Dogs have been known to enjoy the company of humans, and research suggests that they may also appreciate certain types of music.
Dogs do like music. A study by the University of Glasgow found that dogs reacted more positively to soft rock and reggae than to other types of genres. The same study also found that, like people, dogs have their own musical tastes.
Researchers spoke to dogs about their music preferences
Do dogs like music?
Yes, they do.
What is also interesting is that dogs seem to have their own preferences in terms of the types of music that they enjoy.
The researchers at Glasgow University found that dogs were more relaxed when music was played to them and that the dogs’ behaviour became calmer and more controlled.
Do dogs hear music in the same way as humans?
Dogs hear music in a range of frequencies that is similar to humans.
However, they can hear some higher pitched sounds that we cannot.
This means that certain types of music may sound different to dogs than they do to us.
Why do some dogs howl to music?
Dogs howl for a variety of reasons.
Some dogs howl in response to higher pitched sounds, such as those made by sirens or musical instruments.
Some dogs howl because they just want to join in with the song
Others may howl because they are trying to communicate with other dogs.
And some dogs just enjoy the act of howling and howling to music is their version of singing along.
How can I tell if my dog likes music?
The best way to tell if your dog enjoys music is to simply play some and see how they react.
If your dog seems relaxed and happy, then it’s likely that they are enjoying the music.
On the other hand, if your dog appears anxious or stressed, then it’s probably best to turn the music off or to play a different genre.
How can I help my dog to enjoy music?
There are a few things you can do to help your dog enjoy music more.
First, try playing different genres of music and see which ones your dog reacts most positively to.
You can also experiment with the volume of the music to find a level that is comfortable for your dog.
And finally, make sure to provide your dog with a calm and relaxed environment when playing music, as this will help them to truly enjoy the experience.
Your dog will be more relaxed when he listens to music that he likes
What is the best type of music for a dog?
From the experience with my dogs, classical music seems to be the type that they enjoy the most.
Having said that however, if the humans in the family sing, then there is a very good chance that the dogs will join in with howls.
The research suggests soft rock and reggae and, if you’re trying to help your dog to enjoy music, then these could be good starters.
I’d suggest something relaxing and sedate as opposed to trance or techno – but who knows, your dog could be a closet raver.
Final words
Dogs do like music and it can have a positive effect on their mood and behaviour.
The best way to find out what type of music your dog enjoys is to experiment with different genres and volumes.
And remember, the most important thing is to create a calm and relaxed environment for your dog when playing music.
Your dog loves to run around and play in the sunshine, but did you know that unprotected exposure to the sun can cause sunburn in dogs?
It’s important to know that dogs can sunburn just like people can. In fact, UV radiation from the sun can cause skin cancer in dogs, so it’s crucial to take precautions against sunburns when possible.
Do dogs get sunburned?
Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned.
In fact, dogs are even more susceptible to the sun’s harmful UV rays than we are because they have less melanin in their skin.
Sunburn in dogs can include redness, swelling, blisters, and skin peeling.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, it’s important to provide shaded areas, lots of water and sun protection with sunscreen made specifically for animals.
What sort of sun cream can I use on my dog?
When choosing a sunscreen for your dog, it’s important to pick one that has an SPF of at least 15 and is water resistant.
Look for dog safe suncream
You should also look for sunscreens that are safe if they’re licked off, since dogs typically groom themselves by licking and most will attempt to lick sun cream off after it has been applied.
Avoid using human products on your dog and get a sunscreen that has been developed for and is safe for canine use.
A highly rated product is the Petkin Sunscreen Spray which smells of vanilla and is easy to use, simply spray the product onto your dog’s coat for sun protection, which will last up to 2 hours.
When applying sunscreen to your dog, make sure to put it on all exposed areas of skin.
This includes the nose, tips of the ears, any bald patches, and any other areas where the fur is thin or nonexistent.
Don’t forget to do your dog’s belly and underside. Many dogs will lie out in the sun, on their sides or back so ensure that sunscreen is applied thoroughly.
It’s best to avoid using sunscreen on your dog’s face since they may try to lick it off and ingest it.
