Tag: dog behavior

chiweenie
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Five reasons why Chiweenies are Good Pets

by Jamie June 25, 2021 No Comments

What does a Chiweenie dog look like?

A Chiweenie is a cross between a full bred dachshund and full bred chihuahua. Their looks are unpredictable and are all unique. Typically they have a long body and big ears making them irresistible, however they can be any blend of their parents. They bond quickly to their owners, and enjoy playing fetch and spending time with their person. Their easy going personality makes it clear that Chiweenies are a great type of dog if you are looking for a companion. Here are the top five reasons why they make good pets

1. Chiweenies are small

A Chiweenie is a cross between a dachshund and a chihuahua . From teacup to standard, they can vary from 3lb to 12lbs, and everything in between. It is unpredictable what a litter of chiweenie will look like, however these dogs often have short little legs and a long body. They tend to have adorably big ears similar to a dachshund. There is always a chance of the puppies taking on multiple attributes of each parent. No matter what the genetics that are stinkin’ cute. Owning a smaller dog has its advantages. Although they enjoy being active, they need much less space to run around than a larger dog. A few walks a 10 min day can help keep your Chiweenie small and not overweight. Chiweenies make good choice for apartment living, or small homes with small yards.

2. Chiweenies have a big personality

This type of dog is the best of both breeds. Chihuahua was originally bred as a lap dog and dachshund was bred as a badger hunter. This is a very loyal breed and they quickly bond to their human. It is just in their bloodline to work with humans and companions or work buddies. The cross between the two breeds make chiweenies naturally devoted and playful energetic breed. They enjoy playing fetch and other games where they can use their hunting instincts. Using their short strong legs and long body, many dogs still like to dig holes mimicking their badger hunting skills, Regular activity keeps them happy and mentally stimulated. Chiweenies really enjoy their persons company and like to be lap dogs once they get tired out. Some even enjoy being the center of attention. This Chiweenie has a look that is all personality! Tuna the famous Chiweenie .is instagram sensation. He is so cute in his outfits. Check out his amazing story here.

3. Chiweenies are vocal

If you are looking for a pet that will let you know when strangers are near, a Chiweenie is a great option for you. They may be small but this breed has a fierce chihuahua bark. They are protective of their pack and will happily let you know if strangers are near. With proper training and socialization, this is a plus. A barking dog can be a good way to deter burglars and keep you and your home safe. A Chiweenie may look adorable but sound rather intimidating. It is in there nature to be brave protector.

4.Chiweenies are smart.

They are smart dogs. with luck they are also easy to train. They have a reputation for being stubborn. As with many breeds, using positive reinforcement and keeping the short lessons make training easier. They can get bored easily and having a variety of toys around can be helpful in keeping them out of trouble.

How to chose the best toys for your dog

5. They have a long life span

With proper love and care this breed can live to be at least 15yo. Maintaining a good weight, a proper diet, exercise and companionship will keep Chiweenies happy and healthy . They can be a precious loving part of your family for many years.

Chiweenies are relatively healthy dogs, experiencing minor health issues throughout their lives. The most common issue is allergies. As this is a cross breed, it may inherit health issues that are associated with its parent breeds (but it doesn’t mean your dog will suffer from any of them). These can include hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, diabetes, intervertebral degenerative disc disease, seizures, Luxating patellas, dental issues and hydrocephalus.

Chiweenie Dog Breed Health, Grooming, Feeding, Puppies and Temperament – PetGuide

In conclusion

Clearly there are many reasons why a chiweenies look like a good fit for your family. They are well suited for families with older children, singles and retirees. They are happiest if they are the only dog in the home, but can learn to be happy with another small dog or cat. The earlier you can start training and socialization the better chance of the pup leaving to live with others.

Tips when bringing a dog home to a resident cat

Chiweenies make a happy fun energetic canine companion. Remember when looking to adopt a dog, check your local shelter. Often even specific breeds are surrendered. Here in Los Angeles, out shelters are over run with chihuahua’s .of all ages. Our model Chimmi was a breeder rescue. We love this breed of cuteness overload, please leave your adoption options open to more than a just responsible breeder.

dog eting grass
All About Dogs and Puppies, Pet Behavior, Posts

Top reasons why the dog is eating grass

by Jamie December 30, 2020 No Comments

I was always told dogs that are eating are grass are encouraging themselves into throwing up. This is an unproven theory. Recent studies point to other reasons like boredom, anxiety, or simple ancestral instincts may be the actual cause.

Is your dog self medicating by eating grass?

It is extremely common to see dogs munching on grass. An extensive study from 2008, has debunked a lot of common theories. It is no longer a common belief that they eat grass to induce vomiting. Even healthy dogs have been known for eating grass. In most cases eating grass doesn’t even cause dogs to start throwing up. Wild dogs have been witnessed grazing on green grass as well. It is hard to know for absolute certain why they would do this, interestingly enough, grass does add fiber to the diet, while a diet of only meat does not. Chewing is also comforting for dogs especially if they are anxious.

