Welcome to our Pets community! Connect with fellow pet lovers, share stories, seek advice, and celebrate the joy our furry, feathered, and scaled friends bring to our lives. Let's create a paw-some community of pet enthusiasts!
Only when the puppy is settled in his new home, you will realize that your whole life changes from his presence and the responsibilities you take on.
Your efforts and care will be rewarded when the puppy grows up and becomes healthy and disciplined.
You should always remember that the puppy depends exclusively and completely on you, both for its survival and for the formation of its character.
In your relationship with the puppy, one thing must be clarified from the very first moment: You are the boss, and there is no way you can let it "led you by the nose".
The puppy will use various means to monopolize your attention and force you to do all his favors. Once you give in, you became his slave! (If you come to this point, it’s time for a puppy timeout. However, most of the time there's no trial period for puppies. It's a commitment.)
If you show stability and determination, the puppy will quickly understand that he must respect and obey you.
Do not worry about the fact that the puppy shows apathy and indifference to his new environment. He has lost his mother, his siblings, the familiar smells, the familiar sounds.
If the temperature is normal, nothing serious is happening. After two or three days, he will start exploring the house and will acclimatize completely.
Braintree Police Department K9 Kitt was killed on June 4 while attempting to apprehend a gunman who was shooting at three officers, one of which was his handler, Ofc. Cushing.
K9 Kitt is a true life hero, for diverting the shooter's attention away from the officers, thus saving several human lives.
He gave his life to protect his handler and fellow officers.
Belle commences a 4-week training program to become a service dog! Can't wait to see the results. To think I used to be afraid of pit bulls or pit bull mixed breeds... I wasted so much time in my life being fearful of them. Belle is amazingly gentle and quite loving.
With the mercury soaring and the temperature in the red, nothing is more important to our dog than a cool side and fresh cool water to drink.
The other day, I was on a beach at noon, where 4 young people (25 years old) thought it was "smart" to bring their dog (pit bull) to the beach while showing their arms. The whole picture was bad but what overcame me was this:
The beach was literally full of people. Bringing a dog to a beach shows a relative indifference for bathers, young and old. There were people who were afraid. Now, I know some will come in "but rightly so". I do not deny it, but the fact that we have a right does not mean that we should not have common sense in exercising it. It is my right to go to church in my underpants, however, I will not do it. It is my right to go home naked, but when I do, I close the shutters.
They could very well have gone with their dog to a more secluded beach, so as not to create discomfort and annoyance. No one deprives us of the right but it is good to practice it with wisdom.
The second thing that bothered me was their complete ignorance or interest in the dog's health. At 40 degrees Celsius, the dog was about to faint. They had a tiny umbrella, which did not fit them. The dog's gums had turned white from the heat, his saliva was running, his paws were burning. In about two hours I did not see them give him water. Of course, they drank their coffee, constantly doing a "bodybuilding show".
At one point I could not bear it and approached them as calmly as I could. I told them, "Could you give the animal some water?" He seems to be thirsty." The three of them gave me a strange look, showing me their muscles. Fortunately, the fourth one recognized me. "What are you doing here, Mr. Dennis?", told me. "I came to your last food seminar in early April." The others relaxed. "Mr. Dennis is probably right. He is a chef and a dog owner".
After a while, they picked them up and left, so the animal escaped the torture.
Honestly, there is no reason to bring your dog on the beach, noon with heat. Let it calm, relaxed at home. Make sure it has shade all day and plenty of cool water. There is also no reason to take our dogs right into the beach, where and when there are thousands of people. Think about what would happen if each of us got off our dog. Even if they can not forbid us, such behavior does not show social sensitivity, common sense, and perception of space.
We can go to the sea with our dog quite early when it is still cool and no one has gathered. Exposing them to excessive temperature, they suffer and their lives are in danger.
Common sense and common practice are wise and helpful most of the time. And the case I am referring to, in my humble opinion, cannot be considered an exception.
Can cats and rabbits get along if a rabbit is introduced?
