Dog Diseases: Parasites

Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis)

Cycle of Infection Picture

Signs and Symptoms

Class 1:  No symptoms or mild symptoms such as an occasional cough.

Class 2:  Mild to moderate symptoms such as an occasional cough and tiredness after moderate activity.

Class 3:  General loss of body condition, a persistent cough, and tiredness after mild activity.  Trouble breathing and signs of heart failure are common. For class 2 and 3 heartworm disease, heart and lung changes are usually seen on chest x-rays.

Class 4:  Also called caval syndrome.  There is such a heavy worm burden that blood flowing back to the heart is physically blocked by a large mass of worms.  Caval syndrome is life-threatening and quick surgical removal of the heartworms is the only treatment option.  The surgery is risky, and even with surgery, most dogs with caval syndrome die. 

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a blood test to detect proteins produced by the worms ("antigen") in your dog's blood. The test may be falsely negative early in an infection or if only a small number of worms are present, so repeating the test after six months may be necessary to detect an infection. An older test method involves checking the blood for circulating larvae, but this test is not as accurate.

In addition to blood testing, radiographs and ultrasound can be used to assess changes in the heart and lungs associated with heartworm disease.

Treatment

The drug that you treat with is called Immiticide. It’s an injectable, arsenic-based product. The dog is given two or three injections that will kill the adult heartworms in the blood vessels of the heart.

• Hookworm (Necator americanus; Ancylostoma duodenale)

Cycle of Infection Picture

Signs and Symptoms

• failure to gain weight, or weight loss
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea
• anemia (pale gums, weakness) sometimes seen, and can be cause of death in puppies
• bloody or tarry stools may be present
• sometimes coughing can occur due to the larval migration through the lungs (with very heavy infections)
• skin irritation, most often on the feet between the toes, due to migrating larvae

Diagnosis

The eggs of hookworms can be detected under the microscope in a routine check of a stool sample (the test process is called fecal flotation). It takes a while for infected puppies to shed eggs, so routine deworming of puppies is recommended.

Treatment

Treatment is the same, regardless of the species. There are a number of medications that can be used to treat hookworms, and your vet can help you pick the one right for your dog. Medications will only affect hookworms in the intestines, not migrating larvae. Treatment should be repeated to deal with larvae as they mature (e.g. at 2 week intervals). The number of treatments necessary will depend on the age of the dog and the situation, and will be recommended by your vet.

• Roundworm (Toxocara canis; toxascara leonina)

Cycle of Infection Picture

Signs and Symptoms

• Pot-belly
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Belly pain
• Dull coat
• Weight loss

Diagnosis

The eggs of roundworms are detected under the microscope in a routine check of a stool sample (the test process is called fecal flotation). It is possible to tell the difference between the species of roundowrm based on the appearance of their eggs. Of course, when roundworms appear in vomit or stool, the diagnosis is pretty clear.

Treatment

There are many safe and effective deworming drugs. They include fenbendazole, milbemycin, moxidectin, nitroscanate, piperazine, and pyrantel. Your vet will give your dog one to three doses at first, which will kill the adult worms. Your dog will get follow-up doses to kill any new worms that weren’t fully developed when the first doses were given.

Because it’s so common in puppies, many vets deworm pups when they’re 2-3 weeks old just to be safe.

Even after your dog is treated, he should get regular fecal exams. For puppies, that’s two to four times a year. For dogs 1 year or older, it’s one to two times a year.

• Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)

Cycle of Infection Picture

Signs and Symptoms

• weight loss
• diarrhea
• mucous or blood in stool
• anemia (pale gums, weakness) can be seen with chronic, heavy infections

Rarely, whipworm infections cause a syndrome similar to Addison's disease, with periodic episodes of weakness and electrolyte imbalance, though the mechanism of this effect is poorly understood.

Diagnosis

The eggs of whipworms can be detected under the microscope in a check of a stool sample (the test process is called fecal flotation).

However, unlike roundworms and hookworms, female whipworms only produce eggs intermittently, so the eggs can be very difficult to catch on fecal tests. Repeated tests may be necessary, and if a whipworm infection is suspected it is common to treat for whipworms even if eggs aren't found.

Treatment

There are a number of medications that can be used to treat whipworms, and your vet can help you pick the one right for your dog (they are resistant to some common dewormers). Repeated treatments are usually recommended for best results (e.g., after 3 weeks and 3 months).

