I once found a dog running along the side of the road. We took her to the vet, who scanned the dog to see if she had a microchip, and she did! The vet let us know that her name was Shadow, and the owner would be there soon to pick her up. Today I decided to share where a dog’s microchip goes because these microchips are very valuable in finding your pet if they ever get lost.
So, where does a dog microchip go? Dog microchips are injected by a vet along the dog’s spine, under the skin between the shoulder blades. The microchip bonds to the dog’s skin and is permanent.
The process to microchip a dog is quick and easy, but you might be wondering what to expect if you do take your dog in to get microchipped. I had four of my animals microchipped before moving them overseas, so I’d like to share the full process on how the microchip process works and where the dog microchip goes.
Where to get your dog microchipped
Just make an appointment with your usual vet to get your dog microchipped. If your dog is going in for an appointment or surgery for something else, then the microchip can be put in at the same time. A microchip from a vet costs about $45.
Your dog does not need to be anaesthetized to get microchipped as it’s pretty painless and feels like a regular injection or vaccination.
If you don’t want to go to a vet, find a Banfield vet office in a local PetSmart and ask if they will do it. The cost is set by Banfield and may be between $35 and $50.
Petco is another option to get your dog microchipped for $19 to $30. They also offer free microchip checks in Vetco Clinics.
Where the dog microchip goes
The vet will scan your dog to make sure it doesn’t already have a microchip as they don’t want to put a second one in if one’s already there. This is especially important if you found or adopted the dog. Some puppies even come with a microchip when you get them.
The vet then scans the microchip package to check that the codes are correct before putting the needle with the microchip into the syringe.
Your dog should be standing or lying on its tummy on the vet’s table, to make it easy for the vet to access the dog’s spine.
The vet will pinch the dog’s loose skin along the spine, between its shoulder blades. This gentle pinch desensitizes the skin and doesn’t hurt the animal.
The needle is injected into the loose skin, where the vet injects the microchip.
The vet will pull the needle out while pinching the skin again, to make sure the microchip stays behind in the tissue.
Try to keep your dog calm for the rest of the day so the microchip can bond properly to its skin. The microchip will have something called an anti-migration coating, which stops it from moving, but you want to avoid letting your dog jump around or scratch the area for a few hours.
What happens after the microchip is placed?
After inserting the microchip, the vet will scan it to make sure everything’s working.
The microchip number will be registered on the database along with other important information.
Your dog will be ready to go home with you. You should be able to make a profile on the microchip brand’s website where you can update information and upload pictures of your dog.
What information is saved for the dog microchip?
All the information saved for the microchip will be sent to you in a pet certificate.
My pet certificate has the following information on it:
Details about the microchip company’s website, app, and contact details
Pet name
Year of birth
Species
Breed
Gender
If your dog is sterilized
The dog’s color and markings
Microchip number
Dates registered and microchip implanted
Name of vet practice that injected the microchip
Vet’s name
If your pet is registered with the local Kennel, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Other contact details of friends and family members
What brand of microchip should you get for your dog?
Your vet will choose the brand of dog microchip to get.
Some popular brands are Schering-Plough by HomeAgain, ResQ by Bayer, and 24 Pet Watch by Allflex.
Just make sure that the brand is made by a trustworthy company that’s large enough to have a national or preferably an international database with your details.
Be sure to keep the contact details updated for the microchip. If you move or change numbers, then update these contact details and add new pictures of your dog as it ages or changes over the years.
Sometimes dog owners aren’t sure if they should give blankets to their dog. My dogs have several blankets to snuggle in, which are always in their matching dog beds. I wasn’t sure if the dogs needed more blankets or different kinds of blankets, so I decided to find out and share it all with you today.
Do dogs need blankets? A dog’s fur isn’t always enough to keep them warm.Every dog needs at least one blanket, sometimes more. Dogs use blankets for more than warmth; blankets also provide comfort and a sense of security.
