Why Do Dogs Howl?
Sirens, music, being left alone — dogs howl for reasons that go back thousands of years. Here’s what your dog is actually saying.
Why Does My Dog Sleep So Much?
Dogs sleep 12–14 hours a day — and puppies and seniors sleep even more. Here’s what’s normal, and the changes that mean you should call your vet.
How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?
“How much exercise does my dog need?” is one of the most common questions dog owners ask, and the honest answer is that there’s no single number. A twelve-year-old bulldog and a two-year-old border collie are both dogs in roughly the way a deckchair and a racing bike are both things you sit on. What … Read more
Why Do Dogs Bury Things?
A brand new toy, a perfectly good chew, sometimes an entire dinner — and instead of enjoying it, your dog carries it off and buries it. In the garden if they have one. Under a cushion, behind the sofa, or in a laundry basket if they don’t. It looks like nonsense. It isn’t. Burying is … Read more
Why Does My Dog Lick Me?
You sit down, and within seconds there’s a warm, wet tongue on your hand, your arm, or — if you’re unlucky — your face. Licking is one of the most common things dogs do to the people they live with, and it almost always means something. The tricky part is that it doesn’t always mean … Read more
Senior Dog Care: 8 Things Every Owner Should Know
Depending on size and breed, dogs are generally considered “senior” around age 7 to 10. Here’s how to make those years golden. 1. Double the vet visits Twice-yearly checkups become important for seniors. Dogs hide pain and illness well, and many age-related conditions — kidney issues, thyroid problems, arthritis — are far more manageable when … Read more
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Bored (and What to Do About It)
A surprising amount of “bad dog behavior” is really just a smart animal with nothing to do. Common signs of a bored dog Destructive chewing. Shoes, cushions, table legs — if it happens mostly when your dog is understimulated, boredom is a prime suspect. Digging. Especially in the same few spots in the yard. Attention-seeking. … Read more
How Long Can You Leave a Dog Home Alone?
Work, errands, life — every dog spends some time alone. The question is how much is fair. General guidelines by age Puppies (under 6 months): 2 hours or so at most. Young puppies can’t hold their bladder long — a common rule of thumb is one hour per month of age — and they need … Read more
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Almost every dog owner has watched their dog graze like a tiny cow and wondered: should I be worried? The short answer: usually not Grass-eating is extremely common. Studies of dog owners have found that the majority of dogs eat grass at least occasionally, and the vast majority show no signs of illness before doing … Read more
Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?
You look up from your phone, and there they are: two eyes fixed on you. Staring. Again. What does it mean? They want something (obviously) The most common reason is simple communication. Dinner time is near. The leash is by the door. You have a sandwich. Dogs quickly learn that staring at their human often … Read more