A friend of mine wants to adopt a rabbit or two but she is concerned that her cats will not react well to this. She is planning on getting young rabbits if she does get them which means they will be very small. Does anyone here have experience with cats coexisting with cats under the same roof? Is there a safe way to introduce them?
I have been wanting to adopt a dog but I plan on having children in the near future so I don't want to make a commitment and have issues with it down the road. I don't want to be another person who just has to get rid of their dog because life got in the way. I want to plan ahead and make sure the dog I get is great with babies, toddlers, and kids in general.
When choosing an exotic pet, it is important to consider the reasons why you want a pet and the reality of caring for the type of pet you want.
Basic principles for choosing an exotic pet
Avoid impulse adoptions.
Find out everything you can about a potential pet before you bring it home.
Have all the necessary equipment and supplies on hand to return home to make the transition to a new home as easy as possible for your pet.
What is your motivation?
If you are thinking of an exotic pet for the "cool" factor, please reconsider choosing an exotic pet. Long-term commitment can be overwhelming when innovation is removed. Consider whether a pet will really live up to your expectations and be part of your long-term plans. Your choice of exotic pets should also be based on your ability (with time and money) to provide adequate housing, space, care, and attention.
Is it the Household?
First of all, find out which pet species are illegal in your area. Do not ignore the laws just because you can get away with them. legal problems and grief are possible outcomes.
Adult size
Larger pets need more space and exercise and may be more difficult to handle.
Emotion
Do you want a pet that has human interaction and can be kept or a pet that is happier without normal handling?
Emotion
Do you want a pet that has human interaction and can be kept or a pet that is happier without normal handling?
Nutrition requirements
Commercially prepared foods are available for different types of pets, but others will require a variety of fresh foods prepared daily or even mice or insects as a key ingredient in their diet.
Housing
Consider the size and type of home you will need. Also, consider what special equipment may be needed (eg, UV lighting).
Expenses
Keep in mind that housing, supplies, food, veterinary care, and other expenses are often much higher than the cost of the pet itself. Carefully consider what you can afford when choosing a pet.
Pets are just as vulnerable to injury or illness as we are. So when that happens, it is important to take care of our pets, just as we would take care of any other member of our family. In the event of a sudden disability or if an existing condition worsens, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible to determine if the symptom can be reduced. Unfortunately, many animals with disabilities are treated by humans with rejection and will either abandon them or euthanize them. It is a great mistake to believe that these animals are unhappy and have no reason to live! Animals are amazing creatures and can teach us many life lessons. Either they are born without limbs, or they have suffered mutilation, or they have lost their sight, etc., they accept life as it is and continue without frustration and misery. They are usually impressively adapted to the new circumstances, however, because they depend on us to a greater extent for a healthy pet, with love and care, we can help them to live a happy life. Animals - whether healthy or disabled - are precious in our lives! They teach us the true meaning of selfless love, devotion, and pure friendship. Respecting all life forms on this planet is our duty. And the truest of all is that living with animals can make us better people!
The most popular endangered animals in Greece have a double name. Caretta caretta, monk monks, kri kri. Somehow, the thought has been registered in my consciousness that no other animal is in danger, since no one with a double name comes to mind.
Obviously, the above thought is far from reality, since tigers, gorillas and everything are in 'fine' danger. However, apart from the endangered Greek species that we have all more or less heard and the common international ones mentioned above, there is a list of endangered animals that we are unaware of even their existence. For example… 1. Bakita
Its name may be reminiscent of the well-known scythe (see Makita), but it is one of the rarest dolphin-like marine mammals found only in the Gulf of California. There are currently only 30 live bacilli, which are in extreme danger due to overfishing. 2. Calf
A deer that instead of horns has something like tusks to protect itself from enemies. It lives mainly in southern Asia, but some species have been found as far as Siberia. The main reason why it is close to extinction is none other than hunting. 3. African penguin
It could be a joke. Strange as it may seem, there are black and white penguins in South Africa. At present, their population reaches a few tens of thousands, while 200 years ago they consisted of a few million. African penguins are on the verge of extinction due to both hunting and the oil that ends up in the sea. 4. Dole
The dole, although it looks like a fox, is a species of wild dog that lives in Asia. It is very social, since it lives in groups of 12-40 people and it is difficult to avoid its disappearance since there are only 2500 dollars left and all attempts to live in captivity have failed. 5. Giant otter
It reaches 1.8 meters in length and lives in the rivers of Latin America. It is called the 'river wolf' and lives by eating fish. It is gradually disappearing, due to the destruction of the natural environment in which it lives. We do not know how many people there are at the moment, but in some countries it has already completely disappeared.
