Whisker Therapy

Have you ever met a “smiling” dog? At first glance this quirky trait can easily be mistaken for a vicious attack, but rather than peeling back their lips in fear or aggression, “smilers” do it when overcome with joy!

Photographer, Rachel Ebel loves smiling dogs so much that she spent three years, six months and 18 days training her Dalmatian, Griffin to grin on command!

 

“The ‘Dalmatian smile’ is an endearing, though at times terrifying, trait that’s unique to the breed,” Ebel told The Huffington Post. “It’s something they’re known for. And as a photographer and dog lover, I found myself wondering how difficult it’d be to teach him to share this unique quirk on command for the camera.”

Griffin has been grinning sporadically ever since he was a puppy, but it happened so quickly that Ebel found it difficult to reinforce the behavior and train him to do it on command.

“The other day, he happened to show it right as I was giving him a treat, so I took advantage and kept working on it with him,” she said. “Ten minutes later, he was a pro.”

Now whenever Ebel wants a peek at that goofy grin all she has to do is croon “Smiiiiiiiiiiile” in the “highest-pitched, most obnoxious voice possible.”

Like any proud mama, Ebel wanted to share Griffin’s new trick with the world, so she shared a photo of his toothiest smile to Reddit.

It took 3 years, 6 months and 18 days but this afternoon I finally taught my dog how to smile on command. I’m so proud. from pics

Redditer, NoChoiceForBilly, was reminded of a pop culture movie reference.

Others were unsure whether they should find Griffin’s smile endearing or terrifying – or a bit of both!

Ebel’s friends seem to agree that “adorifying” about sums it up! She told HuffPost:

“The reactions from my friends have ranged from admiration to terror, but I’m just proud of my strange, beautiful, camera-ham of a dog,” she said. “While it’s admittedly a little creepy looking, I actually happen to find it adorable. What’s that quote again about ‘having a face only a mother could love?’”

 

H/T to The Huffington Post

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With so many conflicting opinions about canine nutrition, it can be stressful to consider adding something new to your dog’s diet.

Bone broth is a vitamin, nutrient and amino acid-packed supplement made entirely from natural ingredients that offers several important benefits for your dog’s health.

 

Here are five common misconceptions that may be preventing you from giving this superfood a try – and why each one is completely unfounded!

1. Bone Broth is just another fad.

Bone broth seems to be everywhere lately, with claims of health benefits ranging from improved digestion and weight loss, to arthritis relief and healthy skin. It may seem like just the latest in a long line of health trends, but bone broth is actually an ancient superfood with a history dating back to our hunter-gatherer ancestors. If our dogs’ descendants could have boiled water, chances are they would have brewed up this nutrition packed potion, themselves!

 

2. Bone Broth can’t have that much nutritional value.

It may seem farfetched that a simple stock brewed from the parts of animals we typically throw away could be so healthy for our dogs. Each cup of bone broth contains about as much protein as a large egg, a chicken wing or two slices of bacon. It is also packed with collagen, glycine, glucosamine, amino acids and several vitamins and minerals. Not bad for a cup of broth!

 

3. “Soup” can’t possibly ease arthritis pain.

You may have heard that bone broth is a natural source of glucosamine, a nutrient frequently used to reduce joint pain, but it offers another important benefit for dogs suffering from arthritis. Collagen nourishes the skeletal system and is essential for rebuilding bone that is constantly lost due to aging and normal wear-and-tear. In this way, bone broth for dogs not only helps ease existing arthritis pain, it can also slow its progression.

 

4. Picky dogs won’t eat it.

You know the type. No matter what treat, topping or technique you try, these pups simply will not touch something new! One of the greatest benefits of bone broth is that it is naturally delicious meat gravy that dogs can have as a separate snack or eat over their favorite food! Unless your picky pup is a vegetarian, chances are he or she will eat it!

 

5. Bone Broth will upset sensitive dogs’ bellies.

While you should always consult your vet before making diet changes – especially when there are digestive troubles involved – bone broth tends to be safe and beneficial for dogs with delicate tummies. It is one of the mildest foods you can give to your pup as it comes from one of the most basic of dog foods – bones, and contains nothing extra.