Not all dogs are the same so there’s no blanket rule that works for all dogs all the time. Your own dog’s blanket needs might also change over time, with the weather and their age. Here are a few things to think about before choosing when to give your dog a blanket and how many blankets are needed.
When your dog needs blankets and why
Do dogs need blankets in winter?
Dogs need blankets in winter to keep warm.
Blankets help to protect dogs from the cold and sometimes freezing weather. If you feel cold, your dog is probably cold too.
If the temperature falls below 40° Fahrenheit (4° Celsius), you should keep an eye on your dog as it might be too cold for them according to the Tufts Animal Care and Condition Scales. Dogs can get hypothermia, which can kill them if they don’t get help.
Fur is usually not enough to keep most dogs warm. Whether your dog is inside or outside during winter, they should have at least one blanket. If your dog spends a lot of time outside during the colder months, they should have more than one blanket to cuddle up in.
But blankets might not be enough to keep a dog warm if they’re outside during cold weather. Look for a nice warm dog coat or jacket for your dog to wear. An insulated kennel, shelter for during the day, and a pet-friendly heater are added musts.
In particularly bad winters, it’s not recommended to leave your dog outside for long periods of time.
Do dogs need blankets in summer?
Dogs need blankets in summer for warmth, comfort, and a sense of security. A dog needs at least one blanket for summer, but you can give them more than one blanket to enjoy, especially if the dog is small or getting older.
Summer days can still bring rain, wind, and chilly weather. Smaller and older dogs often struggle to stay warm on their own, even during summer. Older dogs have a weaker immune system and are naturally more sensitive to the weather. Blankets will help a dog stay warm when it needs a little help.
Who doesn’t like to snuggle up in a blanket or lie down on a soft bed? Blankets don’t just give warmth, they give comfort and security in the hotter months too.
Your dog could sleep 12 to 14 hours a day and needs something comfortable to lie on. The floor is hard and there are often insects crawling around in the grass. A blanket will soften your dog’s sleep and protect your dog from biting critters.
Do puppies need blankets?
All puppies need blankets no matter what season it is. Puppies are very sensitive to the cold and, like human babies, like to be snuggled up for comfort and security in a blanket.
Puppies with thinner coats or a bigger bone structure will need thicker or more blankets than others. Puppies that are sickly definitely need a blanket to stay warm and fight any infections.
If you have a puppy or a dog that likes to chew and swallow non-food things, it’s better to invest in puppy-safe or chew-resistant blankets. These blankets are more durable and make it harder for your dog to bite off pieces and swallow them, which is a choking hazard.
Do dogs need blankets inside?
Dogs that stay inside need a blanket to cuddle and several blankets if they don’t have a dog bed to sleep in.
Hard surfaces such as wooden floors, tiles, concrete, laminate flooring and other types of uncarpeted floors tend to be cold and are uncomfortable to lie on, especially for older dogs and those with arthritis or joint problems.
Put several blankets in a corner for your dog to lie on if they don’t have a dog bed. Your dog should be at least 2 inches (5cm) off the ground when they lie down, even if your floors are carpeted.
Remember to set up this area where it’s easily accessible to your dog – old dogs and puppies can seldom make it up stairs or over and under obstacles to get to their bed.
Do dogs need blankets in their crate?
Dogs do need a blanket in their crate for comfort, but a foam mattress or dog bed will also add to their wellbeing. The type of blanket depends on the dog’s requirements as dogs that are crate trained, puppies still being crate trained and senior dogs all have different needs.
If your dog or puppy often wets the bed or chews things, waterproof and chew-resistantblankets are a great option for their crate.
It’s important to never punish your dog by covering the crate fully with a blanket. A blanket over the top of a crate is okay for relaxed moments and sleep time, but never as punishment and never the entire crate.
What is the best material for a dog blanket?
The material you choose for your dog’s blankets will depend on the weather, the breed, your dog’s fur and how old your dog is. Cold weather, puppies, sickly dogs, older dogs, and outdoor dogs all need thick, durable blankets to stay warm and comfortable.
Lightweight polyester fleece, nylon, faux fur, Sherpa, quilted, coral fleece, and polar fleece are some of the best materials to use for dog blankets.