“On the not-so-rare nights I suffer from insomnia, no combination of melatonin, blankets, and white noise will do. There is only one remedy, my cat, Chichi, who lies on my shoulder and lulls me with his purrs," says a friend over an afternoon coffee.
For purgatory lovers the reasons are clear. "It's the epitome of emotional satisfaction — a sign that we've 'made our pets happy,' which is really cool," says Wailani Sung, a behavioral veterinarian at the San Francisco SPCA.
While the purr—one of the most recognizable sounds in the animal kingdom—is also one of the most mysterious. "No one, yet, knows how purring actually happens," says Robert Eklund, a linguist at Sweden's Linköping University. Not even the experts can say, exactly, what the purring means. Cats purr when they're happy—but also sometimes when they're anxious or scared, when they're giving birth, and even when they're about to die. "Cats are perhaps the most inscrutable creatures we humans welcome into our homes, and purring is perhaps the most inscrutable sound they make."
In the strictest sense, the sound is a rhythmic, noisy percolation produced both during exhalations—as is the case with most typical animal vocalizations—and during inhales, with no breaks in between. "Purters" also operate their motor with their mouths completely closed, like little feline gastrians - the sound just bounces off the body at a frequency roughly spanning the range between 20 and 150 Hertz. In the 1960s, a scientist suggested that the murmur was the product of blood filtering through the vena cava, a vessel that returns the body's blood to the heart—a view that was later disproved. It's now generally understood that the source is the vocal cords: The brain sends electrical signals to the vocal folds, prompting them to open and close like little muscular doors.
Some believe that in some animals, purring may be a type of vocal tic, like nervous laughter—cats may also be trying to send calls for help or warning messages to anyone who dares to approach. Or maybe humming in times of stress is self-soothing. It could even be a cat's attempt to trick its pain-ridden body into a less painful state.
The scenario is familiar: Returning home after a hard day's work, we find that our dog wasn't waiting for us so patiently, instead he was tearing through our coziest and coziest slippers with his teeth. Our first, instinctive reaction may be to yell at him and apply some punishment for his unwanted behavior.
We already know that the method of punishment does not have the best results for children. But it doesn't even exist in dogs, which as an ever-increasing amount of research shows, share more in common with the human species than we might have thought until now.
We already know that the method of punishment does not have the best results for children. But it doesn't even exist in dogs, which as an ever-increasing amount of research shows, share more in common with the human species than we might have thought until now.
As experts explain, many of the unwanted behaviors of dogs do not stem, say, from their desire to destroy our favorite slippers but from their anxiety. And as with humans, punishment is not the best way to approach an anxious dog, confirms a recent study published in the journal PLOS One.
In fact, if we punish our dog for behavior problems related to his anxiety, we are not only not solving the problems, we are actually making them worse. Let's try to put ourselves in his shoes for a moment: If, say, we were overwhelmed by stress over our increased workload and began to underperform, would a punitive treatment from our employer help us manage the stress? Probably the opposite. Something similar happens with an anxious dog who is added to the stressful stimuli of his environment and the threat of punishment from his guardian.
If, say, we were overwhelmed by stress over our increased workload and began to underperform, would a punitive treatment from our employer help us manage the stress? Probably the opposite.
