Can Dogs Smell Other Dogs on You? Vet-Verified Senses Explained
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You may notice your dog paying closer attention to you after you’ve been around other dogs during the day. Perhaps you made a canine friend on the trail or cuddled a neighbor’s new puppy. If you’re wondering whether your pet knows your secret, the answer is a resounding yes! It’s not surprising, given that research suggests that smell is your dog’s primary sense versus our reliance on vision.
A dog’s sense of smell serves multiple purposes for dogs beyond simple detection and recognition of scents and odors. Their amazing olfactory capabilities allow them to gather information about their environment and is crucial for locating food, danger, and communicating with other dogs. Therefore, it makes evolutionary sense for your dog to get as much information as possible if you’ve been around another pooch.
Canine vs. Human Olfaction
Outlining the differences between canine and human olfaction can shed light on why your pet detects other dogs on your person. Dogs have roughly 100 million sensory receptors compared to a human’s 6 million. This figure can vary with the breed since the amount of surface area within the organ is also a part of the equation. However, dogs have us beat on this score.
The way odor molecules move through the nose is another determining factor of olfactory acuity. Canines also rule on that aspect. When dogs sniff, the inhaled air in their nostrils separates into two distinct pathways, some of each breath goes straight to the olfactory region and the rest flows down the pharynx into the lung.
Dogs have a second site for analyzing body scents from other dogs called the vomeronasal or Jacobson’s organ. This is an area in the roof of the mouth which detects pheromones. It enhances their sense of smell and allows them to assess and interpret social and reproductive cues from other dogs.
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The Importance of Canine Olfactory Communication
Scents for people are probably just good, neutral, or bad on varying scales. We associate memories with some smells, such as your grandma’s home cooking or a new car. Our pets also have the ability to distinguish what they perceive as either familiar or unfamiliar. One study examined the different physiological responses to body odors or chemosignals associated with fear, happiness, and control.1
The canine participants accurately identified each one with the expected outcome. Furthermore, the researchers observed higher heart rates in the dogs in fear conditions. Detecting and reacting correctly to various situations can affect survival.
When you interact with another pet, your pup will try to determine if it’s a threat by sniffing you. Your dog may be able to learn the reproductive status, health, and even the food the pooch consumes by giving you the once-over with this instinctive action. The chemical world of dogs is far vaster than we can comprehend. Your pet may not see the other animal, but they can learn a lot about them.
Puppies are born unable to see or hear, and olfaction is their major sense for the first few weeks of their life.2 Interestingly, research suggests that domestication has reduced our pets’ olfactory capacity, even in scent breeds.3 After all, thanks to humans, dogs don’t need smell for survival as much as in the past.
Nevertheless, your dog still has the instinct to recognize something unfamiliar when they detect different smells on you. Your pet sniffing you is their way of scoping out the situation. Perhaps every canine companion realizes their owners and homes are the modern-day equivalents of their territories.
Scent Marking
Survival underscores other ways dogs use olfaction. It comes into play when scent marking. This action sends a chemical signal to other canines that a space is occupied. It can prevent potentially life-threatening conflicts. This conclusion is valid based on research showing small pups scent mark more frequently than large canines, presumably because direction interactions and confrontations are riskier for them.4
Image Credit: olginaa84, Shutterstock
Courtship and Mating
Dogs also use olfaction during courtship. They use the Jacobsen’s organ to help them distinguish pheromones, which can affect canine behavior. Pheromones signal whether the dogs are ready to mate. The Jacobsen’s organ also allows puppies to identify their mothers, giving olfaction another survival function.
In most studies sex and neutering does not seem to affect olfactory performance, but interestingly some research indicated a difference. A 2020 study noted that intact male and female German Shepherds were significantly better at narcotics detections than neutered or spayed pups.5 That may explain one reason your pet isn’t overly excited if you’ve been around other canines. Olfaction perhaps isn’t as vital.
Other Functions
Your dog can detect other smells when you interact with pets, such as the scent of grooming products on the other animal. Surprisingly, dogs have scent preferences. Scientists have discovered that our canine companions have a sweet spot for smells like lavender, rose, and blueberry.6 Your pooch may sniff you just to get a whiff of something they find pleasant from your interaction.
Image Credit: Bogdan Sonjachnyj, Shutterstock
Reactions to Your Encounter With Another Dog
Some pets react quickly and anxiously when faced with this situation. You may notice your pet jumping up on you when they usually don’t. You may see their whiskers going a million miles per hour in rhythm with their sniffing. Your pooch may be excited or may appear anxious after the inspection. It all depends on what your dog is detecting from the unfamiliar scents.
Your dog’s quick reaction may surprise you. However, the canine sense of smell is much better than you realize until it’s put into action. Dogs have two main ways to track things: They can put their nose to the ground and sniff for whatever they want to find, or they can also raise their heads to detect airborne scents.
One small study examined how long it took dogs to pick up a scent and follow it. The researchers found that it took only 1 to 2 seconds or five footsteps for the animals to detect where to locate their owners. Of course, many factors affect how quickly your pet catches the scent of another dog. However, some accounts report canines picking up a smell 12 miles away! The takeaway is that your pooch definitively knows when you’ve been around other dogs.
Final Thoughts
When you consider how well your dog can smell, canine olfaction almost seems like a superpower. If you think you’re getting away with something, think again. Your dog knows you’ve petted another canine, and they know it soon after you’ve walked in the door. Olfaction may not have the same survival value for our domesticated pets, but the instincts are still there, affecting your pet’s behavior.
See Also: 12 Vet-Approved Facts About Your Dog’s Sense of Smell
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The post Can Dogs Smell Other Dogs on You? Vet-Verified Senses Explained by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
How Big Do Alaskan Malamutes Get? Vet-Verified Average Size & Growth Chart
The post How Big Do Alaskan Malamutes Get? Vet-Verified Average Size & Growth Chart by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a beautiful animal. Some people even think they look like wolves, which is understandable. The breed is related to other ancient dogs, such as the Chow Chow and Akita, supporting this assertion. They are close to their wild counterparts in some ways. They are large breeds, making them comparable to gray wolves (Canis lupus), which can weigh over 60 pounds, like the Alaskan Malamute. If you’re interested in learning more about how this breed grows, read on.
Alaskan Malamute Overview
The Mahlemiut of Northwestern Alaska selectively bred the Alaskan Malamute as a sled dog. However, archaeological evidence suggests humans used dogs for this purpose as far as 8,000 years ago on Zhokhov Island in the East Siberian Sea. These dogs have many desirable traits, including a seemingly endless supply of energy.
