Have you wondered how big your dog is going to get? Or how often you should bathe your dog? Here are 15 Top Questions about Dogs and Answers
15 Facts About Dogs
Dogs have been by our sides since the very dawn of human civilization. It’s hard to imagine life without these furry friends.
The following 15 facts about dogs are both fun and fascinating, and will hopefully provide you with a few answers to your questions about these amazing animals!
I have 2 new puppies a year apart. I had so many questions during this year. One of my puppies would lay there and her legs would be spinning like she was on a fast run.
My other dog's nose always seemed so wet. And she liked to lick me! So today I compiled the answer to some of your biggest questions.
Jump to:
- 15 Facts About Dogs
- How Big Is My Puppy Going To Get?
- Calculating a Puppys Weight when Full Grown
- When Should I Spay or Neuter my Puppy?
- Why Is My Dog Always Licking Me?
- Why is My Dog Wagging its Tail?
- Why do Dog's Twitch their Sleep?
- Why do Dogs Like to Eat Grass?
- Why is My Dog's Nose Wet?
- What Should I Feed my Puppy?
- Using a Veterinarian or Pet Nutritionist
- How often Should I Bathe my Dog?
- How Do I Trim my Dog's Nails?
- What Vaccines Does my Puppy Need?
- My Dog has Fleas...What do I do?
- Treat the Yard
- How to Treat Dry Skin in a Dog
- How to Treat Shedding in a Dog
- How to Stop by Dog from Itching
How Big Is My Puppy Going To Get?
We know dogs are man’s best friend, and that’s because they can be so loyal. However, you may not know that we also know them for growing into a big, furry adult dog.
Puppy owners are used to seeing their furry friends grow at an incredible rate. That’s because, at about the same time she’s learning to walk and play, she’s also doubling her birth weight and growing her adult teeth. But just how fast is your pup going to grow?
I don't know how many times I've asked this question to a veterinarian until one told me, "Uhh, there's no way to know that. It depends on a lot of factors, including her breed, her mom’s diet, and how often she’s taken to the vet for check-ups and vaccinations.
It's the best guess for any veterinarian as it is for us as owners." However, there are some rules so we can make a best guess.
Let’s look at how your puppy’s growth will progress in the first year, and what to expect from your adult dog.
- The rule of thumb is an adult dog will weight about twice as much as they did at 4 months.
- Large breeds (Great Danes, St. Bernard, etc) will double their weight at 5 months.
Calculating a Puppys Weight when Full Grown
- The easiest way is to use some older veterinarian's ways to compute the adult weight of your new puppy.
Toy to Small Breeds
- To calculate their size as an adult, take their weight at 6 weeks X 4 = adult weight of your puppy.
Medium to Large Breeds
- With a medium to large breed, simply take their weight at 14 weeks X 2.5 = adult weight.
Large to Giant Breeds
- For the big guys, multiply weight at 16 weeks X 2 - adult weight.
Certain breeds can determine the adult size of a puppy. For mixed breed puppies, most are not larger than their biggest mom or dad.
When Should I Spay or Neuter my Puppy?
If you’re a new dog owner, you may have questions about spaying and neutering your puppy.
Puppy spaying and neutering is a major surgery for a young dog. When you decide to spay or neuter your dog, there are several things you need to consider and discuss with your veterinarian.
Is it the right time for your puppy? When is the best time for a spay or neuter surgery? When is the best time for a spay or neuter surgery?
Female Dogs
Female dogs are spayed, which removes or sterilizes your puppy’s reproductive organs.
It will stop your dog from coming into heat by preventing her from releasing an egg, or from mating. It can also help curb certain undesirable behaviors that can happen when your dog is in heat.
A wonderful age for spaying or neutering, your pet is about anywhere from six months to three months after their first heat. Every breed is unique and something to discuss with your vet.
Some veterinarians now agree that dogs should go through their first heat, plus 3 months before being spayed. It's always best to talk to your vet about your specific breed.
Spaying can help with many health issues. It might help to prevent cancer, reduces breast cancer and infections in the uterus.
Male Dogs
Bonus: Some male dogs if neutered by six months will even learn not to raise their legs to go potty and will squat like their female counterparts.
Neutering helps prevent the potential of testicular cancer, reducing the risk of prostate cancer and cancer that forms around the rectal area of male pets.
The biggest benefit of neutering is the need to roam less or get involved in territorial fights.
Why Is My Dog Always Licking Me?
Dogs lick people for a variety of reasons. Most of the time it’s just because they love us and want to be near us. It’s often a signal of affection, or a way of showing submission.
In a litter of puppies, one will often lick the others to show it is the subordinate of the group. It can also be a way of making yourself feel better.
Dogs have an abundance of scent glands in their mouth, which are used to mark their territory.
Licking another dog or person is a way of spreading their scent and marking them as their own.
A dog licking its owner is less common, but is still a way of spreading their scent and marking their owner as their own. However, it can also be a sign that your dog is stressed, scared, or feels threatened.
For some dogs, licking is a pleasurable activity that releases stress and shows their owners a sign of affection.
