All Dog Owners Should Know The Real Meanings Behind These Common Canine Behaviors
Dogs are very communicative animals, they just don't always communicate with us in a way that we can understand. We know that a wagging tail signals excitement and that soft moans mean fear or anxiety, but dogs show their emotions in all kinds of ways.
We've consulted some of the best animal behaviorists in the field to help you decode what your dog is really saying. What do all of those twitches, barks, and little eye movements really mean? Keep reading to find out.
If Your Dog Bows, It Means He Wants To Play
A dog bows by keeping their back legs straight while lowering the front part of their body. When a dog does this, it means that they're excited and they're in a playful mood. Sometimes a dog will bow between quick sprints or energetic spins, all while wagging their tail pretty wildly.
This behavior is known as the play bow. If your dog bows at you like this, grab a ball and play fetch or chase them around a yard.
Dogs Pant Because They Can't Sweat
Dogs don't really have sweat glands to help keep them cool, so they have to release excess heat through their breathing. When your dog is panting, he's trying to regulate his body temperature. If you see your dog panting very heavily, give him a drink of cold water and let him take a rest in the shade.
If it isn't hot outside and your dog is still panting, he may be trying to relieve pain or stress.
Your Dog Really Likes You If He Wants To Sleep In Your Bed
You may think that your dog wants to jump in bed with you because your bed is much comfier than a hardwood floor. While that may be true, your bed is also full of your scent particles. If your dog wants to roll around and sleep surrounded by your scent, he must really love and trust you.
Still, you shouldn't let your dog sleep on your bed if you can help it. We have to maintain some boundaries.
Not All Dogs Like Playing Fetch
Just because your dog likes carrying his toys around in his mouth, that doesn't necessarily mean that he wants to play fetch. Some dogs like bringing toys to their owners just like they would like bringing some animal they hunted in the wild to their pack leader.
If you throw away the toy, you may actually offend your dog. You don't want him to think that you didn't like his gift. If a dog wants to play fetch, he'll probably back away from you while looking at the toy and bow on his front legs to signal that he wants to play.
The Real Reason Your Dog Stares At You Before You Leave Him
Nobody enjoys leaving their furry friend home alone, but we humans have places to go and people to see. Some of those places aren't exactly dog-friendly. Sometimes, just when you're about to leave your house, your dog will stare at you and make you feel guilty.
if your dog is just staring and not showing anxiety in any way, that means that they're sad to see you go, but they trust that you'll be back soon.
When Your Dog Jumps All Over You It's A Sign Of Affection
You really shouldn't let your dog tackle you or your guests when you walk through your front door (or at any time, really), but you definitely shouldn't take your dog's excitement as a sign of aggression. A dog tackling her owner at the door is just like a human jumping for joy.
Your dog is happy to see you! You just have to channel that happiness into something less destructive. Those puppy nails can really hurt!
A Strong Lean Is Basically A Dog Hug
Sometimes dogs like to lean on their owners, and if you have a large dog, you've probably noticed their heavy body leaning on you quite a lot. Dogs like to press their body weight against people and animals that they care about and trust.
Your dog isn't just being too lazy to stand. She's actually showing you how much she cares about you. If your dog is leaning on you, she's basically giving you a big hug.
What It Means When Your Dog Cuddles Up To You After He Eats
If your dog cuddles up to you after he eats, it's a sign that you're one of his favorite people. He is saying that he appreciates the food and he may just be ready to take a long nap. It means that your dog sees you as a comforting presence and a soft place to fall.
Just be careful about what you feed your dog because you don't want to be cuddling up to any funky smells.
What "Puppy Dog Eyes" Really Mean
It's hard to resist those puppy dog eyes. Most dog owners think that their pets are begging for a treat when they flash that desperate look, but in reality, your dogs are actually trying to show you love and affection.
Dogs don't look people or other dogs in the eye unless they fully trust them. If your dog is looking at you in that oh so innocent way, you know you must be doing something right.
Yawning Is A Sign Of Stress, Not Tiredness
People tend to yawn when they're tired (or when they see someone else yawn. Dog's are different than people in this way. They don't yawn when they're tired, but when they're stressed or anxious.
Your dog might yawn repeatedly while your in your vet's office waiting to be seen or when you're asking them to perform a command that they haven't quite mastered yet. Dog's may also yawn in anticipation of something exciting like a nice walk outside.