Coral fleece is the most popular material for dog blankets and tends to be quite thick and warm. This material makes excellent blankets for colder weather and dogs that need a little extra snuggle and warmth.
Most of these blanket materials are machine washable, soft and durable. The good news is that they tend not to collect dog hair.
How big should a dog blanket be?
The size of the dog blanket should be in relation to your dog’s breed and size.
Smaller dogs need smaller, lighter blankets. Bigger dogs are better off with thicker, heavier blankets.
Pet blankets are often sold according to size, much like the sizes on human clothes. The manufacturer will provide specs for the dog size and which blanket you should get.
As a general rule of thumb, here’s a table of dog sizes and what size a more luxurious dog blanket should be:
Dog Size
Dog Blanket Size (inches)
Dog Blanket Size (cm)
Small Dogs
31” x 27”
80cm x 70cm
Medium-Size Dogs
44” x 34”
110cm x 90cm
Large Dogs
53” x 41”
130cm x 105cm
Extra-Large Dogs
60” x 48”
150cm x 120cm
Dog blanket dimensions in inches courtesy of Chewy.com
Can a dog overheat under a blanket?
If a dog can’t get out or the blanket is too heavy, your dog might overheat. If you think your dog might be getting too hot, feel the skin inside their ear flap. If it feels too hot, help your dog out from under the blanket and let them cool down.
Most small breed dogs like to burrow down under our duvet. This is a natural instinct from their days in the wild, when they’d dig holes or look for a safe place to hide in and sleep.
We know it can get warm under the covers and in winter we often have electric blankets on too. This temperature could get way too hot for your dog. Try to loosen the bedding so your dog can easily make their way to the sides or ends of the bed and get out, if they need to.
As long as your dog can get out or move away from the blanket, he will do so if he feels too hot or like he isn’t getting enough air.
Are heated beds safe for your dog?
Heated beds are relatively safe for dogs, but don’t leave any dog unattended with a heated bed. These beds carry the same risks as the electric and heated blankets we use on our own beds.
Warm up your dog’s bed before sleepy time and switch the bed off when your dog is all snuggled in.
Never use a human electric or heated blanket for your dog as dogs and people have big differences in body temperature. Heated dog beds heat up safely and work on a low voltage, which makes them quite safe for animals. Don’t give a heated bed to a dog or puppy that likes to chew things or cannot control their bladder.
Like everything else, there’s still a small chance that the bed could malfunction, overheat or catch fire. Always follow the instructions. Don’t ever leave your dog unsupervised on a heated bed or leave the bed on if you’re not in the room.
Dog DNA tests can tell you which breeds are in your dog’s genes and so much more. With two adopted dogs running around, I often wonder what breeds they have running through their veins. I recently looked into how much it costs to find out what breeds my dogs are and what health issues they might get with an at-home dog DNA test – and I’m sharing all the costs with you today.
So, how much does a dog DNA test cost? Most at-home dog DNA tests cost between $90 and $130. The cheapest is $45 and the most expensive is around $275. Some tests give you the breed mix, others do disease screening and allergies, and the more expensive tests can do all or most things in one.
It’s important to make sure the test you order will give you the information you want, otherwise it might not be worth doing. Not all tests are created equal and, like most things, you often get what you pay for. For example, cheaper allergy tests only look for 100 or so food intolerances and allergies in a dog, but a more expensive option tests for 300 issues and nutritional problems.
What dog DNA tests tell you and how much they cost
Dog DNA tests to confirm parentage
Some tests only confirm who the dog’s parents are. Once tested, your dog gets a DNA Profile Number that shows on registration certificates.
A parentage test costs $38-$50 for the analysis and results. It can take anywhere between 2 to 8 weeks to get the results, depending on which test you do.
Once done, you’ll get a parentage report and DNA Profile Number.
