Dogs pant when they’re excited, scared, and even when they get too hot. It’s a normal physiological function for our pets, but too much panting can be a sign something’s wrong. To determine whether Fido’s heavy breathing is natural or if it’s a symptom of a larger health issue, pay close attention to what’s causing your pet to pant.   Unlike humans, who sweat when we heat up, dogs cannot release moisture through their skin. With their thick coats, our canine companions need a way to cool off, so they turn to panting. Breathing quickly circulates air throughout dogs’ bodies, resetting their thermostat to a lower temperature. This not only cools dogs down after a game of Frisbee in the park, but allows our canine companions to lower their body temperatures on hot summer days or in heated rooms. If your dog is seeking out shade and cool spots in the house, his panting is most likely a response to temperature.   Heaving breathing can also indicate your dog is excited or nervous. He may start panting suddenly during a thunderstorm, for example, and could exhibit other signs of stress such as whining, pacing, lip licking, trembling, or repetitive yawning. This type of panting is a short-term response to a stressful event and allows our pets to prepare to fight or take flight, if necessary. Longer-term, chronic fear can cause your dog both physical and emotional distress, however, and should be addressed with your veterinarian’s help.   The real cause for concern arises when a dog begins panting excessively for seemingly no reason. If your pet has taken a break after exercise and continues to pant heavily, he may be experiencing heat stroke. Especially common in older dogs, heats stroke can damage a pet’s organs and even cause death, so it’s crucial to move your dog to a cool spot and seek veterinary help immediately. Panting can also indicate poisoning or a severe allergic reaction that is hampering your dog’s ability to breath. If you suspect this is the cause of your dog’s heavy panting, call your veterinarian immediately. If you know what your dog ate, you can also call a Pet Poison Hotline to find out the level of risk your dog is facing after eating something he shouldn’t have. A sudden onslaught of unwarranted panting can signal more long-term medical issues, too, from obesity to heart and lung disease, anemia, Cushing’s disease and other disorders.   Remember, panting is a normal response for dogs that are hot or feeling stressed. Bring plenty of water along on walks and don’t worry unless your dog starts panting for seemingly no reason. If you cannot diagnose the cause, make an appointment with your veterinarian ASAP.

Many dog owners are puzzled when their canine companions tear at the ground with their hind feet after eliminating. Often, they assume the behavior is similar to a cat’s— that their pooch is attempting to “cover up” his mess. This couldn’t be farther from the truth, though. As the act of eliminating itself is one of your dog’s ways of marking his territory, so is the foot shuffle that follows. Foot scraping is a relic of dogs’ past, when their wild ancestors needed to mark off vast swaths of territory. Compared to humans’ 5 million scent glands, dogs have a whopping 125 to 300 million— meaning their sense of smell is magnitudes higher than our own. Dogs have glands in their feet that secrete pheromones—chemical signals that help animals communicate with each other— and a few backward scratches in the dirt releases those chemicals into the area and the noses of other hounds. This likely came in handy when our canines’ relatives needed to mark and protect territories too large to for them to patrol on a daily basis. Feces loses its scent once it dries out, after all, but the scent from dog’s feet lasts longer. This not only may have helped our canines’ ancestors protect valuable hunting grounds, but also guard fertile pack mates.   Dogs’ foot scratching almost always follows defecating or urinating, and this makes sense when we consider our pets’ behavior surrounding the ritual: Every owner has patiently waited as his dogs picks the perfect spot to perform his duty, after all. Eliminating is just one way your dog leaves his scent behind, and hind-leg scraping is Fido’s way of doubling down on his territorial cues. Because this is about marking his property, rather than asserting dominance, dogs of both genders and with a variety of temperaments are known to engage in foot scuffing.   Hind-leg scraping is a normal, non-destructive behavior, so there’s no need to try to change your dog’s habit. In fact, the only cause for concern should be if your pet normally scuffs his feet and suddenly stops. A shift in behavior can signal something is hampering your pet’s mobility and can lead to more serious problems down the road. If, however, your canine companion continues business as normal, your only concern should be waiting for him to stop his back-foot shuffle before picking up after him— lest you get dirt or something much worse kicked up in your face.