The Adorable Reason Why Your Dog Likes To Lie On Your Feet
If you have a dog, you've probably noticed that he or she likes to lie right on top of your feet while you're sitting on a couch or at the dinner table. You might find it a bit annoying, but many pet owners actually think it's quite adorable.
If your dog is laying on your feet, he's trying to get as close to you as physically possible so he can protect you from danger. i
What Those Eye Movements Really Mean
Dogs can be very expressive with their eyes. If a dog is sad or tired, his eyes will hang low and point towards the floor. If your dog is excited, his eyes will be wide open and attentive. If your dog is feeling inquisitive or hopeful, he may actually raise his eyebrows at you as if he were asking you a question.
Sometimes you can tell more about how a dog is feeling from their eyes than their wagging tail.
One Paw Up Means He's Figuring Something Out
Have you ever noticed that your dog stops on a walk and just stands with one paw in the air? This might look a little bit strange, but when you're dog has one paw up he's just trying to figure out his next move.
That one paw stance means that he's ready to take off at the slightest hint of danger, but while the coast is clear, he's just going to take a moment and consider his options for a while.
That Tongue Flick Is A Doggie Apology
Your dogs can usually tell when they've done something wrong or something that made you upset. When they flick their tongue in and out of their mouth, they're saying that they're sorry for what they did.
Dogs try to look as innocent as possible after they've torn through your garbage or eaten something they shouldn't have because they know that humans are suckers for adorable faces.
When Your Dog Paws At The Air In Front Of You
When your dog raises her paws in front of you, or even right onto your lap, it usually means that she wants something from you. She might want whatever food you happen to be eating at that moment, or she might just want some attention.
Your dog values the quality time you spend with her, and if she can't get enough playtime, then you know that she really really likes playing with you. Just make sure she doesn't paw at you so much that it becomes annoying.
That Signature Head Tilt
Sometimes, when you're talking directly to your dog or using a higher-pitched voice, your dog may tilt his head from side to side. It almost looks as though your dog is trying to listen to what you're saying.
When your dog does this, he's trying to pick out words that he recognizes, like "walk," "ball," "dinner," or "treat." Dogs can understand human languages pretty well. They just can't talk back to us, so we have to interpret their body language.
What All Of That Loud Howling Really Means
Howling can be quite loud and even annoying to some people, but your dog isn't howling to make you feel annoyed. Dogs howl to communicate with each other and to assert their dominance. Dogs howl to make their presence known. They want you to notice them whether you're miles away or sitting on the couch right next to them.
Plus, howling feels pretty good to a dog. It's kind of like having a good cry.
Why Your Dog Walks In Circles Before Lying Down
A lot of dogs walk in a circle several times before lying down in a comfy spot. Some researches have theorized that dogs do this because it's what their wolf ancestors did before them. Wolves and wild dogs walk in circles before lying down to flatten any leaves or debris that might be in their preferred nap area.
There probably isn't any debris in your dog's dog bed, but it's just something that our four-legged friends have to do.
The Wonderful World Of Barking
Dogs communicate mostly through body language, but a dog's bark does give us some insight into how they're feeling at any given moment. If your dog is making short, soft barking noises, it probably means that he wants to play or that he's excited. If your dog is yelping, it probably means that he's in pain.
Different barks and vocalizations all correlate to different feelings and emotions. Pay attention to when your dog barks, for how long, and the volume of the barks.
The Dreaded Wrinkled Muzzle
When a dog wrinkles her muzzle and bears her teeth, it generally means that she feels threatened and uncomfortable. A wrinkled muzzle means "don't get any closer. I may bite." If your dog shows her teeth and snarls, she's giving you a fair warning. Stop whatever you're doing, and give your dog some space.
You may even need to remove yourself, or whatever your dog is snarling at, from the situation until your dog can calm down.
Flicking Their Ears Is A Sign Of Attentiveness
When dogs are listening to their surroundings, they flick their ears in different directions depending on where certain sounds are coming from. If they hear something unfamiliar, they'll point their ears in the direction of the unfamiliar sound to try and figure out what it is.
If you catch your dig flicking his ears around, call his name or make a clicking sound with your tongue. You'll see your dog's ears point right at you.
Why Dogs Really Chase Their Tails
Most dogs chase their tails because tails are fun to chase. This somewhat silly behavior is a great way for dogs to burn off excess energy. If your dog chases her tail constantly. it might be a sign of health problems like an impacted anal gland or flea allergy dermatitis.
