List of articles № 16
Instruction: what to do if a lost dog is found on the street.
When a canine appears unattended on a public thoroughfare, the first priority is personal safety and the animal’s welfare. An expert in animal behavior advises a measured, low‑stress approach that minimizes the risk of bite or flight. Observe the dog from a distance of at least three meters.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to distinguish a real dog fight from rough play.
Understanding the line between genuine aggression and harmless interaction is essential for any caretaker, trainer, or observer. Accurate interpretation prevents unnecessary interventions and protects both animals and humans from injury. This opening segment defines the observable cues that separate a true conflict from playful behavior, outlines the physiological and behavioral markers involved, and establishes the framework for systematic assessment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog rests its head on your lap.
When a dog settles its head on a person’s lap, the primary driver is the desire for interaction. The animal perceives the lap as a stable surface that guarantees proximity, which in turn triggers the release of oxytocin, reinforcing the bond and encouraging repeated behavior.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to safely transport a dog in a car.
Securing a dog while traveling in a vehicle protects the animal, the driver, and any passengers. An unrestrained canine can become a projectile during sudden braking or a collision, causing severe injuries to itself and to occupants. Legal statutes in many jurisdictions classify an unsecured pet as a traffic violation, exposing owners to fines or liability for damages.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of being in the dark.
A dog that experiences anxiety when the lights go out exhibits a distinct set of behaviors. Recognizing these cues allows owners to intervene effectively and reduce distress. Tail tucked low or between the legs, often accompanied by a rigid body posture.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for a dog's teeth to avoid extractions in old age.
Oral health directly influences a dog's overall well‑being. Dental disease begins with plaque accumulation; if untreated, it progresses to tartar, gingivitis, and periodontitis, which can impair eating, cause pain, and lead to systemic infections.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog's eyes are watering and how to treat it.
As a veterinary ophthalmologist, I explain that a healthy canine eye maintains clear vision through a precisely regulated tear film, corneal integrity, and efficient drainage. The tear film consists of three layers-lipid, aqueous, and mucin-that together lubricate the surface, supply nutrients, and protect against pathogens.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog the «play dead» command.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I observe that teaching a dog the “play dead” cue yields measurable advantages across several domains. The command enhances mental engagement. Repeatedly solving the sequence-down, roll, and remain motionless-activates problem‑solving pathways, reducing boredom‑related behaviors.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what should never be said to a dog, even as a joke.
Effective communication with dogs hinges on consistency, tone, and content. Dogs interpret vocal cues as signals of safety or threat; inaccurate or hostile language disrupts their emotional equilibrium and can trigger anxiety or aggression. When owners use phrases that mock or belittle a dog, the animal registers the harsh tone despite the humorous intent.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to protect a dog from heatstroke in the summer.
Heatstroke occurs when a dog’s core temperature rises above the threshold at which thermoregulatory mechanisms fail, usually exceeding 41 °C (105.8 °F). At this point, heat accumulation overwhelms sweating (via panting) and vasodilation, leading to uncontrolled hyperthermia and rapid organ dysfunction.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog steals your things and socks.
Dogs often take objects such as personal items and socks because their behavior is rooted in innate drives that have evolved for survival. These drives operate automatically and do not require conscious decision‑making. Resource acquisition:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to help a dog with arthritis live without pain.
Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, inflammation of synovial membranes, and remodeling of bone tissue. The condition reduces the smooth gliding surface between articulating bones, leading to pain, stiffness, and diminished mobility.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what is strictly forbidden to do after a dog's vaccination.
Post‑vaccination care determines whether a canine immune response develops safely and effectively. After an injection, the animal’s body requires a calm environment, adequate hydration, and monitoring for adverse signs. Interference with these conditions can compromise immunity and increase the risk of complications.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is afraid of you.
Understanding a dog’s fear often begins with its history. Dogs that have endured abuse, neglect, or chaotic environments frequently develop heightened vigilance and avoidance behaviors. These patterns persist even when the present situation is safe, because the animal’s nervous system remains calibrated to anticipate threat.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog starts to «dance» when you are getting ready for a walk.
The canine “happy dance” observed as a person gathers leashes, shoes, and a jacket is a predictable anticipatory response. Dogs have evolved to associate specific visual and auditory cues with the imminent opportunity for physical activity, scent exploration, and social interaction.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly wash a dog's paws after a walk.
Properly cleaning a dog’s paws after outdoor activity yields measurable health advantages. Removing soil, chemicals, and pathogens reduces the risk of skin irritation, bacterial infections, and fungal growth. Clean paws also prevent the transfer of allergens and parasites into the home environment, protecting both the animal and its human companions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog swallows a foreign object.
When a dog ingests a non‑food item, the first priority is a rapid, systematic assessment of the incident. The evaluator must gather factual data before deciding on further action. Observe the animal’s behavior. Note any signs of respiratory distress (gasping, coughing, audible choking), gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, retching, drooling, abdominal pain), or changes in activity level.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog yawns, and it is not always from boredom.
Yawning in dogs is frequently misunderstood as a sign of ennui, yet scientific observation identifies several distinct triggers. Physiological mechanisms initiate a yawn when the brain requires increased oxygen or temperature regulation. A rise in ambient heat prompts a canine to open its mouth widely, facilitating airflow that cools the brain.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog not to react to cats.
Understanding prey drive is essential when modifying a dog’s response to feline presence. Prey drive represents an instinctual motivation to chase moving objects that resemble typical prey. High prey drive often manifests as rapid fixation, pursuit, and vocalization upon sight of a cat.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has bad breath.
Bad breath in a dog often signals underlying dental problems that require prompt attention. As a veterinary dentist, I observe that the most common oral conditions producing halitosis are plaque accumulation, tartar formation, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and oral infections.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is having nightmares.
