Pet Sitter Education Month: Dog Body Language
Signs of Underlying Issues in Your Pup!
In celebration of pet sitter education month we have compiled a list of dog mannerisms that you, your family and your pet sitter should look out for in your pets! These stressful signs could mean nothing but it never hurts to be extra safe!
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Eating Dog Poop
The scientific term for the habit of poop-eating is coprophagia. There are various reasons that dogs eat poop. Some reasons are not to be worried about however, there could be underlying issues.
Sometimes nursing female dogs will eat the poop of their puppies to keep their den clean.
Eating the stool of other species or other animals contains many benifitting nutrients but also could contain harmful bacterial and is best to discourage it.
Sometimes your pup will eat poop just to get your attention! If they start from a young age it can turn into a game for them. As soon as they start to go for it you will run at them and yell for them to drop it!
Your dog may eat poop because they are not feeling well. If your adult dog has never been a poop eater it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Dog Panting
Most of your dog's body heat is expelled through panting from his or her mouth when they pant. Dogs regulate their body temperature by sweating through the pads in their paws. Panting can also be a mechanism to cope with pain.
Circling
Although it may seem cute at first, dogs who cannot stop walking in circles could have hidden health issues. Sometimes it is adorable when your dog chases its tail but if your furry friend doesn't shake the compulsion, there's most likely an underlying problem. Ear infections often cause circling. Compulsive tail chasing often occurs with bull terriers.
Yes, there could be other reasons your pup is circling. Idiopathic vestibular syndrome sometimes causes older dogs to circle. If you start to notice a compulsion in circling it is best to get your dog checked out right away.
Head Pressing
Seeing your dog pressing its head against a wall or any other firm object is a sign that there could be a serious problem. Your dog could be suffering from toxic poisioning or brain disease. If you notice this schedule a check up with your vet immediately.
Yawning
Yawning for dogs is often used as a signal of calming. Its a way of saying "I've had enough of this" or "my patience is running thin".
You may notice that your dog may yawn during training or whenever it may need something. It is a way of giving himself a mental break from the situation. The next time your dog yawns during training show him you understand by reducing the intensity of training technique or approach.
When your dog yawns it could show that your pup is anticipating something or stressed. Your dog could yawn while waiting for a treat or something enjoyable like a walk. It is a way of controlling his or her enthusiasim.
Also sometimes a yawn is just a yawn. In that case it could be time to go to sleep.
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