If you do the parentage test through the American Kennel Club (AKC), you’ll get a DNA analysis letter to use with registration information when breeding dogs. But the AKC test can only be done on purebred dogs that are breeds that can be registered with the AKC. It does not work on mixed breeds or breeds that aren’t in the AKC’s database.
Dog DNA tests to find out your dog’s breed mix, relatives, and ancestry
Some DNA tests tell you what breed or breeds are in your dog. We call this the ‘breed mix’. Most of these tests cost between $70 and $129.
Each company has its own database of breeds that it looks for. The more expensive the test, the more breeds the company usually looks for and the further back in the past it might go. There may even be some wolf to discover in your dog’s past!
The tests work by searching for a certain percentage or more of a breed in the dog’s DNA sample. Some companies identify all breeds that are 12% or more in your dog, while others can tell you if your dog has as small as 5% of a breed in them. Think about how much detail you want and check how many breeds the brand looks for before buying a test.
You might even be able to get in touch with your dog’s family members if they’ve also been tested by the same DNA company.
Dog DNA tests to find out if your dog is vulnerable to certain diseases
Many breed mix tests don’t just tell you what breeds are in your dog – they also look for health issues and diseases that commonly run in those breeds.
Take one of these tests if you want to know what diseases or health issues your dog might get because of their genes, such as the merle and double merle genes. Some results even give you a plan on how to care for your dog, to keep them as healthy as possible.
These tests are usually around $100 from Petco for a basic health test and to find out health risks. If you want a test to find out the breed mix and health risks of your dog, expect to pay around $150 for a good brand.
Dog DNA tests to identify your dog’s allergies and intolerances
If you want to test your dog for food and environmental allergies at home, then there are tests available.
The cheapest at-home allergy test is around $90. This Allergy Test My Pet Test Kit from Target tests for 100 different intolerances or sensitivities. It will tell you what your dog’s allergic to and which foods to avoid.
The most expensive test comes in at around $144 and is called At-Home Pet Allergy Test Kit. It tests 300 potential issues and picks up any nutritional deficiencies by testing strands of hair from your dog. It is getting excellent reviews for helping dog owners solve problems with their dogs.
The results can take 2 to 3 weeks to get back.
Dog DNA tests that do it all
There are some tests on the market that test all of the above: breed mix, ancestry, health screens, etc. They are more expensive than the other tests, but it works out cheaper to do one of these tests rather than several of the other tests. A comprehensive at-home dog DNA test costs about $275.
If you do one, you will find out the breed mix of your dog, even its wolf and coyote ancestry. You can connect with other dogs that are related to your dog, if they’ve also had their DNA tested. There are even health screens for over 165 diseases, so you know what your furry friend is more likely to get and put a health plan in place.
The Embark Dog DNA Test Kit is available from Walmart and it does all of these things. It’s also reported to be the most accurate of all at-home dog DNA tests on the market.
Dog DNA tests to tell a dog’s age
There’s now a dog test to find out how old your pooch really is, especially if you adopted your dog and have no idea. Just take a swab from your dog’s cheeks, send it in, and in 2 to 3 weeks you’ll have your dog’s age in human years, not dog years.
Table comparing popular dog DNA tests, what they cost, and what they test for
Are there any other costs involved for a dog DNA test?
When buying an at-home dog DNA test kit, you get everything you need to test your dog’s DNA. There should be no other costs involved for the test to be done and to get the results. Take the sample, mail it in the package provided, and wait for the results to be emailed to you.
How to take a sample for an at-home dog DNA test
Each DNA test kit will come with its own set of instructions that you need to follow. Most tests ask you to rub the swab on the dog’s inside cheek, to collect loose cells.
How much does a dog DNA test cost at a vet?
There is no set price for dog DNA tests done at a vet as the vet is free to set their own price. But most vets charge around $150 to take the blood sample and send you the final results.
Can a vet tell what breed a dog is by looking at it?
Your vet could have an idea of your dog’s main breed mix by looking at its snout, ears and tail. The vet can give you their opinion based on their knowledge and experience, but there’s no guarantee that the vet will be right.