But what does an anxious dog mean? Imaging techniques applied to the animals' brains showed in some of them "dysfunctions in the amygdala and hippocampus, the areas of the brain associated with memory and emotions, which can lead to anxiety symptoms such as fear and reduced learning ability , as we have also observed in previous human studies."
So how do we deal with an anxious dog? For starters, let's consult an expert in animal behavior while we wait until we have more research in hand—which, we suspect, will suggest approaches similar to those of human stress management.
If our dog has behavioral problems, we may have been treating them completely wrong until now
The scenario is familiar: Returning home after a hard day's work, we find that our dog wasn't waiting for us so patiently, instead he was tearing through our coziest and coziest slippers with his teeth. Our first, instinctive reaction may be to yell at him and apply some punishment for his unwanted behavior.
We already know that the method of punishment does not have the best results for children. But it doesn't even exist in dogs, which as an ever-increasing amount of research shows, share more in common with the human species than we might have thought until now.
We already know that the method of punishment does not have the best results for children. But it doesn't even exist in dogs, which as an ever-increasing amount of research shows, share more in common with the human species than we might have thought until now.
As experts explain, many of the unwanted behaviors of dogs do not stem, say, from their desire to destroy our favorite slippers but from their anxiety. And as with humans, punishment is not the best way to approach an anxious dog, confirms a recent study published in the journal PLOS One.
In fact, if we punish our dog for behavior problems related to his anxiety, we are not only not solving the problems, we are actually making them worse. Let's try to put ourselves in his shoes for a moment: If, say, we were overwhelmed by stress over our increased workload and began to underperform, would a punitive treatment from our employer help us manage the stress? Probably the opposite. Something similar happens with an anxious dog who is added to the stressful stimuli of his environment and the threat of punishment from his guardian.
If, say, we were overwhelmed by stress over our increased workload and began to underperform, would a punitive treatment from our employer help us manage the stress? Probably the opposite.
But what does an anxious dog mean? Imaging techniques applied to the animals' brains showed in some of them "dysfunctions in the amygdala and hippocampus, the areas of the brain associated with memory and emotions, which can lead to anxiety symptoms such as fear and reduced learning ability , as we have also observed in previous human studies."
So how do we deal with an anxious dog? For starters, let's consult an expert in animal behavior while we wait until we have more research in hand—which, we suspect, will suggest approaches similar to those of human stress management.
Dog: Why it licks us – When it warns us of health problems
A distinguishing feature of the dog is to shower his human with "kisses" when he sees him.
To lick his guardian on any part of his body.
Why is he exhibiting this behavior? Is it just a manifestation of love and tenderness?
Many of them have a very attractive smell, giving off sweet or fruity aromas. And this causes our dog to try them.
This means that dogs not only have the ability to smell us from afar, but they can also distinguish every smell that can make up our scent. Beyond that, though, let's take into account that our sweat has a salty taste, which some dogs may like. So the first explanation, although somewhat funny, is that for our dogs we have... good taste. The second, however, arises from the way our dog has learned to communicate. Puppies, from the first days of their lives, learn from their mothers that licking is a way of communication, to show their affection, their love. It is the way for them to cleanse themselves and close their wounds. Growing up, they learn to handle it, either to show their tenderness, or to calm a tense situation. So, as adults now, in their attempt to communicate with us they use what they have learned from their mother dogs. After all, who among us has not experienced his little friend licking him when he has a wound, or expressing his gratitude in this way?
If we notice that our dog insists on licking us on a certain part of our body. He may have something to "tell" us, to warn us about something. In this case, we may need to see our doctor.
Finally, whatever the motivations of our dog each time, it is good not to argue with him, if for us it is an undesirable behavior. Because, for his kind, she's normal. We can ask for the advice of a positive trainer, so that he does not lick us and, at the same time, a common way of communication is found.
Now that it's summer we spend more and more time outdoors.
We enjoy the sun and nature, and our dogs often follow us, at the sea or in the countryside. But what happens to our cats, who are too often locked up at home? Is there a way for them to enjoy the sun, the breeze, observe other animals and birds safely? There is, and he is the saddle and the harness.