 

H/T to Kettle & Fire

Featured Image via Facebook/Happy Boy Meals

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Are you ready for some dirt? The dirt on dogs who dig, that is.

Digging is both a complicated and an easy subject!

Getting to Know Your Dog

Dogs dig for all kinds of reasons.

Some dig for a multitude of reasons.

And, there are actually dogs who are bred and hard-wired to dig!

I mean, expecting your Jack Russell Terrier to abstain from digging is like expecting your Border Collie to prance past sheep without batting an eye.

Sure, you can teach a dog to control his/her instincts, but you have to TEACH them when it is and is not appropriate. And for a great video series that shows you how to stop digging as well as other bad behaviors, click here.

Heavy Coated Dogs

Often, heavy coated dogs (like a Golden Retriever), or dogs that get overheated easily, will dig a hole to cool themselves.

Grass gets hot, and so does top soil, but dig a few inches down and the soil is cool and refreshing.

Think of pigs and wallowing in mud… Pigs aren’t dirty animals but they get hot and they burn, so wallowing in mud and digging up the ground with their snouts provides them with some comfort in the heat.

I have a long haired Dutch Shepherd who overheats easily.  Not only will she fling herself into the tinniest puddle during hot streaks, she will also dig a hole to avoid heat stroke.

In order to keep her from digging, I limit her time outside in the heat and I provide her with a large “kiddie” pool filled with cool water and ice so that when we play, she has a place to go to avoid getting sick.

Earth Dogs

These are literally the dogs that were bred to dig for varmints.

Just like Rhodesian Ridgebacks aren’t often used for lion hunting anymore, people rarely use their Jack Russell Terrier or Dachshunds to kill rats and moles.

However, if you think back in history, you will remember that diseases carried by rats wiped out a large majority of the human population so this skill was as important to former dog owners as having a fearless dog that could hunt bear or lions.

Do not discount their genetics!

These dogs can definitely benefit from having their owners build an acceptable digging area.

Find an area in your yard and mark it off visually for yourself and your dog with bricks or stones and dig up some dirt and add some sand.  Next, lightly bury a few of your dog’s favorite toys and take him out to his new area and let him dig.

You may need to follow him outside for several days to ensure that he is digging in his pit and not just digging up the whole yard!

If he goes to dig somewhere inappropriate, use a verbal command to stop him. And then, redirect him to his digging spot.

If you have moles or other vermin in your yard that your terrier is trying to dig up, invest in a professional that will come out and get rid of them!

Scent Hounds

Basset Hounds, Beagles, Bloodhounds and other dogs that follow their noses excessively also often dig.

They smell the tracks of the critters that roamed your yard at night and they become increasingly interested in following those tracks.

These dogs are well known for digging out of yards so that they can follow the scent through the neighborhood.

After all, their nose is more attuned to their brain than the average dog!

The aforementioned breeds and dogs that are adept at using their nose are also the ones who can dig up and uncover old bones and treasures from the depths of your yard!

Intact Animals

Males and females that are intact and unaltered (not spayed or neutered) are also infamous for finding a way out of fenced areas and digging out.

Procreating and spreading their genetics is a strong instinct (that can be cured with spaying and neutering).

Even a neutered male can smell a nearby in heat female and hurt himself by either digging out or trying to break through a fence.

Avoiding Digging

But there are ways to avoid digging.

Much digging happens when dogs are bored.

The dog is left outside to his own devices, he begins to dig, for whatever the reason, and he learns how much fun digging really can be for him.

I have seen dogs dig up dirt, kick it as far backward as they can, and then chase the kicked dirt.  This description and image is the epitome of boredom and lack of stimulation.

A tired dog, one who has been walked and played with, one who has been trained and mentally stimulated, would be too tired to think up this game.

I think leaving dogs outside is sad.  Dogs left out, learn to bark incessantly and often dig up their yards simply because they are bored and frustrated.

It can also cause aggression.

I put my dogs out for one reason – to go potty.

And, I accompany them when it is yard play time!

Rarely do I leave my dog out for more than 30 minutes on his own!

Curing Digging

This is harder than it sounds!

You must be motivated to help your dog make this change.

