While dogs are capable of forming a range of barks, grunts and whimpers, their primary means of communication is body language. As with people, eye contact is one of the foremost forms of body language used by our canine companions. However, locking eyes means something very different in the canine world and people need to be aware that their friendly gaze may be considered a challenge or threat before meeting the eyes of an unfamiliar dog.   Humans view eye contact as a polite way to connect and show interest. Dogs, however, see the same action as a sign of dominance. Dogs rarely make prolonged eye contact with other dogs and a straight gaze is generally deemed threatening behavior. In most cases, one dog will break eye contact with another to avoid a potential fight. In the same way, a dog you’ve locked in a stare may show submissive behavior, such as looking away or rolling over onto his back. Some dogs, however, react aggressively to the perceived challenge, backing up and barking or even biting in response. Rather than unwittingly threaten a dog you’ve just met, then, greet him in a way that is comfortable for both parties. Approach the dog with your body slightly angled, so your shoulders aren’t squared towards him, and avert your eyes from a direct gaze. This non-threatening body language combined with a soft voice will let the dog know you are not a threat and should deflect any aggressive reactions from your new canine friend.   There are, of course, some settings in which eye contact doesn’t disturb dogs. Dogs will locks eyes with each other to initiate playful games such as chasing, for example. However, you’ll most often catch canines politely avoiding any prolonged stares, with one dog turning his head away from the other in an appeasing gesture. In the same way, your dog may defer dominance to you by avoiding your stare, but you can teach him that eye contact with people is positive and can lead to rewards, such as attention or treats. Ideally, eye contact training begins when your dog is a puppy, although adult dogs can learn to make non-threatening eye contact with humans, too. One easy way to teach your dog to meet your gaze is by simply putting him on a leash and either waiting for him to make eye contact on his own or prompting him with a treat a few inches from your face. Once he locks eyes with you, reward him with a cue, either verbal or with a clicker, and a treat. Over time, you can practice the same routine in different settings and with new people, teaching your pet to lock eyes with a range of people. If your dog displays aggression in response to eye contact, however, ask your veterinarian to refer you to a professional trainer for help.

Every cat owner has come home to find his favorite feline sleeping in shoeboxes, dresser drawers, or behind the sofa. It’s common knowledge that cats love to sleep in strange spaces, but few know why their pet prefers staking out the flowerpot to naps on the couch. Cats are always on high alert — even while sleeping — making these odd places prime spots for a snooze.   Part of why cats prefer sleeping in small spaces is that they are less likely to be pestered there. In the wild, these spots provide a safe retreat f away from predators. So, by nestling between neatly folded sweaters or inside a paper bag, kitty is ensuring he has the safest spot to sleep. Cats also love napping in slightly-too-small shoeboxes because these tiny spaces help keep them warm. Any owner who’s seen his cat sleeping in sunny spots or burrowing under blankets knows that cats enjoy the heat, and cardboard boxes provide an extra bit of insulation during an afternoon nap. Similarly, you may find your cat napping in the bathtub or sink when he needs to cool down. There may be other reasons your feline friend sleeps in peculiar places, though. Cats are curious by nature and this inquisitiveness can drive your pet to explore new nooks and crannies, such as opened dresser drawers. Pregnant females may look for a spot to nest and end up in strange areas, such as behind the sofa, when a litter is born. Cats searching for some fun may choose unconventional hiding spots, such as under a piece of furniture, as a prime spot to attack unsuspecting feet as they pass.   Though hiding is generally considered normal behavior, there are some cases when it can be a cause for concern. Hiding may be a sign of stress or illness, for example, and some cats become more antisocial as they age, which can be a sign of dementia or brain tumors. However, if you’ve ruled out any sickness or recent upset to your cat’s routine, then lurking in odd spots is likely just part of his nature. Remember, cats are creatures of habit, so your primary concern should be whether your cat has undergone any major behavioral changes. Most cats that hide do so habitually, and will often return to the same spots. So, if kitty has always been keen to sit under the couch instead of on the cushions, this is likely just part of his shy personality and nothing to worry about.

