Dogs make you more attractive even virtually, Unconditional love. Devoted companionship. Constant entertainment. Most of us dog lovers know that life is better with a dog. But is that knowledge based on a feeling—or is there something else at work? There is: Science.

Spending time with canine companions does wonders for your wellbeing. Recent research shows that owning a dog is good for you physically and emotionally. Dogs make us happier, healthier, and help us cope with a crisis—and can even help you get a date. Read on for 10 science-backed benefits of having a dog.

Dogs make us feel less alone.

Dogs can be there for you even when people can’t. They offer unconditional love, emotional support, and constant cuddles that help stave off social isolation. A small  discovered that dog ownership reduces loneliness.

A national survey of pet owners and non-pet owners by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that 85 percent of respondents believe that interaction with pets reduces loneliness. Most agree that human-pet interactions can help address social isolation.

Read More: Things You Didn’t Know About Miniature Schnauzers

Dogs are good for your heart.

Owning a dog can help you live longer. A comprehensive review of studies published between 1950 and 2019 found that dog owners had a lower risk of death. Studies suggest that dog owners have lower blood pressure levels and improved responses to stress.

Even just living with a dog makes a difference—people who had experienced previous coronary events had an even higher level of risk reduction for death. Research has concluded that the bond between humans and dogs reduces stress, which is a major cause of cardiovascular problems.

Dogs help you stop stressing out.

Your canine companion can offer comfort and ease your worries. Multiple studies show that dogs and therapy dogs help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Even just petting a familiar dog lowers blood pressure, heart rate, slows breathing, and relaxes muscle tension. Scientists at Washington State University discovered that just 10 minutes petting a dog can have a significant impact. Study participants had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.

Dogs motivate us to stay in shape.

Dogs are not low-maintenance pets like their feline counterparts. For one, dogs require daily walks. This means one of the benefits of having a dog is that they’re going to help motivate you to get off the couch, out of the house, and outdoors for healthy walk each day. Plus, it’s just so much more fun to get sporty with your dog, with activities like dog jogs, bike rides, or hikes with your furry friend.

With so many great ways to stay in shape together – why not track your progress with an Activity Monitor for your dog? The latest dog-tech lets you record your daily activity with your dog, including how many rest and active minutes your pooch gets each day. Dogs are great buddies to have when it comes to losing weight, too!

Dogs help keep us safe.

For a long time, dogs have served as guardians and protectors, keeping their human families safe. There are dogs that sniff out allergens, and even dogs which can detect prostate cancer. Not to mention guide dogs, hearing dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. In this way, dogs play a vital role in helping the blind and deaf, protecting us from intruders, illness and more.

Dogs relieve stress and support our heart health.

You might have already guessed it – or felt it. Your dog helps you reduce stress. And they may even have a positive impact on your overall cardiovascular health. A statement from the American Heart Association revealed that dog ownership may play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, several studies included in the statement found that pet owners tended to have lower blood pressure than non-pet owners.

Dogs are great with children.

Additionally, there are many proven ways dogs have a positive impact on children. For example; according to this study, children who are raised with pets may be less susceptible to allergies. Another study shows indicated that attachment to pets, including dogs, can help children regulate their emotions.

One study found that young people (age 18 to 26) with strong bonds with their pets also reported higher levels of connection and satisfaction with their community and relationships. The survey also found that having a pet as a young teen and young adult was correlated with a greater sense of empathy and confidence in those individuals.

Spaying or neutering increases your pet’s chances for a longer, healthier life.

• Spaying your pet before her first estrous cycle (that is, before she reaches sexual maturity) greatly reduces her chances of developing breast cancer and completely eliminates the threat of uterine and ovarian cancer and uterine infection, which are common occurrences in unaltered females.

• Neutering your male dog or cat prevents testicular tumors and may prevent prostate problems. Neutering also decreases the possibility of perianal tumors and hernias, which are commonly observed in older, unaltered dogs. Because neutered cats are less likely to roam, the threat of abscesses caused by bites and diseases transmitted by fighting are greatly reduced.

An altered dog or cat is a better pet for your family.

• Males neutered early in life are less aggressive toward other males and are not distracted by females in heat. Therefore, a neutered male will be less tempted to leave your property and cross that dangerous highway searching for a mate. Neutered males also are less likely to mark every one of your (or your neighbor’s) expensive shrubs with his urine as well as inside the house.

• Spaying your female pet eliminates the problem of stray males camping in your yard and decreases her desire to roam and breed.

Things You Didn’t Know About Miniature Schnauzers. A Miniature Schnauzer is a terrier dog that has a hunters’ heart and personality that is opposite to its size. It was bred as a farm dog but over time it has moved from farms to people’s homes, making them one of the most popular breeds in the world. This is due to factors such as the dogs’ small stature, friendly nature, and high intelligence. They don’t shed much from their coat, making them ideal for families that are concerned about shedding, wire-haired double coats can be solid black, black, and silver, salt and pepper, and solid white-colored in color.

Schnauzers, the miniature dogs, were bred first in Germany. This was in the late 19th century.  Miniature Schnauzers are descendants of Standard Schnauzers and Affenpinschers. They are the smallest among the Schnauzers. Also, they are the only terrier not originating from the European Isle stock.

Schnauzer, in German, means beard. Over time it has moved on from farms and has become one of the top pets to people in houses and brings joy to those it lives with due to the personality of these dogs.

The male dog’s weight of this distinct breed is 11-20 lb  (5-9 kg) whereas the females weigh 10-15 lb (4.5-6.8 kg).