Because the eggs survive for so long, the potential for re-infections from eggs in the environment is significant. Your vet may recommend a monthly parasite preventative effective for whipworms to prevent whipworm infections on an ongoing basis.

Keeping pet wastes picked up promptly can help prevent infections with whipworms.

• Tapeworm (Cestoda)

Cycle of Infection Picture

Signs and Symptoms

• Anal and perianal itchiness (pruritus at and around the anus)
• Licking at the anal and perianal area
• Scooting
• Weight loss (despite maintaining a good appetite)
• Increased appetite (without weight gain)
• Poor hair coat (dull, dry, unkempt)
• Poor skin condition (dry, flaky)
• Abdominal distension
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Irritability
• Abdominal pain (less common)

Diagnosis

Clinical diagnosis is usually made by observing the white mobile tapeworm segments in the feces or crawling around the anus. They often look like grains of rice.

Tapeworm segments are only passed intermittently and therefore are often not diagnosed on routine fecal examination. If you find any segments, white or golden color, bring them to your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment

The parasiticide may be given either in the form of tablets or by injection. It causes the parasite to dissolve in the intestines so you normally will not see tapeworms passed in the stool. These drugs are very safe and should not cause any side effects.

A Doggie Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. The smell of food cooking, the bustle around the house, the clink of glasses after a toast. Even the dog gets to eat some of the feast. But be careful what you feed him, because many foods can be toxic to your furry friend. Here is a list of dishes that you should avoid.

Turkey:

Raw or undercooked turkey can contain salmonella, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If you’re going to give your dog turkey, make sure it is white meat, lean, and properly cooked. Feeding your dog turkey skin is harmful as well. Dogs’ stomachs can’t handle it. Too much fatty food can inflame their pancreas. This is known as Pancreatitis, and some symptoms include dehydration, lethargy, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Corn on the Cob:

Corn cobs can cause intestinal obstruction, a very serious and potentially fatal medical condition. Additionally, some dogs are sensitive to corn and can suffer intestinal effects from that as well as the physical obstruction. It is wise to keep all cobs away from your dog, safely secured in the trash. 

Onions:

Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate, which is toxic to cats and dogs. The ingestion of onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by damage to the red blood cells. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells circulating through your pet’s body to burst.

Garlic:

Very recently, the safety of garlic on dogs and cats has come under close scrutiny, due to its properties as a member of the Allium genus, a branch of the lily family, along with onions and shallots. Because of this, large quantities of garlic could be toxic to dogs, just like onions.

Alcohol:

A big no-no. Ethanol, a chemical toxic to dogs, is a main ingredient in alcohol. Ethanol can cause diarrhea, seizures, and comas, all of which could lead to death.

Nutmeg:

Nutmeg has mild hallucinogenic properties that can give your dog seizures. While pumpkin and sweet potatoes by themselves are good for dogs, make sure you don’t use nutmeg when you make them.

Dairy Products:

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they are allergic to an ingredient in milk. Stay away from milk, butter, cream cheese, ice cream, and cheese.

Chocolate:

Most pet owners know this one, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Chocolate is the most common cause of canine poisoning. Even in small amounts, it can be fatal. Why is chocolate so dangerous? The cocoa that is used to make it contains a chemical called theobromine, which dogs take a very long time to digest.

Be careful with the trash: aluminum foil, plastic wrap, wax paper, toothpicks, and skewers. Pets can ingest some of the wrapper when they lick them clean. This could give them intestinal obstructions. Additionally, avoid giving them hot food. If its too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. 

Do not give bones to your dog. The small ones are a choking hazard, and the larger ones can crack his teeth, break into pieces, and, when swallowed, can cause internal lacerations.

Have a great Thanksgiving, humans and dogs alike!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=1030

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/foods-are-hazardous-dogs

http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/healthy-pets/table-foods-pets.htm

http://www.pawnation.com/2013/11/25/thanksgiving-food-dogs-and-cats-can-eat/1

http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/thanksgiving-foods-safe-for-dogs

http://www.ilovedogs.com/2011/10/10-thanksgiving-foods-dangerous-to-your-dog/

http://www.rd.com/home/thanksgiving-foods-that-are-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs/

http://www.boston.com/community/pets/blogs/pet_chatter/2012/11/the_top_thanksgiving_foodsare.html

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dogs-and-chocolate-get-the-facts

Cats and Dogs Meet Mythology

Cerberus

This terrifying beast proves that not all dogs are created equal. He is the size of a house and with three snarling heads, each gaping mouth full of razor sharp teeth. A pet of Hades, god of the dead, this canine is said to have guarded the entrance to the Greek Mythology’s Underworld. He both prevented the dead from leaving or the living to pass though the gates.