Every dog owner’s seen his pet rush to the door only to chow down on the nearest patch of grass. While common knowledge holds that this is a quick fix for Fido to make himself sick, vets have largely debunked this myth. Dogs lack the enzymes needed to digest grass, too, meaning there is little nutritional value in their grazing. So the question remains: Why do dogs engage in this seemingly senseless behavior?   Unlike their feline counterparts, dogs are not full-fledged carnivores. For thousands of years, canines operated as opportunist omnivores, scavenging most anything that met their dietary needs. Modern dogs, however, no longer eat like their predecessors. While wild dogs often ate their prey in its entirety, including the stomach contents of plant-eating animals, our pets consume a very different diet. This may explain why some seek out grass as an alternative food source. Some theorize that grass helps improve digestion, especially in cases where Fido is lacking in fiber.   While eating plant matter may come naturally to dogs, this doesn’t explain why your canine companion sometimes throws up after eating grass. Some theorize that dogs intentionally graze on grass to make themselves sick when they’re not feeling well— to ease nausea or bloating, to clear a blocked digestive tract, or as a reaction to parasites or bacteria, for example. Evidence suggests the vast majority of foraging canines aren’t ill when they start eating grass, however, and veterinarians have found that less than a quarter of dogs that eat grass regularly throw up afterwards.   While some dogs seek out grass and other vegetables matter due to nutritional deficiencies or an upset stomach, vets believe many cases of “pica” — eating things that aren’t food, including grass — are simply a sign of boredom. If you suspect your dog’s pica is due to under-stimulation, ensure he’s getting enough exercise by engaging him in fun activities such as playing interactive games together or buying him a chew toy. If, on the other hand, you suspect your dog’s grazing is due to a nutritional deficiency, try switching to a higher quality dog food with more fiber. Some dogs, however, may continue eating grass simply because they like eat. Though experts agree that grazing isn’t harmful in and of itself, pesticides used on lawns can be toxic when ingested by your canine companion. And while some afternoon snacking on grass is normal, you should take your dog to the vet if he seems distressed or eats grass often in order to vomit, as these may be signs of underlying veterinary conditions.

Everyone knows cats purr when they’re happy, but only the experienced feline aficionado knows cats also purr when feeling frightened, threatened, hungry or injured. A trip to the vet or hurt companion can cause kitty to purr as much as relaxing with his cherish person or grooming a fellow feline, then, making it important to pay attention to context to determine why your cat is purring.   Purring begins in your cat’s brain where rhythmic, repetitive nervous system activity sends a message to the muscles in his larynx. This causes the larynx, or voice box, to twitch anywhere from 25 to 150 vibrations per second. When your cat inhales and exhales, this prompts his vocal cords to separate, producing the comforting sound and vibration we know as purring.  While vets are not entirely sure why cats purr, they generally agree it is a soothing exercise for felines. Some compare the behavior to our own smiles: People smile when they’re happy, but also when they feel nervous or want something. In the same way, then, a cat’s purr can be an anxious behavior or attempt at grabbing our attention as much as it can be a sign that all is well. If your cat is relaxed, with his eyes closed and tail still, he’s likely giving you a big grin. But if he purrs around mealtime, for example, the purr is more likely a grab for attention than a sign of satisfaction.   The function of your cat’s contented vibrations could go even deeper, though, according to some scientists who have studied the behavior. The frequency of purring falls within the range that helps promote tissue regeneration, leading some to believe that the behavior could very well have healing properties. They theorize these vibrations are beneficial for bone growth, pain relief and wound healing, and possibly even for repairing muscles and reducing swelling, which may explain why cats have been found purring next to an injured companion. This is good news for pet owners, who can also benefit from the healing vibrations. Studies have found cats to be the best pets for relieving stress and lowering blood pressure — and purring might just play a role in that.   It’s worth noting that not all cats in the animal kingdom can purr. While domestic cats can create the soothing vibrations, their cousins who roar cannot purr because the structures surrounding roaring cats’ larynxes aren’t firm enough. While roaring species make these loud noises to protect their prides and territory, smaller cats are more likely to hunt alone, spending long periods resting in between chases. They mark their territories with scent glands, and reserve purring for time spent lying around, which may help stimulate bones so they don’t become weak during the rest.