Read More:  Things You Didn’t Know About German Shepherds

How many Miniature Schnauzer are there in the world?

The healthy Miniature Schnauzer is found as a pet in thousands all across the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, and other countries worldwide, including Australia. Miniature schnauzers are not classified under any conservation category and are a very popular pet breed due to their personality. This breed was registered by American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1926.

Where does a Miniature Schnauzer live?

Miniature schnauzers were bred to live on farms but have over time moved to live in houses. They are one of the most popular dog breeds across North America, particularly in the US and in Europe (the UK and Germany). It makes for a fantastic house dog and has sociable characteristics. It has a strong desire to be included in all family

Schnauzer Wasn’t their Original Name

The word schnauzer originally comes from the German word schnauze, which means snouter. This was clearly referencing the dog’s square and uniquely whiskered snout, which separates its phenotype from many other dogs. But this wasn’t what they were originally called. In fact, for the first four centuries of their being, they were referred to as the Wire-haired Pinscher.

In 1870, Dog showing became popularized in Europe. The distinct mustachioed look of the Wired-haired Pinscher made it a standout on the scene, which led to fanciers renaming the breed Schnauzer to highlight its distinctive whiskered snout.

 They were Miniaturized in the 19^th Century

Want some fun facts about Miniature Schnauzers? Well, the Standard Schnauzer was first miniaturized in the 19^th century by mixing them with the Affenpinscher. This was done to make a more house-appropriate and cost-effective version of the regular schnauzer—one that still had all the enviable qualities of its larger cousin. According to sources:

The Miniature Schnauzer was exhibited as a distinct breed as early as 1899. It’s thought to have been derived from breeding the smallest of the Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers, gray Spitz, and black Poodles in a highly selective breeding program. Four Miniatures imported by Mrs. M. Slattery of the Marienhof Kennels in 1924 were the foundation stock for the breed in America. Miniature Schnauzers were first registered as a separate breed in 1926. The following year the first American champion was Mrs. Slattery’s Ch. Moses Taylor. This was an honor shared with Don v. Dornbusch since both won on the same day – but at different shows.

chnauzers have a look that is unique to their breed. These bearded canines have a regal look that makes them come off as being snobby with a sense of elitism, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. They have a distinguished appearance, but they are actually friendly and very loving pets who truly love to entertain. What’s really cool about the breed is that they come in three different sizes and a variety of colors. The giants are the largest, followed by the standards which are medium sized dogs, and the miniatures for people who prefer a smaller dog but love the look and temperament of the breed. If you’re considering becoming the owner of a schnauzer, there are a few things that you need to know. We’ve put together a list of 20 things that only schnauzer owners would understand. If you’re already a fan, then you’ll smile and agree with these entertaining and informative facts about these amazing dogs.

1. The neighbors may think you’ve adopted a walrus

There is something that is so cute and endearing about the beard that distinguishes a schnauzer from other types of dogs. They do slightly resemble a walrus in the face, because of their big bushy mustaches, but this is where the resemblance ends. Schnauzers are far more attractive. Their bearded faces have a regal look about them. This is a dog that fits in very well in royal and prestigious circles. We weren’t kidding about the walrus remark, but their bodies are much leaner and well-muscled.

2. You’ll never be alone

Your schnauzer will become your shadow. He will take an active interest in where you’re going and what you’re doing. He’ll follow you into the bathroom if you allow it. He’ll be waiting on the mat when you go into the shower, and he’ll be in the same place when you get out. If you don’t let him in the room with you, it’s almost certain that he’ll be waiting for you outside the door. It’s only because he loves you so much that he wants to be near you most of the time. Loneliness is a thing of the past when you’re the proud parent of a schnauzer.

They Were First Bred by Max von Stephanitz

Things You Didn’t Know About German Shepherds. Although they are now one of the most popular breeds in the world, German Shepherd Dogs are a relatively new breed of dog. In fact, the first German Shepherd was not born until 1889 and was bred by a man called Max von Stephanitz, who is known as the father of German Shepherd Dogs. He bred dogs for shepherding and saw a wolf-like dog in yellow and gray that grabbed his attention. He then began to standardize a breed of shepherd dogs that are now known as the German Shepherd Dog. The dog that Max von Stephanitz had seen at a dog show was called Horand von Grafath and he became the first registered German Shepherd Dog. Modern German Shepherd Dogs are often criticized as people consider them to have strayed away from Max von Stephanitz’s ideology of the breed. He believed that this breed should be bred primarily for working and that any defects should be eliminated quickly during the breeding process.

 They Go by Many Names

This breed of dog is most commonly referred to as the German Shepherd, although it is one of the few breeds whose official name includes the word dog as its official name is the German Shepherd Dog. The word dog is included in the name to distinguish the canines from humans who work as shepherds in Germany. However, this is not the only name by which it is called. In Germany, the country of its origin, the dog is called a Deutscher Shaferhund. In England and Ireland, the dog is often referred to as an Alsatian. Another name by which it is sometimes known is as the Berger Allemand. As the breed is so popular in the United States, Americans began talking about removing the German part of the name from 1914 onwards. The American Kennel Club did remove the German part in 1917 and it was then known as the Shepherd Dog. However, in 1930, members of the club voted to change the name back to its original version.