If you do need to put sunscreen on your dog’s face, use a pet-safe mineral sunscreen that can be applied around the eyes and nose without causing irritation.
Most dogs will choose to relax on a hot, sunny day
To apply sunscreen to your dog’s coat, simply spray the product onto their fur and massage it in until it’s evenly distributed.
After applying sunscreen, allow your dog to air dry before going outside to play.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
You should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or as needed if your dog is swimming or playing in water.
It’s also a good idea to reapply sunscreen after your dog has been towel dried since this can remove some of the product.
If you’re using a spray sunscreen, make sure to hold the can about 6 inches away from your dog’s coat and avoid spraying it directly into their face.
Can I use human sunscreen on my dog?
You should avoid using human sunscreen on your dog since it may contain ingredients that are toxic to them.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two common ingredients in human sunscreens, can be toxic if ingested by dogs.
Never use human sunscreen on a dog
In addition, many human sunscreens contain fragrances and other chemicals that can irritate a dog’s skin.
It’s best to use a sunscreen that has been specifically developed for and is safe for canine use.
What are the signs of sunburn in dogs?
If your dog spends time outdoors, it’s important to know the signs of sunburn so you can take immediate action if necessary.
The most common signs of sunburn in dogs include redness, swelling, blisters, and skin peeling.
If you notice any of these signs, move your dog to a shaded area and give them lots of water to drink.
You can also apply a cool compress to the affected area to help ease the pain and swelling.
If the sunburn is severe, or if your dog is showing signs of distress, call your veterinarian immediately.
Sunburn can be very painful for dogs and can lead to more serious health problems if not treated promptly.
How can I prevent sunburn in my dog?
The best way is to keep your dog out of direct sun and to provide them with lots of shade if they are outside.
Avoid letting your dog stay out during the hottest parts of the day, from late morning to mid afternoon and use sun cream.
Reapply sunscreen after water activity
Do all dogs need sunscreen?
No, not all dogs need sunscreen.
Dogs with thick, dark coats are less likely to get sunburned since their fur provides natural protection from the sun’s rays.
However, short-haired dogs and those with light-coloured fur are more susceptible to sunburn and should always wear sunscreen when outdoors.
In addition, dogs with white noses are also more likely to get sunburned since their skin is thinner and more delicate.
If you’re not sure whether or not your dog needs sunscreen, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use it anyway.
If in any doubt speak with your vet who will be able to advise on the best course of action for your specific dog.
Final words
Remember that, just like people, dogs can get sunburned. Keep your dog out of direct sun if possible and always during the hottest parts of the day.
Most dogs will want to relax when the weather is hot so provide your pet with plenty of shade and clean fresh drinking water.
If your dog is a sun worshipper then always use a dog friendly sunscreen to protect him from harmful UV rays.
Cavaliers and other breeds will lick the air for a number of reasons. Air licking amplifies smell and it is one of the most common reasons for this behaviour. It is their way of trying to figure out what’s going on around them. Other reasons can include boredom, attention-seeking, anxiety, and hunger.
Licking is normal behaviour
While licking is generally normal behaviour, it’s important to pay attention to the context and frequency of licking.
Excessive licking, particularly in one area of the body, can be a sign of an underlying health problem and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Additionally, if your dog’s licking becomes disruptive or bothersome, you can train them to exhibit the behaviour in a more controlled and appropriate manner.
Licking is normal behaviour
Dogs will also lick the air as a way to support their sense of smell.
Licking helps the dog to capture scent particles which he can then taste/smell – it’s something that humans often experience but on a much lesser level than a dog.
Now that we’ve established that licking is normal behaviour for dogs, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why your Cavalier might be licking the air.
Air licking helps with scent
As we mentioned, one of the main reasons dogs will lick the air is to support their sense of smell.
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and they rely on it heavily to understand their surroundings.
Licking amplifies smell by drawing scent particles into the Jacobson’s organ (the vomeronasal organ), which is located in the roof of the mouth.
Air licking enhances your dog’s sense of smell
The Jacobson’s organ allows dogs to process scent information and it plays a big role in their social behaviours, such as mate selection and recognising other dogs.