First, you can cover the holes he has already dug with his own feces and dirt; but, this won’t keep him from digging new holes!

If you have an adamant digger, you are going to have to take him outside on leash long term (several weeks to a month) to ensure he doesn’t continue this task and so that you can chastise him when he begins.

You can also break this habit by adding exercise, like retrieve games, while you are outside with him so that he is too tired to dig!

And, last but not least, is exploring the option detailed earlier about giving him a place to dig!

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Finding a rental home that accepts pets—especially big dogs—is hard enough, but then you have the added challenge of getting your full security deposit back. While you love your dog no matter what, they may not be the cleanest or least destructive being on the planet.

But if you choose to rent, don’t let thoughts of missing out on your security deposit hold you back from having a pet. The Humane Society reports that 72% of renters are also pet owners, and it’s completely possible to be both a good renter and a good dog owner. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that when you and your dog move out, it looks as good as the day you moved in.

#1 – Before You Move In

Before you collect your keys and move your stuff, take a tour of your new digs (preferably with your landlord), and write down everything that could be considered damage. When the time comes for you to move out, the last thing you want is to have your dog blamed for something that wasn’t their fault. Be detailed with your list and include everything from frayed carpets to chipped paint.

#2 – Clean Regularly

Even well-trained dogs have the occasional mishap, but you don’t need to let it affect your security deposit. Clean up stains as soon as they happen to keep them from being permanent. It’s also a good idea to commit to general housecleaning on a regular basis. Vacuum, dust, and do everything you can to keep pet smells at bay—that includes giving your dog regular baths.

#3 – Exercise Your Pup

A bored dog will always be a destructive dog. They may start with your couch cushions, but determined chewers will soon move on to more permanent kinds of destruction. Dogs have been known to chew through walls, doors, and kitchen cabinets. Curb your dog’s appetite for destructive behavior by engaging in at least one hour of physical activity a day. Going on a walk or playing in the backyard takes a few minutes and could save you hundreds of dollars.

#4 – Be Proactive

If you know your dog is a destructive chewer but you plan on being away from home for several hours, be proactive about preventing damage. Arrange for someone to dog-sit or commit to crate training and keep your dog safely contained while you’re away. Your best defense is knowing your dog’s behavior and personality. If your new puppy isn’t quite housebroken yet, keep them off the carpet until they have full control of their bladder. If your dog likes to jump up and look out the window, keep the blinds tucked safely away.

# 5 – Prepare to Move Out

When your lease is up and it’s time to move on, inspect your home for possible pet-related problems. Some rental companies require pet owners to hire professional carpet cleaners before they move out. Even if it’s not a requirement, it’s always a good idea. Every dog owner learns to live life covered in fur, but the next renters won’t be happy to find Fido’s hair ingrained in the carpet six months after he’s moved out. Steam cleaning the carpets, spackling damaged walls, adding fresh paint, and reseeding the yard are all simple things you can do to safeguard your security deposit.

Your dog is a part of the family, and home wouldn’t be the same without them. Owning a dog isn’t always easy, and it’s never cheap, but it’s always worth it. Taking these extra steps to protect your security deposit will keep both your landlord and your pet happy with your rental home.

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A sad story involving a young puppy that has been unfolding for nearly two weeks finally has a happy ending!

According to KXAN news, 20-year-old Chandler Bullen left Annabelle, his five-month-old puppy, in his car for upwards of a half hour while he shopped in a Manor, Texas Walmart. At the time police arrived to rescue Annabelle, the temperature in the area was 99F, with a heat index of 109F. The sunroof was left partially open, so the police were able to open the door with a tire iron and rescue the pup.

Annabelle was in bad shape not only from the heat, but was also infested with fleas and had a few unexplained lesions. She was taken to the Austin Animal Center for care and Chandler was found inside the Walmart and arrested. When asked by the police why he left his dog in the car on a hot day, he explained that he “didn’t want to waste gas.”

Chandler was in court the following Thursday for the animal cruelty charge, and in a decision that shocked and saddened animal lovers everywhere, the judge ruled that Annabelle be returned to Chandler. However, this was under the condition that Chandler pay for the care she received and boarding at the Austin Animal Center.

