Why Do Some Dogs Eat Grass And Throw Up?

If there is one behavior which may come as a surprise to dog owners, especially the first-timers, it would be the question "Why does my dog eat grass and then throw up after?" This is a question which veterinarians often get asked and yet, the answer remains to be a mystery to all of them. Indeed, fiber is not a common thing for dogs and grass definitely does not go well with their digestive tract. Yet, this continues to be a habit for most dogs such as your beloved Fido.

Tummyache 

One very common answer when asked about this question is gastric problems. Many believe that eating grass is one way in which dogs get to relieve themselves from gastric problems as this helps them vomit. Vomiting thus helps them get relieved of any toxic substance or irritant which they may have ingested. However, as one vet has put it, is the vomiting induced by the grass or does the grass induce the vomit

Roughage 

One other possible reason why dogs feel the need to eat grass is the need for roughage which dog food and meats cannot normally provide. Even in the wild, dog relatives such as wolves and foxes normally get to ingest the roughage which their pray have induced. As this scenario is not possible in a normal household, your loyal little pet may therefore hunt for the source somewhere else-that somewhere being your lawn.

Checking out their territory 

It's a known fact that dogs do have the habit of marking their territory. In the same manner, some say that dogs eat grass in order to check out their territory for any signs of invasion. As gross as this may seem, dogs do like owning their own spot and they do mind an invasion of territorial space.

Worms 

This reason seems pretty similar to "dogs eating grass because of a tummy ache." However, this time, worms seem to be the culprit. This could be true except that there are still some pets which get worms despite their grass-eating habit. Other than that, dogs do need to get de-wormed on a regular basis so this reason ends up to be quite questionable.

A matter of taste 

While all these reasons seem to be quite scientific, we also have to be consider the fact that dogs do have their personal tastes. That's the reason why dog food comes in different flavors, right So maybe they should come out with grass-flavored dog food as grass-eating is a habit developed by your doggy's palate Maybe some dogs were meant to be vegetarian

Whatever plausible excuse or reason one can come up with, there are indeed some dogs who just like to eat grass for no apparent reason. While there is no immediate danger or threat to this behavior, it would be safe to make sure that the grass which he eats is free from any fertilizer or pesticide which he may ingest. With your dog eating grass from your lawn, at least you won't have to worry so much about mowing it.

How To Read What Your Dog Is Saying

Dogs are certainly one of the most popular pets in the planet. Who wouldn't fall in love with a dog? They are known for their loyalty and their ability to have fun. Whereas cats will lie down by your feet and have themselves scratched to the point of sleeping, dogs will engage you with their different antics and games. However, in order to have a good and meaningful relationship with your pet doggy, it is important that you are able to communicate with him and understand much of his behavior. After all, dogs, just like humans, have their own individual personalities.

Know His Bark

Just as we humans use different tones when speaking to other people, so do dogs have different barks. That is why it is important for you, as a dog owner, to be familiar with your dog's different barks. There are barks that will indicate playfulness, some that will indicate his willingness to do an activity such as taking a walk, and yet, there is that specific bark that will indicate that he is worried about some imminent danger lurking nearby.

Check out the tail and the ears

It is a known fact that in order to see just how friendly your dog is at the moment, all you need to do is observe his tail. A wagging tail usually indicates playfulness or a friendly attitude. However, if the tail is tucked and a bit rigid, you should be a bit more cautious since this may indicate that he is a bit on the worried side of things. If the tail us upright stiff or with a bit of a quiver, then chances are that he is in a highly aggressive mood and that he is willing to attack and defend hist territory at any given time.

The ears also serve as an indication of what your dog is trying to say. With a dog's ears of but not placed forward and stiff, this often means that your dog is in a very relaxed state. However, just as we humans frown at something when we get mad or even disagree, so do your dogs ears. When a dog's ears start stiffening and going upright, then chances are that your dog is in a very uncomfortable and worried state.

Sniffing out of curiosity

When a dog is uncertain about something he encounters, he usually stretches out his neck and starts to sniff. This is not a sign of fear but rather of uncertainty as your dog starts to observe and process the thing that he sees nearby. Just as we try to assess situations which we are uncertain of, so does your dog.

There are many body languages which are associated with a dog's behavior. However, probably the best way to really know your dog is to observe his mannerisms as he goes through his daily routines. Eventually, you and he would have established a comfortable way of communicating which could lead to a very meaningful and long-lasting relationship.

Why Is My Dog Aggressive Towards Other Dogs?