Tail chasing can also be a sign of OCD in some dogs. Yes, dogs can be OCD too. Mostly, this is a harmless behavior, but if you suspect something might be wrong, you can always contact your veterinarian.
When Your Dog Sniffs The Air
Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and they navigate the world around them using their noses. When your dog has his nose in the air and he seems to be sniffing around, that means he's either trying to track danger or some kind of prey.
Your dog will stand completely still and make very little to no sound because they don't want to alert a potential source of danger or the prey that they're stalking.
An Exposed Belly Is A Sign Of Submission
If your dog rolls over and exposes his belly to you, he may just want a belly rub, but more often than not he's showing that he respects you as a leader. Dominant dogs don't show anybody their soft underbellies. If your dog rolls onto his back in front of you, it means he's acknowledging that you're the alpha.
Sometimes the alpha is very generous and gives out belly rubs free of charge, though. Dogs love belly rubs.
Some Dogs Just Have To Dig
It can be pretty frustrating when your dog digs up your freshly cut lawn, but you should cut him a little bit of slack. Dogs are hard-wired to hide their valuables (like bones and food scraps) underground. It's how they kept their stuff safe from other animals while they were living in the wild.
Redirect your dog's attention to a place you don't mind them digging up, like a public dog beach for instance. You may not be able to stop the behavior entirely, but you can save your rose garden.
This Is Why Your Dog Chews Your Furniture
If your dog is chewing something that he isn't supposed to chew (like the leg of your couch or a chest of draws that your great grandmother gave you) it most likely means that your dog is bored and she isn't getting enough exercise.
Take your dog out for regular walks and make sure they can expend all of their energy during the day so they don't spend their pent up energy destroying your furniture.
What It Means When Your Dog Stretches
Dogs stretch for a variety of reasons, and it isn't always because they're getting limber after a long nap. Stretching is actually a sign of affection. If your dog stretches while moving towards you, it means that they're excited to see you.
This stretching behavior is a nice, calm way for dogs to show that they care. You can reward the behavior with a pat on the head or a relaxing belly rub. Your dog just wants to know that they're loved.
Pacing Back And Forth Can Mean A Few Different Things
Dogs pace for a lot of the same reasons that humans do. It could be that your dog is antsy and he just wants to play or go outside. It could also mean that your dog is anxious. Pay attention to the other behaviors your dog is displaying along with pacing. If they're pacing and wagging their tail, they're probably excited. If they're pacing and whining, they're probably nervous.
Stay attuned to how your dog is feeling and you and your pet will form an even stronger bond.
What A Straightened Tail Means
If your dog's tail is sticking straight up, it probably means that your dog is confident and excited. Some dogs stick their tails straight up when they meet up with a new dog they've never seen before. It shows that they're on high alert, but they're also anticipating a good time.
When a dog's tail is relaxed and level with its body, the dog is probably feeling content. If a dog tucks its tail between its legs, the dog is probably feeling nervous and insecure.
Pay Attention To The Tail
Even cat people know that when a dog is wagging its tail, the dog is having a good time, but there are nuances to all of that tail wagging. If a dog is holding its tail down while still wagging it, it means they're being submissive.
If the whole tail is wagging back and forth, that usually means that the dog is ready to play, but if the tail is more stiff and rigid, it could be a sign of impending aggression.
A Sloppy Tongue Is A Happy Tongue
It's very cute when dogs let their tongues hang out of the side of their mouths, but this rather silly behavior can tell you something about the way your dog is feeling. A dog that has its tongue hanging out of its mouth is a relaxed and happy dog.
If your dog's tongue hangs out of its mouth all the time, it could be a sign of some health problems, especially if you have a "smushed" face dog like a bulldog or a pug.
The Old Paw Slap
If another human started lightly hitting you several times, you'd probably find that a bit odd, but when a dog taps you with its paw, it's actually a clear sign that your dog likes spending time with you. If your dog repeatedly hits your leg with his paw, he probably just wants you to give him some attention.
It's kind of like getting a pat on the back by another person. It's a way of communicating via physical touch.
That Strange Pointing Behavior
"Pointing" is when a dog becomes completely still and points its snout toward something in the distance. This behavior is sometimes accompanied by a lifting of one of the front paws off the ground. Dogs that are bred for hunting, especially Pointers (it's all in the name) point more frequently than others.