Cerberus, despite his size and his temperament, has been defeated before. The last of Heracles’s twelve labors was to capture him and bring him to the surface, which was supposed to be impossible, as it was believed that no one had the power to come and go from the Underworld.

Bast

Bast, or Bastet, was the Egyptian cat goddess, who first appeared in the Second Dynasty (circa 2890 BCE), but as a lioness. It wasn’t until the twenty-second Dynasty (945-715 BCE) that she was shown as a cat. Some archaeologists think that a few different deities merged and became one goddess, Bast.

Cats in ancient Egypt were worshipped for their ability to catch vermin such as mice or rats, and even snakes, especially cobras. Egyptians believed that Bast lived in every feline. Their cats were adorned with gold jewelry, permitted to eat off of their owners’ plates, and when they died, they were given the honor of mummification. All this was done in the name of Bast. 

Zodiac Dog

The Chinese zodiac’s eleventh position is the Dog. They represent character traits such as loyalty, compatibility and kindness. Dogs frequently offer kind words and useful advice, always listening and lending a shoulder when necessary. Dogs often become deeply involved in others’ lives and are sometimes perceived as nosy. Ensuring others are happy is more important to the Dog than wealth, money or success.

Zodiac Cat

The fourth animal symbol in the 12-year cycle of the Vietnamese zodiac, which took the place of the rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. Many of the traits that originated with the rabbit have been passed on to the Cat.  Legends relating to the order of the Chinese zodiac often include stories as to why the cat was not included among the twelve. Because the Rat tricked the cat into missing the banquet with the Jade Emperor, the cat was not included and wasn't aware that the banquet was going on and thus began the antipathy between cats and Rats. It is possible domesticated cats were not  common in China at the zodiac's induction.

Trick-or-Treating and Pets: Keep Them and Everyone Safe and Happy on Halloween

Candy

Dogs should never eat chocolate. The theobromine,the ingredient  in the cacao bean used to make chocolate, is toxic to dogs. Anything high in sugar is also be a hazard. If you want to give your dog something special on Halloween, make sure it is not candies. 

Safe Costumes

Sure, Fido may look cute as a hot dog or an angel, but beware: some costumes can be dangerous. Be sure to keep any string or ribbon away from your dog's throat or mouth, and make sure he has room and a full range of motion in the costume before you go out.

Away from the Door

For pet parents who stay home and hand out candy, one important thing to keep in mind is how your pet will react to having people ringing the doorbell or knocking every couple minutes. This can cause them extreme anxiety and even aggression. Keep your pets away from the door when handing out candy.

Keep them Close & Be Aware

Many families take their dogs out on Halloween. There is nothing inherently wrong or dangerous about this practice, but just to be safe, keep them on a leash and/or keep them close to you. There can be a lot of confusion with all the people out and about, so just be aware of your surroundings. 

Something else to keep in mind:
Don’t forget that Halloween and mischief are often linked. Why take a chance on your pet being a target, becoming injured, or worse? Keep an eye out: on the community, on yourself, and on your pet.

Have a good, happy, and safe Halloween.

Pumpkin All Around: Benefits for Pets

Combating dehydration: Pumpkin flesh is around 90% water, so a little pumpkin topping on a meal can combat dehydration resulting from moisture-deficient processed dry dog and cat foods. An additional benefit is improved digestion from increasing the gastric "juices" essential to proper gastrointestinal health.

2.  Helping with Constipation: Fiber from pumpkin works in pets the same way it does in humans and can actually treat some gastrointestinal issues. A tablespoon or two of pumpkin can resolve symptoms in a few days if the gut is just a bit "out of order." Some cats may experience decreased colon activity as they age, resulting in constipation. The added fiber from pumpkin increases the bulk of the stool and the colon muscles react by moving things along.

3.  Reducing Hairballs: By increasing the volume of waste in the intestine, pumpkin can help your cat digest and eliminate fur swallowed during grooming. This can reduce or even prevent the formation of "hairballs" that are eventually regurgitated.

