But hearing this sound throughout the day may cause us to worry about our dog’s health.

So what causes canines to over-excessively smack their lips?

Keep reading to find out!

What Is the Meaning of Smacking Lips?

Dogs make a lot of weird noises, and lip-smacking may be the most annoying. To be more precise, this is the sound dogs make when they repeatedly open and shut their mouth, causing the lips to ‘smack’ against each other. 

You can generally hear it while your dog is eating or eyeballing a tasty treat. But when the smacking happens too often, it could signal something is wrong with your dog. 

Dental problems, digestive upset, and nutritional deficiency are the most common culprits that cause dogs to smack their lips excessively. However, there’s also a rare chance of neurological issues or poisoning with this behavior. 

Reasons Why Dogs Constantly Smack Lips

There are many medical and behavioral reasons why dogs smack their lips. While some require a checkup by the vet, others are harmless. Observe your dog and his habits to figure out which reason applies.

1. Gastric problems 

Excessive lip-smacking is a common sign of gastric upset. In most cases, the culprit is nausea. When dogs feel about to vomit, their salivary glands produce excessive saliva to protect their mouth and throat from the acidic gastric juices.

Naturally, your dog will smack their lips to gulp down this excess saliva and prevent it from dripping out. The same process occurs when excess bile or gastric acid builds up in your dog’s system after eating a lot of fatty food or drinking tons of water.

2. Mouth or gum diseases

Problems with the teeth, gums, or salivary glands can also force your dog to smack its lips frequently. Since dogs can’t tell their owners about toothache or cavities, they will try to relieve the pain by moving their mouths. If your dog’s salivary glands swell, it will lip-smacking behavior to prevent drooling.

3. Dehydration/Underlying diseases

Dehydration can be primary or secondary. Primary dehydration stems from a lack of water intake, hot climate, or increased physical activity. Other signs like sunken eyes and lethargy will help confirm the presence of dehydration.

Secondary dehydration could be caused by chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or cystic kidney disease. If your dog is dehydrated with no signs of primary dehydration, it could be a kidney issue that requires immediate medical attention.

4. Licking or ingesting something poisonous

A common sign of poisoning among dogs is excessive salivation. Other signs include diarrhea, vomiting, pale gums, foaming at the mouth, lethargy, or even collapsing. 

If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous plant or food, you need to immediately call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control helpline. You should thoroughly rinse their mouth to eliminate the residual poison or induce vomiting if instructed by a professional. If you live near a clinic, take your dog there as soon as possible. 

Sometimes, the signs of poisoning don’t appear right away. So if you notice excess salivation, try to look for other poisoning symptoms and any toxic items your dog may have left behind.

5. Indication of pain

Since dogs can’t talk, they give behavioral cues to explain how they’re feeling. In the case of lip-smacking, your dog might be trying to tell you about an injury. Thoroughly examine their body and look for swelling. If your dog yelps when touched on a specific body part, the injury is likely over there. Try to set an appointment with the vet to get them bandaged and treated with painkillers accordingly.

6. Seizures

Seizures often lead to involuntary and strange movements. And sudden, uncontrollable lip-smacking can signify a partial seizure!  Besides this, your dog might also experience twitching, stiff muscles, run in circles, or fall unconscious during a full seizure. Seizures are a medical emergency, and you must take your dog to the vet immediately.

7. Stress or fear

On the behavioral end, lip-smacking is a common response to stress or fear among dogs. When they experience loud noises, separation from their owners, or strange faces, their stress levels can rise and cause dry mouth or excessive salivation. As a result, the dog will start to smack its lips.

Dogs also use lip-smacking as a peaceful gesture when they encounter a potential threat, like an aggressive dog or an angry owner. When the tension in their environment rises, the dog will start smacking their lips to signal that they mean no harm.

8. Seeking attention

If you’ve been busy recently, your dog could be smacking their lips to seek attention. They are highly emotional and sensitive creatures that notice changes in the time you spend with them and may begin lip-smacking as a coping mechanism.

How to stop your dog from smacking lips?

Lip-smacking can be an annoying and rather worrying situation for many dog owners. Whether it’s any disease, diet problem, or mental issue, here are the most effective ways to get rid of this habit once and for all:

1. Change his diet 

Feed your dog a nutritious and protein-rich diet to prevent gastric issues. Cheap dog foods usually contain filler ingredients like grains that are difficult to digest and cause the digestive system to overload. 

If your dog is older or has sensitive digestion, purchase a diet with gentle ingredients like duck meat and pumpkin to soothe their stomach. If your pup suffers from acid reflux, try to feed them a low-fat diet to reduce gastric acid production and see the lip-smacking disappear!

2. Regular medical checkups

A visit to the vet’s clinic is crucial in the case of lip-smacking. Your vet will not only be able to diagnose any hidden diseases but also accurately identify any behavioral reasons for this habit. 

For gastric, periodontal, or hydration issues, timely treatment can save your dog from further harm. And in case of poisoning or seizures, immediately taking your dog to the vet can make the difference between life or death. 

Make it a habit to take your dog for regular medical checkups. This way, the vet will recognize any health issues early on and start treatment accordingly.

3. Spend quality time

Spending time with your pet will help them relax. Find activities to do together, like going for a walk or playing fetch. Pet your dog often and show care and support.

Creating a stronger bond between you and your dog will make both of you feel more loved and relaxed. You will gradually see that he will let go of his attention-seeking habits.

4. Avoid access to poisonous or toxic substances

Dogs can get poisoned by many items in their surroundings. In the food category, we have chocolate, xylitol (sweetener in gum), garlic, onions, coffee, macadamia nuts, avocadoes, grapes/raisins, and alcohol which can be toxic for dogs in small quantities.  

Some basic household items can also poison dogs, and you should keep them away as far as possible, including insecticides, cleaning products, detergents, fertilizers, and especially anti-freeze. If you let your dog out in the yard often, keep them away from plants like aloe vera, ivy, elephant ear, corn, bird of paradise, jade, pathos, and desert rose, to name a few, are highly poisonous to canines.

FAQ’s

What should you feed a dog with acid reflux?

You can treat acid reflux in dogs by placing them on a low-fat, low-protein diet. Try feeding them a boiled chicken and rice meal 2 to 3 times a day consistently. You can also give them antacid to temporarily relieve heartburn and increase their appetite.

How to know if your dog is dehydrated?

The spring method is a common way to test if your dog is dehydrated or not. Pinch and pull the skin over your dog’s shoulder blade and let it go. Your dog is fully hydrated if the skin springs back into its original place. But if the skin initially ripples and settles down after a few seconds, your dog is likely dehydrated.

Why is my dog yawning and licking his lips?

When dogs yawn and lick their lips, it’s likely due to a fractured or loose tooth causing them pain. Gum diseases like gingivitis can also cause the ‘yawn and lick’ behavior as your dog will try to relieve themselves of the gum pain.

Why do dogs vomit bile in the morning?

Dogs will vomit a yellow liquid called bile when they haven’t eaten something in a long time. This phenomenon is called bile reflux and is more common in senior dogs. To combat this, feed your dog smaller but more frequent meals throughout the day.

The post Why does my dog keep smacking his lips? appeared first on FluffyPlanet.

A cut on your dog’s nose can be difficult to care for, but keep reading to learn to treat these cuts effectively at home.

How To Care For Cuts On A Dog’s Nose

Cuts on a dog’s nose can range from mild to severe. Some injuries will require immediate attention, but you can easily treat most cuts and scrapes at home. There are certain steps to follow when caring for cuts on your dog’s nose.

Get The First-Aid Kit

It is best to have a first-aid kit at hand for your pet. Some of the first aid supplies you use for yourself will work on your dog, but not all. You will need disinfecting solutions and antibiotic ointments that are safe for dogs. Even if you don’t have a first-aid kit, you can purchase the basics like gauze, adhesive tape, disinfecting solution, and an antibiotic ointment to treat cuts at home.

First-Aid Kit For Your Pet

All pets injure themselves in some way, usually at the most inopportune time, like during the weekend when your vet is closed. So it’s important to keep a first-aid kit for your pet to care for the minor cuts and scratches that will certainly happen. Sometimes you might even need the first-aid kit to care for your pet at home till you can seek proper veterinary care.