The Alaskan Malamute is typically a friendly dog that gets along with people and other dogs if properly socialized and trained. They are intelligent and work hard, but can be stubborn and willful. They need a lot of daily exercise and stimulation to keep them happy. These dogs are tolerant of the cold but don’t like being alone. Overall, the Alaskan Malamute isn’t the best choice for novice pet owners, and their large size is just one reason why.
Image Credit: Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock
Alaskan Malamute Size and Growth Chart
The size difference between male and female Alaskan Malamutes is significant. Therefore, the former are at the higher end of the range and the latter toward the lower part. The pup experiences a dramatic growth spurt between 1 and 6 months old. Although they are close to their full height and weight at around 12 months, they don’t stop growing until 18 to 24 months of age. Their average height when fully grown is 25 inches for males and 23 inches for females.
Keep in mind that the chart below is supposed to give you a general idea of your dog’s weight at certain ages, but individuals may vary slightly. If you’re ever concerned about your dog’s growth rate, please reach out to a vet.
Age:
Weight Range:
1 month
5 – 10 pounds
2 months
10 – 25 pounds
3 months
15 – 30 pounds
4 months
25 – 40 pounds
6 months
45 – 60 pounds
8 months
55 – 70 pounds
10 months
60 – 75 pounds
12 months
70 – 80 pounds
2+ years
75 – 85+ pounds
Image Credit: Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock
When Does an Alaskan Malamute Stop Growing?
The growth of the Alaskan Malamute slows at about 7 months old. The increase is modest until the animal is 2 years old. That’s not unique to this breed. It’s evident in other large and giant breeds. Our consolation for their relatively short lives is more puppy time. Scientists theorize that these canids age quicker. The reason may lie with the short ends of their chromosomes or telomere lengths.1
Factors Affecting the Size of an Alaskan Malamute
Logic tells us that a puppy’s diet during this growth spurt profoundly affects the animal’s size. After all, they need nutritional support to develop. What a dog eats is the raw material for development. You should give your pet a diet suited to their size and life stage. We can also point to enrichment and adequate exercise as supporting factors for growth and development.
Other things are outside your control, including the prevalence of hereditary and congenital conditions of the breed. Reputable sellers screen their animals for them before breeding dogs that have or carry deleterious traits like hip and elbow dysplasia, which can affect the quality of life and lifespan of the animals.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Puppies need larger relative percentages of the macronutrients than adults. Therefore, the life stage is critical when choosing the best diet. These dogs should get high-quality commercial food with at least 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat (on a dry matter basis). We don’t recommend free feeding your pet. Instead, offer three to four meals daily to monitor your pup’s intake to maintain a healthy weight.
The best way to check is the dog’s body condition score. Your pet should have a visible waist when viewed from overhead. Of course, the animal’s dense coat may make it hard to see. However, you should be able to palpate the dog’s ribs without much fat getting in the way.
Mealtimes can be reduced to twice daily by the time they are one year old. Protein and fat should be at least 18.0% and 5.5%, respectively. Make sure fresh water is always available.
Several factors affect how much to feed your pet, including reproductive status and activity level. A male neutered Alaskan Malamute weighing 85 pounds would need around 1500 calories per day. The amount of food you give your dog depends on the diet. Manufacturers must provide feeding guidelines on the product’s label. We recommend measuring your dog’s food. We also suggest limiting treats to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
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How to Measure Your Alaskan Malamute
Weighing your pet as a puppy isn’t a big deal. Simply get on the scale to get your weight and then again while holding your pup. The difference is what they weigh. That’s not as easy once your pooch gets closer to their adult size. However, you can take your dog to your vet for weigh-ins as necessary to keep track of it. We suggest asking the admin staff to note it in your pet’s chart.
Height is measured at the withers or the highest part of your pet’s back, usually at the base of the neck. You may find it more manageable to use a yardstick instead of a tape measure. Tracking your pet’s weight and height is an excellent way to ensure your pet is growing as they should. Development is rapid during the first few months, making regular checks vital to ensure they’re growing properly.
Conclusion
The Alaskan Malamute is a muscular animal, making them well-adapted for their historic job as sled dogs. They have the energy and intelligence to match. This breed matures slower than smaller ones, yet they age quicker. That’s typical for canines that get as large as the Alaskan Malamute. However, they are relatively healthy, ensuring a long, happy life with your pet.
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The post How Big Do Alaskan Malamutes Get? Vet-Verified Average Size & Growth Chart by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
ADOPT or FOSTER VIOLA
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How Old Is 15 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog
The post How Old Is 15 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog by Misty Layne appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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If you’re a dog parent, chances are, at some point, you’ve pondered what age your dog is in human years. When determining your pup’s age in human years, you probably went by the “seven years of a human’s life is equivalent to one year of a dog’s life” formula. However, if you tried to figure out your pet’s age this way, you probably came up with the wrong number, as this formula is more of an urban myth than an accurate way to figure out a dog’s age in human years.
How did this urban myth come about? Back in the day, the average lifespan of humans was around 70 years, while most canines lived about 10 years. As such, someone somewhere decided that 10 in dog years equals 70 in human years, and this formula was born.
Why isn’t this formula accurate? We know far more about aging in dogs nowadays, which means we now know that many factors go into the equation. What factors? A dog’s size, genetics, breed, and more all factor in. For example, large and giant breeds age more quickly than small breeds.
So, how can you roughly determine your dog’s age in human years? Let’s take a 15-year-old dog; they would be between 76 and 114 in human years (which is quite the range!).
Size:
Age in Human Years:
Small Breed (20 lbs or less):
76 years
Medium Breed (21 to 50 lbs):
83 years
Large Breed (51 to 100 lbs):
93 years
Giant Breed (100+ lbs):
114 years
Source: AKC
How to Calculate Dog Years to Human Years
As mentioned above, calculating a dog’s age to a human’s requires a bit more than just utilizing the old 7:1 ratio. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a canine’s first year of life equals anywhere between 12 and 15 human years. Meanwhile, the second year of life is equivalent to around 9 to 10 human years, and from the third year of life on, a year equals about 4 to 5 years. Why are there no set numbers across the board? Because how many human years a single dog year equals depends on the size of the canine.
Small Breeds
Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock
If you’ve ever had small and large breed dogs, you already know that smaller canines live to be older than larger ones. However, the why of this isn’t clear. It may be because larger breeds grow more quickly, which increases their chances of getting health issues, or it may be that selective breeding has increased their risk of getting cancer, leading to earlier deaths. Whatever causes this, it means getting the human age of a small breed dog is different than determining that of a large breed. A small breed dog’s first year of life is equivalent to about 15 human years. When they reach the age of two, they’ll be roughly 24, and by age three, small breeds will be about 28 in human years. So, a 15-year-old small breed pup would be about 76 in human years.