4. Resolving Diarrhea: Yes, it works both ways! Pumpkin can soothe constipation but diarrhea can also be remedied with the addition of pumpkin to a dog or cat's diet. It is particularly effective if the upset is the result of colitis caused by a rapid food change or the ingestion of a new food. All it takes is a teaspoon for small dog or cat and a tablespoon or two for a medium or large dog of canned pumpkin in the animal's food.

5.  Boosting Weight Loss: With 3 grams of fiber per cup, pumpkin can augment weight loss in dogs and cats. The fiber fills the tummy so your pet feels "fuller" sooner, meaning Pookie eats fewer calories overall.

6.  Supplementing Nutrition: One of the biggest benefits of pumpkin to pets and humans is its wealth of nutrition. Pumpkins contain carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin C, Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), iron, folate, magnesium, zinc, selenium, niacin, vitamin E, manganese, copper, and protein. You do not want to overload your pet's system with these nutrients and trace minerals, however. This is not a case of a little bit being good and a lot being better.

7. Adding Antioxidants: Pumpkin contains antioxidants which help moisturize skin, helping your pet maintain a healthy and shiny coat.

8. Providing Essential Fatty Acids: In addition to antioxidants, pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids with similar benefits. Pets may consume the seeds raw (if they are fresh) or enjoy the roasted version which store better. Lightly coat the seeds with cooking oil and roast in a 375-degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes for a daily treat your pet will love. Only offer a few seeds at a time to your pet (the fiber can cause a softening of the stool). Store the seeds in an airtight container or freeze them. Don't forget to roast some extras for yourself! If your pet is small you can grind up the seeds to ensure they are easier to digest and don't get caught in the intestine.

9. Controlling Parasites: Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a possible anthelmintic that eliminates tape and roundworms. Additionally the seeds may inhibit the formation of kidney and bladder stones, and some studies have shown anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds may be ground up and added to food, but again, be conservative.

http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/news-videos-fun/fun-stuff/9-benefits-of-pumpkin-for-pets---pumpkin-for-dogs-and-cats

Canine Careers

Search & Rescue Dog:

Pair an amazing sense of smell and direction with amazing bravery and you’ve got yourself a search and rescue dog. These heroes go into serious disaster situation to retrieve lost humans. Imagine, these dogs risk their lives going into avalanches and other natural disasters saving humans.

Cadaver Dog:

These canines have been trained to alert their handlers at the scent of a decomposing body.  These dogs are used together with Search and Rescue canines during disaster situations to locate all the victims.   

Service or Guide Dog:

The first school for guide dogs was established in Germany after World War I in order to assist soldiers that had been blinded or injured during the war. These dogs act as the pilots of their handler’s lives. Common breeds include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, & German Sheperds. There are approximately 8,000-20,000 active service pups working each day.

War Dog:

Dogs have been used in combat since ancient times. Today’s war dogs have a 98% success rate in bomb detection making them incredible assets in providing safety to their battalions. Military dogs have also been said to reduce PTSD symptoms if they are able to return home with their partners – there are now tons of war dog adoption programs.

Therapy Dog

A therapy dog’s sole purpose is to make people feel better. You’ll see them walking the halls of hospitals, retirement homes, classrooms, hospices, nursing homes, and disaster relief areas. Therapy dogs make people feel comfortable with physical contact they may not be used and as a result make their treatment easier.  It’s a special pup chosen for this job; they need to be extra gentle and calm.

Herding Dog:

You know that one dog at the park, constantly trying to round up the rest of the dogs by barking and running in circles? Don’t hold it against, him it’s in his DNA… and he thinks your dog is sheep, or a cow. Herding dogs maintain control over livestock, rounding them up when it’s time to get back to farm. Talk about having influence, these dogs can gather up to hundreds of livestock at a time.

Tracking/Hunting Dog:

Hounds, terriers, and dachshunds are the most popular types of hunting and tracking dogs. These dogs are trained to be the eye, ears, and retrievers for their human counterparts. These dogs are not only impressive because of their ability to track, but also they don’t chew their prey to pieces.