You can collect a few items to keep in a plastic toolbox. There are some basic tools you should have, such as:

• A thermometer to check your pet’s temperature
• A stethoscope to check your pet’s breathing and heart rate
• Tweezers to remove ticks and fleas
• Syringes for oral medication.
• Roll gauze to wrap any wounds.
• Disinfecting solution for cleaning wounds
• Antibiotic ointment to apply to large wounds
• Scissors to trim bandages
• A muzzle for safety
• An Elizabethan collar

After you have all the necessary items, you can begin cleaning and treating the cuts on your dog’s nose. Use the following steps to treat these cuts effectively.

Help Your Dog Calm Down

The first step to treating cuts on your dog’s nose is to calm your dog if necessary. Dogs in pain may feel overwhelmed and start whining or become defensive and growl at you. If another animal harmed your dog, remove the other animal from the area to deescalate the situation.

Use a calm voice, reassure your dog, and allow it some space if necessary. If your dog is not overly stressed, try petting or massaging it if that is something it normally likes.

No matter how much your dog loves you, it may become so frightened and in pain that it snaps at or tries to bite you. You will need a muzzle to treat your dog further if that happens.

Pain can make your dog upset and overwhelmed, so you need to calm her down before you can take a look at her nose. Once the muzzle is on, you can look at your dog’s nose.

Assess The Damage

Assess the damage to your dog’s nose thoroughly. It could be a minor cut or something serious. The cut may range in severity based on how your pet got it. If another dog bit your dog, the cut might be a superficial cut that is easily treated. However, if your dog got cut by glass or something sharp, the cut could be deeper and will need stitches. You should consult your veterinarian immediately if you think the cut is deep.

When To Go To The Veterinarian

According to PetMD, you should consult your veterinarian if the cut on your dog’s nose:

• Penetrates your pet’s skin like a bite wound or laceration caused by glass
• Is large or extends around the nose
• Has pus in the wound, and the skin around it appears inflamed

Stop The Bleeding

After your dog has calmed down and you have the muzzle on, you should focus on the bleeding. Like humans, a dog’s nose contains many blood vessels, which means it is likely to bleed a lot. Using a clean towel or washcloth, gently press down on the wound to slow down the bleeding. If the wound is bleeding regardless, you can use styptic powder to stop the bleeding. Styptic powder, like styptic pencils, is an antiseptic clotting agent that can constrict the blood vessels to stop bleeding. In some cases, applying pressure might not be enough to stop the bleeding, and you should treat this situation as an emergency.

*Note: If you’ve never used styptic powder on yourself, be aware that it stings and prepare for your dog to act accordingly.

It is also important to know exactly how your dog got the cut. According to VCA Hospitals, dog bite wounds can cause excessive bleeding since dogs’ teeth and jaws are quite powerful. If the wound is deep, it can cause damage to the soft and sensitive tissues in those areas. If you cannot stop the bleeding, you should immediately take your dog to the veterinarian. Dogs that suffer from anemia or are on blood-thinning medications should also be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

Other Considerations

If your dog has a cut on his nose after being bitten by another dog, you should have your veterinarian look at it. Dog’s mouths contain bacteria that can infect wounds inflicted on other dogs. By puncturing the skin, the bite can introduce bacteria below the skin surface which can multiply rapidly if left untreated. The bacteria can cause a localized infection or spread to other tissues.

Cleaning The Wound

If you’ve managed to stop the bleeding, you can move on to cleaning your pet’s wound. If your dog has suffered some road rash or a glass cut, there might be debris in the wound that you need to clean out. You can use soap and lukewarm water to clean away any debris in the wound. If your dog has a deep wound that is difficult to wash, PetMD recommends using a water-based lubricant such as KY Jelly to clean up the wound. Just spread the lubricant over the wound and the surrounding areas and wipe it off gently with a towel or washcloth to remove debris such as pieces of glass or gravel.

Disinfect The Wound

After cleaning your pet’s wound, you still need to disinfect it. You must disinfect the wound thoroughly if your dog has a cut from a dog bite. Dogs carry a lot of bacteria in their saliva, which can infect wounds.

Remember to keep the muzzle on till this step since the disinfecting solution can cause stinging, which will aggravate your pet.

Antiseptic solutions like Betadine don’t sting very much, if at all, so it is better to use those if you can. Dilute the disinfectant and gently clean the wound with a clean towel or washcloth.

Do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean up your pet’s wounds. While hydrogen peroxide may work well for human cuts and wounds, it can destroy the sensitive tissues of your pet’s face. The bubbling that it causes can indicate that bacteria are dying, but it also means that it is damaging tissues. According to Preventive Vet, hydrogen peroxide can damage the fibroblast cells responsible for healing. Hydrogen peroxide on your dog’s cuts will clean up the wound effectively and prolong the healing process.

Antibiotic Ointment

After cleaning and disinfecting, you can apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the wound. If you’ve cleaned the wound with water, it is best to let it dry before applying the ointment and bandage. Don’t use antibacterial ointments from your medicine cupboard. The American Kennel Club (AKC) advises against using human antibacterial ointments on dogs. Your dog will lick his nose, and he could accidentally swallow the ointment. While this causes no real harm to your pet, it can cause some digestive issues. The chemicals in the ointment affect your dog’s gut bacteria, leading to diarrhea and vomiting.

It is best to consult your veterinarian about the best pet-safe antibacterial ointment you can use on cuts. As the wound heals, it can develop a scab and cause some itching. Look for an ointment that is safe to use and can combat itching. The Forticept Blue Butter Antimicrobial Gel is a safe and excellent option.

Apply The Bandage

After applying antibiotic ointment to the wound, you can apply a bandage. It will be difficult to roll gauze around your pet’s nose, so use square gauze instead. Use adhesive tape to apply the bandage over the wound and keep it in place. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment can help keep the bandage in place and prevent bacterial growth.

Protect The Wound

Dogs instinctively lick and paw at their wounds. You must ensure your dog does not disturb the bandage or scratch/lick its wound because this can worsen matters. Dog saliva contains many bacterial organisms which can infect the wound when licked. Licking the bandage can also moisten the wound, encouraging bacterial growth. Use an inflatable E-collar or protective clothing to prevent your dog from licking his wound. Keeping the wound clean and dry is essential to promote healing.

Repeat The Process

After you’ve followed all these steps, you should still remove the bandage and look at your dog’s wound daily. Ensure the cut is clean and reapply antibiotic ointment if necessary.

If your dog’s wound becomes infected, you won’t know unless you check it. Check, clean, and moisturize the wound when needed to speed up the healing process. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you notice anything unusual like pus or inflamed skin.

Moisturize The Wound

If the cut on your dog’s nose is a minor scratch or surface cut, it won’t take long to heal. However, you might find a scab over the cut, which will be dry and itchy. It is important to moisturize the wound to promote healing.

When your pet’s wound is open and still healing, you should keep it dry. After it has healed and closed, you will need to moisturize the spot to encourage fresh skin to grow over it. Use a gentle and natural moisturizer like the Kin+Kind Nose & Paw Moisturizer. You can also use a small amount of coconut oil to prevent dryness.

Consult Your Veterinarian

Regardless of how mild the cut is, have your veterinarian look at it. If your dog has a deep or open wound caused by a dog bite, it is important to have your veterinarian check it. Some wounds might need stitches, and you should not try to treat them at home.

Even though everything seems fine on the surface, dog bites can cause problems invisible to the naked eye. It is best to have your veterinarian check the wound and run some tests to ensure everything is fine. If it’s nothing serious, your veterinarian will advise you to continue at-home treatment.

Antibiotics and Pain Medications

In some cases, your dog might need antibiotics and pain medications to manage the cuts on her nose. Deep or open wounds require antibiotics and pain medications to heal without developing a bacterial infection. Deep wounds and lacerations will require antibiotics. If your dog has a deep wound on his nose from a dog bite that you could not clean instantly, a bacterial infection could develop easily. You should consult your veterinarian to determine if your pet will need antibiotics or pain medication.

Conclusion

Caring for cuts on your pet’s nose can be tricky if you don’t know what to expect. Since cuts on the nose bleed easily, it can be worrisome for many pet parents. You can easily treat mild cuts at home using a first-aid kit. If your pet has deep or open wounds on his nose, you should consult your veterinarian. These cuts should not be treated at home and can become infected. Regardless of the wound’s seriousness, have your veterinarian examine it for you and your pet’s sake.

The post Caring For Cuts On Your Dog’s Nose appeared first on FluffyPlanet.

