Why Do Dogs Do That?

Why can dog's paws withstand heat and cold better than humans?

Although your dog's paws can withstand certain temperatures, they should not be exposed to any excessive heat or cold. Just like you, dogs can get blisters or sores on their paws. It is extremely important to protect your dog's paws as much as you would your own feet. Be sure to to trim their nails, snip any excessive hair, clean between their toes and moisturize them with a good pad moisturizer. Dogs love a good paw massage, too! If it's too cold outside, buy a pair of boots to protect your dog's paws. They may take some time to get used to them, but they will thank you later. (ASPCA) 

I'm not sure if my dog is allergic to his food, but he's been scratching himself lately after his meals. What are some symptoms of food allergies?

According to Pet Education, 10% of all allergies seen in dogs are food allergies. Some food allergies are not just allergies, but rather food intolerances. To tell the difference, pay attention to your dog's behaviors after he eats. A simple food allergy results in itching and skin problems, primarily to its face, feet, ears, forelegs, armpits and anywhere near the anus. In more serious cases, food allergies can result in chronic or recurrent ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching and skin infections.

Food intolerance results in diarrhea or vomiting. The most common culprits of food allergies are:  beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn, wheat and soy. The best treatment for allergies is avoidance. Consult your veterinarian for more information on switching your dog onto a new diet. (Pet Education) 

My dog incessantly barks at the TV, whether it's boring news or a colorful cartoon. Is this normal?

Sometimes, you just have to put yourself into your dog's paws. Wouldn't it be strange if you saw this weird box-shaped thing in the middle of your home that had people you've never seen before in it? But while some dogs sit and stare, others have a more lively reaction. What you can do as a pet parent is help them relax as much as possible so you can get through your Bravo programming.

Here are a few ideas: 1. Feed your dog its meals while the TV is on. This will increase positive association! 2. Reward your dog with treats when he or she demonstrates calm behavior instead of barking at the TV. 3. Distract your dog with a game when the TV is on. Throw him a new chew toy or hide treats around so he can scavenge. (Vetstreet) 

Are harnesses better than collars for walking my dog? 

When it comes to choosing the right method for walking your dog, a lot of factors should be considered. The two most important differences that affect whether you should use a collar or a harness are as follows: If your dog has no respiratory or trachea problems and does not pull on a leash, you can use a collar. If your dog has respiratory or trachea problems and pulls on the leash, he or she is better suited for a harness. If you are still training your puppy, a harness may also work better. If you want to get the most control over your dog, collars work the best. Overall, be sure to check the fit and closure of your dog's collar or harness to make sure that it is right for your dog. (Dogtime)

How do I get my puppy to stop biting me? 

Biting and chewing are two of the most normal behaviors among puppies. Cute at first, biting can become a bad behavior if it is not curbed in the beginning. There are a couple different ways to teach your puppy to be more gentle with his mouth. The first method is to scream or yelp at first bite. When the puppy stops and begins to lick you instead, praise him or her for understanding. The second method is by distracting your dog and giving him or her something else to bite. Puppies should be taught that fingers and toes should not be chewed, while toys and treats should. When a pup begins to bite your skin, substitute it with a chew bone or a snack. Just remember to be patient with your puppy — and that this behavior is completely normal. (WebMD) 

My dog hates baths! Why?

Imagine someone stripping you from the comfort of your couch, dropping you into a sea of foam and dousing you in running water. Pretty scary, right? Your dog's negative association with baths could have stemmed from earlier in his life, but in general, baths are pretty frightening. Perhaps he was bathed in cold water, got soap in his eyes or was left to dry without a towel. Help your dog learn to like baths a little more by talking to him gently or giving him a treat right before and after. Try to use phrases that indicate positive associations, not negative ones.

If you say, "Let's go!" when you call your dog to clip his nails or give him medicine, try to not use the phrase when you wash him. Positive reinforcement and praise is crucial during bath time. Instead of bathing him in a rush, take your time and appear calm and gentle. Use warm water and be sure to keep suds out of his eyes and mouth. (The Nest) 

Exactly how toxic is chocolate to dogs? 

For all the different types of chocolate there are in the world, there are different levels of toxicity for your dog. From milk chocolate to baker's chocolate, there is a range of how much fat, caffeine and various substances are in each. For example, dark chocolate is 10 times as toxic as milk chocolate. However, death by chocolate is very rare and only occurs in about 1 in every 3,000 intoxication cases. Still, your dog could experience severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures due to chocolate ingestion. If you think that your dog has ingested chocolate, be sure to call your veterinarian immediately or the Pet Poison Helpline's 24-hour Animal Poison Control at 1-800-213-6680. (Pet Insurance) 

Why does my dog tilt his head when I speak to him?

Dogs tilt their heads for the exact reason you are probably thinking. Your human language confuses them, so they are trying to make sense of it and tilt their head in uncertainty. Tilting their head allows them to hear more clearly. When they tilt their head, their ears are better exposed. This will hopefully allow the sound to be more clear, thus helping them understand what in the world you are talking about. (K9 Magazine) 

Why do dogs like squeaky toys? 

There is a theory that links a dog's love for squeaky toys back to its ancestry. In the wild, a dog's prey would make squeaks and cries. This sound will alert a dog to go after it. This also explains your pooch's mad dash when you throw their toy across the room. Their hunting instinct tells them that they should chase this yelping object. Overall, it is a very fun and rewarding experience to play with a squeaky toy. Another theory suggests that they are simply fun and interactive to play with, busying their minds and giving them something to chew on. (Wise Geek) 

Why do dogs have tails?