The judge explained that, though he is a dog lover, he had to separate his feelings from the case and rule according to the letter of the law. In a story by TWC News, he stated, “What was on trial I think was stupidity versus, you know, cruelty,” and ordered Chandler to reappear before the court to prove that he had taken Annabelle to a vet and that she was being well cared for. Luckily, this was not the end of Annabelle’s story.

Rather than pay the fees accrued during Annabelle’s stay at the center, Chandler chose instead to surrender her. The pup went up for adoption, and although a surrender is not usually good news, in this case, it was probably the best choice. Just one hour after she became available for adoption, a young couple looking to adopt fell in love with her and put in an application – Annabelle now has a new family!

We’re so happy to hear that after the mess this story became, Annabelle finally has a safe, loving home and people who care for her! Whether stupidity or cruelty, we feel that a home where neither is present is absolutely better than the one she had.

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We all deal with stress from time to time, and our pets are no different. While some dogs are more anxious than others, most dogs will have at least one thing that causes them stress, whether it’s a car ride, fireworks, a thunderstorm, or moving to a new house. There are medications that can help, but you might want to start with something a little milder first. Here are 6 natural ingredients known to help dogs who are scared of car rides. 

(As always, consult with your vet before introducing anything new into your dog’s diet.)

#1 – Valerian

Valerian is a sedative herb that relieves tension, anxiety, and over-excitability in dogs. Valerian can be bought dried or in capsule form and given to the dog orally, wrapped in a piece of cheese, or with a treat. There are also many tasty soft chews made for dogs that contain valerian. Give it to the dog before situations that tend to cause anxiety and over-excitability in your dog. 

#2 – Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that naturally rises in the bloodstream when animals sleep. Giving it to them when they are awake can help calm them down during stressful situations. It may be especially effective in dogs with separation anxiety issues, as its calming effects may last up to 8 hours. Be sure to read the ingredients before sharing your melatonin – it may contain Xylitol or other ingredients that are toxic for dogs.

#3 – Lavender (Scent)

You probably already know that the scent of lavender helps you to relax and fall asleep, but did you realize it can have the same calming effect on your dog? The scent of lavender actually reduces the body’s production of cortisol, the stress hormone, and it doesn’t have the same sedative effects of some of the other ingredients on this list. A drop or two of lavender oil in a place where your dog can’t ingest it will help relieve their anxiety.

#4 – Passionflower

Passionflower has been used since the mid 1500s as a sleep aid and sedative. Studies have shown that it can actually lower your brain activity and boost levels of GABA, a feel-good chemical. In humans, it’s been shown to be as effective as benzodiazepine medications such as Valium and Xanax in treating anxiety. It also has less of a sedative effect than other herbs. This can be a great option for highly anxious dogs. For easy administration, we like these soft chews that contain Passionflower. 

#5 – Lemon Balm

A member of the mint family, lemon balm has been used since the Middle Ages to soothe nerves, relieve indigestion, and remedy insomnia. This sedative herb is effective in treating excitability and anxiety in dogs.

#6 – Chamomile

If you’ve ever suffered from insomnia, you’ve probably tried chamomile tea to help you sleep. Chamomile calms the nerves and induces sleep. It can also calm the stomach and ease digestive problems. You can give chamomile tea to your dog or soak a dog treat in the tea.

All Natural Anxiety Relief

Did you know you can get several of these ingredients, plus a few more, in our Project Paws™ Advanced Calming soft chews? They’re formulated to relieve your dog’s anxiety, nervousness, hyperactivity, tension, or stress related to car rides, thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, introducing new pets, or a change in their routine.

High-potency natural ingredients are properly formulated for optimal results, and dogs love the turkey flavored soft chew! It’s gentle enough to be used as a daily supplement and powerful enough to work as needed in stressful situations. And if that isn’t awesome enough, each purchase feeds 7 shelter dogs!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional. 

(H/T: WikiHow, Natural Dog Health Remedies, Food Matters, Livin3, PetMD, Can I Give My Dog)

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When two Miniature Schnauzers went missing near a popular lookout in Cumbria, England, their owners were desperate to find them. John Hampson was walking with his parents’ dogs off-leash when a thick mist rolled through the countryside. Charlie, 7, and Theo, 15 months, were used to taking long walks with their owners in the area, but by the time the mist cleared, John saw no sign of the beloved dogs. He immediately called his mom, Liz, and enlisted help for his search.