Researchers conclude eating grass is quite a common habit in healthy dogs

Psychological reasons your dog might want some grass

Boredom or Anxiety can potentially be a reason WHY a pup decides to eat grass while outside.

Is your furry family member getting enough exercise? Dogs are built for movement and have an incredible sense of smell. Staying sedentary or in the house for too long without stimulation can make anybody bored or anxious. Your dog is no exception. If you are concerned make sure you can walk your dog a little longer or split walks into twice a day. Engage in a game of chase the ball. To combat boredom or anxiety introducing a new toy can be helpful as well. ( or even re-introducing an old toy your buddy hasn’t played with for a while.) Maybe your friend would also enjoy a new treat?

What are some other reasons your dog is eating grass?

Although hard to know for sure, I surmise a dog has instincts for its health. Grass is full of fiber and potentially helps with digestion.

“”We believe it’s a trait they inherited from their wild ancestors,” Hart says. “We know that wolves and cougars eat grass. That’s because they carry intestinal parasites. That’s just part and parcel of being in nature. Wild animals don’t have anything like the medicines we have for controlling worms. But by eating grass on a regular basis, they can prevent a buildup by purging their systems of these parasites.”

—Benjamin Hart ,DVM

Should I give heartworm medicine in the winter?

Does your dog suffer from Pica?

Pica is a common condition that describes when pets like a dog continually like to eat nonfood items. Although eating non-food items like paper or plastics can be dangerous, fortunately consuming grass is considered safe for dogs. As many as 79% of all dogs partake in eating grass or other plants from time to time. It is best if your dog does like to eat grass do your best to make sure it is pesticide-free. Unless eating grass is accompanied by other symptoms like lack of appetite, vomiting, or a noticeable INCREASE in eating grass there is not much to be worried about. Any serious concerns should be shared with your veterinarian.

Can my dog and cat eat other things beside their food ?

It is hard to know exactly WHY your dog likes to eat grass.

So many of the myths have been debunked. It is probably not to induce vomiting. It is most likely not because your dog is ill. Many dogs typically eat grass and not throw up afterward. Perhaps it is genetically driven. It is believed dogs’ ancestors ate grass as a means to combat or prevent intestinal worms. Lastly, dogs may just simply like to eat grass. They do enjoy a varied diet from time to time and can eat more than just their dog or cat food. Therefore, a dog eating grass is pretty normal behavior and not a cause for alarm.

dog kibble
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When a dog stops eating her dry dog food!

by Jamie December 1, 2020 No Comments

It could be as simple as a sour stomach, or a newly found distaste for a new bag of kibble to something more serious. Sometimes it is just a dog feeling down or stressed. If your dog continues to drink water, and enjoys treats, and is otherwise acting normal, observe their behavior and let’s look at what else can be done.

What can cause a kibble food strike

Every once in a while the dog at home stops eating her dry dog food. She is a senior and it is always a cause for concern. It is not uncommon that pets decide to turn their nose up on their regular food. But, it is hard to always know why. Dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, it is possible your dog can smell kibble that has soured or gone rancid long before we do.

However, it is important to rule out a pressing issue with your pet’s health. Loss of appetite can be the first clue to a problem.

“Aflatoxin, which is produced by a mold that can grow on corn and other grains used in pet food, the FDA said. Signs of aflatoxin poisoning include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhea. There is no evidence that pet owners who handle the products are at risk of aflatoxin poisoning, the FDA said”.

Dry Dog Food recalled Dec 2021

If your pet has symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately.

It may be an emotional or behavioral response.

  • Is your dog still drinking water ?
  • Is your pet still interested in treats, just not the food in their food bowl?
  • Has there been a change to routine? or household that would cause stress?
  • How many treats is she getting during the day ?

Have you noticed any of the following more serious issues ?

  • Does your dog appear lethargic? or more quiet than normal
  • Does your dog have diarrhea? or constipation?
  • Is your dog vomiting?
  • Might she be experiencing a dental issue or tooth pain?
  • Muscular or joint pain due to arthritis. Chronic pain tends to affect appetite.

It is very important to call your veterinarian if you suspect a serious issue. Only a veterinarian can properly diagnose a serious issues.

Can CBD help stimulate appetite in pets? YES ! and for Inflammation too

Tricks to entice dog to eat their kibble?

Secondly, once you have ruled out illness, pain, or dog food that has gone sour or rancid, here are a few tricks that may help. First, you may need to introduce the kibble slowly back into the diet. Mix it with some wet or canned food that your dog enjoys.

