As any dog parent knows, sometimes your dog is doing something, like making noises in their sleep, and you want to know why it is that he/she does that.

With the power of the internet at our fingertips we often turn to Google for things we don't know the answer to, and this of course, includes all our dog-related questions!

Lucky for you, we have done the homework for you and answered the most common dog queries searched on Google. So grab a cuppa and take a read, maybe you might learn something new!

Is Sharing My Bed With My Dog A Good Idea?

With 55% of pet owners sharing their bed with at least one dog, is this a good idea or not?

While there has been debate surrounding the subject for years, many studies find that sleeping with your pet can be good for you. 

A dog’s body warmth, steady heartbeat and protective nature can make co-sleeping with them feel safe and cosy. Research has shown that sleeping with your dog is beneficial as it, reduces depression, Promotes Theta Brainwaves, Increases sense of security, Eases Insomnia, Diminishes Nightmares, Decreases loneliness, Improves sleep quality, Reduces stress, Lowers Blood Pressure, Strengthens bonds with your dog, Promotes a Healthy Heart, Reduces Allergies later in life, Provides Better overall health.

Why Is My Dog Making A Honking Noise?

This is called 'reverse sneezing' and is a common condition where your pup rapidly inhales through their nose, making a loud snorting sound. It’s typically harmless, but if it becomes frequent or severe, or it’s accompanied by other symptoms, you should call your veterinarian.

Also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, reverse sneezing in dogs is caused by a muscle spasm at the back of a dog’s mouth where it meets the throat. This spasm, which lasts around 30 seconds, causes a temporary narrowing of the opening of the trachea, making it difficult for the dog to inhale.

“The dog may stand very still with their front legs and neck extended. You will notice their chest and abdomen rapidly moving in and out.”

Reverse sneezing in dogs is a condition that usually does not need any treatment.

Why Does My Dog Walk Backwards?

Behavioral Reasons

Dogs communicate their feelings and perceptions through their actions, and moving backward can sometimes be their way of expressing discomfort or anxiety.

Fear or Anxiety

Fear is a potent motivator for dogs, and they can exhibit unusual behaviors, such as walking backwards, when they feel threatened or anxious. This is especially true for dogs that are naturally more anxious or those that have had traumatic experiences in the past.

For instance, if your dog is scared of a particular area in your home because of loud noises — like the roar of a vacuum cleaner or a noisy dishwasher — they might walk backward to avoid crossing that area.

Similarly, dogs that are uncomfortable around certain people or other animals might display the same behavior.

Communication

Mimicking Behavior

Dogs are social creatures and often learn behaviors from their peers or even from their human companions. If they have seen another dog or a human moving backward, they might mimic this behavior out of curiosity or playfulness.

What Colours Can Dogs See?

Dogs are not colourblind, but their colour vision differs from humans. They perceive fewer colours, mainly in shades of blue and yellow. This limited colour spectrum is due to the presence of only two types of colour receptors in their eyes, compared to humans’ three. Owners can use this knowledge when selecting toys, bedding, and other items for their pets, choosing colours that are more visually appealing to dogs.

Did you know the cartoon Bluey, has gone viral with audiences noticing their dogs cant take their eyes off the screen? 

Reason being...Bluey is blue! And so are many of the other characters; Bandit, Uncle Stripe, grandma Chris, grandpa Bob and cousin Socks. 

Her mum and sister are red heelers, but are depicted in a softer yellow-y orange. So, the Heeler family is in fact made up of two colours that dogs can see relatively well!

So if you're looking for something new to keep your dog occupied, give Bluey a try!

Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

Like barking and howling, licking is a form of dog communication. Dogs are instinctually drawn to licking right from birth when a mummy dog is licking the babies to feed and care for them. This habit translates into a submissive gesture of affection in older dogs. 

Dogs also do like the salty taste of our skin, which is why some dogs love giving kisses after a workout (Yuck!). 

But mostly, if your dog is licking your face, they are just trying to say, “I love you.” 

Do Dogs Get Bored Of The Same Walk?

Dogs can indeed get bored walking the same route every day. While dogs enjoy routine, they also benefit from mental and physical stimulation. Introducing variety in their walking routes can help keep them engaged and prevent boredom

Do Dogs Get Bored Of The Same Food?

Dogs actually have fewer taste receptors compared to humans. Dogs have around 2,000 compared to 9,000 us hoomans have. That means they have less of an urge to eat something different every day. So your dog will not as easily get bored of eating the same food every day. However, that doesn’t mean that dogs won’t appreciate another recipe to keep things interesting, while it is always important to add variety to your dogs diet. Most dogs really enjoy new flavours and especially new smells. Luckily for your dog, we have three delicious wet food flavours they can rotate and our delicious dried food is packed with flavour and crunch to keep them craving more day in, day out.