 The First Dog to Aid the Blind Was a German Shepherd

Dogs are commonly used as an aid for people with a visual impairment. People who are blind or have limited vision use a guide dog as a means of managing their daily lives. The dogs help to guide them around their homes and also in external environments. Although there are many different breeds of dogs used for this task, it is a canine role most associated with Labradors and Retrievers. However, the first guide dog for the visually impaired was actually a German Shepherd Dog. ‘The Seeing Eye’ was founded in 1929 by Mrs. Harrison Eustis. The purpose of this foundation was to train dogs to guide the blind. The first dogs they trained were German Shepherd Dogs. Morris Frank was a blind man who had read about men who were blinded during World War I and he came across information about the dogs being trained in Switzerland. He contacted Mrs. Eustis about having one of these dogs himself. The reason that German Shepherds are now used to a lesser extent in work as a guide dog is that the traits of the breed were compared to those of Labradors and Retrievers. The tests showed that the disposition of the latter two breeds of dog were better suited to this variety of work while German Shepherd

Read More: Some are fast and could even beat a dog Health

 German Shepherd Motto

Across the internet it’s easy to find a slew of funny dog breed slogans, most that poke fun at the breed’s stereotype. However, the German Shepherd does have its own motto that stems from Captain Max von Stephanitz and his original German Shepherd Dog Club. The German Shepherd motto is: Utility and Intelligence.

 GSDs are First Service Dogs

German Shepherds have found fame throughout the years as movie stars—Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart were both popular in the 1920s. GSDs also have been famous as service dogs, including Appollo, the first German Shepherd police service K-9 to respond to Ground Zero on 9/11. However, it was Buddy the GSD who became the first seeing eye dog to Morris Frank in 1928. The hard-working seeing eye dog trained in Switzerland at a school operated by American Dorothy Harrison Eustis.

After Morris Frank returned to the United States with Buddy and had enormous success with the seeing eye dog, Eustis returned to the States as well. She worked to establish The Seeing Eye, a school to train more seeing eye dogs and Morris Frank became its managing director, with Buddy at his side. The school continues today to train service dogs for the blind. Bonus fact: Buddy’s original name was Kiss and she was a female.Things You Didn’t Know About German Shepherds

Hero, Star and Pioneer

The German shepherd dog (GSD) has consistently been ranked as one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.

A family favorite and a resourceful working dog (search and rescue, guide dog for the blind, security and military), this breed is confident, loyal and eager to please.

If you need any further proof this breed is as revered as it is, there’s even the national “13 Club” for German shepherd dogs that are twelve years of age or older.

Here are five things you may not have known about German shepherd dogs.

Some are fast and could even beat a dog Health. The Summer Olympics, you’ll see lots of fast human beings racing each other. But how would those runners finish in a race against the fastest land animal on Earth? What animal is that? The cheetah, of course!

The cheetah’s scientific name is Acinonyx jubatus. Have you ever seen pictures of this animal? If so, you know that it is a large member of the feline (cat) family. You can find cheetahs throughout most of Africa and parts of the Middle East.

Scientists estimate that cheetahs can reach speeds between 70-75 miles per hour. Of course, they can’t sustain that high speed over long distances. But they can go that fast in short bursts that can cover up to 1,600 feet or more.

Cheetahs can reach those speeds very quickly, too. A cheetah’s explosive speed can take it from 0 to over 62 miles per hour in just three seconds. Now that’s fast! In fact, it’s about as fast as the world’s most expensive sports cars can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour.

Read More: Toxic Food Guide for Pets

Why are cheetahs so fast? Scientists have identified several features that help the animal achieve such amazing speeds. For example, cheetahs are one of only three types of cats that have semi-retractable claws. This means that cheetahs can’t fully retract their claws like most other cats can. This feature gives cheetahs extra grip when chasing prey.

Cheetahs also have large nostrils. These allow them to breathe in more oxygen when running. Their hearts and lungs are also larger than other cats of similar size. This helps them circulate oxygen throughout their bodies more efficiently.

Even cheetahs’ tails help them run faster and turn quickly by acting like the rudder of a ship. As they’re running, cheetahs use their tails to help maintain their balance and steer when sharp turns are necessary!

So how much faster are cheetahs compared to humans? Currently, the world’s fastest human being is Jamaican Usain Bolt. He set the world record in the 100-meter dash in 2009 with a blistering time of only 9.58 seconds. That equates to a speed of just over 23 miles per hour. That’s fast, but it’s no match for the cheetah! This animal could outpace Bolt at about three times his top speed.

Is a Cheetah or Greyhound Faster?

Guinness places the highest speed for a greyhound at 41.83 miles per hour, which covered a distance of 400 yards in just 19.57 seconds. Meanwhile, Guinness places the fastest cheetah speed at between 62 and 64 miles per hour. In 2012, a cheetah named Sarah that lived at the Cincinnati Zoo was recorded running at 61 miles per hour.

However, while cheetahs have a higher top speed, greyhounds are built for endurance and can run in excess of 35 miles per hour while cheetahs can only sustain their high-end speed for around 30 seconds. Put another way, while a cheetah would win a 100-meter dash, greyhounds would be the winners of a 5K race.

Greyhound vs. Cheetah: Height

Although greyhounds are taller than most dogs, a fully grown Cheetah is taller. A full-grown Greyhound stands 27-30 inches tall, while a Cheetah can stand up to 3 feet tall at the shoulder.

Greyhound vs. Cheetah: Weight

Greyhounds are huge breed dogs that can weigh 60-100 pounds depending on their health and living conditions. Cheetahs can weigh substantially more, despite their similar appearance in size. Cheetahs can weigh anything from 46 to 160 pounds when fully grown.

Greyhound vs. Cheetah: Coat Type

A cheetah’s topcoat is tawny in hue. Greyhounds have a short, silky coat that is easy to maintain. Cheetahs have a thicker coat and can survive outside, however, greyhounds should not be kept outside as pets. Most dogs have a two-layer coat to keep them warm and protected from the weather. Greyhounds, on the other hand, have a single-layer coat that makes it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. If they are going to be outside for more than a brief period in cold weather, they should wear a coat.