Veterinarian Dr. Ellen Vindell told Vet Street, “dogs are just dogs, and there are certain behaviors that probably any dog that's a dog can do…. You’ll see a sporting dog who circles like a herding dog, and you’ll get some herding dogs who point.”
What It Means When Your Dog Stands On His Back Legs
Sometimes dogs rear up on their hind legs just like a horse. When your dog does this, it can actually mean a couple of things. It can be a sign of affection if your dog does it in a relaxed state, but it can also be a sign of aggression.
If your dog starts growing while rearing or if he stars being too rough, it might be time to brush up on his obedience training.
When Dogs Yowl Or Sound Like They're Speaking
Your dog isn't really trying to yodel when she makes that weird "yeow" sound. Your dog might be trying to communicate with you, though. Sometimes it even sounds like your dog is trying to say human words.
One contributor to Whole Dog Journal shared this about their pup's speaking habits. “Our German Shepherd rescue, the sweetest dog we have ever owned (unless you happen to be a cat), is 9. She ' talks ' about everything! Grumbles, over being denied a cat lunch, has 5-minute conversations over going out for a walk, exchanges pleasantries (you would swear) over how happy she is to see someone.”
Excess Licking Could Be A Sign Of Health Problems
Just like cats, dogs do often lick themselves to stay clean (especially if they get into something messy that is also tasty, like your leftovers). If your dog is liking him or herself too much, it could be a sign of some underlying health issues.
If your dog keeps licking at his joints, that may be an indication of arthritis or muscle inflammation. It might be worth your while to take a quick trip to the vet just to make sure that everything is a-okay.
Biting Isn't Always A Sign Of Aggression
Dogs bite or nip at each other for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes little nips can be a sign of affection or an indication that your dog wants to play. Puppies have to learn to mind their manners and put their teeth away when they're playing with their human friends.
When dogs play with their canine friends, teeth often end up in the mix, but it's all in good fun. Dogs don't have hands, so they have to use their mouths to wrestle.
That Rear End Scoot May Mean That Your Dog Needs To See A Vet
We've all seen it, and it's always a silly sight to behold. You know what we're talking about_ the classic butt scoot. Some dogs scoot after using the bathroom (or the yard) just because they like to feel clean. More often than not, though, that scooting behavior is a sign that your dog might have an impacted anal sack.
Take your dog to the vet or the groomer and a professional can drain the anal sack and make your dog feel a lot more comfortable.
When Your Dog Wiggles Around On The Ground
It's so much fun to watch a dog get into a really great wiggle rhythm. Sometimes the dog will even kick its hind legs in the air and squirm around. When a dog does this, it's usually an expression of joy.
In some cases, your dog might just be trying to scratch a hard to reach itch. If your dog starts wiggling around excessively, make sure that your dog isn't trying to scratch any ticks or fleas.
When Your Dog Tucks His Tail Between His Legs
Dogs only tuck their tails in between their legs if they're feeling scared, nervous, or upset. This is a dog in distress. A tail between the legs is never a good sign. If you catch your dog tucking his tail between his legs, reassure him and let him know that everything is going to be okay.
Talk in a soft, soothing voice, and even offer him some irresistible treats to make him feel confident again.
Let Them Eat Turkey
According to the American Kennel Club, turkey is rich in several nutrients such as protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous. Many American families eat it during Thanksgiving and it's also a popular sandwich choice. If you have extra turkey, then get ready to give some to your dog.
Turkey is fine for dogs to consume, but there are a few conditions. It must be plainly cooked. This means no butter, salt, pepper, herbs, or spices because it can upset their digestive system and do damage to their pancreas. Before feeding it to them it's crucial to check for bones, so they don't choke.
Keep Them Away From The Chocolate
One of the foods that should never be kept near dogs is chocolate. This sweet treat may be a pleasant dessert for humans, but Healthline admitted that chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. Dogs cannot metabolize those chemicals and will experience dire symptoms if they do.
The symptoms can include vomiting, dehydration, internal bleeding, muscle tremors, seizures, and in the worst-case scenario it can end their life. There are some varieties that will do more damage such as cocoa powder and unsweetened baker's chocolate because they are more concentrated.