One of the more complex and hard to understand behavior of dogs is their tendency to be aggressive even to their own kind. Sometimes, it may even come to a point where the aggressive behavior can be quite hard to control. There may be many factors which can lead to such a problem. In fact, this aggressive tendency may even show at a very early age when your dog is still in his puppy years. Think of it as the start of the "terrible twos". What could be the possible reasons behind Fido turning into a monster

Medical Reasons

One of the reasons which may be behind your doggy's rough behavior is an underlying medical problem. Chemical imbalances, for one, can be largely to blame. Other medical reasons may be as follows:

. Hypothyroidism or a less active thyroid gland 

. Distemper 

. Low blood sugar 

. Epilepsy 

. Presence of a brain tumour 

. Head trauma

It's Just The Breed

Clearly, there are some breeds that behave more aggressively as compared to others. Some are just born with that kind of temperament. Most of them have a protective tendency, hence the aggressive behavior. Examples of these kinds of breeds are the Doberman, Rottweiller and Akita.

The Pack Attitude

Dogs, by nature, recognize that they are part of pack. Unfortunately, being part of a pack also means that someone has to be the leader or the alpha-male. It is this instinct which may somehow lead into a dog being aggressive towards another. This is most especially if you have two or more dogs of the same age and sex. Oftentimes, this will involve the need of one dog to be the head of the group.

Along with the need to be a leader comes the need to protect one's territory. Dogs do not appreciate it really if someone invades their space. Another dog who happens to be a stranger to him can really rub him the wrong way thus leading to another problem when it comes to aggression.

Poor Socialization Skills

Just as there is a need to teach a child socialization skills, so is there to expose a dog to different kinds of environment and other dogs as well. This is usually best when a dog is still at a young age wherein he can still be developed. The best time would probably be around 3 to 14 years of age when the dog has his senses fully developed and he is able to get to see more of his surroundings.

Past experiences

Dogs do have memory. When a dog, especially during the early years, encounters a bad experience from another dog, he may start to develop certain fears which may lead to aggressive behavior.

Whatever the reasons are, especially if they are not medical in nature, it is important to take note that this behavior should be corrected early on and not tolerated. As has been often said, it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

Q and A's for a Dog-Friendly Vacation

Going on holidays? Good news, you don't have to leave your dog at home. More and more hotels are welcoming four-legged guests and you can even choose from a wide variety of canine-centered vacation adventures. This article answers some of your questions about taking your dog on vacation with you.

How do I find pet-friendly hotels?

All major chains have select properties that allow you to bring your dog or cat, including:

• Hilton Hotels
• Best Western
• Comfort Inn
• Quality Inn
• Econolodge
• Marriott
• Holiday Inn
• Venture Inn
• Motel 6
• ....and many others.

Just go to the chain's main webpage and look for "pet friendly hotels;" you'll see which locations offer pet accommodations. Keep in mind, though, not all hotels in a chain have the same policies, so be sure and check carefully. And it's always worth getting confirmation in writing that your dog will be accepted.

Is there an extra cost to bring your dog to a hotel or motel?

Yes; nearly all hotels will ask you for an additional fee, ranging from $20 to $50 per stay, not per night. This charge is usually for extra clean up after you and your pet leave, including shampooing the carpet.

What if my dog barks a lot?

Most hotels reserve the right to "remove your dog from the room" if you leave him alone for long and he barks, disturbing other guests.

So if you're not comfortable leaving your dog alone in the hotel room while you're out exploring or enjoying your vacation, what to do? You could find a local doggie daycare, and check your pet in for the day or even book a grooming session locally.

How do I prepare for a long car trip with the dog?

First, ensure your dog is stowed securely in the vehicle; there are four ways to keep him from being a dangerous projectile in your car should you have an accident or even a sudden stop:

• get a special car harness for dogs - they're used in conjunction with your car's seatbelt system to keep your pet safe and secure
• if you have a sport utility type vehicle, you can buy a special barrier to keep him in the cargo area. However, this doesn't keep your dog really securely protected in case of an accident.
• use a portable dog crate in your vehicle, and attach it with your seatbelt system
• try one of the new booster seats for small dogs, with built-in seat belt or harness restraint

What should I pack for a car trip with my dog?