Sled Dog:

Imagine a pack of of dogs having the strength, discipline, and organization to effectively pull a sled full of goods, and humans through the coldest winds and harshest snows. Sled dogs have unmatchable resilience and many people in the most northern corners of the world rely on them solely for transportation and deliveries of crucial goods.

https://www.smartrecruiters.com/blog/top-10-jobs-for-dogs/

http://www.dogguide.net/20-jobs-dog-have-done.php

https://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/who-s-good-boy-10-jobs-dogs

Puppy Milestones

NEWBORN
Puppies are born both blind and deaf.

DAY 7
Puppies begin to crawl and scoot across the floor.

DAY 14
His ears and eyes open and he can see and hear. His eyes are blue.

DAY 17
He, shaky and wobbly, begins to try to walk.

DAY 21
Now, he has the hang of walking.
He will play, mainly with his brothers and sisters..

DAY 28
His teething is over; all deciduous teeth have erupted
His eyes start to change color

4 TO 5 WEEKS
Potty training should not be attempted until this time

5 TO 7 WEEKS
He begins to form relationships with humans
Your puppy now recognizes his name
He starts chasing objects, even his own tail

DAY 45
All of his 28 deciduous teeth are fully grown

8 TO 11 WEEKS
He enters the Fear Imprint period: trauma during this stage influence a dog's whole life

14 WEEKS
His adolescence begins.

2 TO 5 MONTHS
His permanent teeth have erupted
He will respond to the "come" command

12 MONTHS
If your dog is a large breed, he is now considered mature

18 MONTHS
If your dog is a small breed, he is now considered mature

http://www.hartz.com/Dogs/Hartz_Puppy/milestones_in_a_puppys_development.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/keeping-your-dog-healthy/puppy-care/developmental-milestones-in-the-puppy

http://blog.petsolutions.com/dog/development-milestones-of-your-puppy/

Fourteen Trivia Tidbits

After a hiatus, we are back and better than ever. So to celebrate our return, here are fourteen interesting facts about dogs.

It is much easier for dogs to learn spoken commands if they are given in conjunction with hand signals or gestures.

Dogs like sweets a lot more than cats do. While cats have around only 473 taste buds, dogs have about 1,700 taste buds. Humans have approximately 9,000.

Dogs are about as smart as a two- or three-year-old child. This means they can understand about 150-200 words, including signals and hand movements with the same meaning as words.

Pekingese is referred to as a “sleeve” because it was bred to fit into a Chinese empress’ sleeves, which was how it was often carried around.

Puppies are sometimes rejected by their mother if they are born by cesarean and cleaned up before being given back to her.^c

The phrase “raining cats and dogs” originated in seventeenth-century England. During heavy rainstorms, many homeless animals would drown and float down the streets, giving the appearance that it had actually rained cats and dogs.

The most popular male dog names are Max and Jake. The most popular female dog names are Maggie and Molly.

Scholars have argued over the metaphysical interpretation of Dorothy’s pooch, Toto, in the Wizard of Oz. One theory postulates that Toto represents Anubis, the dog-headed Egyptian god of death, because Toto consistently keeps Dorothy from safely returning home.^d

The ancient religion Zoroastrianism includes in its religious text titled the Zend Avesta a section devoted to the care and breeding of dogs

At the end of WWI, the German government trained the first guide dogs for war-blinded soldiers.

The names of 77 ancient Egyptian dogs have been recorded. The names refer to color and character, such as Blackie, Ebony, Good Herdsman, Reliable, and Brave One.

Some dogs can smell dead bodies under water, where termites are hiding, and natural gas buried under 40 feet of dirt. They can even detect cancer that is too small to be detected by a doctor and can find lung cancer by sniffing a person’s breath.

The most intelligent dogs are reportedly the Border Collie and the Poodle, while the least intelligent dogs are the Afghan Hound and the Basenji

In 2003, Dr. Roger Mugford invented the “wagometer,” a device that claims to interpret a dog’s exact mood by measuring the wag of its tail.

Common Fears and How to Help

 Weather

Astraphobia, the fear of thunder, is a very common fear in dogs. This phobia can range from mild discomfort to full-blown anxiety attacks.

Unfortunately there is no way to tell for certain what the cause of such fears, but there are many speculations, most logical of which is the loudness and unpredictability of thunder. Another hypothesis is that the change in barometric pressure and humidity often alerts dogs to storms brewing before it even hits. Usually, dogs with astraphobia are afraid of other loud noises such as fireworks or gunshots.

