Human's best friend
Dogs and humans have been living together for about 15,000 years, so you might think we know each other well – but there’s a lot you might not know about your little love!
My dog pup has been sleeping more hours than the usual. Is it normal for a dog pup to sleep 18-20 hours a day?
The average dog sleeps 12 to 14 hours per a 24-hour cycle. Puppies who expend a lot of energy tend to sleep for 18 to 20 hours. Older dogs also tend to sleep a lot. Breeds like St Bernard and Newfoundland naturally tend to sleep a lot. Dogs are regular but flexible sleepers. They can pop into action when required.
The thing that might be a worry could be a sudden change in the sleeping pattern. These changes could be caused by a low-quality diet, aging or poor health.
I have a dog with long toe nails. Does long toe nails lead to foot disorders in dogs?
Long toe nails can be problematic for dogs because:
Painful feet: When the long nails touch the hard ground then it either puts pressure on toe joints or forces the toe to twist to the side.
Long toe nails can lead to a change in a dog's posture.
Long nails can chip and break and that can be very dangerous for a dog.
My dog is constantly salivating. Is it true that dogs sweat by salivating? Or is it just a myth?
Too much drooling or hypersalivation can be a sign of an illness. It could indicate a mouth disease, heat stroke or motion sickness. Heat release occurs in a different way in dogs. The primary method that dogs use for cooling off is panting. This allows moisture on the tongue to evaporate which helps the dog to manage a significant cooling of its body temperature. Another method is vasodilation that involves dilation of blood vessels. They are capable of sweating a little through paw pads as well.
My dog is continuously spinning in circles? What does it indicate?
l Nap time circles: Some dogs spin when they are going to bed. This is natural to them. It is a way for them to create a perfect sleeping spot in order to fit their bodies comfortably.
Happy Spinning: Some dogs display excitement by spinning in circles and prancing up and down.
Behavioral issues: If your dog is spinning continuously multiple times a day and starts avoiding food, this could be a hint towards an underlying issue. Some common issues could be anxiety, fear, and lack of attention. Consulting a vet is recommended.
Health Issue: Elderly dogs might indicate problems in cognition, hearing issues or neurological conditions through continuous spinning. Consulting a vet is suggested here as well.
(Views expressed and information provided are personal. Send your questions to manekaanimallove@gmail.com)