No one wants a dog that jumps on guests or begs during a dinner party, or that growls at other pets during his own meals. Teaching our canine companions mealtime manners is important, then, both during our meals and their own.   Dogs are scavengers by nature, so vying for food comes easily to them. Having a pet that begs, whines or whimpers while you’re eating is exasperating, however, and can be embarrassing when you have guests over for dinner. Fortunately, teaching Fido to respect your space during mealtime is simple with some consistent training. Start by having him go to his sleeping area or a favourite spot, and then give your dog a command such as “go to your spot” with a treat. Soon, he’ll start associating the command with that space and a tasty reward. Once you’ve mastered this step, you can add the “stay” command, starting from just a few feet away from his spot and slowly working your way backwards. Over time, you will be able to give the command and leave the room entirely, freeing you to enjoy your meal without a barrage of begging. If your dog does approach the table after you’ve told him to “stay,” lead him back to his spot as many times as necessary to get him to stay put. After dinner, be sure to reward your pet for staying in place with plenty of praise and a treat.   Mealtime manners aren’t limited to your own spreads, however, and should also be part of your dog’s own dining routine. Growling at another dog, or you, is unacceptable and you need to teach your pet to respect those around him during dinner. The solution is simple: If your dog misbehaves by growling, fighting or guarding his food, simply remove his dish. Rather than letting Fido go hungry, however, replace his bowl with your hand. Hand feeding doesn’t just strengthen your dog’s understanding that his food comes from you, but also reinforces the idea of mealtime as a positive experience. After a few rounds of hand feeding, trying giving your pet his food dish back. If he’s still acting out, take the dish away again and try hand feeding him for a longer period before giving the bowl back. If, however, your pet’s bad behaviour has vanished, you can reinforce mealtime as a positive experience by slipping him an extra treat in his food bowl.   Remember, establishing a routine is key to teaching your dog mealtime manners. Serve his food at the same time each day so he learns to distinguish his dinnertime from your own. Never give in to begging, as this will only reinforce bad behaviour. Do reward good behaviour, though, with plenty of treats and praise.

If you’ve ever come home to find furniture overturned, blankets chewed and claw marks on the door, chances are you’re dealing with a dog with separation anxiety. This condition doesn’t just cause problems for your pet, but can also lead to frustration and anger for you as his owner. Fortunately, a host of techniques can help alleviate your dog’s separation woes.   Dogs rely heavily on their packs for protection and hunting in the wild, so it should come as no surprise that our canine companions hate being left alone. Separation anxiety is a panic response in which a dog shows symptoms such as destructive behavior, house soiling and unremitting barking or crying when left alone. Not all bad behavior is related to isolation, however, and owners should carefully observe their dog’s symptoms before treating him for separation anxiety. Separation-related behaviors often center on escape efforts, such as clawing or gnawing on doorframes, windowsills and trim, for example. Elimination problems related to separation anxiety will only occur while you’re away from home. If Fido is having problems soiling the carpet while you are in the house, too, he is likely experiencing a housetraining issue rather than separation anxiety. Likewise, if his destructive habits take their toll throughout your home, and not just around escape routes, he may be acting out for another reason than separation anxiety.   If you’re sure your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, there are a number ways to help relieve his stress. Make sure he gets plenty of exercise before you leave the home to help burn off energy he would otherwise spend feeling anxious and engaging in destructive behavior. Before you leave, give your dog a Kong or rawhide bone to distract him. Try switching up pieces of your exit routine — pick up your keys and then sit down on the couch to watch television, for example— and keep comings and goings as calm as possible so your dog doesn’t see them as a major event. You can also leave a piece of recently worn clothing that smells like you or try using a Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) diffuser to calm Fido down. If you are often out for long stretches, consider enrolling your pet in a doggie daycare or finding a pet sitter to help minimize the time he spends home alone.   Crating your dog will not help in cases of separation anxiety, and may even result in injuries as he tries to escape. Likewise, getting a second pet may not help if your dog feels anxious when separated from you, specifically, rather than simply worrying about being left alone. If you try several solutions and are still struggling with an anxious pet, a behavioral specialist can help address your dog’s separation stress. Remember, punishment is never an effective treatment for separation-related behaviors and will only make matters worse.