If the breed mix doesn’t really matter, then there’s no need to do a DNA test. Just ask the vet next time you’re there to get a better idea of what your dog is.
Are dog DNA tests accurate?
If you buy a high-quality DNA test from a well-known brand, such as Embark or Wisdom, then your results should be up to 99% accurate. Sometimes we make mistakes when we collect the samples or the breeds aren’t in the company’s database, so they won’t show up in the results.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully for the best chance to get accurate results.
Whenever I go away and can’t take my dogs with, I pay a dog sitter to look after them. I first ask all my friends to see if anyone can help, otherwise I book a professional sitter through an agency. I have a friend who’s dog sitting next month and she asked me how much to charge. So, I took some time to do the research and here’s what I found out…
Most dog owners pay professional dog sitters $13 to visit their dog for 30 minutes. Dog walks with a sitter cost about $17, care visits for an hour or less cost $9 to $50, dog daycare is about $45 per day, and overnight visits run between $45 and $85 per night.
Some people just choose the cheapest dog sitters or don’t know how much to pay a friend to dog sit. There are actually a few simple things to think about before you talk about the money. Discussing these things with your dog sitter can make a huge difference in what you pay and the level of care your dog gets. The prize here is to negotiate so that you and the dog sitter are both happy with the price and services involved…
What dog sitting services you need
Dog sitters can offer many different services to help you out. Here’s a list of some common services that a dog sitter can offer:
List of Dog Sitting Services
Visits
Feed the dog, give fresh water, give medications, let the dog out, play with the dog
Walks
Take the dog for a walk
Dog Grooming
May wash and/or brush your dog or be certified as a dog groomer for the works – dog wash and cut at your house
Training and Behavior Modification
Sitter trains your dog, for example how to walk with pulling on the lead, how to sit, etc.
Dog Daycare
Your dog spends the day with the sitter and maybe other dogs
Stay Overnight
Sitter spends the night in your home or hosts the dog in their home
Dog Boarding
Your dog sleeps over at the dog sitter’s home
Transport
The dog sitter takes your dog to the vet, the groomer, or wherever you need your dog taken
Dog Fence Installation
A professional dog fence installation to stop your dog from getting out
Wedding Service
The dog sitter takes care of your dog during your wedding
Garden Cleaning Services
The dog sitter picks up the dog poop in your yard
Think about what services you need from the dog sitter and be clear from the beginning what the dog sitting job will involve. Don’t keep quiet and hope you can slip in some extra responsibilities along the way.
Are they just going to walk the dog for 30 minutes or do they need to give your dog medication, too?
The more services you ask for, the more you should be prepared to pay.
What other dog sitters get paid for their services
The charges for dog sitting services vary a lot, depending on which state you live in and how much experience the dog sitter has. Here’s a table of dog sitting services and what they typically cost:
Many dog sitters create a profile for themselves and get work through an online agency. New dog sitters often charge much less than the going rate to get clients and reviews, before putting their prices up to the average rates for dog sitting services.
If you do decide to get a ‘fresh’ dog sitter, try them out for a short visit to see if they are reliable and look after your dog well. Then you can move on to bigger services, such as dog daycare and boarding.
Are they a professional dog sitter, hobby dog sitter, or your friend?
The longer the person has been a dog sitter, the more they can charge for their services.
Here is a guide on what to pay a dog sitter based on their experience and reviews:
Where you live does influence the average rate charged. But someone with 5 – 19 years of experience as a professional dog sitter and good references can earn 50% more than a beginner hobby dog sitter.
If you are asking a friend to dog sit, they may be kind enough to give you the friend rates of a hobby dog sitter or even less. Perhaps you can work something out, where you look after their pets or do something in return for free dog sitting.
What state do you live in?
The state you live in impacts the price you pay for dog sitting services due to differences in the cost of living. States that are more expensive to live in mean higher rates for dog sitters.
Live in Austin, Texas? Then you can expect to pay 17% less than the rate, which comes to $10.79 an hour.
Live in Columbus, Ohio? The going rate for dog sitting services is 108% higher than the average, making it $27 an hour.