Lots of food and water of course. And don't forget the bowls! You'll also want to pack:

• an extra leash
• a few treats
• any medical information, your vet's name and number
• your dog's license and microchip info
• a small doggie first aid kit: gauze, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol
• an old towel - in case you need to wrap him up
• a clean up kit - paper towels, disinfectant spray, plastic bags and twist ties... and wet wipes for you
• poop and scoop bags

My dog gets car-sick. What can I do?

There are some very good motion sickness medications available for your pet. Some are prescription based and you'll need to see your veterinarian. Others are all-natural or homeopathic solutions to nausea.

If your dog does tend to get sick in the car, make his pre-travel meal very light, and take plenty of rest stops.

In conclusion, with some extra planning you'll find that it's really lots of fun for everyone when you bring your dog on vacation!

What to Do When You Think Your Dog Is Sick

If your dog has been looking a little bit under the weather, it's sometimes tricky to figure out whether you need to seek immediate medical attention, or whether you can wait and see. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, then you will need to take him or her to the vet immediately: 

• Vomiting
• Abdominal distress
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Excessive drooling or saliva production
• Gagging or dry heaving
• Coughing
• Paralysis or lameness
• Coma or unconsciousness
• Unusual aggressiveness towards people or animals
• Delirium or confusion (knocking into furniture or objects)
• Visible injuries (swelling, broken bones, open wounds)

All of these symptoms indicate that there could be a very serious medical condition, that will need professional treatment. They may also indicate that your dog has been physically injured, or poisoned, and again, immediate, professional care is imperative.

Pay Attention

A good rule of thumb, for all pet owners, is to pay attention to your dogs' regular behaviour. You'll soon learn what is normal for your dog, and when something out of the ordinary is going on, you'll be able to pick it up quickly.

Since speed is often of the essence when injuries or illnesses are present in dogs, it's important that you act quickly, and knowing what to look for is important.

If You Choose to Wait

If you decide that your dog doesn't look that sick, or if he or she is acting strange, but there are no visible signs of injury or illness, you might decide to wait and see whether he or she is simply under the weather. Or maybe you are unable to take immediate action. 

• If that is the case, then you will want to follow these guidelines:
• Seperate your dog from other pets and animals.
• Keep him or her in a quiet, isolated place.
• Monitor your dog's condition regularly - every half hour to an hour is best.
• Ensure that your dog has lots of clean water, but don't try to force food on him or her if he or she is not hungry.

If your dog's condition does not worsen, then whatever it is that is affecting him or her may not be too serious. However, if you choose to follow these directions, and you notice that your dog's condition is deteriorating, then you will still need to seek the care and advice of a veterinarian.

So if you think your dog is sick, your decision on what to do should be based entirely on your dog's condition, and whatever you do, it should be done immediately after your suspicions are aroused.

Increase Your Small Dog Training Knowledge

Dogs are one of the most intelligent creatures and can learn new things fast, especially if they are trained properly. Today we are going to talk about small dog training. It is quite different than training large breed dogs. Because small dog breeds don't need to be trained for hunting or for guarding your house from strangers. 

Their primary role is to serve as companion to you, as a friend. Plus such dogs are usually kept inside the house for most of the time, so small dog training does have some major differences. So, how to train a small dog? Read on, and learn.

Small dog training is especially effective when a dog is still a puppy. Let's say you just got one puppy. Bring him home and let him roam around freely. During first few weeks puppy will get accustomed with environment. It's important to leave him at home as much as possible, taking him outside only for doing "toilet training". That way the dog will get used to live in a house, and will not be tempted to run outside for no reason.

If your dog will run outside each time when he needs to pee, you will need to reward him for doing this, with something positive. If he doesn't live your house for doing it, you will need to show him the right way. This area isn't any different for small dog training.

Another important thing in small dog training is teething. In order to prevent this bad habit you will need to introduce your dog to a dog "bone toy". If the dog is still a puppy it's very likely that he will pay no attention at your furniture or shoes later, when he grows older. Just make sure you will get the new toys, when old ones are close to being broken.

What's actually fairly overlooked, that small dogs can be still dangerous. It's very important to include stopping commands like "down" or "off" in your small dog training. So if your dog tries to attack somebody (could be anyone new at your house), interrupt him immediately and don't forget to use those stopping commands. Sooner or later your dog will recognize those commands and obey.

Your small dog training repertoire should include most basic commands already when your dog is still a puppy. Like "sit", "drop" and "come". These will be beneficial on early stage because puppies like to pick everything lying on the floor in your house. 

Just repeat the command and motion (which goes along with command) over and over, until your dog gets it. Don't jump from one command to another without completely learning it first, this will ensure that your puppy will understand the whole process and action that he needs to take in order to get a treat (always treat your dog for listening to you).