Medium Breeds
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While large breed dogs grow much faster than small breeds, medium-sized breeds only grow a bit faster, which makes calculating their age similar. In fact, their first three years of life are also equivalent to 15, 24, and 28 in human years. But by the time a medium-sized pup hits the age of six, they start aging a smidge faster, which is why they are 83 in human years at the age of 15 in dog years.
Large Breeds
Image Credit: tanatat, Shutterstock
Large dogs age more quickly than small and medium-sized breeds once they reach the age of six (though in the first few years of their life, their age in human years will be the same as that of smaller canines). This means if a large breed dog were to reach the age of 15 (which, unfortunately, is rare), they would be about 93 in human years.
Giant Breeds
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Giant dogs age the quickest out of all breeds. Interestingly, though, they mature more slowly, as their first year of life is only equal to about 12 human years. The second year of their life puts them at 22 in human years, but by age three, they start aging more quickly. That’s why if a giant breed pup reached 15 in dog years (very rare), they would be 114 in human years!
Because aging differs from dog to dog, it’s still not an exact science. However, the field of canine gerontology is growing, and plenty of researchers are attempting to figure out exactly how dogs age and how their lifespans can be increased.
The Life Stages of a Dog
Canines have three main life stages: puppy, adult, and senior.
Puppy: 0–2 years
Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock
The puppy stage can last up to two years, as some breeds mature more slowly than others. This stage is the most vital for dogs as they’re growing to their full size and going through socialization and training.
Adult: 2 years–8 years
Image Credit: cvop, Pixabay
When your pup reaches their full height and weight, they’re officially an adult dog! Now is the time to ensure you go to the vet routinely and your dog receives all their vaccinations to ensure longevity.
Senior: 8+ years
Image Credit: Suchavadee, Shutterstock
Once a dog reaches their senior years, you want to monitor their health closely. In the senior years, dogs are more prone to developing illness and disease.
Life Span by Breed Size
Size:
Average Life Span:
Small Breed (20 lbs or less):
10 – 15 years
Medium Breed (21 to 50 lbs):
10 – 13 years
Large Breed (51 to 100 lbs):
8 – 12 years
Giant Breed (100+ lbs):
8 – 10 years
Source: American Kennel Club
Key Factors That Affect the Dog’s Aging Process
While several factors affect how quickly canines age, size and genetics play the most significant roles, as the larger the dog, the faster they age. However, other factors can have an impact on canine aging.
A dog’s diet can impact how fast they age, as a dog eating an unhealthy diet that doesn’t meet their nutritional needs can suffer health conditions down the road. Also, dogs eating more or less than what they require may also create some health problems as a result. These health issues can increase the rate of their aging. This is why giving your dog a high-quality diet and avoiding too many treats and human food is important!
Environmental factors can also play a role, as an unsafe or unhappy home environment can increase the rate of aging.
Conclusion
You might have been calculating your dog’s age into human years wrong this whole time, but now you should have a much better idea of what their real human age is! Dog aging is still quite a mystery to us, but we’re learning more about it all the time, so you can expect the current formula to be tweaked in the future. As far as 15-year-old dogs go, though, a small breed pup will be around 76 in human years, while a medium-sized dog will be 83, a large breed will be 93, and a giant breed will be 114 human years old.
Featured Image Credit: Danielle W Press, Shutterstock
The post How Old Is 15 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog by Misty Layne appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Bichon Frise vs. Shih Tzu: The Key Differences (With Pictures)
The post Bichon Frise vs. Shih Tzu: The Key Differences (With Pictures) by Christopher Bays appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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The Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu are playful toy breeds that make excellent pets and are loyal and affectionate. Although they were prized companions of royalty, the American Kennel Club didn’t recognize them until the 20th century. These charming lap dogs have several similarities, but their slight differences may help you decide which breed is ideal for your home.
Visual Differences
Image Credit: Left: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock); Right: Brenda Areli55, Shutterstock)
At a Glance
Average height (adult): 5–11.5 inches
Average weight (adult): 12–18 pounds
Lifespan: 14–16 years
Exercise: 30 minutes a day
Grooming needs: High
Family-friendly: Yes
Other pet-friendly: Yes
Trainability: Intelligent, playful, loyal, eager to please
Average height (adult): 9–10.5 inches
Average weight (adult): 9–16 pounds
Lifespan: 10–18 years
Exercise: 30 minutes a day
Grooming needs: High
Family-friendly: Yes
Other pet-friendly: Yes
Trainability: Loving, bright, loyal, calm
Bichon Frise Overview
Image Credit: Ieva Tvaronavicute, Shutterstock
The Bichon Frise is a member of the Barbichon group, which includes the Maltese, Bolognese, and Havanese. Although their origins are unknown, they may have been developed in Tenerife, the largest Canary Island, by crossing Water Spaniels with Standard Poodles. Starting in the 13th century, Bichon Frises became the treasured pets of French, Spanish, and Italian Nobles.
However, their popularity declined after the French Revolution, and many accustomed to living pampered lives became homeless street dogs. Ordinary citizens used them as street performers and circus dogs, and like Poodles, their white coats were easier for circus audience members to see from long distances.
World War I and II had profound effects on the Bichon Frise, and they nearly disappeared, but dedicated enthusiasts in Belgium and France collected the stray dogs to breed them. In 1956, a French couple brought six Bichon Frises to the United States and started a breeding program.
After decades of breeding and establishing a breed standard, the Bichon Frise’s population increased, and they were finally accepted into the Non-Sporting Group of the AKC in 1973. They’re now talented show dogs and beloved family pets, and they’re the 44th most popular dog in the United States.
Personality / Character
The Bichon Frise is an affectionate canine who loves spending time around their family. They get along well with children and other pets and are always ready to play games or relax on the couch with their favorite humans. They’ll bark to alert their owners of approaching strangers, but they’re not aggressive and typically make friends quickly with unfamiliar humans.
As lap dogs who have always worked closely with humans, Bichon Frises are eager to please and dislike being away from their family. They’re vulnerable to separation anxiety, but with enough training and socialization, they can learn to tolerate short periods away from their owners.
Image Credit: belefront, Shutterstock
Training
Training a Bichon Frise is relatively simple since they’re responsive to commands and aren’t distracted easily by outside stimuli. However, due to their tiny bladders, they can be challenging to potty train. As puppies, they must be taken outside after every meal, and most need potty breaks every hour.
They’re champion show dogs, and besides the basic commands, Bichon Frises can learn to perform tricks, such as dancing. They’re sensitive dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement training.