Although many feline guardians let their cats roam freely in the yard, on the balcony, or in the neighborhood, there are others who prefer to protect them from danger by keeping them indoors. Both approaches are legitimate, although free-ranging cats, according to experts, are potentially at risk not only themselves from cars and other animals, but also pose a risk to wider ecosystems as predators.
In the event that your cat is confined inside the house, but you wish to give it relative freedom, you can use a harness and a leash, to take it for a walk not only in the neighborhood, but also to move around in a controlled manner on the balcony, roof , or in the yard, where it is certainly safer. Unlike dogs, cats don't always accept the leash as easily. It is possible that your cat will not accept it at all. Every pet is different, with varying moods and preferences. But you don't lose anything to try, carefully and strategically, using a harness and leash on your cat and see if it suits her. After all, being able to wear a romper on your cat can make visits to the vet or car and boat trips easier.
The first step to getting the process right is choosing the right parts. As with dogs, cat litters come in different sizes. However, cats have the following peculiarity: they are very flexible and can attach themselves in the most unlikely places, so that they can quite easily, if disturbed, get rid of their samari. It is therefore essential that you use a harness specifically for cats and not for small dogs, in the right size for your cat, and with the ability to adjust. Do not attempt to collar the cat as there is a serious choking hazard.
Initially, the goal is for the cat to get used to and accept the Samari. To do this you can leave it on the floor and allow your cat to explore it on its own, rewarding it with treats whenever it gets close to it to entice and help develop positive associations about the object. Start crate training indoors where the cat will be confined and safer if something goes wrong.
After the cat gets used to the Samari, you can try wearing it, always rewarding it with treats. If she resents it, you can wear it for a while, gradually increasing the time she spends wearing it. While she is wearing it you can play with her and offer her treats. Continue in the same way after you've attached the leash to the Samari, enticing them with toys and treats in the direction you want to lead her. Do not use a leash that extends as the cat can be injured by a sudden movement.
Caution: do not pull the cat while wearing the leash, as this may upset the cat and backfire.
When the cat is ready, you can take it outside, always choosing a safe and quiet place without many people and other animals, and supervising it while it explores its environment. Don't push her to sit outside more than she can handle.
You can place an open cage or bag on the ground, giving your cat the option to hide if he feels the need. Give her freedom without letting her out of your sight.
Remember that no cat litter is safe enough to leave your cat unattended, as the small species' body structure allows them to be released almost as if they were liquid! That doesn't mean you and your cat can't, with due care, have fun exploring the outside world together!
Give the process time, follow the rhythm of your fluffy friend without forcing the situation, and you will be rewarded with carefree moments in the grass and in the sun!
Do you see your dog shaking and moving its legs as if running while sleeping? After all, what does he see in his sleep?
A common, usually funny, image that is familiar to dog parents: their furry child, lying sprawled out on his beloved bed, appears to be running, as if chasing something with his eyes closed and horizontally or on his back, all the while barking muffledly . in his sleep. All of the above "symptoms", combined with a characteristic rapid movement of his eyes under closed or half-closed eyelashes, indicate that your dog is probably dreaming.
But do dogs really dream? Do they dream just like humans? What are they dreaming about? What do their dreams look like? Do we ever dream? How long do their dreams last? nightmares? In the event of a nightmare, should we wake them up, and how?
Do dog dreams exist or is this a myth?
Yes. according to university research and experts, such as dr. Gary Richter, There is no doubt that dogs dream like we do, because their brains work in a similar way to ours. Especially when they have fallen into a deep sleep (after about 20 minutes), having previously been quite tired, and are relaxed in their favorite bed, it is very likely that you will see them start these characteristic contractions of their limbs, as if they are running on air . or to pursue some unseen game or prey.
What are they dreaming about?
According to research cited in the same article, our dogs are likely to dream of something happy and fun about these activities, with or without us: for some dogs this involves chasing another animal, while for others a ball we have for them fly. . So that's probably what they do in their happy dreams too.