Boredom can cause air licking
Another common reason for air licking is boredom.
Dogs are social animals that need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
If your Cavalier isn’t getting enough exercise or doesn’t have enough to do, they may start licking the air out of boredom.
This is often seen in dogs that are left alone for long periods of time with nothing to do.
A bored dog may lick the air, to try an find an interesting scent and for something to do
It could be attention seeking behaviour
Some dogs will lick the air as a way of getting attention.
Dogs are very smart and they quickly learn that certain behaviours result in a positive response from their owners.
If your Cavalier has learned that licking the air gets them attention, they’re likely to do it more often.
This is often seen in dogs that are starved for attention or don’t get enough human interaction.
An anxious dog may lick the air along with chewing and other behaviours
One of the most common signs of anxiety in dogs is licking or chewing on themselves excessively.
This is often seen in dogs that are fearful or anxious.
Other signs of anxiety include panting, pacing, and shaking. If your Cavalier is showing any of these signs, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian.
Hunger
Some dogs will lick the air as a way of signalling that they’re hungry.
This is often seen in puppies or young dogs that are still learning to communicate with their owners.
If your Cavalier is licking the air and seems to be asking for food, it’s important to make sure they’re getting enough to eat.
Puppies and young dogs have small stomachs and need to eat more frequently than adults.
If you’re not sure how much to feed your Cavalier, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian.
Air licking can be a result of illness
Your Cavalier could be licking the air because he is unwell.
If he is feeling nauseous, maybe from a diet change or medication then he may lick the air to bring up what is making him sick.
He could be unwell and may need a check up with the vet
He may have a bad tooth or other dental condition and he may be licking the air to try and get rid of a strange taste, sensation or pain.
If this is the case, please take him to see your veterinarian as he may need medical attention.
When should you be concerned?
While licking the air is usually nothing to worry about, there are some situations when you should be concerned.
If your Cavalier starts licking the air excessively or if they start showing other signs of anxiety or stress, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian.
Your dog may need medication or training to help them cope with their anxiety.
Excessive licking can also be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, so it’s important to make sure your Cavalier is getting all the nutrients they need.
If you’re concerned about your Cavalier’s licking behaviour, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian. They will be able to rule out any medical conditions and advise you on the best course of action.
It might not be air licking
What appears to be air licking might not be so. Your Cavalier could be licking his nose, whiskers or teeth.
Often what we perceive as air licking is actually your Cavalier trying to clean his face.
Dogs have long whiskers on their muzzle that help them to navigate their surroundings and they’re very sensitive.
If your Cavalier’s whiskers are dirty or matted, he may lick them to clean them.
He might be licking his nose and not the air
Another possibility is that your Cavalier is actually licking his nose.
Finally, your Cavalier could be licking his teeth.
Dogs don’t brush their teeth like humans do, so they rely on licking to keep their teeth clean.
If your Cavalier is licking his teeth excessively, it’s a good idea to take him to the vet to check for dental problems and this is particularly so if he has bad breath.
Talk to your vet about it too
As well as reading about the potential reasons for air licking, you should always consult your vet if you are concerned about your Cavalier’s health.
Your vet will be able to identify any medical conditions and prescribe the correct course of treatment for your pet.
Final words
All dogs lick and air licking is normally the dog’s way of supporting his sense of smell as he explores the world around him.
While air licking is usually nothing to worry about, there are some situations when you should be concerned.
If your Cavalier starts licking the air excessively or if they start showing other signs of anxiety or stress, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian.
Your dog may need medication or other treatment to help them cope with their anxiety.
Excessive licking can also be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, so it’s important to make sure your Cavalier is getting all the nutrients they need.
If you’re concerned about your Cavalier’s licking behaviour, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian. They will be able to rule out any medical conditions and advise you on the best course of action.
If you’re a dog owner, you know that training is an important part of having a pet.
But what if you didn’t start training your dog when he was a puppy? Is it ever too late to start?
The answer is no – it’s never too late to start training your dog. In fact, even older dogs can learn new tricks. So don’t worry if you didn’t train your pup when he was a puppy – there’s still time to teach him the basics and help him become a well-behaved member of the family.
