How to Interpret Common Dog Behaviors

Posted on February 27, 2020February 27, 2020 by ops_k86h94v6

The way your dog acts and reacts to certain things can be a clear indicator of their mood. While you may not because to speak the native canine tongue, it is still very important to be able to interpret dog behavior. For example, why is your dog licking certain textures or circling the same spot in front of you? There could be reasons within a dog’s state of mind or even health concerns that may cause them to do certain things and by learning how to understand their behaviors, you will be able to help them better. So, let’s take a look at some common dog behaviors and understand what could be behind them.

Bad Breath

As it pertains to bad breath, dogs are not known for having the best smelling breath, however, if you notice a specific change, you might want to take a trip to your veterinarian as it could be linked to their oral health. A change in your dog’s breath could be a cause for concern as it pertains to their gastrointestinal tract, liver, or, kidneys as well. For example, if their breath smells like urine, they could be having a kidney problem. If they start exhibiting sweet-smelling breath, it could be a sign to vets that they have diabetes. This is particularly true if they are drinking more water and urinating more often. So, while this may not directly link to their mood, it is still something that you should pay attention to and let your veterinarian know if any sudden changes occur.

Circling

When a dog cannot stop walking in circles, it could mean they have health issues. While it is fun for them to chase their tail if they cannot stop the compulsion, there might be a deeper problem beneath the surface, for example, it could be linked to an ear infection. Other reasons include idiopathic vestibular syndrome which is common in older dogs as well as poisoning or even a brain tumor. However, only your vet will be able to determine the exact cause of your dog’s circling, so if things become a problem, bring them in for a check-up.

Biting

Puppies, in the beginning, may nip at you as they are learning to communicate with their pet parents and this will usually happen while playing. This is because young dogs tend to communicate with their mouths when they interact. However, if your pup begins nipping regularly, you should look to stop it early as it can develop into a problematic behavior down the line. Dogs usually bite out of anxiety, fear, or aggression. If you are struggling to determine the cause or teaching them not to do so, you might want to consider working with a trainer.

Panting

Dogs usually expel their body heat from their mouths. So, when your dog begins to pant, it’s likely that they are too warm and are regulating their body temperature. Be sure to pay attention to this behavior as it could also be linked to pain. The best way to help is to ensure that they are well hydrated before any physical activity, especially during the warmer months.

Regardless of the behavior your dog is exhibiting, if you feel that it could be linked to something related to their health, be sure to bring them into your veterinarian. At Cherrelyn Animal Hospital, we will be more than happy to take a look and give you the tips you need to keep your pup on the right track. Give us a call today at (303) 532-1258!

Cold Weather Safety Tips For Dogs

Posted on December 31, 2019December 31, 2019 by ops_k86h94v6

Throughout all the seasons, our dogs need love, support, protection, and care and, in the winter, when the weather is cold, they need extra help to stay warm. What is a normal activity in the warmer months, can be devastating to your pet during the winter. Some of the dangers associated with dogs during winter range from ingesting anti-freeze to hypothermia that can lead to sickness and even death. Here are a few tips that will keep your dog safe, warm and comfortable this winter.

Keep Your Pup Warm

The first most important step to keeping your dog safe in winter is, of course, keeping them warm. During winter, dogs are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Keep them warm by leaving them home rather than taking them out and leaving them in a car. Your car acts as a refrigerator during winter and you don’t want your dog exposed to this cold that could get them sick.

You’re still going to want to walk your dog during the winter but when it’s especially cold out, keep younger, older, and sick pets indoors. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for them too. Cute coats and dog boots are to help healthy, adult dogs stay warm in winter. You may want to invest in a cute dog coat or sweater to outfit your dog when you take them on a walk.

On your walks, make sure your dog wears something reflective. Because it gets darker earlier in winter, reflective gear will help your dog stay seen during your walk. This might include wearing a reflector in their clothing, a reflecting leash, or a reflecting collar. You want to make sure your pets can be seen while walking on the street, protected from passing cars. Avoid ice on your walks as well. Frozen lakes and ponds are dangerous because if the ice breaks, your pet could accidentally fall in.

Protect Your Dog From Dangerous Situations

More pets become lost during the winter because snowfalls can disguise recognizable scents that normally help them find their way home. Prevent your dogs from becoming lost by keeping them leashed on walks and just in case, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact information.

When you finish your walk, wipe your dog’s paws. Your dog’s paws can pick up all kinds of toxic chemicals like rock salt, antifreeze, and de-icers. Wipe off their paws when you return home to prevent them from licking their paws and becoming sick. Also, purchase pet-safe de-icers for your home. It goes without saying that your dog may or may not eat these de-icers so it’s best to have a pet-safe one.

Remember to check your dog’s paws for bleeding and cracks. This is a sign that they are damaging their paws while out walking and you’ll want to know why and if you need to take a break for a day or so until their paws heal. Avoid spills of antifreeze as antifreeze attracts dogs and cats because it is very sweet to taste. Antifreeze is extremely poisonous and if a dog ingests it, this can lead to serious illness and even death.

Blizzards can sometimes bring extreme cold that can cause power outages. Make sure to have an emergency plan that includes your pets. Have an emergency kit with enough food, water, and medication to last your pets at least five days. By thinking ahead, you are more likely to keep your pet safe. While wintertime can be fun with snowfall walks, we want you to keep these safety tips in mind to protect your beloved pet. Call Cherrelyn Animal Hospital at (303) 532-1258 with any of your pet health needs.

Why It’s Vital To Check Your Pet’s Vitals: Reasons To Check Pet Health

Posted on October 11, 2018November 14, 2018 by ops_k86h94v6

Did you know that just like people, it is important to take your pet for regular health visits? Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, a veterinarian will thoroughly check every area of your animal’s health and functioning to make sure everything is working properly. An animal may not even show symptoms of being ill, so you would have no way of knowing something’s not right without a professional’s help.

Blood Tests

One crucial element to your pet’s physical examination is blood testing. Blood tests give us insights into your pet’s health, as well as a baseline for future testing. As your pet ages, health issues may start affecting your pet, issues that may only be detected through noticing changes within your pet’s blood work.

Vaccinations

Just like people, animals benefit from getting vaccinated against diseases. Rabies, hepatitis, and parvovirus are among the several diseases for which pets get vaccinated. The vaccines don’t only protect your pets–they protect you! A disease like rabies could be dangerous for you if your pet contracts it. Protect your animal and your whole family by getting your pet vaccinated.

Dental Check

During a checkup, we also check your pet’s dental health. Just like people, pets can get cavities and gum disease, which can affect their comfort, their oral health, and the health of their overall body. We also examine for signs of oral cancer.

Nutrition Counseling

It may not always be obvious which foods are appropriate for your pet. That’s why we check in with you about your pet’s diet and make suggestions based on your pet’s health, activity level, and size. Sometimes, a pet may need a prescription diet. We help you find the right diet for your pet so your animal can thrive and get all the nutrients it needs.

Comprehensive Visits

At each wellness visit at Cherrelyn Animal Hospital, we perform comprehensive examinations so your animal can remain as healthy as possible. When diseases are caught early, they are much more treatable, giving you more healthy, happy years with your pet. Don’t wait to schedule your next veterinary visit. Call us today so your pet can get the medical care it needs.