If your dog seems anxious, hyperactive, and destructive behavior, he may be suffering from this phobia. Other symptoms can include pacing, whining, attention-seeking, or hiding. It is also common for dogs with a fear of thunder to urinate or defecate indoors. A dogs’ behavior can grow to a point where they are a danger to themselves or to people. 

There are several things you can do to help your dog, the most important of which is to continue with your usual routine. Don’t pay special attention to your dog when he is exhibiting signs of fear or anxiety. Even if it seems like he needs comforting, giving him praise and attention can reinforce the unwanted behavior. Even with change, some dogs will need the help of a professional. Consult your primary veterinarian about possible treatments.

 Being Alone

Separation anxiety is a disorder that causes a dog to panic at the thought of being left alone. It can be so overwhelming that when you leave, he can be destructive, bark incessantly, and urinate and defecate in the house. This condition can be very stressful on both sides because regular obedience training doesn’t cover it.

There are, however, things you can do to reduce your dog’s anxiety. It’s a process called systematic desensitization, which is a method of gradually allowing him to get used to being home on their own.

Firstly, rule out boredom. Many people mistake boredom with separation anxiety. While both are accompanied by problem behaviors, i.e chewing and excessive barking, they are different in the fact that boredom can be  overcome with more exercise and stimulation throughout the day.

To prevent your dog from building anxiety, make some changes to your own behavior. Pay attention to the things you do before you leave the house, and begin doing them randomly throughout the day. For example, you can grab your keys and sit down to watch television, or put on your coat and feed your dog. Within a few weeks, your dog should no longer see these things as signs that you are about to walk out the door, and some of his anxiety should be eased.

 Stairs

The fear of ascending and descending a staircase is fairly common, mostly in young dogs who may not have encountered them as puppies. But before you start searching for behavioral issues that fit with a dog’s fear of stairs, talk to your vet. It could be a physical problem such as pain when using the stairs.

The majority of dogs with a phobia of stairs are the ones that weren’t exposed to steps as a puppy, and in some cases, a dog who has had a traumatic experience, like falling.

Overcoming a fear like this is simple. Make sure that there is nothing on the stairs, especially things that your dog might trip over. Then, distract your dog from his fear. Rather than forcing him to go up and down steps, try tricking into going up or down with simple distractions like praise and attention. Walk slowly up or down, coaxing your dog to follow you. Overcoming this phobia can take a lot of time and effort. Take one step at a time— literally.

 Men

When people discover that a dog is afraid of men, they very often attribute it to a bad experience. While being abused by a man may cause a lifelong fear of all men, this is not the most likely culprit.

Usually a fear of men in dogs can be traced to not being exposed to a wide variety of men in early puppyhood. Even a dog who has lived with a man can be fearful of men who are different than the one they are familiar with. Men are usually taller than women or children, have deeper voices, and may have different features, such as facial hair. When you look at things from the dog's perspective, it's easy to see how a lack of socialization with men early on in life can lead to a lifelong fear of men.

The Reasons Why

Why do dogs wag their tails?

It's commonly believed that dogs wag their tails to convey that they are happy and friendly, but this isn't exactly true. Dogs have a kind of language that's based on the position and motion of their tails. The position of a dog's tail reveals its emotional state. 

When a dog is relaxed, its tail will be in its "natural" position, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

This natural position differs between breeds. The tails of most dogs, for example, hang down near their hocks, or heels. But pugs have tails that curl upward, and greyhounds have tails that rest slightly between their legs. 

If a dog is nervous or submissive, it'll hold its tail lower than its natural position, and will tuck its tail under its body if it's scared. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a tail held higher than normal may indicate the dog is aroused by something, while a vertical tail indicates aggression.

A tail held straight out means the dog is curious about something.

Tail wagging reflects a dog's excitement, with more vigorous wagging relating to greater excitement. 

Why do cats purr?

Happiness

Your cat looks relaxed: Perhaps she's on her back, eyes half-closed, tail mostly still. If she's purring, it's safe to assume she's in her happy place.

That noise is a big smile.

Hunger

Some cats purr when it's mealtime. British researchers studied the sounds that house cats make when they're hungry and when food isn't on their minds. The purrs don't sound the same.

When cats purr for food, they combine their normal purr with an unpleasant cry or mew, a bit like a human baby's cry. Experts believe that we're more likely to respond to this sound. They've found that people can tell the difference between the purrs, even if they aren't cat owners.