Given half a chance, dogs will devour rancid sandwich meat, discarded chicken bones, hamburger wrappers, Popsicle sticks and most anything else they can get their paws on. While his palate seems peculiar to us, Fido’s odd eating habits evolved with his ancestors, who relied on scavenging when food was scarce.   Your dog’s wild relatives couldn’t always count on finding a meal, so they developed the ability to binge eat large portions and scavenge barely edible scraps. While your domesticated pet comes by his eating habits honestly, then, scarfing down mystery morsels can wreak serious havoc on a modern dog’s health. Some dogs simply throw up after eating rotten food, but others suffer serious upset stomachs for hours or even days afterward. Chicken bones are a prized find for your pet, but can splinter and cause serious damage to dogs’ digestive tracts. Other non-digestible items can cause intestinal blockage or even poison your pet.   Because dogs are naturally inclined to eat whatever they find on the ground, it’s important to keep their attention away from the street while walking. To keep your pet’s interest on you instead of the sidewalk, carry a bag of treats with you during walks. Start by saying your dog’s name and rewarding him with a treat each time he looks up at you. Soon, he’ll be looking at you frequently for food, drawing his attention off the ground. If Fido does pick up something up from the street, never tear it from his mouth— from his perspective, you are simply stealing the food for yourself. Instead, offer your pet a treat, which should cause him to drop the mystery morsel.   You can go one step further and teach your dog to “leave it” by giving the command and then offering him a treat inside a closed fist. Your dog will likely beg and paw at the treat, but only reward him with the food and an affirmative “yes” once he has given up and backed away.  This will teach your pet that he gets a reward for avoiding offending foods when given the “leave it” command. Once he has mastered this step, have your dog look at you to earn the treat, too. Do this by giving the “leave it” command, and then wait until your dog is both still and looking at you before rewarding him with the treat and “yes” affirmation. With some time and patience, you’ll be able to curb your companion’s consumption with this trick, helping him avoid nasty “treats” he finds on the sidewalk.

It’s common knowledge that a wagging tail is a sign of a happy, friendly dog, but many pet owners don’t know that this everyday behaviour can also signal fear, insecurity or even aggression in our canine companions. Watching a dog’s body language, then, is crucial to understanding whether a wag is an invitation to play or a sign to stay away.   Dogs originally evolved their tails for balance. The appendage not only helped our canines’ ancestors navigate sharp turns at high speeds, but also helped them walk across narrow structures, climb and jump. Over time, however, this practical appendage evolved into a means of communication. Like any language, tail wagging has its own vocabulary that helps other dogs understand the intent behind the motion, and owners can better understand their pets by reading these signs.   To decipher what a wag means, note the position of your dog’s tail as well as its specific movements. Generally, a tail held high or straight up is a sign of being alert or even aggressive; a mid-set tail signals a calm or neutral pet; and a lower wag indicates your dog is feeling worried or anxious. Watching the motions accompanied by these positions is important, too, in understanding exactly what your dog is trying to say. A slight, rapid wag is often reserved for friendly greetings, while a wide, sweeping wag is your dog’s way of showing he is pleased and does not pose a threaten or challenge to you. A slower, lower wag often indicates Fido is feeling insecure, while tiny, rapid tail movements in a high position can mean your dog is issuing an active threat.   Other tail actions can communicate other emotions, too. When a dog holds his tail horizontal to the ground, he is often curious about his surroundings. When he tucks it between his legs, he is either displaying submission or showing he is scared. Dogs also wag their tails to help spread their unique scents from glands located under the appendage, so more dominant dogs tend to carry their tails higher to release more scent.   Like any means of communication, tail wagging is a social behavior and is largely learned from other dogs. Puppies don’t start wagging their tails until they’re old enough to communicate with their littermates and mothers, and you’d be hard-pressed to catch a dog wagging his tail when no other creatures are around. Dogs don’t limit their tail talk to other dogs, however, and will use it to communicate with humans and even other pets. Knowing the difference between a cheerful wag and fearful flag, then, is key to understanding what your dog is trying to say. When in doubt, watch for other body signals such as stiffened muscles or ears pinned back to know when your pet is telling you to walk away.