Health & Care
The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed that can live up to 16 years but is vulnerable to dental and eye problems. Early tooth loss is particularly common, but daily tooth brushing and veterinary checkups can reduce the chances of periodontal disease.
Patellar luxation, cataracts, skin allergies, and bladder infections are relatively common, but providing a healthy diet, daily exercise, and maintaining veterinary appointments can ensure they stay healthy. The Bichon Frise may be ideal for allergy sufferers since they rarely shed, but their coat requires daily maintenance. Brushing their hair every day and trimming it every 3 weeks will prevent tangles and mats from developing. Keeping the hair near their eyes short is essential to prevent irritation and infections.
Image Credit: Spill Photography, Shutterstock
Suitable For:
The Bichon Frise doesn’t need a home with a large backyard, and they are perfect for apartment dwellers. Although they need daily exercise, a few short walks and play sessions are enough to keep them fit. They’re suitable for families with young children and other pets, but they aren’t ideal for owners who spend a lot of time away from home.
Friendly and loyal
Gets along with children and pets
Easy to train
Can compete in dog shows
Vulnerable to separation anxiety
Requires extensive grooming
Potty training can be difficult
Shih Tzu Overview
Image Credit: David Keller, Shutterstock
Like the Bichon Frise, the Shih Tzu has royal origins. They may have been developed in Tibet, but they were admired by Chinese royalty. They embraced their roles as royal watchdogs, and their loud barks alerted imperial rulers to approaching visitors. Buddhism had a profound effect on the breed, and royal breeders strived to give the dogs a lion-like appearance.
Eventually, breeders in China began crossing them with Pugs and Pekingese, which gave them a more elegant conformation. Although Chinese rulers often gave dogs as gifts to foreign dignitaries, the Shih Tzu didn’t leave the country until they were imported to Great Britain in 1930. After the death of Empress Tzu Hsi, who bred Pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus, and the chaos of the Chinese Revolution, the breeding program fell apart.
The Shih Tzu nearly went extinct, and only 14 dogs remained by the mid-20th century. British enthusiasts began developing a breed standard and settled on the name “Shih Tzu,” which means “little lion” in Mandarin. Today’s purebred Shih Tzus can trace their lineage back to the original 14 dogs.
After World War II, American GIs brought Shih Tzus back from Europe and Asia, and the AKC eventually recognized them as an official breed in 1969. Luckily, the Shih Tzu’s population has increased, and they’re now the 20th most popular breed in the United States.
Personality / Character
With a 1,000-year history of guarding and comforting humans, Shih Tzus are incredibly affectionate and loyal to their owners. They enjoy playing with children, and they get along with other pets. Shih Tzus love to be the center of attention and struggle when left alone for long periods.
Socializing and training them when they’re young can reduce problematic behaviors, such as digging and barking excessively. They enjoy playing games and training with their owners but only need around 30 minutes of daily exercise.
Image Credit: Duncan Woodhouse, Shutterstock
Training
Shih Tzus respond well to training since they’re eager to please their owners. Despite their gorgeous coats and elegant hairstyles, they’re muscular little dogs that excel in agility events. They can learn commands easily and enjoy performing tricks for a captive audience.
In 2014, a Shih Tzus became the first of their kind to win an agility and champion title. Positive reinforcement is the preferred technique to train them, and most are highly motivated to perform when they’re rewarded with their favorite treats.
Health & Care
Although they’re athletic canines, Shih Tzus are brachycephalic. Their short muzzles make it harder for them to run in scorching temperatures, and they’re more likely to suffer from heatstroke. Walking them early in the morning and late in the evening in summer is vital to prevent overheating.
Shih Tzus are relatively healthy and can live up to 18 years, but maintaining veterinary checkups, providing a healthy diet, and exercising them daily is crucial to their health and happiness. They’re prone to the following health conditions:
Obesity
Periodontal disease
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Brachycephalic syndrome
Glomerulonephritis
Ear infections
Eye problems
Image Credit: Mr Sarwar, Shutterstock
Suitable For:
Shih Tzus make great pets for individuals and families who spend most of their time at home. Their compact size and moderate energy levels allow them to adapt to various lifestyles; they’re suitable for apartment dwellers as long as their barking is controlled. They also get along with kids and other pets. Mild allergy sufferers may be less affected by their hypoallergenic coats, but they require frequent grooming to stay healthy.
Loving and loyal
Enjoys playing with kids and other pets
Can compete in agility events
Responds well to training
Extensive grooming is vital
Cannot be alone for long periods
Can overheat quickly due to short muzzle
Which Breed Is Right for You?
You may have trouble deciding which breed is suitable for your home since the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu are so similar and have many appealing traits. They both love children and enjoy spending most of their time with their owners.
They enjoy participating in training sessions and are fierce competitors in dog shows. Due to being a brachycephalic breed, Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather, and if you live in a tropical climate, the Bichon Frise may be a better pet. However, you’ll have a loyal, playful pup regardless of which breed you select.
The post Bichon Frise vs. Shih Tzu: The Key Differences (With Pictures) by Christopher Bays appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
10 Best Dog Breeds For Introverts: Info, Pictures & Personality
The post 10 Best Dog Breeds For Introverts: Info, Pictures & Personality by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Most dogs are excellent companions for introverted people. Dogs provide an easy, non-judgemental relationship that has benefits that go both ways; your dog benefits from your love and care while you get stress relief, emotional support, a reason to get out of the house, and even a conversation starter!
Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not antisocial. If you’re an introvert you probably need more time at home to recharge, don’t like dealing with conflict, and tend to think before acting. We think your ideal dog would tend to form strong bonds with their owner and be generally easygoing around others to avoid causing a scene. Different breeds have different energy levels so you should pick one that fits with your current lifestyle.
The 10 Best Dogs For Introverts
1. Shih Tzu
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The Shih Tzu is a toy breed with a reputation for being very genial with people and other dogs. A short walk outside is all these pups ask, making them happy to spend most of the day on the couch by your side. They are generally healthy with a lifespan of 10—18 years, although they are prone to dental disease. You should also purchase a Shih Tzu from a responsible breeder who has screened for common orthopedic and genetic diseases like hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and eye problems.
That being said, these canines are smart. When you settle down for some thought-provoking introverted activity you should give your Shih Tzu the chance to do the same with some puzzle feeders. They have beautiful coats with high grooming needs, however, daily brushing can be relaxing for an introverted person. For clipping, nail trims, and other treatments you might choose to use a groomer regularly.