Dogs like the taste of our skin! Sounds gross, right?
Why is My Dog Wagging its Tail?
Dogs use their tails to communicate with their owners and other dogs. Dogs wag their tails for a variety of reasons, and not just when they’re happy.
A dog’s tail can show his mood, and can even help you learn his feelings. Wagging is communication that tells other dogs and people what the tail-wagger is up to.
A dog’s tail can convey many emotions and intentions. Besides providing important information about what the dog is thinking or feeling, a wagging tail can be a key factor in how other animals (or people) respond.
Of course, tail wagging is not the only thing to look for when wondering what your dog might be feeling. Pay attention to what your dog’s ears are doing, and his face and his body posture.
The next time you’re out with your dog, take a moment to observe his tail as you walk together. You may just learn a lot about your dog’s feelings.
Why do Dog's Twitch their Sleep?
When dogs sleep, they sometimes twitch their ears, their paws and their tails. So what’s going on?
In short, it’s a normal part of canine sleep behaviour. All dogs twitch, it’s just a way they have of sleeping. You may notice your dog twitching, especially when tired.
Dogs twitch for many reasons, including the need to release an uncomfortable muscle spasm, but also when they are dreaming. So why do dogs twitch when sleeping?
They link the reason to the dog’s muscle system. Muscles twitch for several reasons, but the primary reason is a response to an over-stimulation of the nervous system.
The dog’s brain signals the brainstem, which stimulates the muscle, causing it to contract. When the muscles twitch, they cause the dog’s head and body to move.
Twitching may be more common in some breeds of dog than others, but it’s a behaviour that dogs of all shapes and sizes can exhibit.
Why do Dogs Like to Eat Grass?
There is a reason dogs like to eat grass, but it’s not as simple as just being a picky eater. Dogs have eaten grass since they first joined humans as domesticated companions.
In fact, dogs are biologically designed to eat grass. Their ancestors were primarily scavengers, which meant that meat was seldom easy to come by.
Some dogs will eat grass to help with a variety of different health conditions that they may have. For example, dogs will eat grass when they are having digestive issues.
Before the domestication of livestock, dogs would have eaten almost anything they could, including the stomach contents of their prey.
This means that dogs have adapted to the digestion of grass in the same way many humans have adapted to eating many types of food, such as vegetarians, who can digest plant material, and people who are lactose intolerant, who cannot digest milk.
Other times they may crave some nutrients that they are missing in their diets. If your dog has an increase in grass eating, you may need to check with a veterinarian for any underlying nutritional issues.
The bottom line is that it's okay if they eat grass.
Why is My Dog's Nose Wet?
Dogs do a lot of strange things, but the one that causes the most confusion is when their nose is wet. You can see the mystery in your dog’s eyes: why is the tip of its nose wet?
Most dogs have wet noses because they have a lot of nerve endings in the skin, which can be sensitive to temperature changes. Not that dogs don’t have sweat glands in their noses. They have two to three times as many as humans do, but they produce much less sweat.
When their noses are wet, it’s because they’re actively secreting mucus to protect their nose from the elements, which may contribute to their sense of smell.
Licking their noses allows them to taste the scents that they are smelling.
The nose is a complex organ that helps your dog smell, so a wet nose isn’t necessarily a sign of illness. But a wet nose can also be, so keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or discolored discharge.
What Should I Feed my Puppy?
A high-quality diet needed for growth and development of your puppy and for a happy, healthy adult.
There are many options available today.
Feeding Kibble to Your Dog
For the first year, we should feed all puppies kibble.
With all the varieties of dry dog food out there, it can be a headache searching for them when there's so many to choose from nowadays.
I always look for the AAFCO approved foods. Currently, my puppies eat Wellness Complete foods.
Cooking Your Dog's Food
I love to cook my dogs food.
I use cooked food as a topper for my dogs kibble. She loves it. You want to see a dog scarf down their food with an excited and happy face, make them their own food.
It is possible to cook your dog's food. However, you'll want to optimize your pet's nutritional needs by supplementing with vitamins.
Feeding Your Dog Raw
My dogs love eating raw as much as they do having their meals cooked.
I know some people think it's disgusting to feed a pet raw meat, but dogs are very similar to animals in the wild, wolves, etc. They're okay with meat being cooked or raw.
It doesn't matter if your dog is a brand new puppy, a dog with health conditions or a senior pet making your pet's food is the healthiest option available.
Using a Veterinarian or Pet Nutritionist
You should always talk to your Veterinarian before switching from dry dog food to cooked food.
Especially if there are dietary or food allergy restrictions. Here are some of my favorite recipes.
You'll want to check with your veterinarian, but when feeding raw, I recommend adding supplements. Most often, I will add in sardines for Omega Vitamins and fish oil, spirulina, and lots of fresh vegetables.
If I'm in a crunch, I will use frozen unthawed vegetables. Or make your own homemade dog food topper.
Plain table food, scraps, and cat food are not adequate to maintain the long-term health of your canine companion.
How often Should I Bathe my Dog?
Bathing and general grooming are important for a great-looking coat and skin health.