Greyhound vs. Cheetah: Colors

Cheetahs are pale buff or grayish-white in hue, with paler and whiter underbelly. On the pelage, black patches are close together, with a series of black rings around the tail’s terminal third. Greyhounds can be any color, including fawn, black, red, blue, gray, or white, despite their name.

Dangerous Foods for Dogs

Toxic Food Guide for Pets. Who can resist those big brown eyes and cute doggie grin? Can a little reward from the table or getting into Mom or Dad’s stuff really hurt your dog? Well, that depends on what it is and what’s in it. If it contains the sweetener xylitol, it can cause your dog some real problems. In fact, there’s a lot of people food your dog should never eat. And, it’s not just because of weight. Some foods are downright dangerous for dogs — and some of these common foods may surprise you.

Xylitol

Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. It can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems. Eventually, your dog may have seizures. Liver failure can happen within just a few days

Avocado

Is a treat from the table OK for your dog? That depends on what it is. Avocados, for example, have something called persin. It’s fine for people who aren’t allergic to it. But too much might cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs. If you grow avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as the fruit. Also, the avocado seed can become stuck in the intestines or stomach, and obstruction could be fatal.

Read More: Your dog could be left or right-pawed

What Not to Feed Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats are curious by nature, particularly when it comes to food. They’re also very good at begging for a taste of whatever we may be eating or cooking. As cute as they may be, though, our pets can’t always stomach the same foods as us — some food can be toxic and even deadly to their health.

Use this toxic food list as a guide to preventing accidental toxic exposure to your four-legged companion.

20 Foods to Avoid Feeding Dogs and Cats

To learn more about toxic and dangerous foods to pets, please read our full-length article, Toxic Food Guide for Pets. If you want to make sure you have pet health insurance coverage for accidents like garlic or chocolate toxicity, get a free quote for your pet’s enrollment. Multi-pet households are eligible for a discount

Several foods that are perfectly suitable for human consumption can be toxic to dogs and cats. Food-associated poisoning cases involving the accidental ingestion of chocolate and chocolate-based products, Allium spp. (onion, garlic, leek, and chives), macadamia nuts, Vitis vinifera fruits (grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants), products sweetened with xylitol, alcoholic beverages, and unbaked bread dough have been reported worldwide in the last decade. The poisoning episodes are generally due to lack of public knowledge of the serious health threat to dogs and cats that can be posed by these products. The present review aims to outline the current knowledge of common food items frequently involved in the poisoning of small animals, particularly dogs, and provides an overview of poisoning episodes reported in the literature.

Ethanol

Ethanol or ethyl alcohol is a two-carbon alcohol found in a variety of products, such as alcoholic beverages, paint and varnish, medication, perfume, mouthwash, certain types of thermometers, and certain forms of antifreeze. It is also used as a disinfectant, a fuel substitute, and if administered intravenously, as a competitive substrate in the treatment of dogs and cats poisoned by ethylene glycol. Ethanol toxicosis in small animals generally occurs as a result of accidental ingestion of alcoholic beverages (17–20). Ethanol intoxication has also been reported in the case of dogs, following ingestion of rotten apples (21), sloe berries used to make sloe gin (22), and uncooked bread and pizza dough (23–25). The latter contains the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which metabolizes carbohydrate substrates to ethanol and carbon dioxide (26). Once ingested, ethanol is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and crosses the blood–brain barrier (27). The mechanism of action of ethanol is not completely clear. Ethanol is suspected of inhibiting N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptors in brain cells and the related production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (27). Clinical signs usually develop within an hour of ingestion and include central nervous system (CNS) depression, ataxia, lethargy, sedation, hypothermia, and metabolic acidosis (27). Animals may become comatose and develop severe respiratory depression. A distended and painful abdomen due to excessive gas production may be noted in animals that ingest uncooked bread dough (25). Emesis should be induced with extreme caution and only in cases of very recent ingestion by animals that prove to be asymptomatic (27). Recently, hemodialysis has been shown to be beneficial for the rapid removal of ethanol in patients with severe toxicosis (20). Yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist which readily crosses the blood–brain barrier, has been recommended as an arousal agent in the treatment of ethanol intoxication (25). In previous case reports, most patients recovered when monitored closely and given supportive care (22, 24, 28). Fatal ethanol intoxication was reported in the case of a dog, following the massive ingestion of rotten apples. The dog developed vomiting, ataxia, tremors, and dehydration, and died 48 h later. However, liver damage secondary to the chronic ingestion of rotten apples (presumed to reflect chronic ethanol toxicity) was suspected as a factor in the death of this dog (21).