Whether it’s on the couch or in their own beds, dogs often turn a dizzying array of circles before finally settling down to sleep. While this seems an unnecessary ritual to their human counterparts, our canine companions are simply following a set of behaviors that their ancestors used to create a safe, comfortable spot to sleep.   Experts agree that Fido’s pre-sleep rituals most likely stem from his wild ancestors. Before they were domesticated, dogs had to sleep outdoors on various surfaces and in varied conditions. Walking circles in a spot helped them stamp down tall grass, creating a softer, more level surface for sleeping. Circling also helped dogs expose stones or twigs before settling down on top of them, and likely served as a means for scoping the area out for snakes and other hidden dangers. If turning circles before bed is functional, though, it also served a social role for wild dogs. As pack animals, our canines’ ancestors generally traveled together and bedded down beside each other, too. This helped protect the pack from harm and stay warm on cold nights. Some even theorize that the flattened sleeping areas acted as visible signs to other dogs that the territory had already been claimed.   In addition to circling, many dogs also “dig” at their bedding before curling up. Another relic of wild dogs’ behavior, this helped canines stay comfortable in a variety of climates. In hot weather, sleeping in a hole helped them control their body temperatures with the cool soil, for example. In cold weather, a hole provided a means of retaining body heat. A dugout den also provided a more concealed, secure place to lie down, and digging helped make the ground into a more comfortable spot to sleep.   While “nesting” is a normal canine behavior, repeatedly circling without seeming to settle down can be a sign that your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort. Arthritis can cause this, as can certain neurological problems, so if you notice your pet cannot seem to sit still, take him to the vet to rule out any pain and figure out what is causing his restless behavior. Similarly, digging at his dog bed is perfectly normal for Fido, but if his scratching carries over to your prizes rugs, you may need to provide alternative surfaces for sleeping. Try placing a blanket over your dog’s favorite spots; teaching him to use his dog bed only for sleep; or keeping your dog in rooms where he cannot damage the floor. Because pregnant dogs are especially prone to creating a maternal nest, provide them with clean rags, newspapers or other soft materials in an appropriate spot early in their pregnancy to encourage them to do their digging where it won’t cause damage.

Dogs can develop an upset stomach for many reasons, but by far the most common cause is that Fido ate something he shouldn’t have. Like toddlers, our canine companions explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and an upset tummy, vomiting, and diarrhea are all normal signs that your dog’s body is trying to expel whatever offensive thing he ate. While some substances are dangerous and warrant an immediate trip to the vet’s, you can often treat your canine’s digestive trouble with a few simple steps at home.   Dogs tend to eat grass and other plants when their stomachs are hurting, so if your pet has suddenly taken to grazing, it’s a sign he’s having tummy troubles. Gulping air, licking lips, or licking the air or other objects can also signal that your pet is battling an upset stomach, as can salivation, loss of appetite, passing gas, and gurgling noises coming from his belly. While we hate to see our canine companions suffering, the best way to help if your dog is having these symptoms is to simply do nothing: Back off on Fido’s feeding schedule for 12 to 24 hours while his body expels whatever he ate. Keep your dog hydrated, but limit his water intake, too, as even too much liquid can exacerbate an upset stomach. If your pet is still queasy after fasting for one day, experts recommend feeding him a bland mix of two parts cooked white rice to one part white meat chicken. Try giving your dog just one tablespoon at first to see if his stomach can handle food, and then give him several small meals per day, for up to several days.   Of course, eating something rancid isn’t the thing that can cause your dog’s digestion to go haywire. An inflamed pancreas, bloated stomach, severe allergies, leaky gut syndrome, parasites, and other serious medical conditions can also leave Fido feeling nauseous. If your pet’s symptoms don’t disappear within a day or two — or if you see blood in his vomit or stools or he is vomiting continuously, has spiked a fever, or is acting lethargic— take him to the veterinarian right away. Likewise, if you discover that your pet ate a toy, chemical or something else that is potentially poisonous or could cause intestinal blockages, take him to the vet’s immediately. Afterhours, you can call a Pet Poison Helpline to find out the level of risk your dog is facing after eating something he shouldn’t have.   Remember, an occasional upset stomach is normal for dogs, but frequent problems might mean something is wrong with your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. If your canine companion experiences frequent upset stomachs, seeks your veterinarian’s advice about changing your dog’s diet and other options.

