing through their nose. Their tail will be held at the same level as their body and might be gently wagging. They will happily accept yummy treats when offered.   

But signals of anxiety in dogs are different. Here are ways to recognize the most common signs of a stressed dog:

Vocalization

Whining is a frequent indicator of stress in dogs. Dogs whine when they are uncomfortable, and many will whine throughout the duration of a stressful event. Atypical barking, such as barking at nothing in particular or relentless barking, is also a sign of stress in dogs.

Panting

Dogs will pant to release heat but also when they are overly excited or stressed, just as humans might hyperventilate if they become overwhelmed. If your dog is panting vigorously, but hasn’t been exercising or playing, it’s a good indication that they are stressed. 

Shaking

Full body tremors are an easy-to-spot sign of a dog experiencing stress. A stress trigger will kick on the body’s “flight or fight” response, and the adrenaline rush will cause a dog to shake all over in anticipation.  

Pacing

The inability to sit still or stand in one place is a sign of stress in dogs, just as it is in humans.  Dogs will frequently pace around an exam room while waiting for the veterinarian or walk in circles around the couch at home if left alone.  

Hiding or Escaping

Dogs will often hide behind their owners in a stressful situation, or perhaps slink under a table or cower behind a chair. Some will even try to chew off a leash and run if necessary to avoid the stressful situation. Dogs dealing with separation anxiety might try to escape by chewing through a door or their kennel to find their way back to their pack. 

Aggressive Behavior

Even the friendliest dog might act aggressively when they are feeling stressed or anxious.  Usually, they will give a soft growl as a warning, telling whomever is approaching that they are feeling nervous or threatened. If the growl is ignored, they may try to snap or bite uncharacteristically.  

Destructive Behavior

Eating the couch, tearing up the carpet, shredding their bedding, or scratching up a door are ordinary signs of stress in dogs, as chewing can be a self-soothing mechanism and an outlet for dogs feeling anxious. Damage to the interior of doors or windows can be coupled with escape behavior.

Yawning

Repeatedly yawning, or yawns that seem prolonged or drawn out, can be a sign of a dog in stress. Although it’s unclear exactly why a stressed dog yawns, it is believed to have calming effects. If a dog is yawning without the other typical signs of being sleepy, it’s likely a stressed-dog yawn.  

Drooling or Licking

Licking is another self soothing technique for dogs. By licking themselves, they can avoid the situation and maintain their focus elsewhere. Drooling excessively also occurs when dogs are stressed. Dogs who are salivating profusely when there’s no food around mat be nauseous or stressed. 

Abnormal Eye or Ear Position 

When a dog pulls their eyelids back enough that the whites of their eyes are showing, they are definitely stressed or fearful. Pulling their ears back and flat against their head is another sign that they feel threatened or anxious.  

Tense Lips

Relaxed dogs have soft lips and sometimes even seem to smile, but a stressed-out dog will often have tense lips that are pulled back. Some stressed dogs will even lift their lips, showing their teeth, as a warning that they feel unsafe and anxious. 

Abnormal Posture

The all-too-familiar tail tucked between the legs is a clear sign that you are dealing with a stressed out dog. Uneasy pups might also curl tightly into a fetal position or crouch low to the ground. Other dogs may become extremely tense and rigid, yet remain standing, commonly referred to as “fear freezing.” 

Diarrhea 

Very commonly, stressed dogs will develop diarrhea. Sometimes the diarrhea will also contain blood or mucous and can be an alarming finding for pet owners. This is a condition veterinarians call stress colitis. It is a common phenomenon, although we are not quite sure why stress leads to inflammation of the large intestine.  

Accidents Inside the House

While there are many reasons a potty-trained pet might begin to have accidents in the house, stress is a frequent cause. Just like some humans, dogs can be nervous urinators, and when they are extremely stressed or scared, they might even lose control of their bowels. The old saying “scared the crap out of me,” applies to our canine companions as well!

Shedding

Dogs who become stressed or overly excited will “blow their coat,” or begin shedding an abnormal amount. Veterinary exam rooms are often filled with hair after each patient leaves. If you find yourself having to sweep or vacuum more than usual, you might be dealing with a stressed-out dog.

Decreased Appetite

Dogs are often very food-motivated creatures, which is why treats make an excellent training tool. Refusal of food by a dog known to “eat anything” can be a sign that your dog is feeling stressed.  

Of course, there are many other conditions in which a pet might refuse food, so be sure to contact your veterinarian if your dog’s inappetance persists. 

How to Help a Dog Deal With Stress

The most important task when comforting a stressed dog is remembering to stay calm yourself!  Dogs can sense your stress, and might feel that their reaction is justified if you are stressed as well.

Besides staying calm, here are some tips for reducing your dog’s stress:

Remove the Stress Trigger

Start by removing your pet from the stress trigger (or vice versa) as soon as signs of stress are identified. The sooner the source of stress is eliminated, the easier it will be to bring your dog back to baseline level of calm.  

Stress is an unconscious emotion—your dog did not choose to become stressed, so they might not be able to consciously listen to you until their stress levels begin to decline. Seek out a calm, quiet place for your dog to begin settling down.  

Don’t Over Comfort

Avoid overly comforting a stressed dog and behave normally. Extra petting or treats can serve as positive reinforcement, leading to an increase in this behavior in the future. Instead, help your dog refocus and return to a more conscious state of mind by going through commands they already know such as “sit” and “down” and rewarding them generously when they listen.

Help Your Dog Get More Exercise

To prevent stress triggers from affecting your pet, increasing exercise is a great first step. Pets who are not exercised sufficiently can have pent-up energy and become wound up quickly in stressful situations. Additionally, endorphins released during exercise can have the same stress-relieving benefits that they do in humans.  

Try Slow, Controlled Behavior Training

Increased training along with slow and controlled exposure to the stress trigger can help desensitize your dog to the source of stress. The more “happy” experiences your dog has in association with the stress trigger, the less likely they will be affected by it in the future.

Consider Calming Products

Lastly, there are many supplements that can be added safely to a dog’s diet that have a calming effect and calming products that can help pets de-stress if they have a stressful episode. Talk to your veterinarian if you are interested in any calming supplements or products. For particularly anxious dogs, your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to help keep your dog calm. 

Talk to Your Veterinarian

Of course, the most essential tool for helping a dog who consistently experiences high stress levels is to work with your veterinarian. Together, you can rule out any medical causes of stress, choose the correct calming supplements and aids, and add in any prescription medications if deemed necessary. The medicines for stress are not always a sedative, and are often not needed long term. Think of them as a bridge until your pet adjusts to a change in the environment, such as a new baby or added pet.

Remember, completely eliminating all stress from a dog’s life is impossible, but with patience and time, you can easily improve your dog’s quality of life by recognizing and managing their stress.

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