List of articles № 17
Instruction: what to do if a dog gets caught in the rain and is cold.
When a dog is exposed to rain and begins to feel cold, immediate removal from the wet environment is the priority. The owner should approach calmly, secure the animal with a firm yet gentle grip, and bring it indoors or under a sheltered structure without delay.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog to stay off the sofa.
Dogs are attracted to sofas for three primary reasons. First, the elevated surface provides a clear view of the household, allowing the animal to monitor activity and detect potential threats. Second, sofas retain body heat and emit the scent of human occupants, creating a warm, comforting micro‑environment that satisfies a dog’s natural desire for closeness.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog «smiles» by showing its teeth.
Dogs communicate through a complex set of visual cues, and the exposure of teeth is a central element of that system. When a dog bares its teeth in a relaxed, open‑mouth posture, the behavior often resembles a human smile, yet the underlying meaning differs from aggression.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to determine if a dog has ear mites.
Ear mites, scientifically known as Otodectes cynotis , are microscopic arthropods that colonize the external auditory canal of dogs. Adult mites measure approximately 0.3 mm in length, possess a flattened, oval body, and bear four pairs of legs adapted for clinging to the delicate skin of the ear canal.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog barks at passersby.
Dogs often regard the area around their home as a defended zone. When a canine perceives a passerby as an intruder, the instinct to protect the territory triggers vocal alerts. Understanding this motivation allows owners to intervene effectively and reduce unwanted barking.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to make a calming DIY toy for a dog.
DIY calming toys for dogs offer distinct advantages that standard store‑bought products often lack. A professional perspective highlights the following points: Precise control over materials eliminates exposure to synthetic dyes, fragrances, or low‑quality fabrics that can trigger allergies or sensory overload.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog eats its own or other animals' excrement.
Dogs that consume fecal material often do so because their diet fails to meet essential nutritional requirements. Deficiencies in protein, essential amino acids, and fatty acids reduce satiety signals, prompting the animal to seek additional sources of these macronutrients.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog to give a paw and a «high five».
Understanding how a dog processes information is the first step toward reliable paw‑off and high‑five behaviors. Dogs, like humans, exhibit distinct learning preferences that influence the speed and durability of new skills. Observational data categorize canine learners into three primary types.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of stairs.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that stair avoidance in dogs rarely stems from a single factor; it usually reflects a combination of physiological and environmental triggers. Previous injury or pain - trauma to the musculoskeletal system, arthritis, or dental discomfort can make the physical effort of climbing or descending feel threatening.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to recognize a false pregnancy in a dog.
As a veterinary specialist, I define false pregnancy, or pseudopregnancy, as a hormonally driven condition in which an intact female dog exhibits physical and behavioral signs of gestation despite the absence of embryos. The syndrome follows the luteal phase of the estrous cycle;. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog buries a bone and then cannot find it.
The instinct to conceal food traces back to the wolves that roamed temperate forests and tundra during the Pleistocene. Those ancestors faced irregular prey availability; burying surplus meat reduced competition and protected the cache from scavengers.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to properly care for the coat of a long-haired dog.
Coat maintenance for long‑haired breeds directly affects the animal’s overall health and wellbeing. A well‑kept coat prevents skin irritation, supports temperature regulation, and facilitates early detection of medical problems. Key reasons for diligent grooming:. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what not to do if a dog is bitten by a snake.
When a canine suffers a snake bite, the first indication is often a sudden, localized swelling that expands rapidly from the puncture site. The skin may appear glossy, warm, and may develop bruising or hemorrhagic spots. Muscle pain is intense, and the animal may vocalize or exhibit trembling.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell that a dog misses you.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that the relationship between people and dogs rests on reciprocal communication, shared routines, and emotional attunement. When a dog is separated from its primary caregiver, the bond manifests through specific behavioral cues that indicate longing and awareness of the absence.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog should not be shaved in the heat.
Owners often decide to shave their dogs during hot weather because they assume that a shorter coat will lower body temperature, they want a neat appearance, they have been advised to remove hair for skin irritations, they believe grooming will be easier, and they think a shaved coat reduces the effort needed to keep the animal clean.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to train a dog not to beg for food when visiting guests.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that begging emerges from several predictable mechanisms. Conditioned association - dogs learn that standing near a person’s plate results in occasional food rewards. Repeated reinforcement strengthens the behavior.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what the different types of a dog's bark mean.
Dogs communicate through a range of vocalizations that convey distinct emotional states and intentions. Recognizing these signals enhances interaction and reduces misinterpretation. A whine typically indicates anxiety, discomfort, or a request for attention.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to provide first aid for a dog's cut.
Dogs can sustain a variety of wound patterns, each requiring specific assessment before treatment. Superficial cuts affect only the epidermis and dermis; bleeding is minimal and the edges are clean. These injuries respond well to gentle cleaning with saline and a protective bandage.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog runs and «barks» in its sleep.
The phenomenon of a dog exhibiting running motions and vocalizations while asleep reflects activity in the rapid‑eye‑movement (REM) stage of the sleep cycle. During REM, the brain generates vivid dreams, and the neuromuscular system partially disengages, allowing involuntary limb movements and brief vocal bursts.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog the «speak» command.
As an experienced canine behavior specialist, I recommend assembling the following tools before beginning cue‑bark training. High‑value treats that the dog readily accepts (soft pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats).. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog is afraid of fireworks.
Veterinary behavior specialists emphasize that early detection of anxiety during loud celebrations prevents escalation and guides appropriate support. Typical fear responses appear in three categories: physiological, behavioral, and vocal.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for an old dog to prolong its life.