While licking the privates is somewhat expected since it is how dogs groom themselves, excessive licking is worrisome. Certain illnesses can cause irritation or inflammation in the private regions, leading to excessive licking.

When Licking Is Acceptable

Licking is how dogs clean themselves so a moderate amount of licking is acceptable, and even expected. Dogs may lick their privates after urinating to clean the area. Licking occurs occasionally and briefly in this case. More persistent licking can indicate health issues.

If your dog has diarrhea, take that into consideration. Your dog might feel the need to clean up better after eliminating, so licking may appear excessive. However, they are just trying to tidy up their anal region the best they can. If your dog does not have diarrhea, licking should not follow the act of eliminating.

When Is Licking A Problem?

According to VCA Hospitals, frequent and persistent licking of the privates can be worrisome. It can indicate health issues if accompanied by other symptoms. If your dog keeps licking the privates excessively and you notice other signs, it can indicate the following health issues:

Bladder Inflammation (Cystitis)

Cystitis is the general term for bladder inflammation due to various reasons. The bladder may become inflamed due to an infection, bladder stones, injury, or other illnesses. Bacterial inflammation can occur in both male and female dogs, but female dogs are at higher risk for bacterial bladder infections. The inflammation can cause significant difficulties in urinating, including pain in the urogenital area. Dogs suffering from Cystitis will strain when urinating and have difficulty passing urine.

Due to these difficulties, dogs may lick the privates to soothe themselves or stimulate urination. Mild inflammation due to infection can be treated at home, but severe inflammation will require medical care.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are similar to bladder infections, but the bacteria are present in the urinary tract. If left untreated, a UTI can develop into a bladder infection. Female dogs are at a higher risk for developing UTIs. This is due to the close distance between the urethra and anal region. E. Coli bacteria, which are present in feces, are mainly responsible for UTIs.

The symptoms of a UTI are similar to a bladder infection, so your dog may lick the privates for the same reasons. You will notice that licking occurs excessively after your dog urinates.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis refers to the inflammation of the vagina. There are many reasons your dog could be suffering from vaginitis, such as injury or infections. Many unspayed females develop vaginitis which resolves after the onset of their first heat cycle. However, dogs who are spayed or unspayed can suffer from vaginitis at any age. If your dog is suffering from vaginitis, you will notice her vulva is inflamed and vaginal discharge. Dogs with vaginitis may excessively lick the privates to soothe the inflammation.

Your veterinarian will run some tests and evaluate medical history to diagnose your pet. Most dogs suffering from vaginitis recover fully in a few weeks. If you have an adult dog, spaying can reduce the chances of your dog developing vaginitis.

Heat Cycles

Female dogs who are not spayed will go into heat once or thrice each year. During their heat cycles, they have a tendency to lick their privates more often. You might also notice a bloody discharge from your dog’s vagina, which is normal for unspayed dogs. If your dog is licking he privates more often along with other behavioral changes, she could be in heat. An average heat cycle lasts for one and a half to two weeks, so licking behavior should stop once the cycle is complete.

If your dog is spayed and you notice bloody discharge from her vulva, take her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. This could indicate a number of health issues including tumors, infections, and injuries.

Pregnancy

If your dog is near the end of her pregnancy, she will lick her privates frequently. This is a sign that your dog is about to go into labor. She will also become restless and engage in nesting behavior.

Allergies

Allergens are present in the environment as well as your pet’s food. Allergies can cause itching all over your dog’s body. To soothe the itchiness, your dog could excessively lick her privates. If the allergen is an environmental allergen, such as pollen, contact with it will cause severe itching. When you take your dog out for a walk, wipe down her paws, belly, and face to limit contact with allergens.

If the allergen is present in your dog’s food, then switch to a hypoallergenic diet. Dogs are usually allergic to the protein in their rich, but other ingredients may also cause a reaction. Allergies will require medical treatment and limiting your dog’s exposure to allergens is ideal.

Skin Infection

Bacteria and yeast are present on the dog’s skin normally. However, if there is an overgrowth of bacteria or fungus, it can cause an infection. Similar to a Urinary Tract Infection, the skin around the vulva can also become infected. These infections cause the skin to become itchy, which your dog may soothe by licking. If you notice red bumps or pustules, this indicates a bacterial infection that requires treatment. Your dog can also be prone bacterial or yeast infections, so you should switch to a medicated shampoo.

Anal Gland Impaction

If your dog is licking their privates excessively, it could be a a way to soothe their impacted anal glands. Dogs have two anal glands around the rectum that emit foul-smelling fluid when they eliminate. However, if there is trouble emptying the anal glands, they can fill up and become inflamed. The irritation can cause your dog to lick the privates excessively.

If left untreated, it can develop into an infection which can progress readily. If you notice lumps around your pet’s rectum, it could be due to anal gland impaction. Consult your veterinarian to diagnose and treat the condition.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Like humans, dogs can also suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Dogs exposed to prolonged stress and anxiety can develop OCD.

Dogs can engage in a variety of compulsive behaviors, such as compulsive licking. If a dog has issues with compulsive licking, it will manifest as a persistent pattern. Licking could be limited to a certain area, like the privates, or occur all over the body. Dogs who engage in compulsive licking can also develop a painful condition called Acral Lick Dermatitis.

What You Can Do

If you notice your pet licking her privates excessively, take factors like pregnancy and heat cycles into account. If your dog is not pregnant or in heat, licking excessively could indicate a health issue. Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Health issues concerning the urogenital area can be very uncomfortable and painful for your pet.

The post Reasons Why Your Dog Keeps Licking Her Privates appeared first on FluffyPlanet.

Depending on the situation, a dog’s yawn has many meanings.

Once you understand your dog’s body language, their yawns will make more sense. There are many things your dog is trying to tell you when it yawns.

What Is A Dog Yawn?

A dog yawn is similar to a human yawn. It is an involuntary reflex where your dog opens its mouth wide and inhales deeply. Just like a human yawn, a dog’s yawn is also involuntary. When a yawn happens, how much air a dog takes in and how long it lasts is out of the dog’s control. Scientists don’t have any definitive answers about why humans or dogs yawn. However, some interesting theories suggest various reasons for yawning. For example, some theories suggest that we yawn because we are tired or bored.

Why Dogs Yawn When You Pet Them

There are many reasons your dog yawns when you pet him. It could be due to excitement or tiredness. Many dogs also yawn when under stress or as an appeasement gesture to other dogs.

Excitement

If your dog yawns when you pet him, it might be out of excitement. It’s not because he feels relaxed, but he is excited you are giving him attention. Dogs might assume the attention means they are about to play or go for a walk. If you notice your dog yawning when you get his leash and your jacket, it is probably out of excitement. Dogs might even yawn when you grab their favorite toy or go to the cupboard where you keep their treats. You will notice your dog yawn when he is excited in multiple scenarios. Whether he is running through the sprinklers, getting ready to play fetch,

If you take your time to get ready before engaging in a fun activity with your dog, he might even start yawning out of impatience. Dogs don’t yawn before these activities because they are tired. They are trying to take in more oxygen by inhaling deeply, making them feel more active by increasing their heart rate. Active dogs tend to yawn much more.

Affection

Another reason your dog yawns when you pet him is due to affection. Dogs can mimic human behavior to signify a bond with their human counterparts. Researchers conducted a study to see how dogs responded to the yawns of familiar and unfamiliar people. They also studied the dogs to see if they mimicked odd mouth gestures and yawns. The results showed that dogs mimicked yawning more often than the odd mouth gestures.

They also found that dogs replicated a yawn more often when a familiar person yawned. These results could indicate that dog yawns can indicate a bond with their human counterparts. The researchers also observed other species for contagious yawning. Many animals yawn, but contagious yawning only occurs in humans, chimps, baboons, and dogs.

Next time you pet your dog and he yawns, don’t worry that it could be something serious. He is probably just trying to show you affection through yawning.

Stress

Dogs also yawn in response to stress. In a stressful situation like visiting the veterinarian, your dog might yawn to release stress. A stressful yawn is generally longer and more intense than a regular yawn. You will also notice other signs if your dog is yawning due to stress. Dogs in a stressful situation may appear agitated and whine, lick, yawn and drool. Stress can cause anxiety, which leads to your dog feeling agitated.

