Frequently Asked Dog Questions

• Puppies
• Female Heat and Whelping
• Food and Nutrition
• Behavior
• Health

Puppies

Q: What should I feed my puppy?

Puppies require a relatively large amount of food due to their developing metabolism. In fact, a puppy requires much more food than an adult dog of the same weight. The best foods for puppies are commercial brand foods designed with the special needs of a puppy in mind. Most brands also list recommendations for how much to feed your puppy on their packaging.

Q: Will my puppy "teethe?" When will his adult teeth come in?

At eight weeks of age, a puppy should have a complete set of "baby" teeth. Between the ages of four to six months, permanent teeth will begin to replace these temporary ones. Your puppy will experience some soreness in the gums and will chew more than usual.

Q: Where should my puppy sleep?

While your new bundle of energy may be irresistibly cute and cuddly, sharing a bed with your puppy is not recommend. The sharing of bedding can lead to dominance issues, sanitation concerns, and over-dependence. The best way to prevent these from happening is to provide your puppy with its own bedding far away from where you sleep. At first, your new addition may need to be in contact with you while it adjusts to its new life, but after the dog becomes more comfortable in your home its bedding should be moved to another part of the house.

Q: Should I crate train my puppy?

Yes. Crate training is one of the best ways to make sure your dog is healthy, happy and well behaved, especially in your absence. By introducing your puppy to the crate or even a cage or enclosed metal fencing, housebreaking becomes easier. A dog will not willingly "mess" his bed. If you start your puppy with a crate or cage and let him know that is where he is expected to sleep and you also provide comforting toys, it will quickly become his security zone. He will not be as prone to anxiety if left alone in this area and many behavioral problems can be avoided.

Q: What types of toys should I provide my puppy?

The best toys for puppies and dogs in general are chewing toys. They can be a substitute for household objects and keep the dog both occupied and out of trouble. There are also toys designed to keep your dog's teeth clean. These toys are an excellent way to prevent future dental problems. Interactive toys are also great for when you want to play with your pet. Tugging toys and objects for the dog to fetch keep him alert and happy. Just make sure you always play on your terms, and that you always win… even if you have to cheat. This will insure your dominance in the "pack."

Q: My puppy often gets over-exuberant when we play. What should I do about "rough-housing?"

Often rough play results in biting, a behavior that must be discouraged the moment it surfaces. It can lead to dominance issues and can become a danger to you, your family and neighbors. Even "playbiting" shouldn't be tolerated for these reasons. When your puppy engages in this behavior, tell him "No!" and then leave him alone. If the puppy or dog continues this behavior, isolate him even more by crating him or putting him in another room. He will soon learn biting is not an appropriate way to get attention. Make sure all members of the household do their part to stop this behavior as they see it, otherwise, discipline will not be effective.

Q: We also have a cat in the house. Will this be a problem?

Contrary to what we might have seen in cartoons growing up, cats and dogs are not mortal enemies. However, it is a good idea to socialize them cautiously. Dogs must be taught that pestering their new feline housemates is not appropriate behavior. Separating them in order to let them get used to one another in a safe environment is the best way to assure they will get along. Also, the dog should be rewarded for leaving the cat alone. As with most issues, it is usually easier to familiarize a dog with a cat when it is a puppy. Starting safe and cordial relations between them now will mean happier and safer pets later.

Q: What is meant by "socialization" and why is it important?

Socialization is the interaction a puppy has with people, children and other animals. A puppy should be exposed to other people, animals and environments when very young so as to avoid over-dependence and fear, both of which can lead to behavior problems such as aggression.

Q: How do I housebreak my puppy?

As puppies grow less dependent on their mothers and become more mobile, they will begin to look outside of the nest for places to relieve themselves. Dogs use their highly developed sense of smell to guide them to locations they deem appropriate for urinating. This is why it is so important to disinfect accidents after they occur. Many people paper train their puppies, eventually moving the paper outside. Vets often discourage paper training as it starts the puppy relieving itself inside, which can actually hinder housebreaking. A good way to start your puppy going outside is to praise him when he or she does use the bathroom outside. Also returning them to that spot (and the same scent) will further encourage them to relieve themselves outside. Positive reinforcement works better for housetraining than negative, and punishment for soiling inside the house might lead to anxiety and even more accidents.

Return to Top

Female Heat and Whelping

Q: My female dog is in heat. What should I be aware of?

A female dog (called a "bitch") goes into heat around every six months if she is not spayed. It is only during this time that she is receptive to mating with a male. Signs indicating heat are an enlargement of the vulva and a discharge. After heat is over, the bitch will either be pregnant or be experiencing a false pregnancy. False pregnancy is a normal reaction and if your female dog shows extreme signs of this condition like building a nest or "adopting" objects such as plush dolls or stuffed animals, it is best to take them away from her and disassemble the nest. Keep her mind away from her supposed "puppies" by exercising her more than usual. Also, she might experience mood swings. Be wary of any changes in temperament.

Q: How long will my dog be pregnant? What can I expect?