Senior dogs undergo predictable physiological shifts that directly affect their daily needs. Muscle mass diminishes, resulting in reduced strength and slower gait. Joint cartilage thins, increasing susceptibility to arthritis and stiffness. Dental wear accelerates, leading to pain and difficulty chewing.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog follows you everywhere, even to the toilet.
Dogs exhibit persistent proximity to their owners because they are highly social mammals that have evolved to interpret human presence as a source of safety, resources, and social interaction. This evolutionary background drives them to maintain visual and physical contact, reducing uncertainty and reinforcing the bond that ensures mutual cooperation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog's stomach is bloated.
Early detection of gastric dilation in dogs relies on observing subtle behavioral and physical cues before the condition progresses to an emergency. Owners should monitor for the following indicators: Restlessness or pacing, especially when the dog appears uncomfortable while lying down.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to protect a dog's paws from de-icing chemicals in winter.
De‑icing agents applied to sidewalks and driveways during winter fall into three chemical categories and one non‑chemical option, each presenting distinct hazards for canine paw pads. Sodium chloride (road salt). Widely used because of low cost and rapid melting action.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog tries to catch a sunbeam.
As a canine behavior specialist, I observe that a dog’s pursuit of a sunbeam reflects deeply rooted evolutionary mechanisms. The bright, moving patch of light triggers the animal’s predatory circuitry, which evolved to detect and chase small, fast-moving prey.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to stop a dog fight with minimal risk to oneself.
Recognizing the earliest indicators of aggression is essential for anyone who may need to intervene in a canine confrontation while protecting personal safety. As a certified canine behavior specialist, I have observed that subtle changes precede full‑blown fights and can be detected with careful observation.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what to do if a dog refuses to eat.
Veterinary experience shows that a sudden decline in a dog’s willingness to eat often signals an underlying issue. Identifying the cause is the first step toward restoring normal intake. Dental disease or oral pain: inflamed gums, broken teeth, or tartar buildup make chewing uncomfortable.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog the «crawl» command.
Training a dog to perform the crawl maneuver requires reliable tools that reinforce consistency and safety. Selecting the appropriate gear eliminates ambiguity, speeds acquisition, and protects both handler and animal during practice sessions.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: why a dog is always hungry, even after eating.
As a veterinary nutrition specialist, I examine the factors that drive a dog’s persistent desire for food even after a meal. The phenomenon stems from a combination of physiological, behavioral, and environmental influences. Metabolic considerations are primary.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to tell if a dog is depressed and provide urgent help.
As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that depression in dogs manifests primarily through alterations in daily conduct. Recognizing these shifts enables prompt intervention and prevents escalation. Reduced appetite: the animal consistently refuses meals or eats significantly less than usual.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: an inexpensive pharmacy product that will save an aging dog's joints.
Aging in dogs triggers predictable physiological changes that compromise joint integrity. Cartilage thins, proteoglycan content declines, and synovial fluid becomes less viscous, reducing lubrication. Bone remodeling accelerates, leading to osteophyte formation and subchondral sclerosis.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to teach a dog any command in 5 minutes a day.
As a certified canine behavior specialist, I observe that brief, daily sessions produce reliable learning outcomes. Dogs process information in short bursts; a five‑minute period aligns with their attention span and prevents fatigue. Repeating the same cue each day strengthens neural pathways, allowing the behavior to become automatic with minimal effort.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: the most dangerous item in the home, unknown to 99% of owners.
The Unseen Danger lurks in everyday environments, yet it escapes the notice of virtually all residents. This object, commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and storage areas, releases invisible particles that accumulate on surfaces and infiltrate the respiratory system.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: what a dog is really thinking when it is being hugged.
When a human wraps arms around a dog, the animal evaluates the gesture through visual and tactile signals. The assessment occurs instantaneously, relying on a hierarchy of body‑language cues that reveal the dog’s internal state. Tail held low, tucked, or trembling → perceived threat, desire to withdraw.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to give a dog a pill, even if it spits everything out.
Veterinary professionals frequently encounter dogs that reject oral medication. Understanding why a dog refuses a pill is essential for successful administration. Unpleasant taste or smell triggers immediate gag reflex. Many tablets contain bitter compounds that dogs detect through taste buds and olfactory receptors.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to recognize the first signs of poisoning in a dog.
As a veterinary toxicology specialist, I observe that detecting poisoning in a dog at the earliest stage directly influences clinical outcomes. Prompt identification limits toxin absorption, prevents irreversible cellular injury, and increases the probability of full recovery.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to care for a dog's stitches after surgery.
As a veterinary surgeon, I explain that the stitches placed after a canine operation serve two primary functions: securing tissue edges and preventing premature wound opening. Most procedures use either absorbable sutures, which dissolve within weeks, or non‑absorbable sutures that require removal.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to assemble a «canine first aid kit» for all occasions.
A well‑stocked canine first‑aid kit is essential for every dog owner because emergencies can arise without warning and timely treatment often determines the outcome. Injuries such as cuts, burns, bites, or sudden illness may occur during walks, trips, or at home, and a ready supply of appropriate supplies allows immediate response, reducing pain, preventing infection, and stabilizing the animal until professional care is available.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59
Instruction: how to determine if a dog has allergies and what to.
Dog allergies are immune‑mediated reactions in which the canine’s body mistakenly identifies otherwise harmless substances as threats. When exposed to an allergen, the immune system releases histamine and other inflammatory mediators, producing symptoms that can affect the skin, respiratory system, or gastrointestinal tract.. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59