Digging and burying things valuable to the dog, such as food, have to do with his dna, which he has inherited from his wolf ancestors. In the past, when food was not plentiful, dogs used to bury game and later dig and find it.
In fact, under the soil and in the ground these were protected from the sun and heat. The lower temperature kept them suitable for consumption for a longer time. In other words, it was a kind of refrigerator for dogs. At the same time, they protected their food from being grabbed by another hungry animal.
Today our dear friends may no longer be in that position as we provide them with everything and more. However, this habit often persists. If we have several dogs in the house and we feed them at the same time, there is a possibility that one of them will develop the habit of grabbing their food and running somewhere to bury it, with the intention of digging it up later. This is because he is afraid that one of his siblings or roommates might eat it.
In this case, a solution is to feed our dogs in different places so that they feel safe that someone will not steal their food. The same reason can be behind the fact that one of our dogs may dig and hide their favorite toys, which they are not in the mood to share with their housemates. One solution is to have games available for everyone – you may have to buy the same game two or three times to avoid 'jealousy' and possessiveness.
This is a fun activity
Other dogs enjoy this peculiar "hiding". They hide anything – from toys to things around the house, sometimes making us desperately search for them, then go crazy digging and finding them.
The digging itself also acts as a form of relaxation and exercise for the dog. Some (usually hunting) breeds such as Beagles and Dachshunds obviously enjoy this process much more than others.
So digging and burying objects, not necessarily toys, is for our dog a kind of play. It relaxes them physically and mentally.
However, it can also be a sign of boredom or stress when they have stayed with the same toys for a long time, or if we do not pay them much attention and are away from home for hours.
In this case, we can try games that mentally tire our dog, such as various puzzles, where at the end he manages to find a treat and thus is rewarded.
Dental disease is common in cats and begins at an early age. Just like humans, cats build up plaque – a layer of food debris and bacteria – on their teeth on a daily basis. Plaque build-up, if not removed, can cause gingivitis.
Many cats up to two years old have already developed gingivitis or periodontal disease. Although these are diseases that do not develop quickly, they can develop into serious ones and need appropriate treatment because they cause pain and affect the general health of the cat. Most dental disease in cats occurs below the gum line. Some cats may even develop abscesses at the roots of the teeth and need to have a tooth extracted.
Fortunately, early gingivitis goes away with proper cleaning. On the other hand, prevention is necessary because, if left, it can cause permanent damage to oral tissue and bone, and in more serious cases to the kidneys, liver, heart, etc.
It is essential that your cat visits the vet once a year for oral hygiene even if he has not shown you any signs of pain. Most of the time, cats hide the pain and suffering they are experiencing. The toothache is established slowly and gradually, so the cat gets used to it and accepts it.
A full professional cleaning includes an examination of the mouth and an X-ray after anesthesia to diagnose possible dental diseases. Early prevention of dental problems can turn out to be a much less expensive and complicated process than treating diseases that have already developed. In some cases of advanced gingivitis and advanced periodontal disease it may be necessary to extract one or more teeth. There are still cases when your cat may need denervation.
How to build a strong relationship with your puppy
The first ingredient of a solid and strong relationship is love. Your puppy feels your love when he spends enough time with you, has your attention, and you treat him calmly and tenderly. When spending time with him, follow these points:
– Use a leash even when you are indoors so you don't have your puppy close to you to control. The leash is very useful for training a puppy, especially when it comes to toilet habits. Use a short nylon leash with the handle cut off to reduce the risk of the leash getting tangled and tripping your pooch.
– Make sure the primary bond your puppy develops is with you and not with another dog in the family. As you might expect, dogs tend to bond more easily and quickly with other dogs than with themselves. with you.
– Allow your puppy to sleep in a small crate next to your bed. Feeling you close to him will make him sleep better and longer, as he will feel safe. You can still allow him to sleep on your bed, as long as he learns to get off when you ask him to, and sees it as a privilege rather than a given.