2. Cocker Spaniel
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Cocker Spaniels are another friendly breed. These guys were bred to work as bird hunters so they have more energy than some others on this list and they’re also good swimmers. If long, solitary walks are your thing, and you don’t mind frequent grooming to maintain their coat (or clipping it off) the Cocker Spaniel could be a good dog for you.
Like all breeds, you should purchase a Cocker Spaniel from a registered breeder that screens for health and temperament in their parent dogs. Their long ears make them prone to ear infections so they need ear care as part of their grooming routine. If you’re not clipping them you’ll have to detangle the coat daily to prevent mats.
3. Basset Hound
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The Basset Hound is a droopy-eared, sad-faced little pup that is known for being patient and relaxed. Even though they are very docile and good with just about anyone, they are perfectly content just being around their owners. Of course, they love attention, but much prefer attention from their favorite person as opposed to a bunch of strangers. Keep in mind it’s in their nature to be very vocal, which some introverts could find disruptive. Bassets are prone to obesity so good portion control is necessary from the start to keep them healthy.
Because these dogs tend to be pretty independent, they work very well for independent people. This independent streak can also make them stubborn and difficult to train. Keeping them on a leash is the best idea as they have an excellent sense of smell they just can’t ignore! After some moderate exercise, especially playing with other dogs which they love, they will happily sleep the day away.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one adorable little puppy! It might not be the best choice if you live in an apartment complex and want to avoid interactions, as everyone is going to want to get their hands on the sweet little critter. However, the docile, innocent nature of the Cavalier King makes them a bit shy and seemingly introverted. Despite that, they are quite intelligent. They enjoy gentle to moderate exercise, training, and interactive toys, and often excel in dog sports.
The adorable little Cavalier King was designed to be a lap dog and companion animal. These dogs will devote their entire life to you without question. They live around 12—15 years, but the breed is unfortunately prone to a heart condition called Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) so you should ask any breeders about the heart health in their lines as well as what heart screening tests the parents have had.
5. Chihuahua
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Having a little spoiled pooch like a Chihuahua means that they probably will love only you! They probably won’t tolerate strangers, young kids, or other dogs well but they are so small that you can easily pick them up to avoid a scene. Be aware that some Chihuahuas will bite people when they don’t want to be touched. That’s something to warn people about if they want to try to pet them.
You can choose a smooth or long coat Chihuahua depending on how much brushing you’re happy to do. They tire out quickly on walks because of their small size so you don’t need to worry about extensive exercise. However, they can be loud especially when their guard dog tendencies kick in. Don’t be fooled, these tiny dogs are fierce protectors. However, some introverts might find this disturbs their quiet time.
6. Greyhound
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The Greyhound has a reputation for being the fastest dog on the planet. They are exceptional creatures, and at first glance, you might think that they require a lot of exercise, social interaction, and space to run. While they do need their exercise, it isn’t going to be nearly as extensive as one may assume. These dogs require plenty of time to run around, but they also love their downtime! You can visit the park and then read a book while they take a nap beside you. They will be perfectly content.
Even though Greyhounds are docile dogs, they tend to be somewhat aloof with strangers. Being around a lot of energy can sometimes make them nervous and withdrawn. Some Greyhounds also have a high prey drive so you should be cautious around small, fluffy dogs until you know your dog’s behavior well.
7. Italian Greyhound
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If you like the sound of a Greyhound but prefer a smaller, more manageable pet, the Italian Greyhound could be a good choice. They are just as elegant as the Greyhound but do tend to warm to strangers a lot more quickly. They can also sit on your lap which they love to do. Their small size gives them the advantage of a longer lifespan on average than the Greyhounds; they usually live for 14—15 years.
You won’t spend excessive amounts of time grooming an Italian Greyhound. They retain the hunting style of the Greyhound which means that the sight of potential prey will make them give chase. Walks on a leash is better than off-leash exercise for this reason as well as the fact that larger dogs can accidentally injure these pups during play.
8. Irish Wolfhound
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The Irish Wolfhound tends to be very laid-back and you won’t see your Irish Wolfhound going out of their way to greet a stranger or force you to make friends with the neighbor. That being said they are affectionate with their family and good with other dogs. Their energy levels are on the lower side making them fans of light to moderate exercise. As long as they get that they are happy to hang around with you.
These relaxed dogs are incredibly intelligent and interesting creatures. They have the perfect personalities for introverted people who adore their solitude. Plus, they love to learn! Be warned, they are a giant dog breed which means more money spent on food and other necessities. Their size makes them prone to certain health conditions, so you should research this breed thoroughly. Sadly, you can expect them to live only around 6—8 years.
9. Finnish Lapphund
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The Finnish Lapphund is an Arctic breed adapted to colder climates. They bond strongly with their family, and love being a part of their people’s lives but aren’t too fussed about greeting strangers. Their exercise needs are only moderate; a long walk or half an hour game of fetch will do for most of them. Their beautiful fluffy coat needs frequent brushing though, and they tend to shed a lot. When they work and play they can be very loud, and they will also alert you to strangers.
They are intelligent, even to the point of being strong-willed. You want to engage their mind often to prevent boredom. This pup doesn’t do well with being left alone for long but if you are an introvert who works from home this is ideal. If you’re after a sweet and loyal friend and don’t mind a bit of fluff, this could be a dog to look into.
10. Shelter/Rescue Dog
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If you are the kind of person who wants nothing more than to give a dog a second chance at a better life, you might consider a shelter or rescue dog, especially one that has had a rough past. Introverted people can really understand these dogs as you have the patience, understanding, and compassion to deal with them.
While many others would give up on them, you appreciate their need for solitude, patience, and understanding. Some rescues might not be able to socialize very well with others and often require a life that is quiet and peaceful so they can unwind from a lifetime of stress and anxiety.
Shelter staff can help match you to a suitable dog in care. Some may need relaxation and rest, which makes them a perfect match for a person who really doesn’t like to socialize much. If you are a person who can offer any suitable space for dogs in need, we highly recommend that you do so. There aren’t enough people to adopt the amount of pups lined up in shelters.
Tips for Introverted Dog Owners
1. Establish a Routine
Like introverts, dogs thrive on routine. When they know what to expect in a day they become very comfortable, quickly learning what is expected of them at different times. Changes can make them anxious, but sticking to a similar routine even in times of change will help settle them.
2. Put Your Dog’s Needs First
Dogs with needs that go unmet often develop behavior problems like barking, chewing, and anxiety, and can even hurt themselves in times of distress. Apart from being unfair to your dog, these problems will disrupt your lifestyle. Knowing the needs of your dog’s breed, as well as their individual quirks, will help you prevent these problems. Physical needs like food and water are obvious but things like attention, exercise, mental stimulation, and play are also important.