The average canine pregnancy lasts just around 2 months (60 days). There are, as always, exceptions to this rule. Around the fifth week of pregnancy, the dog's teats become a deeper red color and her mammary glands become enlarged. Enlargement of the abdomen is not visible until around the seventh week. Early blood tests are available to determine whether or not your dog is pregnant.

A pregnant dog should eat a nutrient-rich diet with multiple smaller meals as opposed to one large one. She can continue to exercise, though high impact activities should be restricted later in her pregnancy cycle. She should be taken to the veterinarian for worming as well. She will also drink more water and need to urinate more frequently.

Q: What will the delivery be like? Will she need help?

Once she chooses where to give birth, make sure she is in a warm but quiet place. She will also need bedding. Towels and blankets will do as long as they are clean. When the puppies start to be born, they will appear one at a time during windows of anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours. They will still be encased in their fetal membranes. The mother should clean this away from them so that they can breathe. She will also sever the umbilical cord. This is where she might need your help.

Return to Top

Food and Nutrition

Q: What should I feed my dog?

Most commercial diet foods provide the appropriate nutrition for your dog. Dogs can have combinations of dry and moist foods, however you should read the labels carefully to make sure they contain your dog's daily, required nutrition. Some foods are meant to be combined with other foods to be a part of a balanced diet. The most important nutrients for a dog are protein, fats, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. All commercial foods should provide your dog with these elements. Carbohydrates are not essential, but a great way to boost your dog's energy.

Q: Does my dog need dietary supplements?

If you feed your dog a diet consisting of brand-name foods, your dog should not need extra vitamins. If you are concerned about your dog's dietary needs, please consult your veterinarian. Administering vitamins yourself could have serious repercussions to your pet and oversupplementation can lead to a variety of ailments.

Q: I hear chocolate is bad for dogs. Is it true?

There is a chemical in chocolate called theobromine that is highly toxic to some dogs. As a rule, chocolate should be avoided. If you really feel the need to feed your dog chocolate, some pet stores carry a kind of chocolate that is safe to dogs. This dog-friendly chocolate, like its more canine-toxic cousin, is highly fattening and should only be given sparingly.

Q: My dog is overweight. Is this a problem?

Overweight dogs have a greater risk of developing health problems and generally have less enthusiasm regarding exercise or play. They are burdened by an extra layer of fat and not only become easily over-heated, but are at risk for diabetes, heart failure and arthritis.

If your dog is overweight, do not put him on a sudden, "crash" diet. Consult a veterinarian for the best way to temper his weight through a combination of diet and exercise. Decreasing treats and substituting vegetables for commercial-brand snacks may also help. Vegetables lightly cooked or raw are very healthy and nutritious for a dog. Make sure to avoid potatoes. They often have an adverse effect on a dog's digestive system.

Q: My dog sometimes eats grass. Is this normal?

Often dogs eat grass to clear their digestive system. The grass induces vomiting and helps clear obstructions in the dog's digestive tract. This is completely normal and you should not worry unless diarrhea and loss of appetite accompany the grass eating. As always, if you have any questions regarding your dog's health, please contact your veterinarian.

Return to Top

Behavior

Q: Why is my dog so obsessed with smell?

Smell is the most highly developed sense a dog possesses. The canine sense of smell is highly advanced and dogs use it in investigating their environment. A dog's vision is not as acute as a human's and they must rely on their sense of smell and hearing.

Q: Why does my dog howl when he's left alone?

Dogs perceive their owners as members of their pack. In the wild, dogs howl to let their pack know where they are and that they want to be reunited with them. When you return, he assumes his howls have brought you back. The best way to halt this behavior is to decrease his anxiety about you leaving. Crate training and other measures will help this.

Q: Why does my dog bark so much and how can I get him to stop?

Often dogs bark to protect their territory, to simply say hello or to attract attention. To stop inappropriate barking, your dog needs to be retrained. When your dog is barking, don't shout at him. He might think you are joining in. Ignoring the dog is much more effective.

Teaching a dog to bark on command is the first step toward teaching him to be quiet. Prompt your dog to bark by presenting scenarios it would usually bark for: food, toys, etc. Once he barks give the bark command of your choosing ("bark," "speak," or something else appropriate). Then reward the dog. After the dog learns this, issue the "quiet" command when rewarding the dog for barking. He will be quiet to eat his treat. Soon the two commands "bark" and "quiet" will become learned behavior.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from seeking dominance?

In the wild, dogs live in a pack hierarchy. Even though many dogs' appearances and demeanor have been tempered from years of domestication, a dog is still a dog and will always view the world through a pack mentality. He even sees members of his human family as members of his pack. It is important for his human owners to be in charge of the pack. When a dog feels he is dominant, it leads to all sorts of behavior problems: aggression and biting are two more dangerous side effects. A submissive dog will have the best relationship with its owner.

There are a few ways to establish yourself as the "alpha" dog. These should be followed constantly and begun at a young age. Sleeping arrangements and feeding are the most powerful tools for asserting your control. Do not let your dog into your bedroom or let him sleep on your bed. Sitting on his bedding every now and then will make your point clear to him as well. Also, never feed your dog from the table. Do not feed him simultaneously with the family. Feed him after you have eaten. This will send a clear message, indicating that you and your family members are higher in the chain of command.