Your dog could also be yawning in response to a panic attack. Dogs can also experience panic attacks, where the heart rate becomes elevated, and breathing is difficult, leading your dog to yawn for more air. A yawn involves deeper inhalation, which could help your dog calm down more easily.

If your dog seems to be yawning due to stress, it is best to remove them from the stressful situation. A dog might appear stressed during a training session. To stop stress yawning, ask the instructor for a break and pet or treat your dog to help them calm down. If your dog suffers from chronic stress, you can consult a canine behaviorist about the best way to approach this issue.

Calming Signals

Turid Rugaas, a Norwegian dog trainer and behaviorist, termed certain appeasement gestures dogs make “calming signals.” Some dogs are naturally shy, timid, and fearful of other dogs. For example, the Chihuahua breed, also one of the smallest dogs in the world, can be fearful of larger dogs. To “appease” the larger dog or indicate that they are not a threat, dogs may yawn or show other behaviors such as licking the lips.

If you notice your dog yawning around other dogs at the dog park, this situation could be stressful for him. Dogs can also use appeasement gestures to calm a situation and avoid getting in trouble. If you catch your dog digging in the yard, he might yawn to act submissive around you.

If your dog is yawning because he is scared of other dogs, you will also notice it in his body language. Along with yawning, your dog’s ears could be droopy, his tail would be between his legs, and he won’t maintain eye contact with other dogs. In this situation, it is best to take your dog away and walk him on the other side of the street.

Tiredness And Boredom

A common reason dogs and humans yawn is being tired or bored. Your dog might have had a long day full of activities and wants to go for a nap right now. Or he might even be bored because you are not playing with him. Dogs need exercise and attention to thrive. A dog alone for too long can develop destructive habits to entertain itself. Dogs need physical and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy. If you think your dog is yawning out of boredom, take him for a walk or play with him.

Temperature Regulation

Humans and dogs yawn to regulate their temperature, especially in warmer climates. The logic behind this theory is that a higher temperature can increase your brain’s temperature. To cool down your brain, you inhale larger amounts of air. This is especially true of dogs, who don’t have sweat glands like humans. Most of a dog’s sweat glands are on the paws, making it much harder to cool themselves by sweating. Just as dogs pant to cool down, they may also yawn to bring down their temperature.

Seeking Attention

Dogs can imitate your behavior to seek your attention. A dog that yawns when you pet it is probably excited about the attention, and it might continue to yawn after you quit petting because it wants more. Similarly, your dog might cuddle up to you and start yawning if you are about to go to bed, indicating that it is relaxed but also wants your attention before you go to sleep. If your dog is yawning to gain your attention, it will only occur in your presence.

Medical Issues

Like human yawns, most dog yawns are completely harmless and nothing to worry about. If your dog yawns occasionally, this is normal and perfectly fine. However, if you notice your dog yawning frequently, it could indicate medical issues. Dental issues or problems with the mouth’s anatomy may cause your dog to yawn more often. Dogs with mouth ulcers may yawn to relieve the pain caused by the condition. Check his mouth and gums if your dog is yawning more than he should. It is best to take him to the veterinarian to rule out any health issues.

Confusion

Dogs can also yawn when they are confused. You could be asking your dog to do something it doesn’t know yet. For example, asking your dog to “sit” when it doesn’t know what the command means might cause your dog to yawn. When training your dog, keep treats on hand to reward the behaviors you want.

Managing Conflict

Dogs can also yawn as a way to manage or avoid conflict. If you find your dog doing something that he knows will get him into trouble, he might yawn to avoid conflict. It could be chasing a squirrel or chewing on the carpet. When you ask your dog to stop doing these behaviors, he probably doesn’t want to. However, a well-trained dog knows that he should stop engaging in this behavior. Your dog could also be showing you he’s sorry when he yawns while you pet him. It is be

Sleepiness And Contagious Yawning

Just like you yawn when you are sleepy, your dog could just be feeling sleepy when he yawns. Being sleepy is the most common reason dogs and humans yawn. Yawning is also contagious between dogs and humans. Similar to how you can’t help yawning when you see another person yawn, your dog will also yawn when he sees you yawning.

If it is the end of the day and you and your dog are about to go to bed, your dog will have a case of nighttime yawns. He is likely very tired and sleepy if he has had a long day running in circles or chasing squirrels. However, if your dog is yawning too much and having trouble falling asleep, you should consult your veterinarian.

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While some believe inbreeding is beneficial in maintaining the best characteristics of a particular breed, it can also cause issues. Inbred Pitbulls are no exception and can suffer from a variety of issues due to their genetics.

What Is Inbreeding?

Dog breeders have been creating new dog breeds for nearly 4,000 years. The purpose of breeding is to concentrate desirable characteristics, i.e., increase the chance of them appearing in future generations. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have been bred to have droopy ears and soft fur. Similarly, different characteristics are desirable for other breeds. Unlike Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the Chihuahua’s ears are preferably upright rather than droopy. Sometimes, mutations are also desirable, like the Shar-Pei breed whose unique wrinkles are the result of a hereditary disorder.

You might have heard of the term “pedigree” or “purebred.” This refers to dogs who have a line of ancestors with the exact same characteristics. Breeders achieve this by matching dogs with similar DNA and breeding them through a process called “inbreeding.” This could mean breeding a mother and son, father and daughter, or siblings. Linebreeding is another form of inbreeding, where breeders match dogs that share a specific ancestor without being closely related.

Linebreeding and inbreeding, especially with close relatives, pose certain risks for Pitbulls as well as other breeds. The greatest risk is that the offspring has multiple health issues. The reason this happens is because the puppy can inherit recessive genes that are responsible for health issues from both parents. For example, Pitbulls are genetically predisposed to developing hip dysplasia. If breeders breed a Pitbull mother with her son, the puppy has a higher chance of developing the condition. Inbreeding can lead to your dog having a short lifespan and frequent visits to the veterinarian.

Inbreeding is an unethical practice that makes life very difficult for dogs. It can cause puppies to be born with birth defects and a variety of health issues. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages dog breeders to breed responsibly.

Why Inbreeding Occurs in Pitbulls

When breeders inbreed any dog breed, it is for the sole purpose of preserving desirable characteristics. When it comes to Pitbulls, these desirable characteristics include a heavily-muscled body that is strong and athletic. It is also these “purebred” Pitbulls that are the most expensive. Often, breeders might also choose a male dog that has won competitions to distribute “winner genes” among future generations. This could also lead to inbreeding since the dog in question could also be inbred.

Some Pitbulls are also bred for color, particularly the Blue Nose Pitbull and Red Nose Pitbull. The distinct characteristic of these types is a blue-gray or amber hue to the skin, eyes, nose, and toenails. This remarkable coloring can only occur when two parents who have recessive coat-color genes breed. These recessive genes decrease the production of melanin, which can affect the coat color. This can dilate colors such as black and brown to create a new color altogether.

It is quite rare to find two recessive-gene parents to create a Blue or Red Nose Pitbull. Due to this, some illegitimate breeders may use inbreeding to create more puppies with this coloring. Blue and Red Nose Pitbull puppies are some of the most expensive dogs with prices ranging from $1000 to $3000. Unfortunately, the limited gene pool can lead to these unique Pitbulls developing a host of health issues. The lack of melanin can affect their immune and nervous system. It can also cause sensitivity to the sun and poor coat quality.

The Risks Associated With Inbreeding Pitbulls

While some breeders assume that inbreeding two dogs with strong genetics will lead to the perfect litter, that is not always the case. Inbreeding can lead to drastic consequences for a particular breed in the future. Even if two dogs show no signs of problems, they can still carry recessive genes that will affect future generations. If you are adopting a Pitbull, you should have full knowledge of your puppy’s lineage. A responsible breeder will be transparent about any genetic health conditions.

Inbreeding two closely related Pitbulls can lead to the following issues:

Limiting The Gene Pool

“Gene pool” is the term for all available genes that can be passed down to a puppy. A diverse gene pool means there is a wider array of genes that can be passed on. Inbreeding Pitbulls can significantly reduce their gene pool. Since the two parents are from the same family, they carry similar genes. From an evolutionary standpoint, this can be problematic for future generations. Inbred Pitbulls will have a higher chance of inheriting “bad genes.” i.e., the ones responsible for diseases. As inbreeding occurs in future generations, the lifespan of these Pitbulls can also decrease.

