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798 results for “dog stress”
What to Do When Your Dog Keeps Destroying the House
Dogs rarely destroy things without a reason—curiosity, separation anxiety, pent-up energy, attention-seeking, or misread punishment are the usual triggers. Fix it with daily exercise and play, reward-based training, engaging toys when you're away, a steady routine, and a behaviorist if needed.
Dog Walking Tips and Etiquette
Walking your dog correctly keeps it healthy and strengthens your bond. Choose cool, quiet times and safe routes, use proper gear, respect other people and animals, match exercise to your dog's needs, and always clean up after it.
My Dog Won’t Poop or Pee in a New Home — What to Do
A dog that holds its pee and poop for 12–24 hours after a move is usually just stressed — a normal self-protective response. Set up a small, quiet, familiar space, use its own scent to mark the new toilet spot, and see a vet if it goes over 36 hours or seems unwell.
Why Does My Dog Suddenly Run Around Like Crazy?
A dog that suddenly bolts around the house in a burst of frantic running is usually having a FRAPs episode — Frenetic Random Activity Periods — a normal, healthy way to blow off steam. These outbursts last only seconds to a few minutes and are nothing to worry about, though you should give your dog space and keep fragile items out of reach.
Why Is My Dog’s Tongue Turning Purple?
A healthy dog's tongue is light pink; a sudden purple (cyanotic) tongue means low blood oxygen from heart disease, lung disease, tracheal collapse, an airway obstruction, or toxins — and is an emergency. Watch for rapid breathing, low stamina, coughing, or lethargy. Also note pale (anemia) or bright red (heat/stress) tongues. Brachycephalic and toy breeds are highest risk; see a vet at once if the tongue goes purple.
Why Is My House-Trained Dog Peeing Indoors?
A house-trained dog that suddenly pees indoors often has a medical cause — a UTI, bladder stones, cognitive decline, kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing's — or a psychological one like separation anxiety, stress, or fear from past scolding. Rule out illness first with a urine and ultrasound check, then rebuild security with routine and calm alone-time training.
Can Dogs Bully Each Other? How to Tell and Step In
Dogs can bully each other — one dog persistently dominates and intimidates another that never gets a turn. Unlike mutual play (roles switch, bodies stay loose), bullying is one-sided and tense. A bullied dog may fear certain places, lose appetite, over-groom, or turn aggressive, so step in early and manage playmates, time, and the environment.
Why Won’t My Dog Go for Walks Anymore?
A dog that suddenly refuses walks is usually 'afraid' rather than 'lazy' — something on the route scares it, its paws or joints hurt, or it is stressed, anxious, or bored of the same path. Don't force it; rule out pain first, then rebuild confidence slowly with treats and short, positive outings.
Why Does My Dog Keep Hiccuping?
Occasional hiccups are normal in dogs, but frequent or long-lasting hiccups can mean eating too fast, gas-forming foods, acid reflux, a respiratory infection, or a gut problem. Use a slow-feed bowl and small frequent meals, avoid strenuous play right after eating, and see a vet if hiccups come with appetite loss, lethargy, pain, vomiting, or a dry cough.
Why Is My Dog Chewing at Nothing? (Empty-Mouth Chewing)
When a dog chews with an empty mouth, the cause can range from harmless to serious: dental pain or gum infection, stomach upset from eating too fast, a foreign object, or parasites, neurologic disease or seizures (more likely if a parent had epilepsy), anxiety or stress relief, or simply savoring a remembered taste and seeking attention. Don't panic over occasional empty chewing with no other signs, it may just be a habit. But if it is frequent and joined by poor appetite or low energy, see a vet. Prevent oral disease with regular brushing and a balanced diet low in human snacks.