John, Liz, and her husband, Graham, organized a search party to scour the area. They contacted the local mountain rescue team and posted on Facebook and Twitter. More than 120 people and two drones helped them look, but the dogs seemed to have vanished into the mist.

Days passed, but the family never gave up looking. Four days after the dogs had gone missing, the Hampson’s knew they were running out of time. If they wanted to find Charlie and Theo alive, they needed a new plan. Calling their names wasn’t attracting the dogs, but they thought of something that would.

Liz told Metro,

“They absolutely love sausages. They have them every Sunday for breakfast, so if there was one food they were going to come back for, it was sausages.”

Liz came up with the idea to lure the dogs back home with the scent of their favorite food. It took two hours of grilling sausages near the spot where the dogs went missing, but finally, their efforts paid off. Liz looked into the distance and saw Charlie and Theo coming out of the treeline. Overcome with emotion, Liz couldn’t hold back tears of relief.

The dogs were hungry and dirty from their time lost in the countryside, but they were obviously excited to see their owners—and the source of the delicious smell that lured them back. A vet later gave the boys a clean bill of health, and the Hampsons are grateful to once again have their four-legged family members safe at home.

Featured Image Source: Facebook/Liz Hampson

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Today is the first day of my 11-day vacation (well, technically, 7 working days, but I count weekends too. Don’t you?). I had decided to sleep in this morning, but Jasper had other plans. Whenever I sleep past 5 am, Jasper jumps up on my bed and lays down beside me and paws my hand. […]


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The safest place for a pet—their own backyard—can sometimes be host to one of the most dangerous threats. Mushroom poisoning is a common illness treated by veterinarians across the globe, and tragically, many of the affected dogs don’t survive. While seemingly innocent and so commonplace they’re hardly noticed, there are certain kinds of mushrooms that if ingested, can kill a dog in a matter of hours.

It’s a heartbreaking thought that is a reality for too many dog owners. Mary Dlugoz lost her six-year-old dog named Maggie because of the mushrooms growing in her backyard. Q Entertainment reported the otherwise healthy dog had munched on the mushrooms and died due to the toxicity less than a day later.

Mushrooms grow in nearly all environments, and dogs who spend a lot of time outside unsupervised are most at risk. Experts say canines are attracted to the “fishy” smell of the fungus and keep eating them because they usually taste good. With so many different kinds of mushrooms, identifying which are poisonous and which are safe isn’t worth the time. Pet owners are encouraged to remove all mushrooms from areas where their dogs usually play and assume they’re all dangerous.

Many pet owners don’t realize their dogs consumed a dangerously poisonous mushroom until it’s too late. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, and excess drooling, but it will ultimately depend on the kind of mushroom consumed and how much the dog ate.

Galerina Marginata, also called Autumn Gelerina, is a small brown mushroom usually found on decaying wood or popping up in sodden piles of sawdust. Even small bites are fatal for dogs, but it looks like so many other harmless kinds of mushrooms, it often goes unnoticed. The Death Cap, or Amanita Phalloides, is responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings. It’s an average-looking white fungus found throughout North America and Europe.

Mary Dlugoz was too late to save her beloved Maggie, but she hopes her story will encourage other pet owners to be more vigilant when it comes to pet safety. If you suspect your dog has ingested a mushroom, don’t wait for them to show symptoms. Take them to an emergency veterinarian before it’s too late.

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Alex Wildee is no stranger to difficult adoptions. You may remember her as the woman who drove 900 miles from Colorado to Texas to pick up a special shelter dog. Recently she found yet another Texas pooch in desperate need of her help. The pregnant Catahoula mix named Arizona was on the euthanasia list at a kill shelter when Wildee stepped up to foster her. Just days after she was pulled from the shelter, Arizona gave birth to five puppies.

Soon after, the mama and her litter of three-day-old pups arrived in Denver to meet their savior. Wildee fell in love instantly!