White Rice Helps With Upset Stomachs
Similar to humans, dogs can also experience upset stomachs, especially if they are eating the wrong foods or if there is a drastic change in their diet. A human food that can aid an upset stomach for dogs is cooked white rice.
After they digest the bland white rice dogs' stool will firm up and give them the nourishment they may be missing out on from their normal food. The carbohydrates from the rice also provide a good source of energy, especially for older dogs. Make sure to not mix this up with brown rice because it has a higher glycemic index, which causes blood sugar to rise.
Avoid Avocado At All Costs
There are a lot of mixed opinions on whether or not dogs are allowed to eat avocado, but more credible sources urge owners to keep it out of their dogs' diets. The most common reason experts tell people to not give their dogs avocado is that it contains a fungicidal toxin called persin.
Persin is all over the different parts of the avocado and can cause vomiting, blockage in the heart, and even end their lives. The high amount of fat in avocado is also detrimental because it can upset their stomach, pancreas, and cause weight gain.
Keep The Carrots Coming
Cyber Pet cites carrots as one of the best foods to incorporate into a dog's diet. This orange vegetable is packed with vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and more. Not only do dogs get a lot of health benefits from it, but it's also perfect for rewarding good behavior.
If you have a puppy who's teething a frozen carrot can serve as a refreshing cold object to help them with the pain and also help improve their dental health. Before serving it's best to cut the carrots down into bite-size chunks to make sure they don't choke.
Why Ice Cream Is Damaging For Dogs
While it may be tempting to let your dog enjoy some ice cream on a hot day, it's actually something they shouldn't be eating. Many dogs are lactose intolerant because they are weaned off milk after the first couple of months of their lives.
Eating ice cream or similar milk products can lead to gas, bloating, constipation, vomiting, and more. Ice cream is also filled with sugar or sweetener, which is extremely toxic for dogs. Luckily, there are a few ice cream substitutes made especially for pups such as Frosty Paws.
Pass The Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter is something that will have your dogs smacking their lips all day long, but there are some things to know before giving it to them. It can be a healthy treat if it's done in moderation. Veterinarians recommend feeding them plain, unsalted peanut butter because extra ingredients such as salt and sugar can have adverse effects.
This creamy snack can be used to help them take medication or reward them for good behavior. It's best to remember that peanut butter does contain high amounts of fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and an upset stomach.
Grapes And Raisins Are A No-Go
Sometimes a dog can recover if they have a small amount of a certain food they're not supposed to have, but that's less likely if they come into contact with grapes or raisins. These are very toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure and an untimely passing.
If you're not sure if your dog ate grapes or raisins there are some symptoms that will make it clear. These include loss of appetite, being weak or still, vomiting, abdominal pain when touched, dehydration, frequent urine production, and more. The best thing to do if your dog experiences any of these symptoms is to contact a veterinarian.
It's Time To Whip Up Some Eggs
A common human food that can make a positive difference in a dog's diet is eggs. They are very high in protein and contain essential amino and fatty acids. Eggs are great for helping an upset stomach and nausea, but there are a few things to know before preparing them for your dog.
Eggs should never be served raw because they can have salmonella and lead to a biotin deficiency, which affects skin, digestion, metabolism, and cells. They should also be prepared without milk or butter because most dogs are lactose intolerant.
Don't Cry Over Onions
According to the Pet Poison Hotline, one of the most toxic foods for dogs are onions. Whether they are raw or cooked they can do horrible things to their bodies such as causing their red blood cells to rupture.
If that happens it cuts off their oxygen flow preventing them from breathing. The toxins are in all parts of the onion and can also be found in onion powder, garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives. Some ways to tell if a dog has eaten onions is if they are lethargic, don't have an appetite, are fainting, have reddish urine, or pale gums.
Put Some Shrimp On The Barbie
Dogs shouldn't eat large amounts of shrimp, but a few every now and then have some proven health benefits. Shrimp contain vitamins B12 and B3, anti-oxidants, and phosphorus, which helps with metabolism, energy, blood circulation, bones, and brain function. They are also low in fat, calories, carbohydrates, and cholesterol.
Before feeding them to your dog it's best to steam them thoroughly and remove any shells to prevent choking. Do not cook them in oils or butter because that provides unnecessary fats that can be harmful to their digestive system.