Is the dog service needed over the holidays?
Dog sitters usually charge an extra fee to see your pet on a national holiday, like Thanksgiving. This fee is usually about $5 to $10 extra per day.
Do you have more than one dog to look after?
If you have more than one dog, the dog sitter will probably charge you more.
Some charge an extra $5 per dog per service, but I’ve seen others charge just as much for the second dog as what they charge for the first dog.
Again, talk to the sitter and negotiate this cost as there is some leeway here.
Does your dog need any special assistance?
If your dog needs medication, especially at certain times of day, or any other special assistance, then you can speak to the dog sitter about care visits. These cost anything between $9 and $20 for visits that are less than half an hour.
You might be able to negotiate a better rate if you pay upfront and/or give the dog sitter a lot of work over a long period of time.
Where to find a dog sitter
Be sure to start looking for a dog sitter long before you need them, especially if you need help over the holidays when a lot of people are on vacation and sitters are busy or going away.
You can look for a dog sitter by:
Asking friends if they are able to assist or know someone who is. Be wary of teenagers who charge very little but can be unreliable and unpredictable. House party, anyone?
You may have a dog and another pet, such as fish, birds, cats, etc.
If you do, then you will need to find a pet sitter, not just a dog sitter. Try to find someone with experience in taking care of these types of animals.
Most pet sitters are familiar with and happy to take care of dogs, cats, fish, small mammals, such as guinea pigs.
If you own exotic pets, such as spiders, farm animals, reptiles, birds, or horses, you may have a harder time finding a pet sitter and will need to give yourself time to find one or ask a friend to help you.
Sometimes a dog needs to ask for help. They might be in pain, need water in their water bowl, feel lonely, or simply want some love and attention because they can never have too much of that. Dogs may not be able to speak human words, but they still communicate with us through their actions and sounds.
My dog asks me for things all the time. I know exactly when he wants me to stop working (I get the ‘stop working and feed me’ stare and grumble every day at 17:00 like clockwork), when he wants to go for a swim, and when he wants to be left alone to sleep.
Here are 14 ways your dog might ask you to help them and what they’re probably asking for:
1. Your dog lays its head in your lap
If your dog walks up to you and lays their head in your lap, either their chin or one side of their head, they are probably looking for an ear rub or attention. This is how a dog asks for some time and love, and lets you know how much they love you, too.
This is a very close and loving position, which shows how much your dog trusts you and that they want to be close to you.
2. Your dog pulls on your hand or sleeve
Some dogs will come over and gently pull on your hand or sleeve to get you to go somewhere with them. This is your dog saying, ‘Come and take a look!’ or ‘Follow me so I can show you!’
Another version of the Come-and-take-a-look move involves nudging you with their nose and then running away a few steps before stopping to look at you.
If you get up and follow them, they may stop along the way to look back and make sure you’re still behind them and give a few tail wags. You’ll soon find out what interesting thing they want to show you or what they want to ask for.
3. Your dog sits and stares at you
If your dog sits on their back legs and stares at you, they are probably waiting to get your attention to ask for something. If you ignore them, they may grumble at you to make it very clear they’re staring at you – just in case you hadn’t noticed.
If you ask them what they want, they will probably wag their tail and try to show you what they need.
If they’re staring somewhere else, like under the bed or couch, you may need to get on your knees and rescue the ball that’s lost in the darkness under there.
4. Your dog gives you their paw
A dog giving you their paw on their own is often a request for a pat or the tasty treat you have in your hand. It’s a canine form of begging and asking nicely.
Some dogs tilt their head to the side while begging with their paw, probably to sweet talk you and show you they are saying ‘pretty please’.
5. Your dog throws toys in front of you
If your dog picks up their toys in their mouth and throws these in front of you or around the room, they probably want to play a little game or eat something yummy. This is a playful, fun gesture and you will get lots of kisses and tail wags if you respond to it.
6. Your dog stands on their back legs to dance
It’s time for doggy tango!