It’s never too late to start training a dog, but the earlier you start, the better.
Training a dog is an important part of building a strong relationship and helps ensure that your dog behaves well both inside and outside of your home.
Training will also keep your dog mentally stimulated and can help to prevent problem behaviours from developing such as boredom, anxiety, chewing and others.
Why might I need to train an older dog?
There are a number of reasons why you might need to train an older dog.
You may inherit a dog from a relative or friend or you could end up adopting a dog from a rescue centre.
Older dogs will enjoy training sessions
Whatever circumstances you are faced with in terms of an older dog you should embark on some form of training, even if it just covers basics such as sit, stay and come.
Should I bother training an older dog?
Older dogs can learn new tricks, but it may take a little longer for them to catch on.
That’s because they have less energy and patience than younger dogs.
Older dogs also have shorter attention spans and may need more breaks during training sessions.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bother training an older dog – he can still learn, it’ll just take a little more time and patience on your part.
Take it easy and don’t overdo things with an older dog
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
– Use positive reinforcement: Dogs respond well to rewards, so offer him a treat or verbal praise when he does something right.
– Keep training sessions short: 10-15 minutes is usually enough for an older dog.
– Be consistent: Training won’t be effective if you only do it once in a while. Try to make training a part of your daily routine.
– Have patience: Older dogs learn at a slower pace, so don’t get discouraged if he doesn’t catch on right away. Just keep at it and he’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Training an older dog may take a little more time and patience, but it’s definitely worth it.
What sort of training can I do with an older dog?
When training an older dog you will need to consider his fitness levels and overall health.
There are always some exercises that an older dog can enjoy and benefit from but it is important that you make allowances and avoid anything that may be too strenuous for him to enjoy.
Most dogs enjoy retrieving games
As an example older dogs can learn basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, down and heel and will often enjoy activities such as retrieving and searching games where they use their sense of smell.
Things to consider when training an older dog
Remember that an older dog may have learned bad habits and that some of these may conflict with your training.
Dogs do not understand right from wrong and an older dog is more likely to struggle with some aspects of training, because he has learned other ‘bad’ things.
Older dogs can have just as much fun as the youngsters
So, as the human, you have to make allowances and help your dog to ‘learn the correct way’.
Keep the training sessions short and sweet so that your dog doesn’t get bored or tired and always end on a positive note, doing something that the dog enjoys and can do well.
Can you house train an older dog?
Yes, and you should adopt the same approach that you would if you were house training a puppy.
If you are lucky enough to have your own swimming pool or hot tub at home or have friends or family that do then, on a hot day you might find your dog taking a drink of the water.
But, is this a safe thing for a dog to do?
If your chlorine levels are at the right amount then a small amount of pool water is unlikely to cause your dog problems. However, you should not encourage your dog to drink water from the pool and you should make sure that fresh water is available for him to drink. It’s worth noting that hot tubs are notoriously dirty and have higher chemical levels so try to keep him away from them.
A pool can be a great way to cool down but avoid drinking the water
What happens if a dog drinks too much pool water?
Most pools are treated with chlorine which is a powerful disinfectant and which is used to kill bacteria from the air and from the bodies of the people that use the pool.
Chlorine is a dangerous and potent chemical and, whereas the levels of chlorine used to treat a pool are in parts per million, if pool water is consumed in large quantities then it can cause problems.
A dog that drinks too much pool water is likely to vomit the water up and this is the most common reaction.
In some cases your dog could end up with diarrhea, could urinate more and, in the worse scenario, could end up needing veterinary treatment.
What about saltwater swimming pools?
There is a common misconception that salt water swimming pools are purely saltwater.
A correctly operated saltwater pool will be treated with chlorine as saltwater, on it’s own, has poor disinfection qualities and will not destroy bacteria – so chlorine is added.
Saltwater will also result in your dog vomiting if he drinks too much, he may also use the toilet more frequently and could have diarrhoea as well.
If your dog is just going to the pool for a drink then you should provide him with an alternative, a supply of fresh, safe drinking water.
Keep him away from the pool when he is hot, such as after a walk and make sure that he has a big drink of fresh water.