If your dog stops eating dry dog food you can try to mix dry kibble with hot water or a little warm bone broth. Broth adds more meat flavor, boosts immune systems, and helps maintain a healthy happy gut.

If you have recently introduced a new tasty treat, it may be affecting your pup’s appetite. If it is super delicious it may just be that your pet likes it better than their regular food. Personally, we have experienced this issue. A few months ago the senior Ms. Goldendoodle, was having tummy troubles. After a trip to the Vet, she was put on a simple diet of white rice and skinless chicken breast.

“Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts and rice.”

Five Foods To Feed your dog when they are sick – AKC

It took care of her sensitive stomach and got her back to good health, however, it also gave her a love of high-quality chicken breast and a lot less love for her kibble and wet food. Today we compromise and supplement with Raw Instinct. She enjoys the softer texture and doesn’t complain as much as she was.

Dog food brands we recommend

Sometimes only feeding for a window of time, can help get your dog’s eating habits back on track, if they are just being fussy. Leaving a full bowl of food out at the same time daily for 10-15 minutes can encourage a sense of urgency to eat while the food is available.

How long can a picky dog go without food ?

A working dog has different eating habits and dietary needs than a companion dog that looks at you to remind you to hit the “Are you still watching ?” button because they also are enjoying Paul Hollywood making a meat pie. Often working dogs eat once a day, despite their active lifestyle. An older dog or one less active just doesn’t eat as much as a young pup. As long as a serious issue has been ruled out and Fido is still drinking water and behaving normally, it is perfectly o.k. for your dog to skip a day or two without too much concern.

To further encourage more kibble consumption, I bought the furry roommate a treat puzzle. Her poodle instincts lend themselves to this type of toy. Her small kibble fits and her tendency to use her nose to hunt makes eating fun for her. About 1/4-1/2 cup of kibble fit inside. We have supervised playtime. I can monitor how much she eats, and we share some quality time. Win-Win. You can’t rule out boredom as a reason food seems less interesting.

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I have bought several of these treat balls, Pizza the Cat has a habit of launching them from his perch. They are amazingly sturdy for plastic. One note though, I bought this PINK one before I learned about dogs see fewer colors than humans. The cat’s toy is blue because he is male, the dog toy is pink because she is a female, however, next time, I will get a blue or yellow toy for the dog as those colors are easier for her to see. I learn every day!

How dogs see

In conclusion, I know how important our pets are to the family unit. It is important to keep our pets healthy and happy. Although it can be worrisome when your dog suddenly stops eating dry food, it is not always a sign of serious illness. With a little detective work and patience, you can easily get your pup back to a regular eating schedule.

All About Dogs and Puppies, Pet Wellness

Can my dog see in the dark?

by Jamie November 17, 2020 No Comments

How many times does YOUR dog want out at night to bark. Most of the time it is hard for me to see what the heck is winding her up. What is my dog seeing in the dark that I can’t see? I appreciate her defending our home, but most of the time I can’t always see what she is protecting us from.

Yes, a dog can see much better than humans in the dark. In addition to a keen sense of smell, dogs have excellent night vision. Compared to humans dogs have larger pupils and a reflective membrane called tapetum lucidum that also increases the amount of light that gets in.

How do dogs eyes work

“Like with human eyes, light enters through the cornea and then the pupil, which expands and contracts to control the amount of light entering, he says. Light then passes through the lens and hits the retina, where light is processed.”

–PetMD

Dogs have different number of photoreceptors in their eyes, than humans do. The Eye rods allow better vision in low light, Cones work at higher light levels and allow brighter colors. Dogs have more rods and fewer cones than humans. This difference allows dogs to be excellent at seeing at night and better at seeing moving objects than humans. In addition, dogs have something we don’t, a reflective membrane called tapetum lucidum. This membrane is responsible for the glow we see in their night eyes. It acts like a mirror and reflects light through the retina, increasing the amount of light available to a dogs photoreceptors. It is what helps them see at the dark.

Do dogs see better than cats?

Because dogs have more eye rods, and fewer cones, they see better at night than day. They have excellent night vison which has helped them to be good predators. Being able to detect motion at night is more of a priority for survival, being able to see fine details clearly isnt a as important as detecting motion from a distance. With fewer cones, dogs are thought to be red-green color blind. They still have a greater field of vision than cats and can see more colors. However, they can’t see things as well within a 12″ , yet they can see a hand signal from a mile away.

Cats’ eyes are similar in structure with fewer rods and cones, however, cats pupils can retract quickly. This gives them the advantage to see things up close better than dogs. Honestly, that makes sense as cats like to bunny kick and pounce on their prey up close.

It is hard to say for sure who sees better. Over thousands of years, both cats and dogs have adapted to their different needs.

Cat mimic the up close hunting behaviors that dogs do not.

