Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Even if dogs are often considered carnivores, they really need the fiber from grass and other plant sources in order to promote a healthy digestive system. Eating grass can actually help get rid of an irritant in the dog’s upper digestive tract, such as in the esophagus or stomach. The fiber also helps improve the process of digestion, eliminate intestinal worms, and correct some nutritional imbalance.

“Grazing” in dogs is an instinct to self-medicate, a trait that domestic dogs have inherited from their ancestors that lived and survived the harsh conditions of the wild. For some dogs, eating grass is associated with pica, a behavior characterized by eating non-food items. Dogs that suffer specific nutritional imbalances may also turn to eating grass in an effort to meet their needs and correct the deficiency. 

Your vet Norfolk, VA is a valuable source of information about your pet’s health and/or behavior.

Dog Flu

Dog flu is caused by a virus. Although the symptoms that are manifested are quite similar to flu in humans, the strain of the virus differs between species. Dogs suffering from flu suffer from a runny nose, fever, and may be coughing or sneezing. They may also appear lethargic. However, there are also ill dogs that don’t show any symptoms (asymptomatic). While many dogs recover from flu, fatalities are often caused by complications such as severe respiratory infections and pneumonia. Young puppies and geriatric dogs have higher risks of developing complications; puppies, because their immune system is still developing, and senior dogs because of their deteriorating immune system function due to aging. Brachycephalic dogs (short-nosed breeds) tend to have a hard time with the flu because of the anatomy of their upper respiratory tract.

Talk with your veterinarian Norfolk, VA about the best way to protect your pet against canine influenza.

Urine Crystals In Dogs

There are many possible reasons for the formation of urine crystals in dogs. These include the following: 

• A diet that contains high quantities of grains 
• Low quality pet food with lots of fillers 
• Dog food that is highly-processed 
• Urine pH imbalance 
• Crystallogenic substances (crystal-forming substances) low urine solubility 
• Abnormal mineral concentration associated with changes in the concentration of urine 
• Certain types of medications or diagnostic agents that are eliminated through the urine 

The time of urine collection can also affect the concentration of urine crystals. Urine samples that are obtained after a meal often have higher concentrations. This is one important reason why your veterinarian may recommend fasting in dogs that need their urine examined. Urinalysis can detect the presence of urine crystals. If crystals are present, these are analyzed so the pH and the mineral content can be determined.  

If your pet has been found to have urine crystals, ask your veterinarian Norfolk, VA about treatment options that are available including the pros and cons of each.

Dogs and Mites

Mites are not a good thing for dogs. They are a pest and a nuisance. If you notice your dog is constantly scratching at his ears, shaking his head, or is even shedding more than usual then he could have some type of mite or skin parasite. The best thing to do is notify your vet and take your dog in for a quick exam. Mites in dogs usually come in different types. The most common is the Cheyletiella mite. This mite is highly contagious. It is a parasite that feeds on the layers of a dog’s skin. If your dog has mites you should check your other pets for mites as well as yourself and other family members. Mites can actually live off of the host and they can be transmitted to people. Mite infestations can be similar to flea infestations. Your vet may recommend flea removal treatments to treat your home for a mite infestation. Learn more here or call your veterinary clinic Lewisville, TX for help.

How Long Will My Dog Be Pregnant?

Are you raising a pregnant canine? If so, you probably have a few question such as how long will your dog be pregnant, what to expect at time of delivery, and how to care for your pup when she gives birth, etc. Talk with your vet to find out all of the things you need to know and do for the approaching birth of puppies. For instance, you should learn that a dog’s gestation period or pregnancy can last between 58 to 67 days with the average being around 63 days so start making preparations for the arrival of the new litter! But, don’t be surprised if the pregnancy days are a little off. Come to find out, a dog’s gestation period depends on the size and breed and the number of pups. A dog carrying a small litter may be pregnant longer. Small breeds often carry their pups longer than large breeds. Learn more from your best vetsLewisville, TX.

Is it OK to Leave a Dog in the Car As Long As The Windows Are Cracked?

Leaving your dog in a car by himself has nothing to do with whether or not you leave the windows down or not. If it’s too hot for you to sit in the car with no A/C but just a simple window cracked then it’s too dog for your dog. If it’s too hot to even sit in the car then it’s too hot for your dog. The same is true for the cold. If it’s too cold for you to sit in the car with the heat on or windows up then it’s too cold for your dog. It is never OK to leave your dog in a car unattended with the windows up or down. If you need to make a stop and your dog can’t get out with you then consider planning ahead and leaving your dog at home or making the extra stop at home to drop him off and then go back out. You can get more advice from your best veterinarian Lewisville, TX.

Is Yawning Contagious In Dogs?

Many studies have been focused on determining if yawning between humans and dogs are contagious. Results showed that yawning was indeed contagious between humans and dogs, even with those they are unfamiliar with. In these situations, yawning was interpreted by animal behaviorists as a form of empathy or social connection with their humans. There were no indications of stress, anxiety, or even confusion. There are also studies that show stress yawns being contagious among dogs. One indicator of stress in dogs is a rise in the levels of cortisol in the saliva. Dogs that were found to have higher salivary cortisol levels yawned more often than dogs with normal levels of cortisol. Suffice to say, a dog’s yawn doesn’t always signify boredom or exhaustion.

If you notice sudden changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior, do make an appointment with an animal hospital Matthews, NC sooner rather than later.