If your dog simply enjoys the pool then maybe you could provide him with an alternative, such as a dog paddling pool, where he can get in and enjoy himself.
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Important point on dogs and pools
Every year dogs drown in swimming pools either from falling in or from becoming exhausted and being unable to get out.
Just as you should with your children, do not allow your dog to go into the pool unsupervised.
Swimming pools can and do kill people and animals, mainly due to carelessness of the owners and those that use them.
Be a responsible dog owner and always supervise your pet around the pool.
Although a small amount of pool water is unlikely to cause problems for a dog, you should try to prevent your dog from drinking it.
Pool water contains chlorine which is a dangerous chemical that kills bacteria and other organisms.
Always provide your dog with plenty of clean, fresh water for him to drink.
One of the things that makes Cavaliers so special is their willingness to please and be close to their owners.
For example, many Cavaliers will sleep on their owner’s head at night. This might seem a little strange so why do they do it?
Some people believe that the dogs are trying to get closer to their human companions or show their affection, while others think that the dogs are simply trying to stay warm. Another possibility is that the dogs are seeking out the scent of their owners in order to feel secure. Ultimately, there’s no definitive answer as to why Cavaliers like to sleep on people’s heads, but it’s certainly unusual.
Why do Cavaliers sleep on your head?
There are a number of possible reasons for your Cavalier to sleep on your head.
Protection
Being protective is one explanation. For many dogs, their person’s head is the highest point on their body, making it the best vantage point to watch over and protect them.
Affection
It could also be a sign of affection. While it might not be the most comfortable position for you, your dog may simply enjoy being close to you and your scent.
It can be a sign of affection
Comfort
Another explanation is that it’s simply the warmest spot in the bed.
Dogs are attracted to warmth, so it makes sense that they would gravitate towards the spot where they can best soak up your body heat.
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Social Status
Status-wise, sleeping on your head might also be a way for your Cavalier to assert their dominance.
In the dog world, elevated positions are often seen as a sign of power and leadership.
Cavaliers enjoy being close to their owners
By sleeping on your head, your dog could be claiming you as their own.
Likewise by sleeping close to you your dog could be raising their own status in the eyes of other dogs ( and humans too).
By being in such close proximity to the “alpha”, your dog is indicating that they are also of a high ranking.
Anxiety
Some experts believe that Cavaliers who sleep on their owner’s head may be suffering from anxiety.
This theory is based on the fact that many dogs who suffer from separation anxiety tend to sleep in close proximity to their owners.
It’s often learned behaviour
Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that this behaviour is often learned.
If your Cavalier has been sleeping on your head since they were a puppy, chances are it’s normal for your dog.
Cavaliers may experience anxiety when not close to their owners
As long as you’re comfortable with it, there’s no need to worry.
However, if you’re not a fan of sleeping with a dog on your head, there are a few things you can do to discourage the behaviour.
Should you stop your Cavalier from sleeping on your head?
Whether or not you should allow your Cavalier to sleep on your head is ultimately up to you.
If you’re comfortable with it and your dog seems to enjoy it, then there’s no harm in letting them continue.
However, if you’re not a fan of sharing your pillow with a dog, there are a few things you can do to discourage the behaviour.
How to stop your dog from sleeping on your head
One option is to ignore your Cavalier when they jump on the bed and settle down on your head.
Dogs are quick to learn that certain behaviours are rewarded with attention, so if you make it clear that you’re not going to give them any attention when they sleep on your head, they’ll eventually stop doing it.
Another option is to provide your Cavalier with their own bed that’s close to yours.
This will give them a sense of security and a comfortable place of their own to sleep and may help to dissuade them from jumping into bed with you.
When your dog uses his bed reward the behaviour with praise or a treat to reinforce that this is where he is supposed to sleep.
You can also try using a pillow or blanket that has your scent on it to create a more inviting space for your dog.
And often social status
Final words
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of why Cavaliers sleep on your head.
It could be a sign of affection, anxiety, or simply learned behaviour.
Ultimately, whether or not you allow your Cavalier to continue this behaviour is up to you.