How often to bathe will depend on coat length and type your pet's activity level, the environment, and your pet's overall health.
Whenever you want your buddy to be clean and smell fresh, have them hop into the tub.
You'll want to be careful not to use harsh or drying products when bathing. These can cause dry, flaky, or itchy skin.
This is my Favorite Shampoo and Conditioner that my mom uses on me: I make my Shampoo and Conditioner using an all natural recipe.
However, if I'm in a pinch, I love these Shampoos and Conditioners for dogs. It leaves Ruby's hair soft, silly and shiny.
How Do I Trim my Dog's Nails?
It's best to train your dog to sit still for nail trimming from as early an age as possible.
In the beginning, I do this with some regularly.
I always make it a happy experience. I offer lots of praise and their favorite treats when sitting for a nail trim.
If you start this, they get used to having their toes and nails touched. This makes it a lot easier as your pet gets older.
Always invest in a good nail trimmer. Dog and cat nails contain nerves and blood vessels called the "quick."
In lighter colored nails, the quick is visible as a thin pink line.
It's hard with black nails, so you'll want to trim tiny pieces at a time from the end of the nail. Hitting the quick is painful for your pet.
You can buy styptic powder to put on the nails if you hit the nails too short and they bleed.
If you're uncomfortable, have a groomer trim your pet's nails.
What Vaccines Does my Puppy Need?
Vaccines protect against illnesses.
They help protect against fatal diseases plus keep your pet happy and healthy.
The following vaccines are normal vaccines your pet will receive in your veterinarian's office.
These vaccines are recommended and can prevent very serious diseases:
Distemper/Parvo Combination: This vaccine protects against several fatal diseases.
Rabies: This disease is fatal for all mammals, including humans.
Bordetella:( Kennel Cough): This vaccine helps prevent or reduce the severity of this serious respiratory infection that can lead to pneumonia.
Corona Virus: This is an intestinal virus that can cause serious disease.
Lyme Disease: This is the same tick-borne disease that can infect humans.
Young puppies are given several sets of vaccination boosters to give them with as much protection as possible.
My Dog has Fleas...What do I do?
Oh, I feel you. Why is it that some flea seasons worse than others?
I like to start a complete flea control program as early as possible. I use diatomaceous earth around my yard several times a month.
It's effective in controlling fleas in the yard. Click here to see how I use diatomaceous earth.
Fleas live by sucking the blood of your pets and you. Fleas cause anemia, skin allergies, spread disease, and transmit tapeworms. Yuck!
How to Start an Effective Flea Program
- Treat the pet.
- Treat the house and car if they have been going for rides with you.
- Start by vacuuming the entire house or car. Be sure to get everywhere, under furniture, lifting cushion, etc.
- Throw out the bag or empty the bag less into a separate bag that gets closed and taken to the garbage to stop fleas from crawling back out.
- When you're done vacuuming, use professional bombs.
- Take your pets out of the house according to the manufacturer's directions when setting off bombs.
Treat all areas of the house, even the areas your pets have not frequented.
I run the vacuum over everything one more time after the bombs have been set, and the house aired out from the bombs.
Treat the Yard
Treat the yard with professional flea spray and follow the label directions.
Be sure to treat areas where your pet spends time, including decks or dog houses. Fleas like to hide in bark dust and leaf litter.
Repeat everything every 2 weeks for a month. This picks up the fleas that have now hatched.
How to Treat Dry Skin in a Dog
This is no simple answer because it depends on what's causing the dry skin.
You may need to consider a veterinary examination to make sure your pet is not suffering from a medical condition that may require specialized treatment.
How to Treat Mild Dandruff
Diet influences overall health, skin, and coat condition.
Premium diets contain specific, balanced, fatty acids ratios that will improve skin conditions to help reduce dry skin.
Always use mild grooming products, applying both shampoo and condition.
Don't over bathe, this causes significant skin dryness. Sometimes, a shampoo that loosens excess skin flakes may be necessary.
Brushing and coat trim may help.
You may notice dandruff for a few days after grooming because bathing and brushing loosens surface skin flakes.
How to Treat Shedding in a Dog
Shedding is normal for most breeds.
There are a few breeds such as Poodles, Goldendoodles that do not shed as much.
Shedding increases in spring and fall. It can also increase with stress or illness.
Consistent brushing and grooming can reduce the hair your pet leaves on furniture and on you.
There are coat products that may be effective in reducing shedding.
If the problem continues, there are medical conditions that can increase shedding so see your vet.
How to Stop by Dog from Itching
It depends on why your pet is itchy. Many skin conditions cause itching and scratching.
Fleas, dry skin or pets coats which need grooming are the common reasons for dry, itchy skin.
However, if your pet has skin redness, sores, or scabs you'll want to consider a veterinary exam.
Dry skin is very itchy. Caused by dandruff or skin flaking.
Adding Omega 6 and Omega 3 in your pet's food will help your pet's itchiness.
Always use a mild shampoo and conditioners. We make our own dog shampoo and condition, which is easy to do.
Leave a Reply