Understanding Canine Body Language

 Dogs communicate with each other and with humans through a variety of body language cues. By learning to read these cues, you can better understand your dog's emotions and intentions.

Here are some of the most common dog body language cues:

• Ears: Ear position can tell you a lot about a dog's mood. A dog with ears pricked up is alert and interested, while a dog with ears laid back is relaxed or submissive.
• Eyes: A dog's eyes can also give you clues about its mood. A dog with wide, staring eyes may be feeling threatened or aggressive, while a dog with soft, droopy eyes is likely feeling relaxed or content.
• Mouth: A dog's mouth can also be a source of information about its mood. A dog with a relaxed mouth may be feeling happy or content, while a dog with a tightly closed mouth may be feeling stressed, anxious, or focused.
• Tail: The position of a dog's tail can also give you clues about its mood. A dog with its tail wagging is likely feeling happy or excited - but this is also no always the case with a wagging tail; while a dog with its tail tucked between its legs is likely feeling fearful or submissive.
• Body posture: A dog's body posture can also give you clues about its mood. A dog that is standing tall and stiff may be feeling threatened or aggressive, while a dog that is lying down or curled up may be feeling relaxed or submissive.

It is important to remember that not all dogs will communicate in the same way. Some dogs may be more expressive than others, and some breeds may have different body language cues than others. However, by paying attention to the cues listed above, you can get a better understanding of your dog's emotions and intentions.

Here are some additional tips for understanding dog body language:

• Consider the context: When interpreting a dog's body language, it is important to consider the context of the situation. For example, a dog that is wagging its tail may be feeling happy or excited, but if the dog is also growling or showing its teeth, it is likely feeling threatened or aggressive.
• Pay attention to the dog's overall demeanor: In addition to looking at specific body language cues, it is also important to pay attention to the dog's overall demeanor. A dog that is relaxed and calm will likely have a different body language than a dog that is feeling threatened or aggressive.
• Ask for help if you're unsure: If you are unsure about what a dog's body language is trying to tell you, it is always best to ask for help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you to interpret the dog's body language and develop a plan for interacting with the dog in a way that is safe and respectful.

(Daisey thoughts: "Throw the ball already, mom!")

-The Shark Amongst the Paws

Desensitizing Your Dog to Children

 Desensitizing dogs to children is a process of gradually exposing them to children in a safe and controlled environment. This can help to reduce their fear or anxiety around children and make them more comfortable around them.

Something that I have always done with any new dog I obtained, was to desensitize prior to any child exposure by doing things children are known to do when around dogs - pulling on ears and tail, making noises near them, stomping feet, running around - all while keeping the dog calm. This helps to desensitize them with a familiar person before exposing them to strange kids losing their minds in a park. 😅

Once they are comfortable with you and your childish shenanigans, here are some tips for desensitizing dogs to children:

1. Start by exposing your dog to children from a distance. This could mean sitting in a park and watching children play from across the street, or watching a video of children playing on TV.
2. Once your dog is comfortable seeing children from a distance, you can start to bring them closer. You can do this by walking your dog past a playground, or by having a friend or family member bring their child over to visit.
3. It is important to go at your dog's pace. If they start to show signs of stress or anxiety, take a step back and give them a break.
4. Be sure to reward your dog for positive behavior around children. This could mean giving them a treat, petting them, or playing with them.
5. With patience and consistency, you can help your dog to become more comfortable around children.

Here are some additional tips for desensitizing dogs to children:

• Teach your dog basic obedience commands. This will help you to have more control over your dog and make it easier to manage interactions with children.
• Supervise all interactions between your dog and children. Never leave them alone together, even if you think they are getting along well - this includes long-time family pets that have always been good with your kids, anything can happen.
• Teach children how to interact with dogs safely. This includes teaching them to ask the owner first if they can pet the dog, how to approach a dog, how to pet a dog, and how to play with a dog.
• Be patient and understanding. It may take some time for your dog to become comfortable around children. Don't get discouraged if they don't make progress right away. 

Time. Consistency. Patience.

If you are having trouble desensitizing your dog to children, you may want to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist.

-The Shark Amongst the Paws

Why You Shouldn't Leave Dogs in Cars

  I see it all too often at stores, in streets, any parking lot in town - people are leaving their pets in cars. With the temperatures rising, as summer approaches, it is important to understand how hot it really gets in your car, even with the windows open.

 The temperature inside a car can rise by 30-40 degrees in just 10 minutes. Animals that are left in hot cars can suffer from dehydration, respiratory distress, and even death. It is important to never leave an animal in a hot car, even for a short period of time.

(No animals were harmed in this picture, it was taken in December by the author)

Here are some tips for keeping animals safe in hot weather:

• Never leave an animal in a hot car.
• Make sure animals have access to shade and plenty of fresh water.
• Avoid exercising animals during the hottest part of the day.
• Take animals to the vet if they start to show signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, glazed eyes, or a rapid heart rate.
• To help prevent heatstroke, never leave an animal in a car unattended, even if the windows are rolled down a little bit. Make sure to take your pet with you when you go out, or leave them in a cool, shady place.

If you see an animal in a hot car, you should call 911 or your local animal control agency! 

They will be able to help the animal and potentially save its life.

- The Shark Amongst the Paws

Bloat & Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

One of the worst scenarios I ever had to endure was watching my boy Walther suffer from a twisted stomach. It was his 10th birthday, and it was supposed to be a joyous day... and it was - until I heard this horrific sound coming from him as he was breathing. Shortly after, he was throwing up this white, marshmallow, consistency vomit. Oh my heart aches talking about it now, even two years after the case.

(Walther the morning of his 10th birthday, March 20, 2021)

A twisted stomach, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition in dogs that occurs when the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and then twists. This can cut off blood flow to the stomach and other organs, and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Bloat is another term that is sometimes synonymously used to reference GDV; in reality, bloat is when the stomach fills with air, and is more of a pre-condition before the stomach twists - the extra air is what heavies the stomach.

It is most common in large, deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards. However, any dog can be affected. The exact cause of GDV is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of factors, including:

• Eating too much food too quickly
• Drinking too much water after eating
• Exercising too soon after eating
• Anatomical factors, such as a deep chest or a narrow abdomen

The symptoms of GDV can vary, but they may include:

• A swollen abdomen
• Retching or vomiting
• Panting or difficulty breathing
• Restlessness or anxiety
• Drooling
• Rapid heart rate
• Pale gums
• Collapse

(This is what Walther was throwing up - while struggling to breathe, sounding like inflating a balloon.)

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. GDV is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Treatment for bloat typically involves surgery to untwist the stomach and remove any gas or fluid that is present. In some cases, other supportive measures, such as intravenous fluids and medications, may also be necessary. This surgery is not cheap and I would highly recommend having the preventative surgery done - a Gastroplexy - during their spay/neuter, while they're young, that contacts a portion of the stomach to prevent it from flipping.

With prompt treatment, most dogs with GDV make a full recovery. However, even with treatment, GDV can be fatal. If you have a large, deep-chested dog, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk of GDV, such as:

• Feed your dog several small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal
• Avoid giving your dog water immediately before or after eating
• Do not exercise your dog for at least one hour after eating
• If you notice any of the symptoms of GDV, contact your veterinarian immediately.

-The Shark Amongst the Paws