We all love our dogs and, as we do with people, often show our affection by showering our precious pets with hugs. Few of us stop to observe our canine companions’ reactions to these displays of affection, but if we did, most would notice our dogs lip licking, yawning, pawing or displaying other nervous signs. The truth of the matter is, dogs don’t like to hug it out like people do, and your pet likely interprets a warm embrace as confusing, if not threatening, behavior.   The simple science behind why dogs don’t like hugs from their humans comes down to one thing: Dogs don’t hug each other. Dogs are pack animals by nature and when another dog places his paws on your dog’s neck or drapes his neck overtop your dog’s shoulder, this is considered a social threat. Your dog doesn’t recognize an embrace as affectionate behavior, then, but instead feels he is being pinned down. Dogs show their affection through other behaviors, such as licking, physical proximity and playing. So, while your canine companion may not return your warm embrace, he could be showing his adoration in a multitude of other ways.   Signs your dog is uncomfortable hugging it out include tensing up; putting his tail down or ears back; turning his head away; closing his eyes or opening them wide; raising a paw; or trying to move or duck away from the unwanted affection. Because hugs can be confusing for our canines, you dog might also display displacement behaviors, which include lip licking and yawning. If your pet shows any of these behaviors when being showered with affection, it is a clear sign he is uncomfortable and you should stop. Dogs may try to bite children who try to hug them, especially when the child is excited or screaming. And while some dogs may enjoy hugs from their trusted owners, an embrace from strangers can send shivers down their spines. The best way to know how your dog is feeling is to observe his behavior and reactions to an event.   Receiving hugs can be confusing for our canines. After all, why would their most trusted humans lock them in a threatening embrace? Instead, owners should shower their companions with affection in ways that translate well to both species. Like humans, dogs enjoy being near to those they love, so allow your pet to sit next to you on the couch or in your lap. Spend time engaged in activities you both enjoy, such as playing with a favorite toy, visiting the local park or gentle grooming. Shower your dog with touch, which will affirm your bond with him. If you receive a few slobbery kisses in return, you’ll know your dog feels the same way. P.S. THIS ARTICLE HAS NOT BEEN WRITTEN BY US. IT IS REPORTING SOME RECENT RESEARCH. WE HUG OUR DOGS EVERYDAY!!!:) - Petbucket Team!

Many cat owners have experienced the strife of introducing a new cat to the household or trying to curb problems such as spraying or scratching. Some swear by pheromone diffusers, such as Feliway, as catchall solutions for cats’ stress-related problems. Others claim the products are costly with little to no effect. When considering pheromone treatments to solve kitty’s conundrums, then, it is worth understanding a bit more about these products and how they work.   Pheromones are natural chemical signals that animals produce to communicate with other members of their species. Scientists believe they are important in coordinating social behavior and that pheromones convey different “messages” to individuals of the same species. Synthetic pheromones, such as Feliway, aim to mimic natural pheromones. Specifically, Feliway imitates the pheromones your cat leaves behind when he rubs his faces against you or your furniture. Known as feline facial pheromones, or FFPs, these chemicals mark his territory as safe and secure. Feliway’s goal is to mimic FFPs with feline facial pheromone analogues, of FFPAs. And while some cat owners have reported tremendous success with Feliway’s FFPAs, others doubt their effectiveness.   Feliway users report mixed results in which some cats, especially those under one year old, did not respond to the pheromone treatment, while others are noticeably more affectionate and relaxed. Success stories report that Feliway has helped eased fighting between cats and reduced the symptoms of stress, which include nervous or anxious cats; cats who have taken to spray-marking the home; and cats prone to hiding. It is also useful for pets undergoing stressful changes to their environments, such as new arrivals or home redecorating.   Feliway is available as both a plug-in diffuser and spray. To reap the full benefits of an FFPA diffuser, pet owners should use it in a mostly closed-off environment, generally their homes, and should note that larger or multi-story houses may require more than one diffuser. Once plugged in, Feliway takes anywhere from several hours to several weeks for results to show. Spray-on Feliway may be useful for cat owners looking to alleviate stress or behavior specific to one area, such as carriers used to take cats to the vet or cats’ favorite furniture for scratching. Frugal owners may shy away from the product, but the only way to know if kitty will calm down with the help of Feliway is to try the product.

