The short answer is we don’t know. Most veterinarians agree that grass eating seems to be a way for dogs to relieve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, parasites or possibly infections. Another…

Probably. Based on brain wave studies of sleeping dogs, we’ve discovered that dogs and humans share many similar characteristics when sleeping and possibly dreaming. For most dogs, dreaming should occur…

Dogs howl for many reasons. It is a nonspecific behavior, sort of like a baby’s cry. A mother knows when a cry means hunger, discomfort or need for attention. Similarly…

Whiskers function as sensory organs. Touch, air currents and vibrations can stimulate the whiskers. They also can function as a form of communication in that dogs that are emotionally aroused…

Other than for grooming reasons (injury to tail or anal area as well as managing external parasites), it is abnormal for dogs to consistently chase their tails. It can occur…

Cleaning ears regularly can help minimize infection since dry, clean ears are less likely to become infected. Place a small amount of a quality cleaning agent in the ear (enough…

Dogs’ noses act as sweat glands and can become wet as a means of discharging heat (air movement across a wet surface results in greater heat loss). In addition, discharges…

Dogs dig because it’s fun (dirt plays back) or for exploration reasons. This is a normal behavior and if dogs are allowed to engage in the behavior unsupervised, it will…

Gradually and carefully are key concepts to introducing dogs to babies or new pets. The first rule of introduction is supervision. Any time two new pets meet or a new…

Animals frequently create food caches (hiding spots for valuables that the animal can later access when they are safe or when normal food supplies are no longer available). Even though…