If you’re not comfortable with it, with a little patience and training, you should be able to get your Cavalier to sleep in their own bed so that you can get a good night’s sleep.
And on walks, they love to take advantage of it by sniffing around and investigating everything they encounter.
But is letting your dog sniff on walks really such a good idea?
There are benefits to allowing your dog to explore the world through their nose. Dogs use their sense of smell to learn about their surroundings and take in information just like we do with our eyesight. Allowing your dog to stop and sniff frequently on walks gives them a chance to do just that.
Sniffing helps your dog to learn about the world around him
Second, dogs also use sniffing as a way to relieve stress.
When dogs are anxious or stressed, they often engage in what’s known as self-soothing behaviour, which includes activities like licking their lips, yawning, and sniffing.
So if your dog seems a bit stressed on walks, letting them stop and take a good sniff may help them to feel better.
Dogs enjoy sniffing on walks
When you take your dog out walking, one of his favourite things to do, is to sniff.
Sniffing is like reading the local newspaper for your dog
It’s one of his key motivators and how he takes in information about the world around him.
Think about it from your dog’s perspective, everything smells new and interesting, so of course he wants to stop and investigate as much as possible.
Sniffing is normal for dogs
Sniffing is perfectly normal for dogs.
Not only does it provide them with information about the environment but it also offers mental stimulation.
Sniffing provides a dog with mental stimulation
It helps your dog to maintain his well being and can prevent boredom and reduce the risks of problem behaviour.
You should give your dog every opportunity to sniff when he is out walking as they will get so much more satisfaction and enjoyment.
You’ll also find that your dog is more relaxed when he gets home and more likely to settle down to sleep.
Take your time and let your dog explore
On your next walk, take your time and let your dog stop to sniff as much as he wants.
You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable the walk is for both of you when you let him follow his nose.
Try to vary the location and get away from crowded areas to keep the walk interesting, both for you and your dog.
Visit different places and let your dog explore
Get away from tarmac and let your dog run on grass and similar natural surfaces where he can get his nose down and really sniff to his heart’s content.
Sniffing is an important part of dog communication
They can pick up all sorts of information about other dogs from sniffing, such as whether they are friendly or not.
Your dog sniffs the lamppost to find out what other dogs have passed by, checking for scent marks which can provide him with the neighbourhood news.
Sniffing is also how dogs greet each other and get to know one another and often sniffs of each other’s bottoms are exchanged as these are generally the smelliest areas that provide the most details.
Sniffing is how dogs say hello
So if you see another dog on your walk, don’t be too quick to pull your dog away.
Let them sniff and say hello, as long as the other dog is happy for them to do so.
What else are dogs sniffing on walks?
It can be almost anything.
The power of your dog’s nose is simply beyond human comprehension and he can smell things that you cannot imagine, for example, it is said that dogs can smell their owners from 20 km away when conditions are right.
Most likely your dog will be smelling:
Other dogs that have passed that way
Wild animals such as birds, rabbits, deer and others
Dogs sniff everything when out walking
People that have walked along that route
He will sniff foliage on trees and bushes where animals and people have brushed against
He will raise his nose and sniff the air, smelling things drifting by on the wind from distant objects, creatures and locations
Should I let my puppy sniff on walks?
Absolutely. As soon as it is safe to take your puppy out he will need to learn about the world around him.
His main method of learning is by his sense of smell and you should look to take him to as many different places as possible to explore.
Let your puppy explore the smells
Smells at the beach will be different from smells in the forest or town and he will develop mentally through being able to experience these different types of environments.
Allow your puppy to meet other dogs and people too, providing that it is safe for him to do so.
Take every opportunity to allow your puppy to sniff and develop his understanding of the world.
Final Words
You should definitely let your dog sniff on walks as it is normal for dogs and offers many benefits.
It helps to keep them mentally stimulated, can prevent boredom and reduce problem behaviours.
Sniffing is also an important part of dog communication and they use their sense of smell to greet other dogs and to find out information about their neighbourhood.
So next time you’re out walking, take your time, let your dog sniff and enjoy the walk more yourself too.
If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably wondered why your pet spends so much time chasing his or her tail.