If your dog stands up to dance or hop around on their hind legs, or they put their front paws up on your legs, they’re asking to be picked up or they want help to see something that’s too high for them to see at ground level.
Being a dog means being close to the ground, but there’s often something interesting and fun to see higher up in your arms!
7. Your dog bows down
If your dog bows by keeping their back legs straight and arching down to the floor with the front of their body, they’re probably asking for a game with you. The tail will often wag during this royal bow wow.
Do they love to tug on toys or run after balls? Then this is the time they want to do it (even if you had other plans).
8. Your dog hides behind your legs or under your chair
If you take your dog to the park or people come over and your dog runs to hide under your legs or behind your chair, your dog is asking you to protect them. They are feeling unsure and need a safe place to sit or lie down until they’ve assessed the situation.
It’s usually best to let them stay there, where they feel safe, until they realize that there’s nothing to fear and can come out and be brave again.
9. Your dog paces up and down
If your dog starts pacing up and down the room, they are probably feeling worried and uneasy. People do it too. You might know what’s upsetting your dog: Are they waiting for someone to come home? Do they hear another dog outside?
If you know what all the excitement is about, then the pacing is nothing to worry about unless they become destructive. Some training and calming dog aids can sort this out if it’s a problem.
But if your dog suddenly starts pacing or does this for a long time, especially if their head is hanging and they are panting, they may be sick or experiencing a lot of anxiety and need your help with a trip to the vet.
10. Your dog starts licking an area excessively
When a dog gets a cut or a wound, its natural instinct is to lick the wound better. Their tongue is part of their first aid kit in the wild.
If your dog starts biting or licking an area excessively, there might be a problem. Look to see if you can see a cut or blood in that area. If the area is red, swollen, or bleeding, it’s best to take your dog to the vet for help.
Some dogs nibble on their legs or feet out of habit. If the vet has checked and nothing is wrong, then there isn’t much you can do except tell them to stop when you see them nibbling away.
11. Your dog whines and cries
We’ve all heard a lonely dog howling for its owner. If a dog is left home alone all day, there’s a good chance they’ll cry because they’re very unhappy about it. Dogs are pack animals and need company.
Some dogs are more vocal than others. If you have a vocal dog that talks to you, you’ll notice they have different woofs, grunts and yaps for different needs.
If you’re being beckoned by the dog but you aren’t sure what they want, look at their body language or ask them to take you to what they need. They may want to be let out, fed, to play with a certain toy, or simply want attention.
A yap and a tail wag are usually a friendly way to ask for a game.
12. Your dog rolls on his back and shows you their belly
There are no six packs in this story but there are some fluffy tummies to tickle.
If a dog loves and trusts you, they may roll over and let you scratch their belly. The chest and stomach are very vulnerable areas of any animal, where the heart and vital organs sit, so the big belly show and rub request lets you know, ‘Hey, you’re cool. We friends. I’ll roll over and let you rub me’.
13. Your dog chews on things or becomes destructive
If your dog is feeling anxious, they may chew or nibble on something as a way to release the stress they’re feeling. They may also try to climb onto your lap for some protection or to be calmed down.
If you know they do this, be sure to buy high-quality dog chews for your dog to safely chew on. If you are okay with your dog on your lap, then calm them down by cuddling them, giving them long, slow strokes, and speaking to them in a soothing voice.
If your dog is or suddenly becomes destructive and they’re past that icky puppy teething phase, they may be letting you know they’re bored, frustrated, or suffering from separation anxiety.
Destroying things is often a cry for help. Does your dog get enough exercise and attention? Do they have enough toys to keep them busy while you’re out?
14. Your dog becomes aggressive
If you dog is in pain somewhere on their body or internally, they may become more aggressive to protect themselves (and because they are grumpier than usual).
If your dog growls or snaps when you touch them somewhere, look to see if you can see any injury. If you can’t, it’s best to take them to the vet for a checkup.
I'm Monique. I love animals and everything about them. "Ayo" means happy, and this is where I share all I know about having happy, healthy pets so you can have happy pets too.
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