Weaker Immunity

Inbred Pitbulls have weaker immune systems than their outbred counterparts. Breeders have consistently noticed that puppies born through inbreeding have a higher rate of autoimmune diseases and get sick often. Common infections such as a flu or cold can cause severe symptoms in inbred Pitbulls. It has also been noted that inbred dogs are much more aggressive and less intelligent than dogs with a diverse gene pool. This can cause issues with training and socialization.

Inbreeding Depression

Before genetics became a widely studied subject in science, livestock breeders observed a phenomenon called “inbreeding depression” in inbred cattle. They observed that inbred cattle had issues related to vitality, fertility, and mortality. The presence of harmful genes can affect the Pitbull’s ability to thrive and reproduce. When inbreeding occurs in future generations, it can reduce the gene pool and multiply bad genetic material. At some point, the dogs born out of inbreeding can have a significant number of health issues that affect their lifespan.

The effects of inbreeding usually start to show after a few generations. It might seem as if inbreeding causes no issues, but dogs born through inbred ancestors develop many health issues down the line.

Issues In Inbred Pitbulls

Inbred Pitbulls can suffer from a variety of issues, ranging from birth defects to health issues. Hereditary conditions are common in inbred Pitbulls, much more than those with diverse ancestry. Inbred Pitbulls can suffer in the following ways:

Birth Defects

Inbred Pitbulls have a high risk of being born with birth defects. These birth defects can include a cleft palate, dwarfism, and extra toes to name a few. Genetic defects can also lead to birth defects.

As the Pitbull’s gene pool becomes limited, defective genes can increase in number. Birth defects can cause significant issues for a puppy. A mother might even reject puppies with birth defects, assuming they are too weak to survive.

Weaker Immune System

Inbred Pitbulls have weaker immune systems compared to outbred dogs. This means that they get sick often, with severe symptoms, and take longer to recover. Even common illnesses such as a flu or cold can quickly progress to a severe health issue. In inbred Pitbull puppies, this could also affect their ability to fight parasites or bacterial infections. Puppies are already vulnerable and compromising their immunity further can have serious consequences.

If your dog gets sick often, this also means frequent trips to the veterinarian. Taking care of an inbred Pitbull is expensive since they will require medical attention more often.

Health Problems

The Pitbull breed is prone to many health problems such as allergies, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, skin conditions, and cataracts. When Pitbull parents from the same litter are bred for a puppy, these genes that carry these health issues increase in number. An inbred Pitbull borne through several generations of inbred dogs has a higher risk of developing inherited health issues. They can also develop more health issues since there is an abundance of genes that carry the alleles responsible for them.

As inbreeding occurs over several generations, these health issues can multiply. Inbred Pitbulls may suffer from various inherited health issues.

Difficulties With Training

Pitbulls are affectionate and eager to please their owners. They are highly intelligent dogs with an alert nature. Inbred Pitbulls rarely show these traits and can even inherit mental illnesses from closely related parents.

They can be very difficult to train due to their low intelligence. The Pitbull breed is already difficult to train so inbred Pitbulls can be a big challenge. They can find it difficult to learn and follow commands. Even after training an inbred Pitbull for a long time, you will have difficulty taking control of your dog. These dogs can also be highly impulsive, making it even more difficult to train them.

Aggression

Inbred Pitbulls are much more aggressive than their outbred counterparts. While there is a common misconception that Pitbulls are inherently aggressive, that is not the case. Most Pitbulls are gentle, affectionate, and have even served as “nanny dogs” to children in the past.

When your inbred Pitbull reaches sexual maturity, aggression can become worse. While a normal outbred Pitbull will only show aggression towards other dogs, inbred Pitbulls do not discriminate. They can be aggressive towards humans and other animals. Unfortunately, most people don’t learn about their dog’s behavioral issues until they bring them home.

Shorter Lifespan

Inbred Pitbulls have a much shorter lifespan than outbred Pitbulls. This is due to the high risk of developing single or multiple health issues. Studies have shown that inbreeding can reduce a dog’s lifespan by six to ten months. The number of health issues present and their severity can also lead to a shorter lifespan. Inbred Pitbulls not only have a shorter lifespan, but their short lives can also be difficult due to the myriad of health issues they suffer from. They frequently get sick, develop severe symptoms, and some might even die as puppies.

Issues With Overall Health

Inbred Pitbulls struggle with overall health issues other than ones that are inherited. Many breeders describe inbred puppies as “lacking vigor.”This could be due to inbreeding depression along with a number of health conditions. Their compromised immunity also plays a large role in their lethargic appearance. Inbred Pitbulls struggle to survive since their health is affected by a variety of factors.

Issues with overall health also manifest as your dog getting sick enough. An inbred Pitbull’s allergies could flare up at any time. Additionally, they are also at risk for joint and eye issues.

Reproductive Issues

Inbreeding can cause many issues with puppy litters and fertility. The mother may give birth to only a few healthy puppies while others could be born with birth defects. Some of the puppies may even die after birth. Inbred Pitbull males also have fertility issues so breeding may not always be successful. One or two inbred litters may be born with zero issues. However, as inbreeding occurs over generations, puppies will have an increased risk of developing health issues.

Physical Deformities

Inbred Pitbulls can be born with numerous physical and neurological deformities. This can increase the puppy mortality rate. This can include issues with eye placement or a crooked jaw. Sometimes breeders even breed dogs with physical abnormalities that are desirable. For example, the French Bulldog’s small snout may seem adorable but comes at a great price. These dogs suffer from a condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Dogs who are born with such defects at birth are often neglected or euthanized.

Conclusion

Inbred Pitbulls are dogs born through breeding two dogs with similar genes. The inbred puppies can suffer from a number of health conditions and some are even born with birth defects. As these puppies grow older, issues such as aggression and impulsivity start to show. The behaviors that earn Pitbulls a bad reputation are due to human negligence and irresponsible breeding.

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If you have a pregnant Molly fish in your aquarium, you may wonder how long Molly fish stay pregnant. You will also need to know how to care for your pregnant Molly and her fries, so keep reading.

How Long Do Molly Fish Remain Pregnant?

These tropical fish generally stay pregnant for 60 to 70 days before giving birth to 10 to 60 fries. Like Guppies, Mollies are livebearers that retain the eggs inside the body and give birth to live fish. Mollies are ideal if you want a live-bearing fish for a community tank. A single Molly can sometimes birth more than one hundred babies, called fries, in a single pregnancy.

How Molly Fish Breed

It is best to have multiple female Mollies with a single male Molly fish. Typically female Molly fish only breed with a single male with larger fins and bold colors. Male Molly fish are aggressive to other males, so it is best to have at least two to three females per male in your tank. Amorous males looking to breed can also stress female Mollies with their constant demands. For this reason, it is always better to have more females than males in your fish tank.

The fish copulate with the male under the female fish. Successful mating leads to pregnancy and eventually the birth of the fries.

How To Tell If Your Molly Fish Is Pregnant

A pregnant Molly fish isn’t hard to identify, and there are clear, visible signs.

Pregnant Molly fish require special care and attention, mainly because they will eat their fry. The three main ways you can tell if your Molly fish is pregnant are:

Physical Changes

Your Molly fish will develop a bulky, boxy appearance rather than her usual soft, rounded body. If it is early in the pregnancy, you might not notice it easily. However, towards the end of her pregnancy, your Molly will have a distinct square-like shape to her belly. The abdomen can grow significantly since Molly fish can carry up to 120 babies in one pregnancy. The more babies your Molly will have, the larger and boxier her body will appear.

Gravid Spot

It is not uncommon for fish to grow bigger from eating, so the best way to distinguish between growth due to diet or pregnancy is through the gravid spot. The gravid spot is a dark triangular mark under your fish’s belly. When Molly fish are pregnant, you will notice the gravid spot near their anal cavity.

This dark spot is the cluster of fry contained within her. As your Molly fish reaches the end of her pregnancy, you can see the babies within her belly. The eyes of the fry are large and prominent and become apparent during the later stages of the pregnancy. Finding the gravid spot is more difficult in black mollies, but the lighter the Molly, the easier to see her gravid spot.

Behavioral Changes

Pregnant Molly fish will also show changes in behavior, such as aggression towards other fish. Not that your pregnant Molly will attack other fish, but they will take an aggressive posture when bothered. They will also try to avoid other fish as much as possible and find hiding spots within the tank. Since the male Molly fish are always looking to mate, a pregnant Molly will often hide to avoid feeling stressed by their pursuit. If two Molly fish breed successfully, these signs can show a week after.

