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• What Your Dog's Cute Behaviors Really Mean

  Most dog owners would agree that our canine friends are doggone cute. Some of their expressions and actions simply amplify their “cuteness.” But are they born with the innate “cuteness”, or do they learn how to be cute? This article discusses some of the reasons for these cute expressions and behaviors.

• Why Bones Are Not Safe for Dogs

  Dogs were built to chew. That is a fact. Bones can lead to a number of health problems from minor injuries to severe illness. Our job as pet parents, is to provide them with chewing options that do not put them in jeopardy. Happy chewing!

• Why Do Dogs Bury Bones?

  Burying of toys or food items by dogs goes back thousands of years as a means of preserving food and storing valuable or scarce food resources. Dogs today do it out of ancestral habit and as a means of resource protection. If you notice that your dog seems to be digging compulsively, contact your veterinarian.

• Why Do Dogs Howl?

  Like many canine behaviors, howling has ancestral roots. Whether it is occasional, constant, mournful, or exuberant, howling is part of normal canine communication. Depending on the situation, a howl can take on different meanings.

• Why Dogs Chase Their Tails

  Dogs chasing their own tail can be amusing but can also be a sign of a bigger problem. Tail-chasing may be a result of boredom, lack of exercise, exploration (in puppies), or cognitive decline (in older dogs). If your dog suddenly starts chasing or biting at his tail, schedule a veterinary visit, as the cause could be medical.

• Why Dogs Eat Grass

  There are many possible explanations as to why dogs eat grass including gastrointestinal upset. However, most grass-eating dogs are not sick beforehand and do not vomit afterwards. Dogs may eat grass if they are bored, lonely, or anxious. Some dogs will eat grass as a reflection of their ancestral heritage and the need to scavenge, or dogs may simply enjoy the texture and taste of grass in their mouths.

• Why Dogs Lick Their Privates

  Dogs will always lick, but it is sometimes embarrassing when they lick their private parts. Licking after eliminating is normal; however, if your dog licks more frequently, or you notice other signs such as discharge; swollen or red penis, vulva, or anus; pustules; discoloration of the skin; or if your dog strains to urinate, see your veterinarian for help. Appropriate medical therapy can reduce your dog's discomfort.

• Why Dogs Sniff Rear Ends

  A dog's ability to smell is far more advanced than ours. Dogs use their keen sense of smell, along with a visual assessment, to provide vital information about a new canine acquaintance. The way dogs sniff rear ends can set the foundation of their relationship. Dogs also have a good scent memory that can identify other dogs they have not seen for years.

• Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads

  Dogs tilt their heads so they can see and hear better when looking straight ahead. Different breeds may act differently based on ear and face shape. Sometimes a head tilt may be a sign of a medical problem, especially if it is persistent or not associated with a given audible cue.

• Why Dogs Turn Around Before Lying Down

  Dog ancestors turned around before bedtime for their health or protection. These innate habits remain to this day, but if your dog seems to be doing it excessively, it could be a sign of underlying medical problems, such as arthritis or neurological disorders. Contact your veterinarian if your dog appears to have difficulty settling down.