Grapes and Their Dried Products (Raisins, Sultanas, and Currants)

Grapes, the fruits of Vitis vinifera, and their dried products (raisins, sultanas, and currants) have been reported to cause renal failure in dogs. The fruits may be ingested raw or cooked as ingredients of fruit cake, mince pies, malt loaf, snack bars, scones, and other baked goods (28). The toxic syndrome has also been observed with consumption of marc (the residue of grapes after pressing) (29). The toxic principle(s) and the exact mechanism of grape-induced nephrotoxicity are still unknown. The latter appears to involve a nephrotoxic agent or an idiosyncratic reaction, leading to hypovolemic shock and renal ischemia (30). There is considerable variation in the susceptibility of dogs to grapes and their dried products. In a recent study that reviewed 180 reports recorded by the VPIS between August 1994 and September 2007 on the ingestion of Vitis fruits by dogs, some animals were reported to remain asymptomatic after ingesting up to 1 kg of raisins while others died following the ingestion of just a handful (28). Published case reports have identified renal failure in dogs following the ingestion of estimated doses of raisins as low as 2.8 mg/kg (31) and as little as four to five grapes in a dog weighing 8.2 kg (32) (Table 1). Therefore, ingestion of any quantity of these fruits should be considered as a potential clinical problem. Vomiting within 24 h of ingestion is the typical clinical sign observed. Diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and abdominal pain have also been reported (28, 31). Partially digested grapes and grape products may be present in the vomit, fecal material, or both (31–33). This is followed by signs of renal insufficiency or failure (oliguria, anuria, polydipsia, proteinuria, and elevated serum concentrations of creatinine and urea) within a short period (28, 31, 32). In cases of dogs with oliguria or anuria, the prognosis is generally poor (30, 34). The time taken to administer treatment may also play a significant role in the outcome (28). Given the large variability in the tolerance exhibited by dogs, the ingestion of any quantity of grapes or grape products by dogs should be handled aggressively (28). Following recent ingestion, prompt decontamination using emetics and repeated doses of activated charcoal is highly recommended (28, 30). All dogs should receive aggressive intravenous fluid therapy

Human Food Safety for Dogs

Almonds: No, dogs shouldn’t eat almonds. Almonds may not necessarily be toxic to dogs like macadamia nuts are, but they can block the esophagus or even tear the windpipe if not chewed completely. Salted almonds are especially dangerous because they can increase water retention, which is potentially fatal to dogs prone to heart disease.

Bread: Yes, dogs can eat bread. Small amounts of plain bread (no spices and definitely no raisins) won’t hurt your dog, but it also won’t provide any health benefits either. It has no nutritional value and can really pack on the carbohydrates and calories, just like in people. Homemade breads are a better option than store-bought, as bread from the grocery store typically contains unnecessary preservatives, but it’s best to avoid it altogether.

Cashews: Yes, dogs can eat cashews. Cashews are OK for dogs, but only a few at a time. They’ve got calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, and proteins, but while these nuts contain less fat than others, too many can lead to weight gain and other fat-related conditions. A few cashews make a nice treat, but only if they’re unsalted

Can dogs be right- or left-pawed?

Your dog could be left or right-pawed. It might come as a surprise, but dogs can be right- or left-pawed. In the same way that humans show “laterality,” researchers have found that dogs do the same. “Dogs’ brains are organized similarly to humans’, and paw preference relates to the dominant hemispheres of the brain. The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and vice versa,” explains Dr. Katy Nelson, senior veterinarian at Chewy. “Whereas only 10 percent of the human population is left-handed, dogs seem to be much more evenly split with paw preference.  They can also not have a paw preference leading researcher to label them ‘ambilateral.

How do researchers determine paw preference?

Proper scientific research is key to studying animal behavior. Thankfully, there have been studies conducted to figure out paw preference in dogs. “Researchers use various methods to determine paw preference. One is the ‘First-step test,’ where dogs are in a sitting position and when they rise, they use their dominant paw to start off walking,” says Nelson. “The other is the ‘Kong test,’ where researchers give the dog a Kong toy filled with yummy treats and they count the number of times the dog uses one paw or the other to paw at the Kong to get the treats out

Is Your Dog Right- or Left-Pawed?

Think about which hand you write with or how you hold your fork. Are you a righty or a lefty? Now think about your dog. It may surprise you to learn that, just like humans favor using their right or left hand, many dogs show a preference for using one paw over the other. Because a dog’s brain is organized similarly to ours in many ways, with two hemispheres that each hold specializations, they, too, can show “handedness,” or what researchers call “laterality.”

Read More:Signs to Never Ignore in pet

The majority of people are right-handed, with about only 10 percent of the world preferring to use their left hand. But the same can’t be said for dogs. Our canine companions show a more even distribution between rightys and leftys. Also, many dogs are ambilateral, meaning they are equally comfortable using either paw, what we call ambidextrous in humans. However, the exact percentage of right-pawed, left-pawed, and ambilateral dogs depends on the way laterality is measured.

One of the most popular research methods is known as the Kong Test. The experiment involves giving a dog a Kong, a hollow cylindrical rubber toy that has been stuffed with food. The dog needs to hold the toy still while he works to get at the food. The number of times he uses his left paw to hold the toy is compared to the number of times he uses his right paw, or even both paws at the same time. This allows the researcher to classify the dog’s paw preference. These studies tend to show that there are an equal number of left-pawed dogs, right-pawed dogs, and dogs with no paw preference.

Another method for looking at laterality is the First-stepping Test. In this experiment, the researchers measure which front paw a dog uses to take his first step from a level standing position. After multiple replications, the dog’s paw preference can be classified. Unlike the Kong Test, this method doesn’t depend on the dog’s level of food motivation. This technique has shown different results from the Kong Test, with far more dogs showing a right paw preference.

Yet another study looked at laterality by placing food dishes at 45-degree angles to a dog’s left and right and allowing him to choose a dish. The dog was able to eat from both dishes during the trial, but his first choice in the majority of the trials was used to classify his laterality. The results showed that over one-half of the dogs were ambilateral, while the remaining dogs were almost equally distributed between a right and left paw preference.