She soon noticed that Dakota – the runt of the litter – was not developing as quickly as his siblings.

She spent several evenings bottle feeding him puppy milk replacer to ensure his health – and it worked! Little Dakota began to grow bigger and stronger.

But despite his hearty appearance, there was something a bit different about Dakota. As the puppies became more active, Wildee noticed that the runt seemed to be vision impaired.

It turns out that Dakota has very little vision at all – mostly light and shadows – and may also be deaf. But these special needs have not slowed the feisty pup down one bit!

According to Wildee:

“He is such a happy playful puppy and keeps up just fine with his siblings! He is also so smart and was the only one of his litter to figure out how to escape the puppy pen – which took a couple of years off of my life!”

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Remember that part in 101 Dalmatians where Purdy delivers puppy after puppy after puppy? That scene recently played out in Ashlee Holland’s spare bedroom – on a more realistic scale, of course! Holland is a life-long animal lover with a heart for rescue. Recently she took in a dog named Ava who was formerly scheduled for euthanasia at a local shelter. She knew that Ava was expecting puppies when she fostered her, but she had no idea she was expecting 18 of them!

“She was on the euthanasia list. She had no other choice, no other hope. I was basically her last resort along with Midwest Animal ResQ. No dog deserves to be put to sleep for space, ” Holland told Fox 4 Kansas City. “I was aware she was having puppies but x-rays didn’t show how many.”

A mom herself, Holland was overjoyed to give the sweet Golden Retriever/Chow mix a second chance at life and a safe, cozy place to give birth. Less than two weeks later, the big moment arrived – Ava went into labor!

On the evening of June 25, she welcomed her first puppy into the world at 10:02 PM. She had four more in under an hour, and by 12:33 AM she was snuggling seven pups. Thinking the excitement was over, Holland cleaned up mama and babies and went off to bed. But it turns out Ava was far from finished!

Holland woke up the next morning to eight more puppies – 15 total!! She described the arrival of the final three pups on the Facebook page she created for Ava and her brood.

“I had to tend to my kids and get them ready for summer school and came back to find out she had given birth to another 3 pups! This mama is incredible!”

Holland’s nine-year-old son is a Kansas City Royals fan and gave most of the pups their names based on favorite team members. They are as follows: George, Buck, Amos, Yost, Salvy, Cain, Dayton, Esky, Hosmer, McRae, Duffy, Bo, Gordon, Royal, Cookie, Ace, Moose and Saber!

“It’s heaven. Puppy pile, you can’t get any better than that,” Holland said.

Sadly, the runt of the litter, Dayton passed away last night, which is not uncommon with such a large litter. Holland is very careful to ensure that all of the pups get a chance to feed by providing “private meals” for the smaller, weaker ones away from their more boisterous littermates.

When they reach eight weeks of age, all of the puppies will be available for adoption through Midwest Animal ResQ. You can find information on the adoption process, see all adoptable pets, download an application, or contact the rescue via their website.

Follow Ava and her puppies as they grow and change on their personal Facebook page – Ava and her 18 Royals!

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Kelly Candlearia heard a small dog barking when she pulled into a parking lot at a mall in Chico, California earlier this week. The temperature climbed to over 100 degrees that day and she saw that the dog was left in the car indefinitely with no water. Unable to leave a dog to die in those conditions, Kelly immediately took action.

Kelly is the first person to free an animal under the Right to Rescue Act since it was passed last September. California’s Right to Rescue act protects citizens who spot an animal in a hot car and feel compelled to help, but certain steps must be followed to be protected under the law. According to the Right to Rescue Act, citizens must check that the car cannot be opened, see that the animal is in danger, contact the authorities, stay with the animal until they arrive, and not use more force than necessary.

Kelly told Action News Now that she wasn’t aware that she was protected under the law at the time, but was willing to save the pup anyway.

Although it’s illegal to leave a pet in a hot car, several animals die of negligence and heat stroke every year. Many people would like to help but are deterred by the thought of facing court and fines. Thanks to the Right to Rescue Act, citizens can act (responsibly) and more lives can be saved.