As all pet owners know, when their pets are sleeping, they sleep hard. It might be a dog sleeping upside down on the couch or a cat stretched out at the most uncomfortable angle possible, just to ensure that its entire body is in the splash of sun on the floor. Waking up the pet isn’t easy when it’s in a warm spot, taking a nap.   But after watching your pet snooze much of the day, you may start wondering whether the animal is sleeping more than it should. Then if that same pet is spending much of the night prowling the house and keeping you awake, you may start to wonder if the pet is sleeping enough.   Finding the Right Amount of Sleep   It’s important that you understand whether your pet is receiving the right amount sleep. When a pet is not sleeping enough or is sleeping too much, it could indicate an animal that is suffering from some sort of illness or disorder. The amount of sleep that each pet needs will differ for numerous reasons.   ?Activity. A pet that doesn’t have much of an activity level may sleep more than average, in large part because it’s bored. To keep this pet healthy, you need to ensure the pet starts getting more exercise and sleeps less.   ?Age. An older pet will begin sleeping more than it did in its early adulthood, while a young animal will also sleep more than the average.   ?Instinct. If you have a pet that normally is a nocturnal type of animal, such as a cat, it may sleep more during the day, when you can see its activity level. But it may quietly be awake throughout the night, when you cannot see what it’s doing, meaning you may think it’s sleeping too much.   ?Job. Some pets are working animals, where they may volunteer at a hospital or work with humans as a police animal or a companion animal. The more the animal works, the more it will mimic the sleep patterns of the human with which it works.   ?Predator. Animals that are natural predators, such as dogs and cats, will tend to sleep more. Those that aren’t natural predators, such as horses or rabbits, will tend to sleep less. Figuring Out an Average   Because of the reasons listed above, discerning the amount of sleep each type of animal needs is a bit of a challenge. Additionally, an animal in captivity will sleep a bit differently than an animal in the wild, skewing the average.   ?Least sleep. Pets that need the least amount of sleep include horses at about 3-4 hours per day and cows at 4-5 hours per day. A fish doesn’t need much sleep either, but studying sleep patterns of fish is extremely difficult.   ?Similar sleep to humans. A human requires about 8 hours of sleep, which is similar to rabbits (8-9 hours) and primates (9-10 hours).   ?Most sleep. A dog will require 12-14 hours of sleep per day, while a cat may sleep 14-16 hours of sleep daily. Rodents and parrots also sleep about 12-14 hours per day. If you have a reptile or a turtle as a pet, you may notice it sleeps much of the day during the winter, which is a time when it would be hibernating in the wild.   While it’s important to keep an eye on the amount of sleep your pet is receiving, it might be even more important to pay attention to a change in the animal’s sleep pattern. If an animal has a sudden change in sleep habits that cannot be explained by an environmental change or by an instinct to hibernate in the winter, it could indicate a potential illness, so be aware of your dog’s health. For example, arthritis in dogs can be heavily disruptive to sleep patterns. An altered sleep schedule could be an early indicator of a problem such as this. Check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about any change in sleep patterns!

When it comes to the indoor-outdoor debate, many cat owners are wrought with guilt over keeping kitty cooped up inside. After all, outdoor cats live a more mentally and physically stimulating life with the freedom to hunt, climb and seek out the sun. However, free-roaming cats face dangers such as car accidents, predation and exposure to diseases that indoor pets do not. Moreover, indoor cats can live a healthy, fulfilling life when equipped with the right accouterments, making it important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether your cat will spend his time inside or out.   When it comes to disease, the indoor-versus-outdoor debate seems like a no-brainer. Experts estimate that there are more than 50 million stray cats living in the United States, and many of these feral felines carry diseases that can be passed on to your pet. Feline AIDS, distemper and leukemia are just a few of the serious and potentially fatal maladies your pet can contract. Parasites such as ticks and intestinal worms are another cause for concern when kitty ventures outside. Though indoor cats can contract parasites, outdoor cats are at a much higher risk of infection, which can cause symptoms from skin infections to severe vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, outdoor cats can face busy roads, wild animal attacks, and contact with toxins such as antifreeze and are the culprits behind millions of songbirds’ deaths each year.   If you do decide to let kitty venture outdoors, there are several steps you can take to reduce risks to his health and safety. Keep him up to date on vaccines and ensure your pet has been spayed or neutered. Outfit your cat with a collar that includes an identification tag in case her gets lost and a bell that will alert songbirds to any oncoming attacks. If you live near a busy road, it is worth considering teaching your cat to walk on a leash.   On the other hand, if you keep your cat indoors, there are several ways to ensure he has a healthy, satisfying life. Providing your feline friend with a companion — another cat, or even a dog in some cases — gives him an outlet for play, exercise, grooming and affection when you’re away from home. Cats also enjoy toys, such as laser toys or kitty “fishing poles,” that are both physically and mentally stimulating. Playing with these toys for a few minutes each day gives your cat an outlet for his natural hunting instincts. Indoor cats also need appropriate surfaces for scratching, so ensure your pet has several scratching posts spread around the house. You can create a stimulating indoor oasis for your cat by providing climbing places, hiding spaces, perches in sunny spots, and in-house entertainment such as bird feeders or birdbaths within view of windows.