It’s actually quite common for dogs to do this, but the reason why is still a mystery to most people.
There is no one reason why dogs do this as they are all different.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why dogs chase their tails and offer some possible explanations for this behaviour.
Dogs often chase their tails for a variety of reasons. Some dogs may do it out of boredom, some may do it because they are anxious or excited, and others may do it because they have a medical condition that causes them to feel an urge to chase their tails.
Most dogs are just having fun
Your dog is bored
One of the most common reasons dogs chase their tails is because they are bored.
If your dog is left alone for long periods of time with nothing to do, he or she may start chasing their tail out of sheer boredom.
This is especially true for high-energy breeds who need a lot of exercise and stimulation.
Your dog’s tail will provide him with something to try and catch and, because it’s not easy he will burn energy chasing it in circles.
If your dog is bored, the best solution is to provide them with more exercise, toys and playtime.
Your dog is anxious or excited
Some dogs may chase their tails because they are anxious or excited. If your dog is chasing his tail in an obsessive way, it may be a sign of an underlying anxiety disorder.
Dogs with anxiety may also pace back and forth, whine or bark excessively, urinate more frequently, and have a loss of appetite.
A dog that is worrying may also tail chase
If your dog is exhibiting any of these behaviours, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your dog has a medical condition
There are a few medical conditions that can cause dogs to chase their tails. One of these conditions is flea allergy dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction to flea bites.
Fleas have a tendency to gather at the top of a dog’s tail and they can be extremely irritating.
Your dog may be chasing his tail due to flea infestation in an attempt to relieve the itchiness and discomfort caused by the bites.
Fleas can cause severe irritation at the base of the tail
Other medical conditions that can cause dogs to chase their tails include neurological disorders, intestinal parasites, and food allergies.
If your dog is displaying any other strange behaviours along with tail chasing, it’s important to have him checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Your dog is acting his age
Puppies and young dogs often chase their tails as part of their natural playfulness and curiosity and this type of behaviour is quite normal for youngsters.
As they grow older, most dogs will outgrow this behaviour.
However, some older dogs may start chasing their tails again if they become bored or anxious.
Most dogs will eventually grow out of the habit and it’s not harmful to them.
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Your dog could be attention seeking
Dogs are very clever creatures and they quickly learn that certain behaviours will get them the attention they crave from their owners.
If your dog has learned that chasing his tail gets you to laugh or give him a treat, he may do it more often in an attempt to get your attention.
Dogs love attention and tail chasing often gets a response from people
The best way to deal with this behaviour is to ignore it completely.
Do not laugh, scold, or give your dog any attention when he is chasing his tail.
Eventually, he will learn that this behaviour does not get him the reaction he wants and he will stop doing it.
He is having fun!
Last but not least, your dog may simply be chasing his tail because he enjoys it.
Dogs are playful creatures and many of them love to chase their tails just for the fun of it.
If your dog is healthy and happy, there is no need to worry about this behaviour.
Just sit back and enjoy watching him have a good time!
Perhaps he is just having a good time?
Is it bad for my dog to chase his tail?
In most cases, no. Dogs chase their tails for a variety of reasons and, as long as your dog is healthy and happy, there is no need to worry about this behaviour.
However, if your dog is exhibiting other strange behaviours along with tail chasing or if he seems to be doing it obsessively, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Chasing his tail can be a sign of an underlying medical condition and it’s important to rule out any potential health problems.
Should I stop my dog from chasing his tail?
If your dog is healthy and happy, there is no need to stop him from chasing his tail.
However, if you are concerned about this behaviour, the best way to deal with it is to ignore it completely.
Do not laugh, scold, or give your dog any attention when he is chasing his tail. Eventually, he will learn that this behaviour does not get him the reaction he wants and he will stop doing it.
Final words
Dogs chase their tails for a variety of reasons, including boredom, anxiety, attention seeking, and simply because they enjoy it.
Most dogs will eventually grow out of the habit and it’s not harmful to them.
However, if your dog is exhibiting other strange behaviours along with tail chasing or if he seems to be doing it obsessively, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Chasing his tail can be a sign of an underlying medical condition and it’s important to rule out any potential health problems.
