10 Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs

June 29th, 2022

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world, and it's no wonder why.

They're loyal, they're loving, and they're always there for you when you need them.

But, whether you are looking to bring a dog into your home or are a proud dog parent, we know that you have many 'dog questions' to ask!

In this blog post, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked dog questions that owners ask.

These questions and answers will help you better understand and care for your furry pals.

Let's get started.

1. Why is My Dog’s Nose Dry?

Dogs have wet noses because they constantly lick their noses to keep them moist and clean.

It also has a lot to do with your dog's sense of smell. The incredible sense of smell they have is due to their nose being endowed with 100 million + sensory receptor sites that work well when the nose is wet.

Also, your dog doesn't have sweat glands unlike humans, and 'sweat' through their feet and nose instead.

But if you notice that your dog has a dry nose you might be wondering why.

There are a few reasons why this might be happening, but the most likely cause is that your dog is dehydrated.

When dogs are dehydrated, their bodies start to conserve water by producing less saliva. Some dogs also lick their noses less often.

Other causes of a dry nose in dogs can include allergies, auto-immune conditions, infections, and even certain medications.

If you notice your dog's dry nose is accompanied by secretion, mucus, bleeding, or fever, it can be an infection.

If your dog's nose is chronically dry, it's best to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you figure out the cause and offer treatment options.

2. Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

This is one of the most commonly asked dog questions! The scientific term for this poop-eating habit is "coprophagia."

There are a few different theories on why dogs eat poop. Some say that it's a holdover from their wild ancestors, who would eat the feces of their prey to prevent their enemies from tracking them.

It could also be a trait that persists as dogs, being scavengers, ate whatever they found.

In puppies, eating poop is typically a part of their exploration of the world around them.

Experts also think that your doggie may eat poop because they are trying to supplement their diet with missing nutrients.

Environmental or behavioral factors can also trigger poop eating in an adult dog, such as anxiety, stress, or attention-seeking.

Whatever the reason, eating poop is not healthy for dogs and can lead to them picking up harmful bacteria.

If the poop-eating is not due to a dog behavior issue, take your furry friend to the vet.

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3. Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Other than dog food, dogs are known for eating all sorts of things, including grass. But why do they do this?

There are a few theories on why dogs eat grass. One theory is that dogs eat grass to vomit up something that is making them sick.

Another theory is that dogs eat grass to get extra nutrients and roughage they are lacking in their diet.

Some scientists believe that dogs eat grass simply because they like the taste, or are bored.

Eating grass occasionally may not be a cause for concern.

In fact, according to a study quoted by the American Kennel Club, only 9 percent have signs of illness before eating grass.

But excessive grass-eating warrants a visit to the vet who will check your dog for parasites or signs of toxicity.

4. What Vaccinations Should My Dog Have?

Knowing about preventative veterinary medicine and vaccinations is vital for breeders, first-time dog owners, or those who have adopted a new dog.

There are a number of vaccinations that your dog should have in order to remain healthy and protected from diseases.

The specific vaccinations your dog needs will depend on a number of factors, including your dog's age, health, and lifestyle.

Here's the schedule for mandatory vaccinations your puppy should have:

• 6 to 8 weeks - Distemper, parvovirus
• 10 to 12 weeks -DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)
• 16 to 18 weeks - DHPP, rabies
• 12 to 16 months - DHPP, rabies
• Every 1 to 2 years - DHPP
• Every 1 to 3 years-Rabies

In addition, your dog may also need vaccinations for Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and other diseases depending on your dog's risk factors.

5. Can Dogs See in the Dark?

Dogs have superior night vision compared to humans.

This is because their eyes have extra-large pupils and more light-sensitive rods than our eyes do.

However, in pitch black conditions, they can only see as well as humans do.

Interestingly, the peripheral vision of some dog breeds may be better than others.

While Greyhounds, Basenjis, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are some dog breeds with the best peripheral vision, snub-nosed breeds are said to have the worst peripheral vision.

6. Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

Dog licks are a way of showing their love and appreciation to their owners.

Another possibility is that your dog is trying to taste you.

Dogs have very sensitive noses and can often pick up on different scents that we cannot.

By licking you, they may be trying to figure out what you've been up to.

Whatever the reason may be, it's clear that dog licking is not just a sign of affection.

It's a complex form of communication that can tell us a lot about our furry friends.

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7. What Does a Dog Howling Mean?

There are a few different theories on why dogs howl. Some experts believe that it is a primal instinct that dogs have to communicate over long distances.

The other reasons can be to express emotions or mark their territory.

It can also be a sign of boredom, separation anxiety, excitement, medical issues, or a sign of distress, as it is often used as a way to signal for help.

It's important to observe your dog's body language and behavior to get a better understanding of what they are trying to communicate.

8. How much exercise does a dog need?

Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to exercise needs.

A number of factors determine how much exercise a dog needs, including age, health, and breed of dog.

For instance, an older dog may need less exercise than a younger one that has higher energy levels.

However, breed is one of the most important factors in determining how much exercise your dog needs as energy levels vary based on the breed of dog.

Here is a quick rundown of the exercise requirements for some of the most popular dog breeds:

• Golden/Labrador Retriever: 30-60 minutes of exercise per day
• Beagle: 20-30 minutes of exercise per day
• Blood hound: At least 2 hours per day
• Pekinese: 30 minutes a day
• Chihuahua- 30 minutes a day

Ensure you do your research on the exercise needs of specific dog breeds to make an informed parenting decision.

9. How to get rid of fleas on my dog?

Fleas are pesky insects that can cause a lot of discomfort for your furry friend and can even transmit diseases.

If you suspect that your dog has fleas, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.

Give your dog a good bath and be sure to use a flea shampoo and get rid of any fleas that are on your dog's body.

You may also want to use a flea comb to remove any fleas from your dog's fur. Flea pills may also be recommended by your vet to kill persistent fleas.

As with most things, prevention is better than cure.

Use flea preventatives such as topical liquid applicants or flea collars that prevent fleas from attaching themselves to your dog.

10. Do Dogs Dream?

Interestingly, dogs have been observed to exhibit many of the same sleep behaviors as humans.

They may whimper or move their legs while sleeping, as if they are chasing something in their dream.

Like humans, dogs' brain activity during REM sleep is similar to their activity when they are awake.

MIT researchers found that rats had the same level of brain activity when they were asleep as they did when they were running a maze.

This led to the conclusion that rats were dreaming about running as an activity.

As rats have a less developed intellectual ability than dogs, researchers believe dogs also dream in their sleep.

According to Sleep Foundation, dogs twitch their legs or even bark in their REM sleep.

You may also wonder how often dogs dream. Here too, size seems to matter.

Smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas dream more often (a dream every ten minutes) compared to large dogs.

Additionally, age may also be a factor as younger dogs dream more often than senior dogs.

So the next time you see your dog sleeping soundly, remember that they may be experiencing vivid dreams and forming strong memories in the process.

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