Image Credit: Sabelnikova Olga, Shutterstock
3. Train and Socialize Your Dog
Proper training and socialization tell your dog what is expected of them. Puppies need to be socialized before the age of 14 weeks, which means they need to be exposed to all life’s experiences early so they aren’t new and scary in later life. Meeting new people and dogs is one side of it but consider also transport, grooming, traffic, vet visits, and everything else you can think of.
Look into positive training methods like positive reinforcement, luring, and capturing to get what you want from your dog. You should also know how to handle bad behavior without aversive methods; negative punishment, extinction, counter-conditioning, and desensitization will be helpful in this area.
4. Hire Pet Professionals
At some stage, you might need help with your dog. Groomers, dog walkers, behaviorists, and veterinarians are all great resources to help you with the various aspects of dog ownership. You can also seek support from friends with dogs. If you don’t have any, you’re likely to meet other introverts with dogs online or in dog clubs or sports.
Image Credit: BONDART PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock
5. Consider Your Finances
Introverts with pets might find difficult financial situations quite challenging. Make sure you budget for your dog’s expenses as well as unexpected veterinary costs. Having pet insurance can help if you find the thought of veterinary bills stressful. This usually works by reimbursing you a percentage of the fees. It can also save you from having to have awkward conversations about money.
Conclusion
Every introverted person needs a good canine companion by their side. There is really no one-size-fits-all with this scenario as any dog can make an amazing companion despite your socialization level. However, some dogs require much more training and stimulation than others, which can be challenging for people who prefer a quiet life. Hopefully, this article gave you a pretty good idea of what breeds could match your personality better.
Featured Image Credit: Maria Symchych, Shutterstock
The post 10 Best Dog Breeds For Introverts: Info, Pictures & Personality by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
What Kind of Dog Is Rusty From Bluey? Breed Facts & Explanation
The post What Kind of Dog Is Rusty From Bluey? Breed Facts & Explanation by Misty Layne appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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If you have small children in your home, you might have seen the adorable animated show “Bluey.” This Australian show was released in 2018, features a ton of cute canines, and has become a hit with kids everywhere. Though you might’ve seen the show before, you may not know all the dog breeds that can be found on it.
Today, we’re looking at the character of Rusty to determine what kind of dog they are. According to the Bluey website, Rusty is an Australian Kelpie, specifically a Red Kelpie, since their coat is red. Here’s what you should know about Rusty and Australian Kelpies!
Who Is Rusty?
Bluey is about a Blue Heeler puppy named—you guessed it—Bluey. She lives with her mother, father, and younger sister and has tons of curiosity, imagination, and energy, all leading her on fun adventures. There are many other dogs on the show, though, including Rusty.
Who is Rusty? Rusty is one of Bluey’s school friends. He’s a red kelpie who enjoys pretending to be a handyman and going around repairing odds and ends. He’s also spectacular at cricket (like prodigy-level good). Because his father is in the army, Rusty also enjoys playing “Army,” and he’s learned from his father to be resourceful and always prepared.
Image Credit: bazilpp, Shutterstock
What Is an Australian Kelpie?
If you’ve never seen an Australian Kelpie before, you’re in for a treat, as these dogs are beautiful. This breed is a working one with excellent herding skills who can drive and muster with very little guidance. These dogs can work long days, easily pick up new tricks and tasks, have exceptional problem-solving skills, and are quite intelligent. However, they also make fabulous companions for the right people.
These canines are highly energetic and love to be active, so they do best with families and people who love to be doing things. They’re also incredibly protective of their loved ones, which can make them a bit wary when it comes to strangers. This breed loves to play, show affection, and become highly loyal to their human families.
Overall, these pups are fantastic to have around!
Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock
What Other Dog Breeds Are Found on Bluey?
As mentioned previously, you can find a plethora of dog breeds on this show. What other breeds make up Bluey’s friends and family? Here are just a few of the various dog breeds you can find on Bluey.
Calypso: A Blue Merle Australian Shepherd
Chloe: A Dalmatian
Chucky: A Golden Labrador Retriever
Coco: A Poodle
Honey: A Beagle
Indy: An Afghan Hound
Jack: A Jack Russell Terrier
Judo: A Chow Chow
Lila: A Maltese
Mackenzie: A Border Collie
Pom Pom: A Pomeranian
Snickers: A Dachshund
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cartoon to help your kids learn about various dog breeds, “Bluey” is the show for you! This cute Australian cartoon has several dog breeds and tons of fun characters sure to delight any child. This includes Rusty, Bluey’s school friend, an Australian Kelpie with a red coat (or a red kelpie), who is an exceptional cricket player.
Think you might be interested in owning an Australian Kelpie? Learn all you can about the breed before adopting one to ensure this is the right breed for you and your family. If you do adopt one of these pups, you can expect to have a lively, loyal, hard-working, and playful companion.
Featured Image Credit: Property of Bluey Wiki. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
The post What Kind of Dog Is Rusty From Bluey? Breed Facts & Explanation by Misty Layne appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
What Kind of Dog Is Indy from Bluey? Breed Facts & Explanation
The post What Kind of Dog Is Indy from Bluey? Breed Facts & Explanation by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Bluey is an Australian kid’s cartoon that follows the titular character, Bluey, an Australian Blue Heeler, and her group of friends. The show is primarily about how Bluey plays made-up games with her parents, and it has become a cultural phenomenon.
It is not only popular with kids and their parents, but social media videos attest to the fact that it is also very popular with dogs. Although Bluey is the main character, she is supported by a large cast of other dogs, including Indy, one of her best friends, who is an Afghan Hound.
About Bluey
Bluey is a 6-year-old Blue Heeler. The show’s creator, Joe Brumm, chose the Heeler breed so that he could give the dog an Australian accent. The show was originally picked up by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the British Broadcasting Corporation before making its way to Disney Junior and Disney+.
Bluey is an imaginative and lively Heeler who especially enjoys creating made-up games with her parents. It has been hailed for encouraging imaginative play in children, although there are numerous videos of dogs sitting intently watching the action unfold on the screen.
Although it isn’t exactly clear why dogs like the show so much, many believe it is because the cartoon uses colors that dogs can see clearly, which means that the on-screen movement grabs their attention.
Image Credit: Property of Bluey Wiki. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
What Breed Is Indy?
Indy is one of Bluey’s best friends from school who loves to sing and dance. She is an Afghan Hound with the breed’s distinctive long hair typically tied back in ponytails during the show.
About the Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are considered regal-looking breeds. They originate from Afghanistan where they were first bred to hunt gazelles. They are best known for their beautiful long hair, but they are also very intelligent and highly skilled hunters and are believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
Do Afghan Hounds Make Good Pets?