If your dog spends any time outdoors or socializing with other animals, he has the potential to attract fleas and ticks. These biting pests are more than just major nuisances for your pet, however. They also raise serious concerns from flea infestations that spread quickly to an entire household to allergic reactions and diseases, such as Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. When looking for answers to their flea and tick problems, owners encounter a dizzying array of topical liquids, chewable pills, dips, sprays and more. One age-old option, the flea collar, has fallen slightly out of fashion, but these cheap and simple products might be worth revisiting for some pet owners.   Flea and tick collars serve two basic functions: Older collars were designed to repel pests by emitting a gas, while many newer designs actually treat existing infestations with a medication that seeps into a dog’s skin or spreads with the skin’s natural oils, similar to how most topical treatments work. Some collars serve only one purpose, while others both prevent and treat infestations, so it’s important to read the product description carefully before buying a collar. Traditional collars have evolved over time and still hold some advantages over spot-on treatments. Collars can last up to eight months, for example, while spot-ons are generally effective for 30 days. Flea collars tend to cost less than other flea and tick treatments— though buyers beware, the cheapest collars often sacrifice effectiveness for price.   The collar-versus-topical (or chewable) debate often comes down to specific circumstances. If your dogs swims several times a week in the summer or gets frequent baths, choosing a waterproof product is important to ensuring he is protected from fleas and ticks. You should remove his flea collar ahead of time to ensure the medication remains effective, while you cannot “remove” a topical liquid before it has had time to absorb. Some instances when flea and tick collars can prove especially useful include times when pest concerns are higher than normal. If you know your dog will be taking a romp through tall grass, for example, you can double up on tick protection by putting a medicated collar on during the walk and removing it afterward, even if your dog is already being treated with a topical medicine. Always consult your veterinarian before choosing a flea and tick treatment and monitor your pet for any irritation or other side effects when switching to a new product.

We all sneeze from time to time when dust, dander or other irritants tickle our nose and throats. It turns out dogs sneeze, too, for many of the same reasons. A more arresting reaction, however, is the reverse sneeze: the reflex by which dogs rapidly draw air into their bodies to remove irritants from the area behind their nostrils. Many owners mistake these loud, wheezing episodes for asthma attacks, causing panic and emergency trips to the vet. In reality, however, the startling sounds are a relatively normal part of life for some dogs, just like sneezing is for humans. Your canine companion may look distressed when the reverse sneeze strikes, but in truth, it is harmless behavior in most dogs and leaves no lasting ill effects.   Reverse sneezing typically occurs when something irritates a dog’s soft palate (the fleshy bit at the back of the roof of his mouth) or throat. Whereas air is forced out through the nose in a regular sneeze, air is pulled rapidly in through the nose during a reverse sneeze. This causes a dog to make a loud snorting or gasping sound as he extends his neck and gulps in air.  It is a disturbing display, but veterinarians agree that reverse sneezing is actually fairly common in dogs. Smalls dogs are more prone to it due to their smaller air passageways, as are breeds such as pugs and bulldogs with elongated soft palates. Episodes can last anywhere between a few seconds up to a few minutes and may appear in dogs at any stage of life.   Whether it’s allergies or mites, treating the underlying cause is the best way to prevent reverse sneezing. Some dogs simply have an attack when they’re excited, while other may reverse sneeze due to perfumes or household chemicals; exercise intolerance; pulling on a leash; or even eating and drinking. If an episode doesn’t end quickly, you can try helping your wheezing companion in several ways. Gently massage his throat to stop the spasm; cover his nostrils to make him swallow and clear the irritant from his throat; or press his tongue down to aid breathing. Different techniques work for different pets, so you will have to experiment gently to find out the best way to help your pooch.   Reverse sneezing doesn’t usually require treatment, but if it becomes a chronic problem, you should seek your veterinarian’s advice. As a general rule, if your dog is reverse sneezing more often than the average human sneezes, you should seek help. If allergies are the root of the problem, for example, your vet may prescribe antihistamines. He can also rule out other causes such as respiratory tract infections or foreign bodies that could be blocking your dog’s airway. Asthma, on the other hand, is vastly less common in dogs and is typically accompanied by a chronic cough. Though rare, dogs with asthma likely struggle more with exercising and fatigue and the condition is almost always caused by an allergic reaction to something in the environment.