Dogs are pack animals by nature and follow a sophisticated set of rules regarding pack order. Establishing yourself as your dog’s leader, then, is important from Day One. Not only will this create structure and purpose in your dog’s life, but it also ensures you have a healthy, balanced relationship with your canine companion.   One of the best ways to assert yourself as pack later—or “alpha”—is through body language and tone of voice. Dogs respond well to calm, confident commands, so remember to stand tall and stay assertive around your pet. Dogs tend to see nervous behavior as a sign that all is not well within the pack, and may try to take charge if they perceive that the order is failing. Another key to establishing dominance is to set firm rules and boundaries. Train your dog to wait at the door and enter after you’ve given him permission, for example. Have him sit or do another trick before he receives a treat or toy, and don’t let him walk ahead of you and pull on the lead during walks. Mealtime is a great opportunity to establish pack order because, in the wild, pack leaders eat first. Practice a similar setup with your dog by eating your own breakfast before he has his, and do not allow your dog to approach the table during mealtime. Make sure your pet is calm and obedient before receiving his food.   Pack leaders generally do not approach their fellow dogs, but rather, let members of the pack come to them. In the same way, do not force your affection on your dog, but allow him to approach you when he wants attention. This will reinforce your role as alpha while still giving your companion the attention he loves and deserves. You can also shower your pet with belly rubs, since your dog’s stomach is a vulnerable spot and making it available to you shows submission. Spend quality time grooming and petting your dog, slowly working your way up to petting touchy areas. Remember, leaders are always kind, never hit, and react with praise or corrections immediately and in a straightforward way that their dogs understand.   If your dog is aggressive or dominant, remember to start asserting your alpha position slowly. A sudden display of dominance could trigger a challenge and potentially lead to aggressive behavior. Creating a plan and sticking to it over time will not only give your dog structure and control, but will also create a stronger pet-owner bond, demonstrating your affection for your dog in a way he understands best.

People tend fall into two camps when it comes to dog kisses: Some come home, swoop down and let Fido lavish them with slobbery smooches, while others are repulsed by the very idea of pet saliva. Similarly, research is ambivalent when it comes to the health hazards of your dog’s kisses. While numerous parasites and bacteria might lurk in your pet’s saliva, some studies suggest his smooches could also boost your immune system and even ward off allergies and asthma.   One thing to keep in mind when deciding how far to let your canine’s kisses go is that, contrary the old wives’ tale, your dog’s mouth is not cleaner than your own. This makes perfect sense when you consider some of the things your dog sticks in his nose in. Your pet could be breeding more than bacteria in his mouth, too: Parasites such as hookworms and roundworms can also pass from dog to human through licking. People with weakened immune systems, young children and the elderly should especially consider staying away from their pet’s kisses, as their bodies are less able to fight off infections. That being said, some studies posit that pet saliva also increases the amount of good bacteria we’re exposed to, potentially boosting humans’ immunes systems. Others cite the wound-healing properties of dog salvia, which may inhibit bacterial growth and shorten the time it takes wounds to heal.   While licking can be a sign of submission and respect, excessive kisses from your canine can indicate something’s wrong. One common cause for excessive licking is anxiety or stress, caused by moving house or introducing someone new to the household, for example. Illnesses or other health problems can also cause a change in behavior, so pay close attention if your dog has suddenly started licking and call your veterinarian for advice. If, on the other hand, your dog’s excessive licking is a behavior that’s built over time, you can try simple techniques to curb his kissing, such as replacing your face with his favorite peanut butter-filled Kong. You can also try basic obedience training to demonstrate to your pet that you are not pleased with his behavior. Remember, puppies offer up face and lip licking as an appeasement gesture to their elders, so comes naturally to dogs. That means it’s important to curb the habit of excessive licking early on, before it becomes a problem. If you do choose to let your dog lavish you with kisses, be sure to regularly deworm him and treat any parasites that show up in his annual veterinary exam.