Although originally bred for hunting, the beautiful coat of the Afghan Hound has led to it becoming a reasonably popular companion dog breed. They need a lot of space to run around and exercise, and they are not ideally suited to living in apartments because of their size and high energy levels.
They are also quite independent, which means they need an experienced handler who knows how to train independent dog breeds. For the right owner, though, the Afghan Hound can make a wonderful pet.
Image Credit: Olga_i, Shutterstock
The Rest of the Cast
Joining Bluey and Indy, there is a large cast of other dogs in the show. Some of the main characters are:
Bluey Heeler – Australian Heeler
Bingo Heeler – Australian Heeler
Bandit Heeler – Australian Heeler
Chilli Heeler – Australian Heeler
Lucky – Labrador Retriever
Chucky – Labrador Retriever
Mackenzie – Border Collie
Rusty – Australian Kelpie
Chloe – Dalmatian
Honey – Beagle
Coco – Poodle
Snickers – Dachshund
Jack Russell – Jack Russell Terrier
Winton – English Bulldog
Pretzel – Chihuahua
The Terriers – Miniature Schnauzers
Conclusion
Bluey has become a success with people of all ages, although it is primarily targeted at young children. It encourages and portrays imaginative play, and it has also proven successful with dogs, with many people believing that its popularity with the canine population stems from its use of colors that dogs can easily recognize.
Indy is one of Bluey’s best friends and is an Afghan Hound, while other breeds that are portrayed in the series include Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, Chihuahuas, and Miniature Schnauzers. Interestingly, there are no cat characters in Bluey, but they do exist in the Bluey universe as there are toy cats found throughout the episodes.
Featured Image Credit: Property of Bluey Wiki. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
The post What Kind of Dog Is Indy from Bluey? Breed Facts & Explanation by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Do Huskies Get Along with Cats? Explanation & 6 Tips to Introduce Them
The post Do Huskies Get Along with Cats? Explanation & 6 Tips to Introduce Them by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Huskies are intelligent, friendly, and good-natured with people. They can also be very playful, prone to chasing anything that moves, and are known for having a high prey drive. This strong prey drive can make it very difficult to live with a cat, but every dog is different, and with gradual and careful introductions, they can get along with cats. Even so, Huskies are not generally considered one of the best breeds for taking home when you have a cat in the house.
Below, we look at how you can introduce a Husky to your cat to give the best chance of them getting along, or at least tolerating one another’s presence.
Huskies and Cats
The Siberian Husky was bred to pull sleds. They lived in very challenging environments, which meant that food could be scarce, and these pack animals developed a high prey drive as a means of survival.
The breed is intelligent, but can also be stubborn, thanks to generations of being left to their own devices when not sledding. This combination of characteristics and traits means that the Husky may not be the ideal cat companion.
The 6 Tips to Introduce a Husky to Cats
While the Husky might not naturally be a perfect feline friend, they are intelligent. They can be trained, although it takes patience and consistency on the part of the handler. Therefore, in most cases, it is possible to train a Husky to live with a cat.
Below are 6 tips designed to improve your chances of a harmonious multi-pet household.
1. Take It Slowly
Introductions need to be gradual and will, ideally, start when both pets are young. Kittens and puppies that grow up together can form very strong bonds, and they will get used to one another’s behavior before they become adults.
Whatever age your pets are, though, introductions need to be gradual and careful. Give them both time to get used to the idea and to having one another around. Throwing any dog and cat together for an introduction is unlikely to yield the results you want.
2. Train Your Husky
Sure, they have a stubborn side, but Huskies are, at their core, intelligent dogs. This means that with the right methods and handling, they can be trained. Give your Husky basic training to include commands like sit, down, leave, and go. Use these commands as needed when they are interacting with your cat for the best possible outcome.
Always keep your Husky on a leash when they are meeting cats during the early phases. This allows you some control over their actions should they decide to chase rather than quietly receive your cat.
3. Use Rewards for Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement will be an effective training method with Huskies. This means rewarding them for good behavior and performing desirable actions. Rewards can come in the form of verbal praise, physical attention, and healthy, tasty treats as high-value rewards.
High-value rewards are those that are given when your dog does something especially desirable. Appropriate treats might include homemade dog cookies, doggy ice cream, or even a small piece of cooked chicken.
But do remember that your dog’s diet should not consist of more than 10% treats, by calories, and that you need to reduce their daily food intake by the calories you give as treats.
4. Give Them Both Attention
Give both the cat and the dog plenty of attention throughout introductions. Don’t prioritize one pet over the other when it comes to giving them love and pets.
5. Give Them Both Space
Both the Husky and your cat will need time to unwind after meeting and will want space away from the other. This is especially true during early introductions when they have yet to learn the behaviors and patterns of the other animal.
Ensure your cat has an elevated position where it can go to escape the attention of the dog and let your Husky head to their bed if everything gets a bit much.
6. Use Distraction Techniques
Distraction techniques can be a good way to diffuse an otherwise difficult situation, and they can work on both animals. Have your dog’s favorite toy on hand, and some treats for the cat.
Give cat treats at a height the Husky can’t reach and, if your dog is getting a bit too playful with your cat, get the toy out and let them burn off some of that pent-up energy playing with you and their favorite tug toy, instead.
Can You Train a Husky Not to Chase Other Cats?
Even if your Husky gets along with cats at home, they may never be able to resist the urge to chase other, unknown cats. For this reason, Huskies should be walked on a leash, except when they are in a secure, controlled environment like a private dog park.
However, you can use similar tactics to discourage your leashed Husky from pulling towards strange cats, as you would use at home. This is where training comes in as getting your dog to sit or lie down when they see a cat can help you control the situation. “Come” can also come in handy if you need them to return to you rather than chasing another animal. Take treats out and lavish them with lots of attention when they ignore or decide not to chase any cat they see.
Which Dog Breeds Are Best with Cats?
With socialization, training, and introductions at a young age, most dogs can learn to live with cats. However, it might not be possible to introduce some older dogs. For breeds that do get along with cats, consider all-rounders like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, as well as level-headed breeds like Poodles.
Small breeds also typically make good options.
Conclusion
In most cases, it is possible to keep a Husky and cats in the same house. Early introductions will take time and involve a lot of positive reinforcement. Sessions should be short, and your cat should always be given a clear escape route to an elevated position where they can rest safely and enjoy some peace and quiet.
When it comes to cats outside the house, though, it can be difficult to convince a Husky to ignore their naturally high prey drive as the breed loves to chase and will see running cats as potential prey.
