Canine Lowdown: You have questions about dogs. We went to experts to get the answers
We took some common questions and asked top dogs in the veterinary and behavior fields to share their knowledge and experience with you.
1. Are bones safe for dogs? Yes. . .if they’re made of nylon. Dogs love to chew, and dogs love to chew bones. But kids love candy, as well, and candy can be bad for their teeth. Sometimes you just have to be the bad guy. Natural bones — including cow, pork and chicken bones — can wreak havoc on a dog’s teeth and intestinal tract. Cooked or raw, I never recommend dogs chew on real bones. Nylon bones have the look of real bones and satisfy the urge to chew with minimal danger. Take them away when they’re small enough to swallow, which will vary from dog to dog. — Dr. Tony Johnson, DVM, DACVECC, emergency clinician at Noah’s Animal Hospital, Wheaton, Illinois
2. Do dogs get jealous? Jealousy is an emotion often described in the presence of a loving, affectionate relationship between two persons when a third person vies for the affection of one individual. Jealous emotions are felt in the person threatened by the presence of a rival. It motivates the jealous person to be defensive, get protective, compete with the rival and engage in behaviors to maintain the existing social relationship. Dogs, like humans, are social creatures capable of forming “loving,” enduring emotional attachments. Dogs compete with other dogs or people to be the center of attention, and may exhibit jealous behaviors. — Dr. Kenneth M. Martin, DACVB, Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, Veterinary Behavior Consultations, Austin, Texas
3. Why is my dog chewing his feet? When dogs lick or chew their feet, it is easy to applaud their efforts to maintain adequate hygiene. However, excessive licking usually indicates a medical problem. Most of the time grooming behaviors focused on the feet indicate an allergy or infection. Allergies to environmental pollens, molds and mites, as well as food allergies, can cause itchy feet. Licking and chewing creates excessive moisture of the feet, so bacteria and yeast living on the skin there overgrow and create a secondary infection, which exacerbates the itch. Both infections and allergies need to be addressed to control the itchy feet. — Amelia White, DVM, DACVD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
4. Do dogs smile? Yes, dogs do smile. They have both an open-mouthed, happy dog type smile, as well as what’s called a “submissive grin.” The open-mouthed smile — with mouth relaxed, teeth slightly showing, dog loosely panting — is typically seen when the dog is happy and relaxed, such as in play with another dog. Eyes are usually slightly squinty. A submissive grin is an appeasement gesture that’s usually seen on greeting or approach. Eyes are super-squinty and nearly shut, and lips are pulled tight back, showing the front of their teeth while the rest of the body often looks soft and “slinky,” with the dog holding body and head slightly lower and to the side compared to their usual stance. Accompanying ear position is commonly held closer or flatter to the head and lower toward the neck. Tail position is likely slightly lower than usual and may have a quick but loose wag. — Mikkel Becker, certified trainer and co-author of “From Fearful to Fear Free,” whose pug mixes (Indiana Bones and Otis) help her champion reward-based training
5. How can I help my dog enjoy a bath? Make it fun! Use a treat trail (a line of treats 2 to 3 inches apart) to get your dog into the shower or bathtub. Start slow, asking him just to enter the bathroom. Over time, you can work on getting him into the tub. Smear peanut butter or another low-fat, sticky food on the sides of the tub so that he can be rewarded for being there. — Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, Florida Veterinary Behavior Service, West Palm Beach, Florida
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Pet Connection: Common dog questions are given answers from experts