Appetite

Similar to other animals, a pregnant Molly fish will eat more. While fish are generally hungry and look for opportunities to overfeed, a pregnant Molly needs more food. They need to provide for the fry they are carrying inside. It is best to feed your Molly fish high-quality fish food while she is pregnant. Avoid feeding food that contains too much air or filler. During this time, a balanced diet is essential for the health of your pregnant Molly fish and her babies.

Seeking Warmth

When Molly fish are pregnant, they will look for warm spots in the aquarium. You will notice them lingering by the tank’s heater or temperature stabilizer. If you have a UV light in your tank, a pregnant Molly fish may even hover near the surface for the warmth created by the light near the water’s surface.

Pregnant fish prefer to maintain a higher temperature during gestation, and a warmer tank helps speed your Molly’s pregnancy along.

Molly Fish Pregnancy Stages

Molly fish pregnancy occurs in two stages: fertilization and gestation. When the gestation period is over, Molly fish gives birth to many fries. These are live fish instead of eggs like other species.

1. Fertilization Stage

In most types of fish, the female lays eggs in the water, and the males will fertilize them with their sperm. With some species, fertilization occurs within the fish’s body, and the eggs are laid after. These eggs hatch and new fish are born. However, Molly fish fertilize and carry the fertilized eggs within their bodies.

Molly fish can also store the male’s sperm within their body for months so they can fertilize their eggs again after a time interval to give birth to new fry. Most Molly fish can fertilize their eggs every 30 days to stay pregnant for the long term.

2. Gestation Stage

The gestation stage is when the eggs or embryos develop within the mother’s body. The fertilized eggs develop into fish babies called fry within the Molly fish mother. The gestation stage generally lasts 20 to 40 days among most Molly fish. However, some Molly fish, like the Dalmatian Molly, gestate for 60 days. If your Molly fish is young or it is her first pregnancy, she will probably give birth to fewer fries than a mature fish.

3. Birth

Your Molly fish will get ready to give birth near the end of her pregnancy. Fully developed fries with large eyes are visible through the mother’s belly. If Mollies feel unsafe or uncomfortable, they can stay pregnant for longer and avoid giving birth. It is best to separate your Molly from the other fish when she is about to give birth. A safe, warm tank with enough hiding spots is ideal.

Signs Your Molly Is About To Give Birth

Knowing if your Molly is ready to give birth is important to ensure she has a comfortable delivery with no complications. When your Molly is near the end of her pregnancy and about to give birth, you will notice the following signs:

Gravid Spot Visibility

The gravid spot becomes highly visible as the end of your fish’s pregnancy approaches. The spot is the most visible when your fish is ready to give birth. It is near the anal vent and too large and dark for you to miss.

Hiding Behavior

Molly fish close to giving birth will look for hiding spots in the tank. You rarely see them swimming out in the open with other fish—preferring a cozy, warm hiding spot near the heater to give birth. It’s a good idea to separate your pregnant Molly from the other fish in the tank because the fries are small enough to be eaten by the mother and other fish. Separating the mother is ideal if you want all the fries to survive.

How To Separate Your Pregnant Molly Fish

You should take water from the main tank and add it to a new tank for your pregnant Molly. If you don’t want to make an effort to set up an entire tank with its heater and filter, you can also opt for a breeder net that can separate the pregnant Molly and her babies. You can also DIY a breeder box for your fries.

After your fish has given birth, you should move her back into the main tank. If not, she will eat the fry she has given birth to due to their small size. You should separate the Molly fries for at least two weeks. Feed them a high-quality diet to encourage their growth and development during this time. If fed well, your fries will be large enough to move to the main tank after two weeks, when they are too large to be eaten by other fish in the tank.

Low Appetite

Your Molly fish’s appetite will decrease when she is about to give birth. Typically, fish swim to the surface when you feed them. If you notice that your pregnant Molly is hiding and does not swim up to eat, it can indicate that she is ready to give birth.

How To Care For A Pregnant Molly Fish

Comfort and safety are important for a Molly fish to give birth successfully. Here are some tips and tricks to care for your Molly fish when she is pregnant:

• Feed your pregnant fish a high-quality diet. Both the mother and the babies need high-quality food.
• Make sure your Molly fish stays warm throughout her pregnancy. Increase the temperature of the tank by one or two degrees, especially important near the end of her pregnancy.
• If you can not afford to move your pregnant Molly fish to a separate tank, ensure there are enough hiding spots to avoid persistent males that will try to mate with her despite being pregnant.
• Ideally, you should move your pregnant Molly to a separate tank. She will need a safe, comfortable, warm environment to give birth. A separate tank is much better for birthing than installing a breeder net.

The post Facts About Molly Fish Pregnancy appeared first on FluffyPlanet.

Becoming familiar with how these factors impact your pet is important, and by planning ahead, you can save money and valuable time.

Hair Type

Generally, Shih-Poos inherit the same type of coat their biological parents have. Interestingly enough, they can also develop a combination of both hair types. Their coats can range from anything between curly (Poodle) and straight (Shih-Tzu).

Styling their hair can be quite challenging and depends on its length, and in many cases, your region’s climate can limit your options. Cutting your dog’s hair short can help their skin breathe better under high temperatures, while longer hair may be harder to keep clean and unmatted but provides more insulation in colder climates.

Many options are available for your pet, and a professional groomer can give you a better idea about the best options for your Shih-Poo.

Shedding

To ensure you get the best haircut for your dog, you should consider their tendency to shed, including how often and how much they shed. Luckily, Shih-Poo owners generally don’t have too much to worry about here. Their Shih-Tzu parents shed a little while Poodles shed little to no hair. As a result, Shih-Poos shed, but it’s far more manageable than breeds like the Alaskan Malamute or Golden Retriever. Most haircuts will work out well for your Shih-Poo.

Hair Styles

Most hairstyles will work well for your Shih-Poo. Consult your groomer and keep your dog’s hair type, shedding intensity, and the local climate in mind.

The Puppy Cut

The puppy cut is a very low-maintenance haircut for your Shih-Poo. The dog’s coat is kept short (1-2″) for the entire body, head to toe. Variations of this haircut include letting some or most parts of the coat grow to a moderate length with minor adjustments here and there. The puppy cut is the simplest option you have.

The Lion Cut

If you want your Shih-Poo to have a distinct look, you can opt for the lion cut. Most of the body’s hair is cut short, while the hair around the face is exaggerated to mimic a lion’s mane. This haircut looks stylish and is pretty easy to manage as well. However, you should pay close attention to the mane. Keep it clean and untangled to prevent your dog’s face from collecting dust or debris.

The Teddy Bear Cut

If your Shih-Poo is an active dog that loves playing in puddles, you can choose the teddy bear cut. All the hair on your dog’s body is cut quite short (1/2-1″), including the face. It gives your dog a soft, rounded appearance like a teddy bear. This haircut is easy to manage, and you can conveniently clean your dog’s coat after outdoor activities.

The Top Knot

For a top knot haircut, the hair on the top of the head is clipped up and kept out of your dog’s eyes. Depending on your dog’s hair type, you can keep the ponytail long or short. This is a very practical haircut for active Shih-Poos. It helps them see better since they don’t have any strands of hair blocking their vision.

If your Shih-Poo’s coat grows long faster than you’re expecting it, then consider a haircut where you keep the body’s hair short. It makes it easier to manage their seasonal shedding habits.

The Short Cut

As the name implies, the short cut involves cutting down all of your pet’s body hair, leaving only the hair around the ears to grow longer, making shedding and cleaning easier to manage.

Seasonal Changes

Shih-Poos cannot tolerate temperature extremes as well as other breeds. When deciding what haircut is best for your Shih-Poo, consider the climate in your region.

If you live in a tropical region, the temperature probably stays high throughout the summer. Clipping your Shih-Poo’s hair short is a better idea for the summer months.

If you live in a cold, mountainous region, winter probably lasts longer in your area. In this case, let your Shih-Poo’s hair grow long enough to keep him warm. You should still get a cut to prevent tangles, but avoid cutting it too short, or your furbaby will have trouble regulating his temperature.