Understanding canine sleep physiology provides the foundation for recognizing distress signals during a dog’s dreaming phase. Dogs experience a sleep architecture comparable to humans, comprising non‑rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) stages.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog rolls in dirt and decaying matter.
Dogs often cover themselves with soil, feces or carrion. One well‑documented driver is scent masking. When a dog rolls in a strong odor, the substance coats the fur and skin, overwhelming the animal’s own scent signature with volatile compounds from the environment.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to prepare a dog for a visit to the veterinarian.
Regular preventive care reduces the likelihood of emergencies during veterinary appointments. Keep vaccination records current; administer core immunizations according to the recommended schedule and update boosters annually. Maintain a year‑round parasite prevention program that includes fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms, adjusting dosage based on weight and age.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog's nose is dry and hot.
A dry, warm nose often raises concern, yet it can be a normal physiological state. Canine nasal tissue naturally loses moisture during periods of rest, after sleep, or when ambient humidity is low. In these situations the nose may feel warm to the touch without indicating illness.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog brings you its toys.
Dogs bring toys to humans primarily because instinctual drives compel them to engage in specific behaviors that have evolutionary roots. The predatory drive, which originally motivated the capture and presentation of prey, is redirected toward objects that mimic the shape and movement of small animals.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to determine a dog's age by its teeth.
Puppies are born without teeth. Within the first two weeks, the deciduous (baby) incisors emerge, followed by the canine teeth at approximately three weeks. By the fourth week, the complete set of twenty‑four deciduous teeth-six incisors, four canines, and fourteen premolars-is visible.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a puppy gets sick in the car.
Puppies experience motion sickness more frequently than adult dogs because their vestibular and gastrointestinal systems are still maturing. The inner ear, which detects balance, develops rapidly during the first three months; incomplete calibration can cause disorientation when the vehicle accelerates or decelerates.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog a sad look on command.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I emphasize that the enjoyment element directly influences a dog’s willingness to engage in a new cue such as a sorrowful facial expression. When training sessions feel like play, the animal remains motivated, reduces stress, and consolidates the desired response more quickly.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog lifts one paw when it sees something interesting.
Dogs use body language to convey attention, curiosity, and intent. Raising a single forepaw is a deliberate signal that isolates the limb as a focal point, directing the observer’s eye toward a stimulus. The movement originates in the motor cortex, where visual processing triggers a conditioned response reinforced by positive outcomes such as access to food, play objects, or social interaction.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to choose the perfect bed for a dog.
When selecting a sleeping platform for a canine, the first factor to assess is the animal’s breed. Breeds with dense coats, such as Siberian Huskies or Labrador Retrievers, benefit from beds that provide insulation and retain warmth. Breeds prone to joint problems-e.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has constipation.
Constipation in dogs manifests through observable changes that signal a disruption in normal bowel function. The most reliable indicators include: Infrequent defecation, typically less than three stools per week Hard, dry stools that may be difficult to pass Straining without producing feces, often accompanied by a tense abdomen Visible discomfort or pain during attempts to eliminate Reduced appetite and possible weight loss Lethargy or reluctance to engage in nor. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to chew on wires.
Dogs chew wires for a combination of instinctual drives, sensory needs, and environmental factors. Understanding these motivations is essential for effective prevention. Exploration through the mouth : Puppies and adult dogs use their mouths to investigate objects, especially when new items are within reach.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to conduct an intelligence test for a dog.
An intelligence test for a dog is a structured set of tasks designed to evaluate the animal’s problem‑solving ability, learning speed, memory, and adaptability to novel situations. The test presents stimuli that require the dog to interpret cues, make choices, and manipulate objects without prior conditioning.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I focus on the visual signals dogs emit when confronted with a noisy appliance such as a vacuum. Recognizing these cues allows owners to intervene before anxiety escalates. Typical fear indicators include a tucked tail, ears flattened against the skull, and a lowered body posture.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to safely introduce a dog to a cat.
As an experienced animal behavior specialist, I stress that a deliberate first meeting between a dog and a cat determines the trajectory of their relationship. The initial encounter shapes each animal’s perception of the other, influencing stress levels, territorial instincts, and future interactions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog hiccups and how to help it.
Puppy hiccups are brief, involuntary diaphragm contractions that produce a characteristic “hic” sound. They occur when the nervous system stimulates the phrenic nerve, causing the muscle to spasm. Common triggers include rapid eating or drinking, excitement, sudden temperature changes, and mild gastrointestinal irritation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog has ingested household chemicals.
When a dog is suspected of swallowing a cleaning agent, detergent, or any other domestic chemical, immediate action can prevent severe toxicity. The following measures constitute the essential first response: Secure the environment. Remove the pet from the area where the substance was stored to avoid further exposure.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell that a dog is protecting you.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I focus on the innate protective responses that emerge without training. When a dog perceives a threat to its human companion, instinct drives a series of observable actions. The animal adopts a low, forward‑leaning posture, aligning its body between the perceived danger and the person.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog suddenly became aggressive.
Canine aggression is a complex behavior pattern that requires precise identification of its underlying mechanisms. Experts differentiate aggression into several categories: territorial, fear‑driven, possessive, predatory, and redirected. Each category reflects a distinct motivational state and manifests through specific signals such as stiff posture, fixed stare, growling, or lunging.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly feed a puppy so it grows up healthy.
Proper nutrition is the foundation of a puppy’s physical development and long‑term health. Adequate protein supplies the amino acids required for muscle formation, while balanced fats provide energy and support brain growth. Essential vitamins and minerals regulate metabolic processes, strengthen the immune system, and ensure healthy bone mineralization.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59