Paw preference, like handedness in humans, relates to activity in the brain’s hemispheres. The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body, and the reverse is true for the right hemisphere. Because each hemisphere is involved in processing different emotions, laterality may impact personality and behavior. One study showed that ambilateral dogs exhibit slightly less aggression toward strangers. In fact, it was the left-pawed dogs that showed that behavior the most. (Of course, there are far more factors at play with aggression than simple paw preference, such as socialization history, past trauma, and health. And, as the researchers admit, the temperament assessment used may not be sensitive enough to detect differences between individuals based on their lateration.) Another study showed that potential guide dogs that are right-pawed have a higher success rate in their training programs. Future research may find more links between behavior and personality and paw preference in dogs.

Perhaps you want to know your own dog’s paw preference. After all, if you’re going to teach him to high five, or wave at you, it would be helpful to teach him with his dominant paw. You can replicate the Kong Test, First-stepping test, or food dish choice task at home. Be sure to gather lots of data. The official Kong Test and First-steeping Test both use 50 instances. Or you can devise your own test. For example, hold a treat in your closed hand and note which paw your dog uses to interact with your fist. You can also observe your dog’s behavior and note any laterality. For example, which hind paw does he use to scratch himself or which leg does your male dog lift when urinating. However you test your dog’s paw preference, knowing whether he’s a righty, lefty, or ambilateral should give you a new appreciation for how he interacts with you and the world around him.

Understanding Paw Preference

Like humans, all dogs are different, so there’s no definitive answer to the question as to whether or not a dog is left or right-pawed Another reason why it’s hard to nail down statistics is that dogs aren’t formally tested for dominant paws. However, many experts believe that dogs have a more equal chance than humans of being either righties or lefties. And while many dogs have dominant paws, many also have no preference between their right and left paws.

Signs to Never Ignore in pet As much as we wish they could, dogs can’t communicate pain, illness, or discomfort with words or even woofs. Instead, changes we notice in their demeanor, eating habits, or shifts in their routine hopefully make us stop and take notice of a potential problem. Dogs instinctively avoid revealing that something is wrong, so it’s up to the dog owner to stay consistently alert and spot illness early to avoid complications. As veterinarians, we understand the cues dogs give when they’re distressed or not feeling well can be very subtle, so learning some tell-tale signs that warrant contacting your veterinarian is imperative, as doing so could save your dog’s life.

1. Lethargy or Extreme Fatigue

Lethargy is a state of drowsiness, inactivity and indifference to their environment. They may have a delayed or slower response to auditory, visual and tactile stimuli than usual. They seem to be disinterested in exercising or playing. This may not be a specific indication of life-threatening illness, but if it lasts for more than 24 hours, it’s best to speak with your vet.

2. Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite is one of the first signs of illness. It can have a serious impact on your pet’s health as they use or eliminate essential dietary nutrients faster than they are replenished. Watch out for puppies less than six months old as they are particularly prone to health issues brought about by a loss of appetite. If your pet is still not eating for more than 24 hours, you should consult your vet.

Read More: Some Dogs are incredible swimmers.

3. Difficulty Breathing

Dyspnea is respiratory distress, laboured breathing or shortness of breath. It is associated with accumulation of fluid (oedema) in the lungs or the chest cavity (pleural effusion). It becomes more alarming for animals with a heart condition as they may not be able to get enough oxygen to the muscles and tissues.

4. Fainting or Collapsing

Fainting or collapsing is definitely a red flag. Even if they get up and seem normal after a few minutes, it’s best to let your vet know about the incident. Fainting or collapsing may indicate a problem in the nervous system (brain, spinal cord or nerves), the circulatory system (heart, blood, blood vessels), the respiratory system (nose, mouth, throat, lungs) or musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles).

5. Red Eyes

Certain parts of your pet’s eyes may be inflamed or infected if their sclera or the white part of the eye turns red. To get the correct diagnosis and medication, bring your pet to the vet right away. Failing to do so may compromise your pet’s vision.

6. Distended Abdomen

Abdominal distension is an abnormal enlargement of the abdominal cavity due to reasons other than simple obesity. There are several reasons for abdominal distension, such as abnormal fluid accumulation and enlargement of any abdominal organ, including the liver, kidneys, or spleen. The pressure from the abdomen pushing up into the chest may make breathing difficult. It can also decrease appetite.

7. Pacing, Restlessness, Unproductive retching

A sign of pain or distress in your pet is when they are irritable, panting, shy or even aggressive. These symptoms are common in a serious condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat. A sign of GDV is when they try to vomit but brings nothing up. This is a life-threatening condition that most often occurs in large breed dogs and those with deep chests.

8. Fever

Abnormally high body temperature is a sign of fever. It means that the body is fighting off an infection and it’s responding to the invasion of foreign matter such as bacteria or viruses. The normal temperature in dogs is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

9. Continuous Coughing

Non-stop coughing generally indicates an underlying problem. It may be because the airway is irritated by inflammation, fluid formation or infection. It can also be due to more severe conditions such as heartworm disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, and tumours of the lung.

10. Bloody Diarrhoea, Urine and Vomit

Fresh blood in the faeces indicates bleeding in the colon or rectum. The stools are black tarry because of the acidity. Blockage in the urinary tract or bacterial infection can cause ‘hematuria’ or blood in the urine. Vomiting blood can include fresh blood (which is bright red) or partially digested blood (which has the appearance of brown coffee grounds). These may be indications of minor ailments, while others are severe or life-threatening.

Some Dogs are incredible swimmers. Many people mistakenly think that all dogs can naturally swim. This isn’t true. Though most dogs will attempt a doggy paddle if they find themselves in the water, not all dogs are good swimmers or are able to stay afloat. In the latter camp you’ll often find brachycephalic (aka short-muzzled) dogs who can tire easily or have respiration problems in the water, “top heavy” dogs with deep chests and smaller hindquarters, or dogs with short legs.