So that would be tiny part of small dog training. This topic does require a lot of knowledge, so it's highly recommended to obtain some quality material on training your puppies.

What if you just can't train your little dog?

I know how hard it can be trying to teach a dog, if you don't really know what you are doing. But if you want to really make your small dog behave well in under any circumstances, you'll need to learn a single method that works amazingly well.

Raw Dog Food Recipes: Choose the Right One

Raw dog food recipes can help you a great deal to value your dog's loyalty. A dog is more than a pet; he/she is regarded as the most loyal of all the animals which is the reason why he/she is crowned as the man's best friend. But seldom are they treated like one. Most of us love our dog beyond any extent; we get them fancy sweaters for the winters, shiny collars and also some very nice and popular dog food. But is that enough and apt to keep them fit and healthy. 

The company manufactured food may look all colorful and sophisticated but we live in the world of lies and deceits. The companies pay a lot of money to some very intelligent people to try and devise new ways to fool you. The company think tanks are paid a fortune to decide the color of the packaged dog, what kind of pictures would it contain, ties up with veterinarians to give rave reviews about the products and many other things. All in all, they try their level best to raise the profit chart. The actual picture is somewhat different though. The manufactured food affects the dog's health in a lot of bad ways.

There are a lot of reasons why you should think of making raw food at home for your dog with the help some recipes. Some of them are as under

1. Preparation technique: The cook and pack technique which is employed quite often reduces the amount of nutrients in the dog food. The only purpose which is solved by such a food is to fill your dog's stomach so that he/she doesn't feel hungry; the health standards however remain the same.
2. Addition of Fillers: The kind of fillers includes wheat and grain products. This again has really bad effects on the health of the pet as a lot of dogs are allergic to such products. Once on a packed food diet the dog develops symptoms like hot spots, itchy skin bad breath etc.
3. Preservatives: Humans don't do pretty well with preservatives; the same is the case with dogs. The food manufacturers use a lot of preservatives for their products which in turn makes it a bad option to feed to dogs.

The list goes on and on. But as with every problem, there is a solution to this one as well, raw dog food. This is usually prepared with chicken, pork, eggs, fish etc. With the help of some raw dog food recipes, you can also make your own food for your dog at home. 

The kind of products which you would need can be found at any nearby grocery or butcher shop. This would also be a cheaper option as compared to the company manufactured dog food. However, if you think you don't have the time to make raw dog food at home, you can always go for frozen raw dog food, pre made raw dog food etc.

Dogs Flying the Friendly Skies

Most pet owners are not fond of sticking their beloved companion in a crate to be stowed away in the cargo hold of the plane. Not only is this an uncomfortable place to fly, pet parents have to wonder how their animal is being handled; also if an airline can lose luggage, who is to say they could not lose your pet? Traveling this way with a dog that is too big to fit under the seat is a hassle for many dog lovers, including the ones who started Pet Airways.

Traveling with their rat terrier Zoe was so challenging that her owners decided to start this airline just for pets! No longer is a beloved dog or cat stored away in the cargo hold of a jet liner, now they can fly in their very own airplane. You and your pet could benefit from this type of service. It must be said that currently flights are limited to specific destinations.

What You Can Expect

If you live in or near a city that Pet Airways services and your destination fits in their itinerary here is what you can expect. You must bring your pet to the lounge at least two hours before the scheduled flight time. This gives the airline time to prepare and get everyone checked in for flight. During your dog's travels with this airline, potty breaks will be taken very seriously. Where your dog might have to hold their bladder or colon for many hours on a traditional flight, at Pet Airways this is not the case. Your pet will be carefully attended to during the flight; an attendant comes around to check on them every 15 minutes. Upon landing, your dog will be given another potty break by the attendants and then escorted to the pet lounge for pick up.

Necessity

Before your dog can fly the friendly skies they must have a check up, backed by a health certificate and current rabies vaccination. It is also required that your dog have a clean stool check within fourteen days before the scheduled flight. Finally, your pet's height is very important; when you book a flight you will be asked to give an accurate height. This needs to be exact, if your dog is taller than stated they will not be allowed on the plane.

Conclusion

While this airline will not service all dog owners in the country, it is a good alternative for those who can access the service. Flights will be much more comfortable for your dog and you will have the peace of mind that they will not be lost or mishandled in the baggage area! For some people vacationing just got a whole lot easier.