Featured Image Credit: Edalin Photography, Shutterstock
The post Do Huskies Get Along with Cats? Explanation & 6 Tips to Introduce Them by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Ectopic Ureters in Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Treatments
The post Ectopic Ureters in Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Treatments by Dr. Chyrle Bonk DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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The urinary tract is a complex system of storage and release. It’s responsible for forming urine by removing excess fluid and waste products from the blood. It also keeps the good things that the body shouldn’t dump out, such as certain electrolytes. It then moves the newly created urine to the bladder for storage and eventual excretion from the body. It’s a wonderful system—except when one of the parts isn’t working properly, which is the case for dogs that have ectopic ureters.
What Are Ectopic Ureters in Dogs?
In a normally functioning urinary tract, urine is produced in the kidneys, transported through the ureters to the urinary bladder, and then moved outside the body through the urethra. To put it in mechanical terms, urine travels through a couple series of tubes and a holding tank on its journey through and out the body. The first tube system is called the ureters. Ideally, there is a ureter attached to each kidney at one end and the urinary bladder at the other. That’s the best way for a dog to control urination, as the bladder is the last area on the route that has a sphincter, or gate, to hold in urine and release it only on demand.
An ectopic ureter occurs when the tube is attached to the urethra, vagina, uterus, or even colon rather than the bladder. This attachment happens on the other side of the sphincter, so the dog no longer has control over when they release urine. Instead, since it’s bypassing the bladder, it is allowed to flow out without the pup’s control.
What Are the Signs of Ectopic Ureters in Dogs?
Since their kidneys don’t have a normal connection to the bladder, the affected dog will lose some or all of their ability to retain urine, meaning they will leak or dribble pee. This can be intermittent or near constant. Ectopic ureters most often affect female dogs and young puppies, as this abnormality is something that happens while a fetus is still developing in utero. While the problem may have been there since birth, the signs typically won’t be obvious until around weaning time or for some dogs, not until adulthood.
Leaking urine can show up in a few different ways. Some dogs may wake up to a puddle in their bed, or they may dribble while they’re walking. It may be difficult to house train a puppy with ectopic ureters because they may have frequent accidents or not seem to know when they need to go outside. Others may urinate normally and then continue to dribble, as if they’re unable to shut it off.
Along with leaking pee, dogs may lick their genitals excessively, especially if the urine is scalding their skin and causing irritation. Pups may also suffer from frequent urinary tract infections, or UTIs, which can present as frequent urination, pain or discomfort while peeing, or bloody, foul-smelling urine.
What Causes Ectopic Ureters in Dogs?
Ectopic ureters are a disruption in the normal anatomy of the urinary tract, meaning they happen while the system is developing in a fetus. Puppies are born with the issue, even if the signs aren’t immediately obvious. While the reason for the abnormal development that creates ectopic ureters isn’t completely understood, genetics likely plays a role.
Some dog breeds are more prone to ectopic ureters than others, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, West Highland Terriers, and Mini Poodles. Females are also more likely than males to have ectopic ureters—about 20 times more likely!
How Are Ectopic Ureters Diagnosed in Your Dog?
Diagnosing a pup with ectopic ureters usually takes repeat veterinary visits. The signs often look like those of a typical UTI, which in fairness, your dog may also have. The vet will likely run a urinalysis and then treat the UTI. However, with ectopic ureters, the UTI will return or your pup will continue to leak urine, so you’ll have to make another visit.
From there, it may take a bit of time to investigate and do trial and error to determine the cause of your dog’s urinary woes. Vets may perform a urinary culture, X-rays to check for stones, and ultrasound to look for other bladder abnormalities. Ectopic ureters don’t typically show up on these tests, but they might with a contrast radiograph, in which a contrast media is injected into the bladder to give an outline of the urinary tract.
Other diagnostic modes may include cystoscopy, where a tiny camera is used to explore the bladder, or a CT scan. Both will require anesthesia and may need to be performed at a specialty clinic.
How Do I Care for a Dog With Ectopic Ureters?
To cure the urinary leakage associated with ectopic ureters, there needs to be a functional “gate” somewhere along the line. Since ectopic ureters bypass the normal urinary bladder sphincter, surgery to relocate the ureters is the best way to decrease urine leakage and prevent recurrent UTIs.
Surgery to repair ectopic ureters is typically done by opening the abdomen or using cystoscopy. It’s important to know that some dogs may still experience urine leakage after surgery, with one study showing that less than 50% of dogs were completely leak free following the procedure.
But even though urinary leakage may not be completely resolved with the relocation of the ureters, any residual incontinence can often be managed with medications like phenylpropanolamine, making an affected pup’s life much easier to navigate.
Whether you allow the surgery or not, you’ll want to do your best to prevent UTIs in your dog by encouraging good hygiene. This can include a sanitary trim of the hair around your pup’s genitals, gently cleansing the area on a regular basis, and washing and changing their bedding frequently.
Keep regular veterinary appointments to monitor your dog’s situation, help manage urine leakage, and check urinary tract health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a Dog Live With an Ectopic Ureter?
Having an ectopic ureter isn’t fatal in itself. It’s often just a deviation in your dog’s anatomy that leads to unwanted side effects. That said, you need to stay on top of your dog’s health, as frequent UTIs can lead to a kidney infection, which can be fatal if severe and especially if untreated.
An ectopic ureter can be a reason for euthanasia, especially if the incontinence can’t be controlled or dealt with by an owner.
How Successful Is Ectopic Ureter Surgery in Dogs?
Undergoing surgery to fix your dog’s ectopic ureters isn’t a guaranteed success. In fact, based on different studies, the success rates vary and can depend on the severity of the issue beforehand. Overall, though, VCA reports a success rate of 50–75% with appropriate treatment. This means most dogs will stop leaking urine either through surgery alone or a combination of surgery and medical management.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Ectopic Ureter in a Puppy?
This isn’t an inexpensive problem for your puppy to have. Diagnostics can become quite pricey, especially when things like cystoscopy and CT scans are involved. Surgery becomes even more costly because it may need to be referred to a specialist. You’ll also need to factor in the potential for lifelong medication to completely get the urine leakage under control. Overall, look to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more when making your budget.
Conclusion
Ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder. Ectopic ureters have an abnormal connection that puts the bladder end of the tube at a location downstream from the bladder. This results in leaking urine and frequent UTIs. They can be treated by relocating the connection via surgery and potentially, medications to help completely control incontinence.
Either way, ectopic ureters can be expensive to deal with, so be sure to talk to your vet if your puppy is dribbling urine, having frequent accidents, or licking their backside excessively.
Featured Image Credit: SeventyFour, Shutterstock
The post Ectopic Ureters in Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs & Treatments by Dr. Chyrle Bonk DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.