Teach Your Dog to Swim

If your dog is able-bodied but hesitant to swim, get into the water with him. Go slow and start out in the shallows, praising as you gradually move deeper. Try a lifejacket designed for dogs and create positive association—coax your dog into the water by throwing a fetch toy or treats (which will often float for a minute before sinking). Be sure to avoid anywhere with waves that could swamp and scare your dog. By keeping it fun and positive, many nervous dogs will soon come to love swimming, which is wonderful as it’s great exercise while being easy on joints. Just respect that some dogs are happier on the shore, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

Swim Gear

Keep your dog safe in and around water with a ZippyPaws Adventure Life Jacket, available in sizes to fit dogs big and small. Not only will it keep your dog afloat, reflective stripes keep dogs visible and a built-in handle let you give your dog an assist.

Read More:Foreign Body Ingestion Threatens Pets

Dogs that LOVE Water

It’s often said that all dogs are born knowing how to swim— at least knowing how to do the so-called “dog paddle.” While that may not be true (and a good reason why you should never just toss a dog into a lake, pool or ocean), there are certain breeds that are often more adept at swimming. These dogs have generations of ancestors in their blood that were bred to retrieve from water.

While many dogs love taking an occasional dip in the pool, lake, or ocean, some furry friends just can’t get enough! These eager pups typically have strong, muscular bodies and maybe even a few unique qualities that help them excel at water-related activities.

English Setter

The term “setter” comes from this breed’s style of hunting; they slowly creep up on their prey, then set (or freeze) until ready to make their move. While originally bred as bird dogs, English Setters are affectionate, mild-mannered pups most happy in the water.

Vizsla

Vizslas are versatile attention seekers who can succeed in a wide range of activities if properly trained. They are strong swimmers but should not swim in cold weather because they do not have a thick, insulating coat compared to most other dogs that swim.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo descended from water dog breeds who hunted duck in the Romagna region of Italy. As the marshes in this area were drained, these active, affectionate dogs switched jobs and now excel at sniffing out truffles—but their love for swimming persists.

Newfoundland

Thanks to their water-repellent coat and webbed feet, Newfoundlands are hard-working dogs that hauled in fishing nets, carried boat lines to shore, and rescued those who fell overboard from the 1600s to early 1900s. Indispensable to fishermen, these gentle giants remain steadfast and even-tempered.

Which dogs can swim?

Some dogs are literally built to swim. These include Labrador Retrievers and Portuguese Water Dogs, amongst others. They often sport handy adaptions like oily, water-resistant coats to keep them warm, and webbed feet to help them propel through the water. For these dogs, swimming is not only a great exercise but also incredibly fun!

Which dogs can’t swim?

Some dog breeds simply aren’t cut out for anything more than a paddle in a shallow stream. This is because their bodies are not designed for swimming, whether due to having short muzzles, thick, heavy fur, or disproportionately large heads. These breeds, which include Bulldogs, Pugs, and Basset Hounds, are usually best kept away from deep bodies of water.

Doggy swimming pools

The best place to take your dog swimming are doggy swimming pools. They are a safe environment for your pooch, with entry and exit ramps, professionals on hand to help and excellent facilities and equipment. However, they do come at a cost and are usually frequented by dogs needing hydrotherapy or who are on weight management programs. You will usually need to book a slot in advance by calling your local centre.

Coastal waters

Swimming at the seaside presents a slightly different challenge to freshwater sources. It’s really only for the more confident pooches as the tides, strong currents and deep water can present a higher risk. Before taking your dog to the beach for a swim, consider the following:

• If dogs are allowed on the beach, whether they are allowed in the water and whether they are allowed off lead.
• The general weather conditions (avoiding bad weather and low visibility).
• The strength of the currents and tides, especially the presence of any riptides.
• The presence of others enjoying the beach that your dog might disturb, such as sunbathers, surfers, and children.
• The cleanliness of the water and the beach.

Foreign Body Ingestion Threatens Pets. Dogs are curious by nature. They love to investigate new sights, smells, and tastes. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead them into trouble. Dogs are notorious for swallowing paper, tissues, articles of clothing, sticks, wicker, bones, food wrappers, rocks, and other foreign objects. Some of these objects will pass through the intestinal tract without problem. It is common for dog owners to report finding all sorts of objects in their dog’s stool or vomit.

How is it diagnosed?

After obtaining a thorough medical history, your veterinarian will perform a careful physical examination. If a foreign body is suspected, abdominal radiography (X-rays) will be performed. Several views or a series of specialized X-rays using contrast material (barium or other radiographic dye) will often be necessary. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend blood and urine tests to assess whether the patient’s health has been compromised by the obstruction, or to rule-out other causes of vomiting such as pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, infections, or hormonal diseases such as Addison’s disease.

How is an intestinal foreign body treated?

Time is critical since an intestinal or stomach obstruction often compromises or cuts off the blood supply to these vital tissues. If the blood supply is interrupted for more than a few hours, these tissues may become necrotic or die, and irreparable damage or shock may result.

Read More: Dogs help you stop stressing out. …

In some instances, the foreign body may be able to pass on its own. In this event, your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization of your dog for close observation, and will perform follow-up radiographs to track the progress of the foreign object.

If any clinical signs are related to an underlying condition, or if diagnostic testing indicates compromised organ systems, these abnormalities will also require treatment.

Does Your Dog Have an Appetite for Life?