Kitten-Mother Connection

Kittens can purr when they're only a few days old. Purring helps a kitten bond with its mother, who uses it like a lullaby.

Pain Relief and Healing

Even though purring takes energy, many cats purr when they get hurt or are in pain. So what makes the effort worth it?

It might simply be a way for a cat to soothe itself, like a child sucks their thumb to feel better.

But research suggests that purring actually helps cats get better faster. The low frequency of purrs causes a series of related vibrations within their body that can:

• Heal bones and wounds

• Build muscle and repair tendons

• Ease breathing

• Lessen pain and swelling

Why do dogs bury bones?

Burying bones is a serious business for dogs that is driven by heredity and instinct. This process is called caching or hoarding, and it is common among dogs, wolves and foxes. In fact, other animals practice a form of caching; squirrels gather enough nuts to last through the winter, and camels store enough food and water to last for several days in the desert. Our domesticated dogs may have their food handed to them each day in sufficient quantities, but they still carry this caching trait and bury their bones or toys in the back yard – or even under your pillows – to guard against a possible shortage of food.

Why do cats meow?

I’m hurt – If your cat suddenly begins to meow excessively, take him to be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Your cat’s meows may indicate that there is something medically wrong, especially if the behavior isn’t typical.

I’m just saying hi – Often a cat meows to his human when you come home or even to greet you when you see each other in the house.

I want food – The “I’m hungry” meow is likely one all cat parents know well. Lots of cats know just how to tell their families that it’s time for dinner.

Pay attention to me – Sometimes cats talk simply because they want your attention – and they learn that meowing gets them just that.

Let me in – If a door is closed, cats might meow to get you to open it for them.

I’m stressed – Cats who are stressed may become more vocal than normal. You may have experienced this first hand with a cat meowing loudly in the car on the way to the vet, for example.

I’m ticked off – Angry, agitated cats will often erupt into a screaming match if they feel threatened enough to attack.

I don’t want to be alone – When some cats are left alone for lengthy periods of time, they may become anxious and, among other things, meow excessively.

I’m getting older – Increased vocalization is fairly common in senior cats. As cats age, they may display a decrease in cognitive function, demonstrated in a variety of ways, including loud meowing

Why do dogs pant?

Obviously, dogs have a vastly different physiology than people. For one thing, dogs have fur -- the equivalent of a coat. 

Once their body temperature rises, dogs can’t sweat through their skin like we do to cool off. Dogs do sweat through their paw pads, but it’s by panting that dogs circulate the necessary air through their bodies to cool down. 

Panting is a sign that your dog is excited, hot, or both. But panting is also a warning sign. If your dog is taking a break from exercise and continues to pant heavily, this could be a sign of heatstroke – a medical emergency. Move your dog to a cool spot or indoors immediately. When playing with your dog outside in hot weather, it’s vital to bring along water for her to drink too. 

Why do cats scratch?

Marking their territory

Scratching is a territorial instinct used by cats to claim their turf. Through scratching, cats mark their domains with more than just visible signs of claw marks. Cat's paws also have scent glands that leave their own special scent on their territory.

Exercise

Scratching also serves to keep your cat in shape. The act of scratching stretches and pulls and works the muscles of a cat's front quarters.

Sheer pleasure

It feels good to scratch. So give up the idea of reforming your cat’s desire to scratch. Rechannel her into scratching where you want her to.

Cats don't understand physical punishment. In addition to it being wrong to hit your cat, punishment simply doesn't work and is likely to make your situation worse. Clever though cats are about many things, they don't understand that you're punishing them for scratching the couch. She will only compute that sometimes when you catch her she is treated badly. This may make her insecure and stimulate her to scratch more or develop other undesirable behavior problems. Eventually you will break the trust and security that is the basis for your cat's relationship with you, and you will find it very difficult to catch her for any reason at all. Cats have excellent memories and hold serious grudges.

http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/behavior-training/understanding-your-dog/why-do-dogs-bury-bones

http://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/evr_dg_why_do_dogs_pant#

http://pets.webmd.com/why-do-cats-purr

https://www.petfinder.com/?attachment_id=15054

https://www.petfinder.com/cats/cat-behavior-and-training/why-cats-meow/

http://www.cathealth.com/why-cats-scratch