When Life Gives You Lemons And Limes
Dogs cannot tolerate eating lemons or limes. The skins of these citrus fruits include a substance called psoralen. Eating just small amounts of psoralen can cause vomiting and gastrointestinal issues, but the more serious symptoms come if larger amounts are ingested. These can include muscle tremors, difficulty walking, liver failure, and fatality.
Purina claims that when a dog eats something poisonous it will taste bitter because that's how they used to survive before they were domesticated. Dogs may continue to eat lemons because they aren't necessarily turned off by the sour taste.
Chop Up Some Broccoli
Dogs don't necessarily need to have large quantities of fruits and vegetables to remain healthy, but it doesn't hurt to incorporate some into their daily meals and snacks. Broccoli is something dogs can eat both raw and cooked because it's rich in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat.
Broccoli should always be served plain without oils or seasonings and cut into small pieces to avoid choking. The florets of the broccoli contain isothiocyanates, which can cause digestive issues if consumed in large amounts. Combining broccoli with some white rice and lean protein can work as a healthy meal option.
Steer Clear Of Macadamia Nuts
Many dog health sites list macadamia nuts as one of the top human foods to avoid giving to dogs because of the numerous risks. Experts are still trying to pinpoint the exact substance that causes the negative side effects, but even a small serving of macadamia nuts can be fatal.
Other symptoms can include vomiting, loss of balance, weakness, hyperthermia, and depression. The first thing to do if you suspect your dog ate macadamia nuts is to immediately contact the veterinarian. If the symptoms aren't as severe, activated charcoal and medicine that makes them purge their system are recommended.
Blueberries Help Dogs With Their Weight
It can be difficult to curb the appetite of an overweight dog and something that can fool them into thinking they're getting a sugary treat are blueberries. This fruit is packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and it gives their bodies several important vitamins and minerals.
Blueberries are actually low in sugar because they are almost all water. Since they are bite-sized they can be used as a treat and in dog puzzle toys. Some studies have found that blueberries have reduced signs of aging in senior dogs as well.
Don't Let Your Dog Go Near Cinnamon
Even though cinnamon isn't toxic to dogs it can still cause many adverse effects. The Pet Poison Hotline mentions that cinnamon and other cinnamon-related foods can potentially cause skin and digestive irritation and hurt the inside of their mouths. Inhaling the powder can make them cough, choke, and prevent them from breathing.
Smaller breeds are at more of a risk because they can't handle large dosages as well as bigger breeds. Eating cinnamon can also lower a dog's blood sugar levels and lead to vomiting, uneven heart rates, and liver disease.
The Great Benefits Of Salmon
Salmon is a staple in several human diets and it can work wonders for dogs. They should only eat it cooked without any seasonings, extra oils, lemon, or butter. It's also important for owners to remove any of the little bones that may be hiding to prevent choking.
There are a ton of nutritious parts to salmon such as the omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and protect their skin and fur. Dogs who eat raw salmon may be at risk because there are sometimes poisonous parasites inside, which can be fatal.
Garlic Won't Do Your Dog Any Favors
Although garlic has proven health benefits for humans it won't work the same way for dogs. They metabolize food in a different way, so ingesting garlic can be very toxic for their digestive system. A substance called thiosulfate in garlic will cause damage to their red blood cells.
Some signs to look out for if your dog may have ingested garlic include rapid breathing, weakness, jaundice, vomiting, abdominal pain, depression, dehydration, and more. Usually, a dog will have to eat a large amount of garlic to feel sick, but every dog is different in their tolerance.
Say Cheese!
While most dogs tend to be lactose intolerant one of the few dairy products they can eat is cheese. It's filled with protein, calcium, vitamins A and B, and essential fatty acids. Most veterinarians recommend only feeding dogs cheese in moderation because too much dairy can give them gastrointestinal problems.
Cheese is also perfect to use to motivate your dog's good behavior or as a little snack during the day. Experts stress that moderation is key with cheese because of its high-fat content that can lead to fatal illnesses in dogs.
What Goes Wrong When Dogs Consume Caffeine
According to the Kuakini Medical Center, about 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine daily. It can be found in coffee, tea, soda, medication, and more and is one of the most dangerous threats for dogs.
Caffeine contains a toxin called theobromine that can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, hyperthermia, seizures, and collapse. The side effects are very similar to when dogs consume chocolate. The best thing to do if your dog ingests caffeine is to contact a veterinarian who can advise which medication will help them ease their specific symptoms.