Dogs are naturally curious, but sometimes their curiosity gets the best of them. This is especially true for dogs with mouths like vacuum cleaners – they tend to eat a lot of strange things. As connoisseurs of life, many dogs don’t hesitate to sample all sorts of objects from toilet paper to rocks, shoes to sticks, clothing, and even garbage. While many of these things somehow pass through the intestinal tract without incident – and at a dog-owner’s dismay – sometimes a dog’s appetite for life can cause problems. This is also true for cats – be sure to read about the dangers of foreign object ingestion to your kitty, especially the potentially dangerous habit of eating thread. 

If you know your dog has ingested something he or she shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian immediately.The most common problem with this is foreign body obstruction. A potentially life-threatening condition, foreign body obstruction occurs when one of the many strange objects (foreign bodies) ingested by your dog is unable to make it successfully through the intestinal tract. When the object becomes “stuck,” it can cause a lot of discomfort and be very dangerous.

Causes and Symptoms
When something is ingested by your dog, it usually takes between 10-24 hours to move through the entire digestive tract. Some objects, however, can take much longer – even months!

Sometimes, objects are too big to progress through the digestive tract, and when this is the case, they cause an obstruction. If the foreign body has made it to the colon, it’s likely to pass – however, there’s still the possibility that it will be painful, especially if it is sharp (like a stick). In cases like this, you might need veterinary assistance. It is important to follow this rule: never pull a foreign object that is protruding from your pet’s rectum! If still lodged inside, this can cause damage to the internal tissues.

Diagnosis
If a foreign body blockage is suspected, x-rays will be used to confirm the diagnosis. Often, several x-rays will be needed using contrast material (dyes) to locate the object. Additionally, your veterinarian may want to run blood and urine tests to determine whether your dog’s overall health has been negatively impacted by the obstruction and also to rule out other possible causes of vomiting such as enteritis, pancreatitis, infections, or hormonal diseases like Addison’s disease.

Treatment
If your dog did eat a foreign body – stick, rock, or shoe – there are a few possible treatment options depending on the condition of your dog.

If your dog has been profusely vomiting, writhing in pain, and generally miserable the first thing your veterinarian will do is provide intravenous fluids and pain control.

If your dog still has the foreign body in his or her stomach, inducing vomiting may allow the dog to rid itself of the object. The object also may be removed through endoscopy, in which a long tube is inserted through the mouth of your dog and is used to pull the object from the stomach. Your veterinarian will make recommendations, and if this is the case, may also suggest hospitalization of your pooch for close observation and follow-up x-rays to track the progress of the item.

If the object has made it into the intestine, surgery is imminent. Time is absolutely of the essence because, as mentioned before, blockage in the intestine or stomach can cut blood supply to the stomach and intestinal tissue. After a few hours, it is possible for the tissue to become necrotic, or “die.”

How Pets Lower Stress

• Dogs help you stop stressing out. Research shows that, unless you’re someone who really dislikes animals or is absolutely too busy to care for one properly, pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief, and other health benefits—perhaps more than people.¹

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these effects took on an even greater importance as people became more isolated from others. “I think those of us with pets were the lucky ones,” Stregowski says.

She adds that when the world changed and many found themselves with a lot more time at home, it benefited both humans and animals alike. “People had more time to provide exercise, play, and training, all of which help reinforce the human-animal bond,” she says. The added time together was good for us—and good for our pets.

The following are more health benefits of pets

Read More:Dogs make us happier

Improve Mood

For those who love animals, it’s virtually impossible to stay in a bad mood when a pair of loving puppy eyes meets yours, or when a super-soft cat rubs up against your hand. In addition to the social support, stress relief, and general health benefits pets can bring, research supports the mood-enhancing benefits of pets. A 2017 study found that those with AIDS were less likely to suffer from depression if they owned a pet.²

Any pet can improve your health

While it’s true that people with pets often experience greater health benefits than those without, a pet doesn’t necessarily have to be a dog or a cat. A rabbit could be ideal if you’re allergic to other animals or have limited space but still want a furry friend to snuggle with. Birds can encourage social interaction and help keep your mind sharp if you’re an older adult. Snakes, lizards, and other reptiles can make for exotic companions. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower your pulse rate.

De-Stressing With A Therapy Dog Is Beneficial to Body, Mind, Mood

Once a student signed up and was determined eligible, they were able to attend one of several therapy dog sessions that took place on the University of British Columbia campus over the course of a semester. The university partnered with Vancouver ecoVillage, who provided between seven and 12 therapy dogs and their handlers for each session. The dogs were from all different breeds who had been trained and had a history of obedience and friendly interactions with strangers.

Lower blood pressure.

The cortisol-lowering and oxytocin-boosting benefits of petting also help keep your blood pressure at bay. “Petting and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature,” explains Barron. “It’s relaxing and transcendental.”

Increase physical activity.

How many people are willing to go outside at the crack of dawn and exercise in the rain or snow? Dog owners often have no choice—they have to walk their pet, thus providing them with an excuse-proof daily dose of exercise.

Historical support

About 43 million American households have dogs and about 36 million households have cats, according to the 2012 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, a publication of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

As for staying healthy in general, it’s no surprise that having a dog can help you stay more active. One study involving more than 2,000 adults found that dog owners who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a

The authors do not conclude that owning a dog by itself assures protection against cardiovascular disease. Instead, the physical activity that dog ownership requires may be the key.

Other factors may play a role as well. “Owning a dog increases the sense of well-being in general, decreases loneliness and decreases rates of depression,” said the senior author, Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic. “All these factors also relate to cardiovascular health.”