FUN FACT: Dogs are actually much more interested in their food’s smell than its taste. That’s why they get so excited about food made with tasty, natural ingredients. Our Oven Baked Crunchy Feast made with premium, functional veggies, fruits and superfoods aren’t only healthier, it also smells and tastes extra delicious thanks to our process of slowly oven baking it!

What Is The Main Allergen For Dogs?

Dogs are most commonly allergic to the following foods (in descending order): beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb/mutton, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. 

Do Dogs Need Meat In Their Diet?

A common misconception is that dogs are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores. The canine body has the ability to transform certain amino acids, the building blocks or protein, into others, meaning that dogs can get all the amino acids they need while avoiding meat.

Winner, winner, plant-based dinner!

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Sometimes an old wives tale is true. Most vets agree that eating grass helps relieve upset stomachs and other gut symptoms. Some dogs, however, seem to simply enjoy the taste especially from early, green moist growth.

Do Dogs Dream?

Yes, dogs dream. Research with EEG scanning conducting while dogs slept support dream activity. If you watch your dog closely, you will notice that they occasionally move their legs as if running, whine, whimper, or even bark, breathe heavily, and have normal rapid eye movements during dream sleep.

How Do You Clean A Dog’s Ears?

It is important to remember that excessive ear cleaning can be damaging to the ear canal. Never use cotton buds or any instruments into the ear canal.

• Apply a vet recommended cleanser to the ear liberally.
• Massage solution into ear canal by gently massaging the base of the ear.
• With a cotton ball over your fingertip, wipe the accessible portion of the ear clean. Let your dog shake out any excess fluid and debris.
• Clean base of the ear with a dry cotton ball.
• Repeat if necessary.

How Do You Stop Dogs From Digging?

Some dogs dig instinctively and when they develop a habit of digging it can be very challenging to train them out of it.  When you first start the process of breaking the digging habit, make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise and is never left unattended in the garden for any reason.

Designate a place for your dog to dig, such as a sand box. To attract your dog to the designated area, regularly toss and bury some treats in the sand as this will encourage them to dig. If your dog digs anywhere else immediately tell them “no” sternly and redirect to the sandbox. It is extremely important to catch your dog EVERY TIME they try and dig outside the sandbox and redirect them to where they are allowed to dig.

Go out of your way to praise your dog and make sure they know you are proud of them when they DO dig in the sandbox on their own, or when you encourage them.

What Happens If A Dog Eats Chocolate?

Chocolate contains stimulants called methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your dog’s metabolic processes, resulting in chocolate toxicity. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, and more.

Dogs are individually sensitive to methylxanthines and therefore, different dogs may react differently to chocolate. Regardless, chocolate is still top of the list on things to keep your dog away from. If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, you should consult your veterinarian immediately.

Why Are Dogs’ Noses Wet?

A dog’s sense of smell is one of their most remarkable features, and a dog’s wet nose helps to amplify this sense of smell. By excreting a thin layer of mucous across their nose, dogs are able to better absorb the scents they encounter in their environment. Once absorbed into the mucus, a dog can then lick their nose to remove the scent and bring it to the olfactory glands on the roof of their mouths. In addition to amplifying a dog’s sense of smell, a wet nose also helps them to regulate their body temperature. Because dogs lack normal sweat glands throughout their body, they instead rely on secretion of sweat through the pads of their feet and their nose to help cool down.

How Do You Introduce Dogs To … (other dogs, cats, babies etc)?

Introducing a dog to babies, kids, cats, other dogs, or any other living being for the first time to is very important to do with care. Some dogs are sensitive to new ideas or objects more than other dogs. For the introduction:

1) Take special care to control the environment. Make the room quiet and calming with no distractions (loud music, extra people, etc.).

2) Have lots of yummy treats on hand. Start out by giving your dog treats a long distance away from the object (baby, cat, etc.) you are trying to introduce. At this point you should have your dog’s undivided attention.

3) If your dog does not look stressed or tense and is easily listening to your commands, move closer to the object

4) If your dog is very relaxed, calm, and under verbal control continue moving forward slowly. Have your dog check in with you every few steps to get a treat. Praise them and talk calmly while doing so.

5) Any time your dog appears stressed (tense muscles, stiff body, raised hackles, etc.) back up. Do not encourage your dog to move closer. Contact a professional trainer to handle the introduction.

Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

Some tail chasing can be normal play or grooming behavior. It can also be a response to an injury. Consistent tail chasing, however, is abnormal and can fall into behavioral concerns of attention-seeking activity or OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). These abnormal behaviors are likely reinforced by an endorphin release causing a pleasure response in the brain.

How To Stop A Dog From Barking?

Barking is a completely natural behavior in dogs. Sometimes, however, barking can be disruptive, especially if your dog is barking when you’re not home. In order to prevent unnecessary barking, you have to determine why your dog is barking at what you consider inappropriate times.

If your dog barks when you leave and aren’t at home, separation anxiety might be the cause. If he’s barking at nothing, he might be bored. A few simple training tactics, like positive reinforcement and lots of exercise can help you solve these issues.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas On My Dog?

Bottom line: the best way to get rid of fleas is to prevent them in the first place. Flea and tick preventatives kill fleas that come in contact with your dog. If your dog does get fleas, however, you may need a prescription preventative or flea shampoo. Purchasing a flea comb can also do wondering, but requires patience and willingness to try and comb out any rogue fleas. We recommend you catch each flea in paper tissue, tightly wrap in a ball and then flush down the toilet. 

Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers?

Whiskers are modified sensory organs, mostly tactile in function. Touch, air and vibration stimulate whiskers and send that message to the brain. This likely helps with low light movements during running and hunting. Whiskers are also known to help dogs communicate fear or confidence during encounters with other dogs.

Why Do Dogs Bury Bigger Treats / Bones / Chew Sticks?

This behavior is less about playtime and more about instinct. Before becoming domesticated, wild dogs would roam their territories in search of food and water. Because meals were unpredictable and often scarce, times when food was in surplus resulted in a need to guard and bury excess supplies. This tactic not only warded off scavengers but would also naturally preserve and age the meal by keeping it in a cool location away from sunlight.

How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?

This answer is more complicated than you may think. However, the normal gestation period in dogs is approximately 63 days from conception, although this can vary. Compared to humans, however, dog pregnancy is pretty short.

What Is The Most Popular Dog Breed?

The popularity of dog breeds can vary depending on the region and year, but here are some of the most consistently popular dog breeds globally, and the most affectionate dog breeds too:

Labrador Retriever: Known for their friendly and outgoing nature, Labs are popular as family pets and working dogs.

German Shepherd: Intelligent and versatile, German Shepherds are often used as police and service dogs. They are also loyal family companions.

Golden Retriever: Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable, Golden Retrievers are beloved for their affectionate nature and make excellent family pets.

How Long Do Dogs Live?

The lifespan of a dog can vary depending on several factors, including breed, genetics, size, overall health, and care provided. On average, dogs live between 10 and 13 years. However, it's not uncommon for some small dog breeds to live into their late teens or early twenties, while larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans, typically ranging from 8 to 12 years.

It's worth noting that these are general estimates, and individual dogs may fall outside of these ranges. 

Additionally, various factors such as nutrition, exercise, veterinary care, and overall well-being can influence a dog's lifespan. Providing proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary check-ups, and a loving environment, can contribute to a longer and healthier life for your dog.

Feeding your dog a plant-based diet could help extend their lives by 1.5 years based on studies by Dodd et al comparing dogs on a plant-based diet to those eating a meat based diet!

Dodd et al. (2022) analysed data from 1,189 dog owners, of which 357 had been fed vegan food exclusively for at least 3 years overall. The researchers found that vegan dogs had better health including less issues with their vision, digestive and liver conditions. Not only did vegan dogs have better health overall, but also they were found to live 1.5 years longer than non-vegan dogs. The study indicated that on average, dogs given plant based food lived up to the age of 14.1 years compared to dogs eating meat diets who largely lived up to 12.6 years.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Saving the best (grossest) till last...

Eating poop known as Coprophagia, occurs due to various factors, such as stress, boredom, or nutritional imbalances. Eating poop can also be a learned behaviour from their mother during puppyhood. 

If your dog persistently eats poop, (theirs or another dogs) consult a veterinarian to identify and address any underlying issues and consider implementing behaviour modification techniques.

Do you have a question that wasn’t covered? Send us an email at woof@thepackpet.com or pop a comment below in the comment section. 

A Treat For You This Veganuary

To help encourage you to make this switch and try plant-based food for your dog this Veganuary, we are giving you 30% off your first order with code VEGANUARY2024 

Or, click the below link and we will auto apply the discount at checkout for you

https://thepackpet.com/discount/VEGANUARY2024 

If you have any questions at all about transitioning your dog to THE PACK, please email us at woof@thepackpet.com