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It is the single most common behavior problem pup parents enquire about. Why does my dog cry/bark/dig/pace/house soil/destroy property when I leave her home alone? Separation anxiety in dogs can manifest itself in many different ways, from mildly inconvenient behaviors to activities that threaten their very health and safety. Luckily, there are answers to your questions and resources to help your pup through this frightening and frustrating issue!

Here are six of the most commonly asked separation anxiety questions our iHeartDogs readers have submitted to us – and our best answers!

1. Why is my dog suffering from separation anxiety? I feel so helpless!

Unfortunately, we do not fully understand why some dogs experience separation anxiety and others do not. Shelter dogs seem to develop this distressing problem more often than those kept by a single family since puppyhood. While there is no proof that genetics play a role, separation anxiety tends to be more prevalent in high energy and people-oriented breeds.

It is normal for loving dog parents to experience feelings of guilt and helplessless when their pups show signs of separation anxiety – we never want to see our furry BFFs suffer – but rather than focusing on “why,” it is far more productive to to channel your efforts toward finding a solution.

2. What are the most common triggers of this condition?

While not all dogs with separation anxiety have a specific trigger, there are certain life changes that can spark anxious behaviors. Dogs that have lost a trusted guardian through death or abandonment may understandably become more anxious when separated from their new families. Changes in schedule, moving to a new home, and the sudden absence of a loved family member – like a child going off to college or the loss of a pet – can also result in separation anxiety.

 

3. I’m considering getting a second dog to keep my anxious pup company, will this help?

 

Some dogs seem to improve dramatically with the companionship of a second dog. For others it makes no difference at all, and in some cases a second dog may make the situation worse. It depends on the temperament of each dog and whether they feed off of each other’s anxiety. Unfortunately there is no way to predict which outcome you will get, so it is best to focus on helping the dog you already have. The decision to add another pet to your family should never be made to fix a problem.

 

4. Could I be contributing to my dog’s separation anxiety without even knowing it?

This is a sensitive topic! While no one should ever blame themselves for their dog’s separation anxiety, it is possible that your reactions could reinforce the behavior. When we see someone we love in pain, we naturally want to comfort them, but dragging out your departure may only feed your dog’s anxiety. It is also important not to punish an anxious dog for house soiling or destructiveness – remember, it was done out of fear, not “naughtiness.”

5. My dog looks so sad every time I leave! How do I know if her behavior is normal or if she has separation anxiety?

Dogs are social animals and it is perfectly normal for them to seem a little “sad” when you leave the house. The difference between normal glum behavior and separation anxiety is drastic! A sad dog will stare after you for a few moments and then go back to napping or chewing her bone. An anxious dog may pace obsessively; bark and howl for hours; urinate or defecate inside; chew, dig or destroy property; attempt to escape, or even harm herself.

 

6. What are some things that I can do as a pawrent to decrease my dog’s anxiety?

Now that we have covered the ins and outs, let’s talk about solutions! There are many promising treatment options that can provide your dog – and you! – with some relief.

-First, consult with your veterinarian to rule out a medical explanation. For example, house soiling could be incontinence or a sign of incomplete potty training.

-Destructive behaviors and barking may simply be a sign that your pup is bored or needs more exercise. Try wearing your pooch out with a play session or a long walk before you leave the house. Fill a puzzle toy with treats to relieve boredom.

-In mild cases of separation anxiety, counterconditioning – a treatment process that changes an animal’s fearful, anxious reaction to a pleasant, relaxed one – may help significantly. Strategies include providing a favorite toy or treat at your departure time in order to re-train your pup to look forward to that moment. Your vet or trainer can help you with the details!

-More severe cases may require gradually getting your dog accustomed to being alone by starting with many short separations that do not produce anxiety. Over many weeks of daily sessions, the separation times are slowly increased in order to provide gradual desensitization. Again, your vet and trainer are great resources to help you through this process.

-Some dogs have separation anxiety that is so severe it puts their own safety or the safety of others at risk. They may tear at the walls until their paws bleed or dash from the home when you try to leave. In these cases, a combination of behavioral therapy and medication may be needed. There are several different drugs that can alleviate your dog’s specific symptoms. Work together with your vet and dog behavior specialist to find the right combination of treatments.

via Whisker Therapy