Other Considerations

Unsurprisingly, some haircuts look better on some Shih-Poos than others. Your dog’s features play a large role in what haircut would look best on them. Whether it’s the eyes or nose, the haircut should enhance its best features. A professional groomer can give you a good idea about which haircut draws attention to your dog’s best features.

Another factor that requires attention is hygiene. The length of your dog’s coat also impacts the level of cleanliness. Urine, feces, and dirt can easily attach to your dog’s belly, hind legs, and genital areas. It is best to cut the hair in these areas short.

Your dog’s activity level is also an important factor to consider when choosing a haircut. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors will do better with a simple and practical haircut where the hair is kept short.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with haircuts till you find the best one for your Shih-Poo. As long as you ensure hygiene and optimal hair length, you can be as creative as you like.

The post Best Haircuts For Shih-Poo appeared first on FluffyPlanet.

Some health issues require surgery and intensive care, which can be expensive. Cherry eye is an issue that dogs experience which requires surgery. Animals with a third eyelid, including dogs, can suffer from this issue. Generally, the cost of the surgery depends on the severity of the condition.

What Is Cherry Eye?

Cherry eye is the common name for a condition where the lacrimal glands of the third eyelid are either abnormally positioned or swollen. Lacrimal glands in the eye produce tears to keep the eyes moist and prevent injuries. The canine eye has several lacrimal glands in the eyes. The third eyelid contains lacrimal glands and is different from the upper and lower eyelid, lying just beneath the lower eyelid.

When the lacrimal gland of the third eyelid slips out of place, it causes cherry eye resulting in symptoms such as inflammation, eye dryness, difficulty producing tears, and inability to close the eye completely. While there are no concrete answers about why this happens to dogs, genetics plays a role. Certain dog breeds are more at risk of developing cherry eye than others. The condition commonly occurs in one eye, but it is rare for it to develop in both eyes.

Cherry Eye Diagnosis

Pets suffering from Cherry eye will have a red or inflamed third eyelid. The inflammation appears near the corner of the eye, next to the tear duct. When the inflammation occurs, you will also notice a difference in the appearance of tears. Cherry eye can cause tears to become thick and mucid rather than the usual thin, clear appearance

Pets suffering from cherry eye can also develop an infection in the affected eye if left untreated. Cherry eye is painful and uncomfortable, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary for your pet.

Treatment For Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is not a condition that resolves automatically. It requires treatment and surgery before it can cause permanent damage to your dog’s eye. If left untreated, the third eyelid gland has difficulty producing tears, leading to dryness and vision impairment.

Fortunately, most pets recover easily after cherry eye surgery with no complications. However, recovery may take some time, and you will need to take your pet for follow-up appointments. Your veterinarian will need to check the sutures to ensure they are in place and have not become infected. Your dog must also wear an Elizabethan collar, so it doesn’t scratch or pick at the surgical site.

Cost Of Cherry Eye Surgery

Like other surgeries, the cost of cherry eye surgery varies by the severity of the issue and type of surgery. The cost also varies from one veterinarian to the other, depending on experience and expertise. According to Embrace Pet Insurance, expect to pay between $300 and $800 depending on the procedure performed and injury severity. If both eyes are affected, the cost will also rise. According to Vet Info, the surgery’s cost should include blood samples, eye tests, anesthesia, the procedure, and post-op care.

Generally speaking, two types of surgical procedures for cherry eye are common. The pocket technique is the most successful and the more expensive. Another method is the removal of the third eyelid or the inflamed part of it. This procedure is less expensive than the pocket technique but can cause eye dryness since it involves the removal of the tear duct.

There is a variety of factors that can influence the cost of cherry eye surgery. Larger dogs will require higher doses of medication, which can increase treatment prices. If both eyes are affected, the cost of treatment will naturally increase. Additionally, who performs the surgery also influences its cost. A general practice veterinarian will charge less than a veterinarian ophthalmologist with specialized experience. If you want an eye specialist to perform the surgery, the cost can go up to $2000. Post-op care, including pain medication and antibiotics, is also an additional cost. You should consult your veterinarian for an accurate estimate of cherry eye surgery for your pet.

Caring For Your Pet After Cherry Eye Surgery

Similar to other surgeries, your pet must wear an E-collar following surgery while the affected eye recovers. If not, your dog might try to pick at the sutures and cause damage to the eye. It is also important to diligently give your pet pain medication and antibiotics for a speedy recovery. Pets suffering from a mild case of cherry eye usually recover in a matter of days after surgery, while more severe cases may take up to two weeks or a month.

If the process involves removing the third eyelid, your pet can suffer from Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye following surgery. In this case, your pet may need eye drops for life. Since the process also involves the removal of the tear duct, the eye does not produce enough moisture following surgery leading to eye dryness and irritation.

This can lead to dryness and irritation. Use eye drops to reduce irritation and dryness. There are surgical methods to create new tear ducts. However, these surgeries are expensive and can cost up to $500.

Preventing Cherry Eye In Dogs

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent cherry eye in dogs. You can prevent your dog from experiencing additional complications after surgery, such as keratoconjunctivitis. However, there are no methods to prevent cherry eye, and certain dog breeds are prone to developing the condition. These breeds include Cocker Spaniels, English Bulldogs, Lhasa Apso, Beagles, French Bulldogs, Chinese Shar-Peis, and Shih Tzus, among others.

Some dogs may also have a genetic predisposition to the condition. Dogs with large or prominent eyes can be at higher risk for cherry eye. Generally, cherry eye develops in younger dogs below two years of age. However, any breed can develop the condition at any age. Regardless of whether your pet develops the condition and its severity, it will require surgery.

Other Considerations

Most pets recover successfully after cherry eye surgery in one or multiple weeks. According to VCA Hospitals, approximately five to twenty percent of cases might experience the condition again and require additional surgery. If the condition occurs in one eye, it can also develop in the opposite eye. In most cases, the best treatment choice is to reposition the gland surgically. However, surgical removal of the third eyelid gland might be your only option if your dog has a severe or chronic case of cherry eye. Consult your veterinarian about the best option and the complications of the procedure.

The post Cherry Eye Surgery Cost in Dogs appeared first on FluffyPlanet.

Many think the Sheltie is a miniature Collie, but that is not the case. Since both breeds are herding dogs, they share a common history. They also have many differences when it comes to their temperament and size. Keep reading to learn about how Collies differ from Shetland Sheepdogs.

History

Collies

While the oldest written record of a Collie dates back to the 1800s, there is no certainty about its origins. From what we know, the Collie is from the Scottish Highlands. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Collies were supposedly brought to Scotland by the Romans during their conquest of Britain in the 1st Century CE.

Nearly 2000 years later, the Collie became one of Queen Victoria’s favorite dog breeds. In the 1940s, Eric Knight’s novel Lassie Come-Home popularized Collies greatly. Due to Knight’s books, movies, and TV shows, Collies became the ideal companion for children worldwide.

Shelties

Shetland Sheepdogs served as herding dogs for farmers on the Shetland Islands in the United Kingdom. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Shelties are close relatives of the Collie but bred to be smaller. Due to the region’s harsh temperatures and food scarcity, farmers wanted smaller herding dogs that ate less. There are no written records of when Collies came to the Shetland Islands, nor is there a record of the origin of the Shetland breed. Until the early 20th Century, Shelties lived in isolation from other breeds. The AKC registered the Shetland Sheepdog breed in 1911.

Physical Differences

The clear difference between Collies and Shelties is their size. The Collie is much larger than the Sheltie. A male Collie stands at 24-26 inches and weighs 60-75 pounds, while female Collies stand at 22-24 inches and weigh 50-65 pounds. In comparison, Shelties of either sex stand at 13-16 inches and weigh 15-25 pounds. Due to their similar appearance, many confuse the Sheltie for a “toy” Collie even though they are different breeds.

Greg Speeks, the current president of the American Shetland Sheepdog Association believes that the Sheltie’s smaller size makes it a better choice for people living in urban areas. A Sheltie will adjust much better to a small apartment than a Collie.

The two breeds also have other differences, mainly in their facial structure and coat type. Collies have a broader, longer muzzle with a cylindrical shape. In comparison, the Sheltie’s muzzle is narrow and short with a deep curve between the eyes that is prominent in their side profile. Another difference between the two breeds’ appearance is the shape and size of the ears.

Collies and Shelties have similar coats, which are thick and feature two layers. The undercoat has soft, fluffy hair, while the outer coat is straight and rough. Both breeds have long, straight hair around their head, mimicking a mane.