Can a senior dog see in the dark

As dog’s age, their sight is affected too. Already their vision isn’t clear, as they age and eye rods deteriorate, their vision suffers. Sometime around age seven, even their night vision is affected, often dogs get night blindness in their golden years. Eyes simply wear out, certain breeds German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, and Poodles, are more affected with blindness than others. If you notice your pet hesitating , or bumping into things especailly in dim light areas, he may be starting to lose their night vision.

Is your dog getting older?

It is just a part of aging, unfortunately. Eye health is important and should be checked during yearly exams. When vision is failing, fortunately, dogs still have a strong sense of smell and can learn to adapt.

peeing in the house
All About Dogs and Puppies, Pet Tips, Pet Wellness

Why is my dog peeing in the house suddenly?

by Jamie September 4, 2020 1 Comment

When an adult dog has an accident after being house trained, there is usually an underlying reason. Your pet could be experiencing new stresses, excitement, fear, or a urinary infection. Whether it is a physical or emotional response it should be investigated, a quick resolution is a lot less pain and stress for the household.

Yikes! It looks like someone had an accident in the house again. It is always a surprise when an adult dog that suddenly starts peeing inside the house. If your dog is over 8mos, has been housebroken but is now having problems there can be several reasons. It is important to watch your furry friend and determine why your dog is peeing inside the house all of a sudden.

Possibilities for new accidents in the house

Change of environment– this alteration can cause extra nervousness together with the need to mark the surroundings. This behavior is carried out especially by males who want to make every corner of the house their own.

A Change in the household– Did a new family member move in? (or out ), Is there a new pet? This can shake up the routine and upset your dog until he gets used to the changes. Some people don’t like change, neither do some dogs. The good news it this is usually temporary and can be resolved with time and patience.

Attention- Sometimes dogs will urinate inside as a form of complaint. If they are spending excessive hours alone, without some love and attention, sometimes they look for ways to get noticed. Like small children, negative attention is better than no attention. With some redirections this can be corrected as well.

Not enough walks or walks at random times. This can’t always be avoided. However, in this case, the dog is not all guilty. Remember dogs need to relieve themselves at least three times a day. Routine is good, inconsistency is not.

Stress– Dogs can react to excitement or stress or fear by peeing. They can exhibit submissive peeing when afraid of unknown noises, or feeling intimidated.

Have you considered trying CBD Oil for anxiety ?

Does it require a vet visit ?

Unfortunately in some cases peeing in the house can also be a sign of illness. Sometimes it is as simple as a urinary tract infection, or an irritated bladder. However, it can also be the first sign of something more serious. If it becomes a constant unresolved issue it could mean you need to take Fido to the vet. A veterinarian may be able to offer more advice or insight into the issue. Age can also play a factor.

Are you sad your dog is getting older?

Ruling out illness, here are tips to get your dog to stop peeing inside.

It is best to re-establish a daily schedule in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Put your dog on a schedule to ensure he gets adequate time outside after he wakes in the morning and after he eats. Regular walks and positive reinforcement when your dog goes pee outside encourage good behavior. (It is no longer recommended to punish accidents by rubbing noses in messes. It instills fear and submission which can lead to continued fear-based urination accidents. Positive praise for good behavior is most effective.)

Add a few extra minutes of playtime into your schedule. Life is hectic. However, a few extra minutes spent with your best fur friend may be beneficial. Your dog misses you when you are gone. A solid ten or fifteen minutes a day of play, when you get home after a long day, would do you both good. If boredom or loneliness is the root of the accidents on the new carpet, this will help.

Leaving out entertaining toys for your furry friend may help keep them happy and stimulated while you are gone. Again sometimes a dog peeing in the house suddenly is a way they’re way of trying to tell you something like I’m sad and bored.

If your adult dog is newly adopted and was “housetrained’ before, it still takes an adjustment period in new surroundings. Additionally, we don’t know what life his former owners gave him, so patience, affection, and discipline are the fundamental ingredients for these furry ones. Sure, you need a little more time, but it will be worth the effort.

When behavioral changes don’t work, there are still options to stop sudden peeing in the house.

Using products to remove the stain and smell can deter your dog from peeing in the same spot. To remove stubborn stains and scents, I particularly like Rocco & Roxie Supply Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator. It is highly effective in removing odor and stains. I also like that Rocco & Roxie is a small family-owned business its products are made in the USA. It is a great product for both dog OR cat problems.

Sadly in some instances such as territorial male dogs, neutering may be the best solution. In these cases, it is best to speak to your vet. It is not a guaranteed way to fix the issue, however, if Fido’s motivation is to mark his territory, this will help.

In conclusion, although it is alarming to have your dog start peeing suddenly in the house, there is usually a fairly easy way to fix it. Once medical reasons are ruled out, patience, consistency and some extra bonding time with your dog is the fastest and most efficient way to move past this issue.

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