As a dog owner, you may be wondering if it’s safe to let your dog lick your wound.
After all, dogs have been known to lick their wounds and clean them up that way.
However, there are some risks associated with allowing your dog to lick your wound.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of letting your dog lick your wound so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your pet.
A quick lick of your wound by your dog is unlikely to cause any problems but persistent licking could hinder recovery and cause irritation plus there is a risk of further infection. So, although it may be comforting, it is not a great idea to let your dog lick your open wounds and injuries.
A quick lick is unlikely to cause problems
Why you shouldn’t let dogs lick human wounds
The main reason why you might not want to let your dog lick your wound is because of the risk of infection.
Dogs can carry bacteria in their mouths that can cause infections, so if your dog licks an open wound, there’s a chance that you could develop an infection.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the risk of infection is relatively low, and as long as you keep the wound clean and monitor it for any signs of infection, you should be fine.
Open wounds should be cleaned properly
Another reason why you might not want to let your dog lick your wound is because it could be painful.
If your wound is fresh and still healing, the last thing you want is for your dog to further irritate it by licking it.
However, if the wound is older and has already healed up a bit, then there’s a good chance that it won’t be painful if your dog licks it.
Also if your dog has any wounds or injuries of his own, such as open sores or he is ill then you should certainly not allow him to lick your wounds due to the risk of him causing infection.
Are there any benefits to allowing a dog to lick your wounds?
One of the benefits of allowing your dog to lick your wound is that it can help clean the wound.
Dogs have saliva that contains enzymes that can help break down bacteria, so if your dog licks your wound, it could help clean it and prevent infection.
Dogs’ saliva contains enzymes that can aid recovery
Another benefit of allowing your dog to lick your wound is that it can remove dead or infected flesh that you might struggle to clean otherwise.
Why do dogs lick their owner’s wounds?
It is a very instinctive action for dogs to lick wounds, either their own or that of other dogs.
Dogs are very much pack animals, looking after each other in terms of protection and health and will often lick the wounds of humans simply out of this instinct.
Dogs lick their own wounds to support healing
Dogs have very good self-healing abilities, and licking is part of this process.
When a dog licks their wound, they are not only cleaning it but also stimulating blood flow to the area which helps with the healing process.
Dogs will lick their own wounds to clean them
Licking also helps to remove any dead or infected flesh, preventing infection.
Not only will they do this to themselves but they will clean the wounds of other pack members and humans are often viewed, by dogs, as part of that pack.
Will dog saliva heal a wound?
The belief that dog saliva can heal a wound stems from ancient practice that lasted for thousands of years.
It began in ancient Egypt, continued through Greek times, and reached into modern culture.
People saw dogs licking wounds and then saw that the wounds recovered. They believed that allowing dogs to lick their wounds would aid recovery.
Dogs like to lick wounds but it could cause you more problems than it cures
More recently science has shown that dog saliva contains proteins which can support recovery and help wounds to heal quickly.
The act of licking can also remove debris and dirt that may slow down healing and which could cause infection.
Will dog saliva infect a wound?
A dog’s mouth is home to a variety of bacteria, some of which can cause infections in humans.
Some of these infections can become severe and have historically led to amputations due to secondary infections – as a result of dogs licking wounds.
So there is a risk that if your dog licks your wound, you could develop an infection.
How do you stop your dog from licking your wounds?
If you are concerned about your dog licking your wound and causing infection, there are a few things that you can do to stop them.
First of all, it’s important to keep the wound clean and covered with a sterile dressing.
Get your wounds treated properly and keep them covered to prevent your dog from licking them
This will help to prevent infection and will also make the wound less attractive to your dog.
Don’t let your dog show any interest in your wound and try to keep the dog away from it or vice versa or give your dog something more interesting to do, such as play with a stuffed Kong.
Final words
In conclusion, you should not let your dog lick your wound if it is fresh and open as there is a risk of infection.
If the wound is older and healing, then there is less risk but you should still keep it clean and covered.
There are some benefits to allowing a dog to lick your wounds, such as cleaning and stimulating blood flow, but ultimately it is up to you whether you want to take the risk.