When it comes to appearance, the Sheltie is a small dog with a dense coat, which gives an appearance similar to a “ball of fluff.” In comparison, a Collie’s coat does not hide the shape of his body.

The two breeds come in similar colors, and their coats may be tri-color, blue merle, and sable. Some Shelties can also have an almost fully black coat with few markings.

Temperament

Although Collies and Shelties are both herding dogs, they have distinct personalities. While the Collie only served as a sheepherder, the Sheltie’s purpose was also to protect the farm and its inhabitants. Due to their unique roles, both dogs developed distinct temperaments.

Collie

Compared to Shelties, Collies tend to bark less and are much calmer. Collies are likely to stay low and be calm around strangers. Between the two, Collies have a more serious and reserved temperament. They can be aloof to strangers and will take a while to become comfortable around new people. Collies are gentle, loyal, and affectionate and will form close bonds with their family members.

When it comes to training, you will have to give your Collie a lot of activities to keep it engaged. They are intelligent and can learn new things quickly. If you keep making your Collie do the same things repeatedly, it can become bored. Collies don’t bark as much as Shelties, but they do bark for attention. Collies can be very vocal if they feel lonely or deprived of attention.

Sheltie

Compared to Collies, Shelties are much more active and need to stay engaged. Shelties need activities to keep them occupied or they can become bored and destructive. They are high-energy dogs and you will always find them exploring. At times, they get into mischief due to their temperament.

Shelties don’t handle boredom very well, so ample exercise and mental stimulation are important for their health. Shelties make loyal, watchful, and affectionate companions when provided with enough mental and physical exercise.

Similar to Collies, Shelties prefer being close to their owners. If deprived of attention, Shelties can develop excessive barking and destructive chewing habits. They are eager to please and intelligent, making them highly trainable. However, Shelties will only respond well to gentle training methods such as positive reinforcement. Harsh methods can make them resentful and stubborn.

Health Issues And Lifespan

Shelties and Collies are both relatively healthy dogs and have a long lifespan. On average, Shelties live a couple of years longer than the Collie. Smaller breeds are known to have a longer lifespan than larger dogs. Collies generally live between eight to twelve years, while Shelties can live up to fourteen years. Both dogs require exercise and a nutritious diet to live long, healthy lives.

When it comes to health problems, both these breeds are prone to a condition called hip dysplasia where the hip joint can slip out of place. Seizures and eye problems are other health issues that Shelties and Collies can both inherit. Additionally, Collies are at risk for canine bloat, while Shelties can develop hypothyroidism.

Grooming

Shelties and Collies have dense coats which require regular brushing. Depending on how long or short you keep their coat, you need to brush it anywhere from once to thrice a week. They are moderate shedders year-round, but seasonal changes can trigger heavy shedding.

If you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog, neither of these breeds is for you. Their lustrous coats shed heavily all over the house during seasonal changes.

Nutrition

The Sheltie and Collie are both active and high-energy dogs that require a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Dog food containing ample protein, healthy fats, digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and key nutrients is best for both breeds. To keep their joints healthy, look for dog food with specific nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Both dogs need a diet rich in Omega Fatty acids to keep their coats shiny and healthy.

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If you have an unaltered female dog, it is important to learn as much as possible about taking care of her while she is in heat. You should know when your dog will reach sexual maturity, how long a heat cycle lasts, and what to expect during these cycles. If you don’t want your dog to have puppies, it is best to get her spayed.

Dog Estrus Cycle

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dogs reach sexual maturity around six months. Smaller breeds may go into heat as young as four months, while larger breeds may take nearly two years to reach sexual maturity. During the heat cycle, there are noticeable behavior changes and physical signs.

After a female reaches sexual maturity, heat cycles reoccur every six months. They can occur more frequently in smaller breeds and less frequently in larger breeds. A single heat cycle usually lasts two to four weeks. Your dog can get pregnant at any time during its heat cycle. Unlike humans who reach menopause at a certain age, dogs experience heat cycles throughout their lives, but the time between cycles becomes longer.

Stages of The Estrus Cycle

Generally, a dog’s estrus (reproductive) cycle occurs in four distinct phases. Each stage has different signs, including behavioral and physical changes. The four stages of an estrus cycle are:

Proestrus

Proestrus is the first stage of the heat cycle when you will start to notice behavioral and physical changes in your dog. Based on various factors, this stage can last anywhere from nine days to twenty-seven days. During this stage, male dogs will try to approach the female, but she will not be receptive to them. Some pets could even be aggressive and irritable during this stage.

The most notable sign during this stage is the swelling of the vulva. Your dog’s vulva can appear more prominent and red, and she will also release bloody or straw-colored discharge during this time. The discharge is not excessive, and most dogs only bleed a little. However, large breeds tend to bleed more than smaller dogs. Dogs tend to lick their urogenital areas more than usual during this stage.

Remember that even though your dog bleeds, she should not be in pain. Agitation and restlessness are normal during the heat cycle but consult your veterinarian immediately if your dog is in pain and appears in genuine discomfort.

Estrus

The Estrus stage is usually what most people refer to as “going into heat” since this is when your pet will become more receptive to male dogs. This stage can last four to twenty-four days but averages around nine days. During this phase, female dogs are fertile and receptive to advances by male dogs.

The vulva is less swollen and the amount of discharge also decreases. As the cycle progresses, the color and appearance of the discharge also change. According to VCA Hospitals, the discharge appears bloody and thick during the Proestrus stage but changes to thin, blood-tinted discharge.

During this stage, your dog becomes more affectionate and starts begging to go outside. When a female dog is in the Estrus stage, her vaginal secretions and urine contain pheromones that attract male dogs. She will urinate more often and mark areas around the house. Behaviors such as mounting and humping also occur during this stage.

Diestrus

The Diestrus stage lasts eight weeks, and your female dog will stop being receptive to male dogs. The vulva will return to its normal size, and discharge stops.

Anestrus

Anestrus is the time between the Diestrus and Proestrus stages. This stage can last around three to five months. The dog’s body rests and prepares for the next heat cycle.

Caring For A Dog In Heat

Caring for a dog in heat can be challenging if you don’t know what to expect. Once you know when your dog will go into heat and the signs to watch for, you can prepare to care for your dog during this time.

Calm Her Down

Dogs in heat are usually agitated and restless—struggling to deal with the hormonal and physical changes occurring within their body. Ensure your dog has access to a quiet, relaxing environment where she feels safe and calm. Use puzzle toys and play with her to soothe her anxiety and keep her engaged. Dogs are very affectionate during this time so cuddle your pet as frequently as possible.

Maintaining Hygiene

Taking care of your dog’s hygiene is very important during this time. You will have to find a way to manage the bloody discharge that occurs during heat cycles. Some dogs can bleed a lot and stain carpets and furniture. You can purchase disposable diapers for your pet to keep the discharge contained. There is no such thing as tampons for dogs, but you can find menstrual diapers that are thick and highly absorbent. Some dogs may resist wearing a diaper so it is best to cover furniture or restrict your dog to surfaces you can wipe away.

During her heat cycle, your dog will urinate more often, leading to occasional accidents around the house. Do not reprimand or punish your dog for this behavior since it is normal and a part of owning an unaltered female dog. You can take your dog outside more frequently, so she doesn’t mark objects around the house.

Outdoor Time

When taking your dog outside, always keep her on a leash. Supervise outdoor time and try to limit any exposure to intact males. If you don’t want your dog to get pregnant, avoid taking her to public places such as dog parks and pet stores.

Preventing Escape

Females in heat can try to escape the house to search for a mate. Make sure to check your house and yard for any escape routes. Do not leave your dog unsupervised when she is in heat.

Healthy Diet

Many dogs experience changes in appetite when in heat. Due to the hormonal and physical changes, they can experience an increase or decrease in appetite. Feed your dog a healthy and fulfilling diet with ample protein. Some dogs may struggle to eat, so you might have to entice them with a special meal or wet food.

Getting Your Dog Spayed

If you don’t want your dog to get pregnant, it is important to get her spayed. Dogs that go into heat repeatedly without pregnancies can develop multiple health issues such as pseudocyesis and pyometra. Spaying your dog can prevent uterine infections and breast tumors and increase your pet’s lifespan. It also reduces the occurrence of behaviors such as aggression and irritability that usually occur during heat cycles.

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