Rabbit and body language: find out how it feels and what it wants to tell you
Each rabbit has its own character, but there are also some common reactions and behaviors with which they communicate their joy, sadness, or fear.
So let's decipher some characteristic behaviors of rabbits, and learn to read their body language.
Joy, play, and excitement
Some behaviors that show joy and excitement in rabbits are the following:
– The rabbit jumps happily in the air, beating its legs together, as if dancing. This is a very normal reaction that shows his joy and excitement.
– It is in the rabbit's nature to dig, and often does so for play. It is an instinctive behavior that can make the day-to-day life of his guardian difficult. The rabbit may also dig at its guardian's feet or hands to get its attention.
– The rabbit gets zoomies, that is, it runs around the room as fast as it can as if it is being chased, usually out of excitement and for play.
– The rabbit rolls and turns on its side in a relaxed manner, usually with its eyes closed and its feet still. This is a normal behavior that indicates relaxation or pleasure.
– When the rabbit makes a horn-like sound, usually by circling, sniffing another rabbit, and grinding its teeth, it means it is feeling excited. When it grinds its teeth very softly while it is calm, such as after rolling onto its side, then it is probably relaxed.
Why you are not allowed to punish your cat by throwing water at it
One of the tips given to cat guardians when cats do something they are not allowed to do is to spray them with water.
This way is considered effective in order to stop unwanted behaviors. Unfortunately, in reality, spraying your cat with water does nothing but damage your relationship with it. And only.
The truth is that most of the time this way works. Cats do not love water on their fur and when you do, they will run away. But just because it's effective doesn't mean it's good because in reality, the cat doesn't really learn anything other than to fear - and only - the water bottle. In other words, you are not teaching it what behaviour is undesirable. So you are teaching her to be afraid of you. And therefore, you are damaging her trust in you. So you're doing harm instead of good.
But that's not all.
As we said spraying your cat with water as a punishment makes her afraid of spray bottles. This could cause a problem if you ever need to use flea spray, medications that come in a spray bottle or even if you ever need to give her a bath. This is why it's not a good idea to make her afraid of water and spray bottles in general.
So now let's see what else a dog can drink besides water.
Nut milk
For dogs with digestive problems, nut milk is the ideal choice, as many adult dogs are lactose intolerant. You can offer your dog nut milk but always be careful to ensure it does not contain sweeteners or other harmful substances, and it should always be given in small quantities. A good choice is almond milk which contains nutrients such as vitamin E and B3.
Meat juice
Meat broth, whether beef or chicken, is rich in nutrients, contains minerals and amino acids, which are beneficial for joint health and at the same time help in the digestive process of dogs. Of course, before you give your tufted pal a little broth, you need to make sure it doesn't contain any spices or ingredients that are forbidden for him, such as onion.
Goat's milk
Goat's milk is a nutritious alternative to cow's milk for your beloved dog. It is more digestible and contains lower levels of lactose. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and probiotics that promote good health for your furry friend. However, you need to watch the amount your pet consumes to avoid stomach upset.
When your dog shows you his belly – What does this funny and cute gesture mean?
The first reason could be none other than that they want to show their love for you, their adored dog parent. By exposing their little bellies it is a sign of supreme joy and adoration towards your person. Something like this surely honors you!
2. They ask for help scratching
Dogs may be quite flexible, but that doesn't mean they can reach all the places they want to scratch. So if he turns his belly to you, it means that somewhere there he needs a human helping hand. Letting you scratch their belly is a sign of trust since they rely on you for something so important and comforting to them.
3. They feel safe
How many times have you seen your dog roll over and fall asleep? Many times he also raises one leg in the air and this image becomes even funnier. This is the posture dogs take when they feel safe and comfortable. So the next time you see him sleeping like this, keep quiet and enjoy this scene of absolute tranquility.
