Dog Behaviors

dog waving hello

Canine Conversation: How Dogs Communicate Five Basic Emotions

Dogs spend their entire lives relying on human counterparts for nearly everything. Whether they are hungry, tired, feeling sick, happy, excited, or have to go outside, there aren’t many things dogs can do without the help of their two-legged family members. To communicate their needs and emotions, dogs rely on body language to let us know what’s going on and what they need.

Dog body language is a detail-oriented method of communication, rarely do any two movements mean the same thing in terms of how your dog is feeling. Here are some ways dogs communicate FIVE basic emotions and how to understand them.

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dog drinking water to stay hydrated

5 Easy Ways To Keep Your Dog Hydrated!

Water is vital to maintaining your four-legged family member’s body and mind, but many dogs don’t get enough water, making dehydration a common and potentially dangerous condition. Keeping your four-legged family member hydrated helps them regulate their body temperature, keep their energy levels up, and recover from physical activity quicker. It allows vital organs to keep doing their job, promotes urinary tract health, supports digestion, and keeps their metabolism working properly.

Also, remember that dogs and humans do NOT have the same hydration and electrolyte needs. Dogs don’t sweat, they pant. That panting results in stored water leaving their body. With all that fur, it’s no wonder why dogs get overheated so much quicker than humans, especially when it’s hot out.

Here are some easy ways to keep them hydrated during the warm weather ahead.

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dog and people at fourth of july celebration

The Ultimate Guide to a Safe, Dog-Friendly Fourth of July!

The ultimate summer holiday is finally here, your party or travel plans are booked, and you are ready for a weekend of lawn games, parties, fireworks, and cookouts.

If your dog is joining your celebration, you’ll want to make sure you’re equipped to keep them safe before you fire up the grill and get ready for festivities.

So, here is your guide to a safe, dog-friendly Fourth of July weekend!

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two dogs sitting next to each other

Canine Companions: How To Tell If Your Dog Has A Best Friend

Though you may believe that you are your dog’s best friend, they may have canine best friends as well.

Like many mammals, dogs evolved as pack animals, most likely to increase their likelihood of survival. But along with that pack mentality, dogs also developed the ability to bond socially. That bonding led to the ability to work proficiently as a team while hunting and a sense of loyalty between members of the pack.

While most of that bonding has now passed to dog-owner relationships, your dog probably still bonds with other canines. You may notice your pet has preferred playmates, who they may be less aggressive towards or more tolerant of their presence. Several factors contribute to this preference, such as playstyle, energy level, and temperament.

Here are a few ways to figure out if your dog has a best friend.

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