Also make sure to cross through doorways in front of your pet. Do not step over him or around him. Make him move and never move for him. You are the boss after all. When you play games, you should always win. When giving affection, it should always be on your terms. Many of these techniques may seem excessive or "pushy" by human standards, but by following these rules you will be speaking in a language the dog can understand and both of you will be happier in the long run.

Q: What are some good ways to train my dog?

Dogs learn quickly when receiving positive stimuli. To indicate you are pleased with good behavior or persuade the dog to initiate new behavior, reward the dog after he performs the desired behavior. Food treats or profuse praise are excellent rewards. Deterrents are also ways to influence your dog's behavior. When your dog is engaged in undesirable behavior, ignore him or isolate him. Startling him by throwing keys or training disks on the floor will also deter him from inappropriate behavior. A water pistol aimed at his body (never the face) will also work. Once the dog stops the behavior, he should be rewarded. Never strike your animal, this only causes more anxiety and confusion.

Q: How can I get my dog to stop chewing?

When a dog insists on chewing inappropriate items, he must be encouraged to chew on objects the owner selects (i.e. a chew toy or favorite bone). Taste deterrents are another good way to prevent the chewing of household items. Many of these are available at your local pet store. When you are gone from the house, leaving your dog in his crate or cage with acceptable chew toys is a good idea.

Q: How can I get my dog to walk with a leash?

Most public areas require dogs to be leashed. Starting your puppy with a leash will ensure he is well adjusted to the lead and both of you will enjoy walks in public places. Getting the dog used to a collar at a young age is also a good idea. If you have problems with your dog pulling on the leash, there are many harnesses and collars on the markets that help discourage such behavior. Teaching a dog to "heel" is the best way to assure he will be well behaved on the leash. This is best done by a system of rewards and praise. Make sure to associate commands with the treats. If you hold a treat in your hand so that the dog can see it, it will follow at your side when you walk. Make sure to reward the behavior and eventually you can hide the treat and reward less often.

Q: Why does my dog pant?

Dogs pant to cool themselves down. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do have sweat glands (the only ones not covered by hair are the ones on the pads of the feet). However, air evaporating off the tongue is still the best way for a dog to lose its body heat. When the water evaporates off the moist surface of the tongue, it also takes heat with it into the air.

Return to Top

Health

Q: Should I vaccinate my dog?

Yes. Vaccinations are very important, especially for puppies. By vaccinating against diseases, you dramatically decrease the possibility of your dog being infected by a disease. Booster shots are very important as well and could very well save your dog's life.

Q: Should I have my dog dewormed?

Yes. Deworming (the administering of anti-parasitic drugs) is very important, especially in expectant mothers and puppies. Speak with your vet about having your dog dewormed.

Q: Should I have my dog neutered?

If you are not planning to breed your dog, spaying and/or neutering is a very good idea. If a female dog is left fertile, she has the risk of developing pyometra (a dangerous infection) later in life and will enter heat once every six months. Bitches can become agitated during heat and will continue to undergo false pregnancies after heat. If you are not going to breed your bitch, it is best to have her spayed. Females' energy levels do drop after being spayed, so a reduction in her diet will prevent her from becoming overweight.

Male dogs can also benefit from neutering if they are not going to be purposefully bred. If neutered young, dominance problems may not surface and the dog will not be susceptible to testicular cancer.

Q: How should I care for my older dog?

Older dogs are susceptible to a large array of ailments: cataracts, blindness, arthritis, hearing loss, gingivitis and tumors. Make sure to check your dog frequently for symptoms. Also, you should continue to give your dog regular exercise. Make sure to avoid over-exertion. Meals should be split between two smaller meals instead of one large one. Also, he will be more susceptible to cold and heat so keep him warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You should also be aware that he might have to relieve himself more frequently.

Q: Why do dogs shed?

Hormones in a dog's body control shedding. Excessive shedding seems to occur during the change between winter and spring, when a dog loses its thick, winter coat. Excessive shedding is especially prominent in breeds that are from colder climates. Shedding cannot be prevented, as almost all dogs shed. However, grooming your dog will help lessen the amount of hair left around your house.

Q: Why is grooming my dog so important?

Many dogs love to be groomed and grooming is an excellent time for dog and owner to bond and spend time together. Owners can also check their dog's coat for debris, fleas, injuries, etc. Some breeds also need clipping or stripping. This should be performed every six to eight weeks by a professional groomer.

When grooming your dog, it is best to brush from the back to the front and against the way the hair falls, especially around the legs and chest. When finished grooming, brush the hair back the way it naturally falls. Also, different dogs need different grooming tools. Wire-toothed brushes are excellent for longhaired dogs, bristle brushes are best for thin-haired dogs, and rubber brushes work well on shorthaired dogs.

Q: Why does my dog sometimes "scoot" its bottom on the floor?

Dogs have ducts in their anus that aid in defecation. In some dogs, these ducts, called "anal sacs" can become full. This is very uncomfortable for the dog and leads to this "scooting" behavior. These sacs can be emptied by a veterinarian and should be done so on a regular basis to prevent infection.