4. They want to cool off
Although dogs regulate their body temperature by panting, some expose their bellies to cool themselves. You may have noticed, especially on hotter days, that your dog goes under air conditioners and in front of fans, turns on its back and enjoys the breeze. This is because he has less hair on his belly so he tries to "catch" a lower temperature by taking this funny position.
5. They show respect
Hierarchy is important in the dog world. This is how they have learned for thousands of years and this is how they continue to do by reverently adhering to the hierarchy they have in mind. A weaker dog may fall on its back exposing its belly to a stronger dog to show respect and submission to the latter. He may also avoid eye contact with the strongest dog. In this way, the theoretically weaker dog communicates its feelings and states that it comes in a peaceful mood and has no intention of challenging the other's authority. This, then, is the behavior they have adopted in relation to people. When you know your puppy has been naughty and will probably hear a bark, he gives you sweet eyes and turns his little belly to show you that he didn't mean it, it wasn't what you think and other such fluff.
in conclusion
These are the reasons a dog exposes its belly to people. Whether he's doing it out of love, respect, or just because he wants you to scratch him, it's a really adorable pose that's hard to resist putting your hand on his tufted belly!
Hygiene in feeding your pet: What to watch out for
It's possible that you too haven't thought about the importance of hygiene for your dog or cat's diet. So, as we see, what we need to know about hygiene in feeding our pet.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for handling feed and utensils are as follows:
– Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food and/or utensils.
– Do not use the food bowl as a scoop/spoon to fill it.
– Wash the bowl and measuring cup with hot water for at least 20 seconds after each use.
– Wash your hands for 20 seconds after handling food.
Research published in 2022 in the journal PloS One found that most dog owners in America do not know and do not follow FDA guidelines for handling pet food and utensils. That's a cause for concern, because contaminated feed has caused multiple outbreaks of bacterial disease in dogs and humans, according to the authors.
According to the study's lead author and a veterinarian in Washington, D.C., Emily Luisana, the vessels placed in the animal feed carry harmful bacteria that can cause diseases such as salmonellosis and listeriosis.
The curious thing about the case is the fact that even many veterinarians are not sufficiently informed about the importance of observing hygiene rules in the diet of pets. In fact, the inspiration for this research came from a casual conversation between veterinarians and nutritionists. Dr. Luisana said: "We realized that when it came to our own pets, we all had different hygiene and food storage practices." There are, therefore, many veterinarians in the US who are not informed about the FDA guidelines. These guidelines are more general than their counterparts for hygiene in human nutrition, and their effects have not been studied.
So what are these smells that cats find disgusting?
Citrus fruits
Citrus scents such as orange, lemon and grapefruit are enough to get your furry friend on their feet and not stop until they can't take it anymore. The rind of these fruits has a strong and peculiar smell that can give cats an upset stomach, thus explaining their otherwise irrational dislike of citrus fruits. Cats are also not big fans of the smell of bananas and tomatoes, as they emit a strong odor as they ripen.
Herbs and spices
Herbs like lavender or rosemary may smell great to us, but your furry feline will be the first to disagree. Geranium, instant and eucalyptus are toxic to cats as they can cause vomiting, restlessness and even skin problems. So maybe this is one of the reasons cats prefer to stay away from herbs. Also, our furry friends associate spicy foods with toxicity so they tend to stay away from kitchen counters if they smell pepper, mustard, curry or onion.
Coffee
You may love the smell and taste of coffee – especially if you're like us who don't wake up without your morning cup of coffee – but your cat definitely thinks otherwise. Caffeine can actually be poisonous to cats and dogs and this is something they understand about and avoid your mug of hot cappuccino.
Ammonia
Cats are among the cleanest animals in the animal kingdom, since they spend half their lives "bathing". For this very reason they loathe a dirty sandbox. Their urine contains ammonia and the smell it emits is enough to keep your cat from using its litter box. Also, ammonia can be found in many household cleaning products or polishes, so you've probably seen your pet stay away from these bottles. The strong smell of ammonia is quite strong and is not at all good for cats to enter as prolonged exposure can cause irritation to their respiratory system.
