Author: Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya

Initially, last weekend, my friend Sarah walked into her living room. Suddenly, she immediately got ambushed by her 80-pound Labrador, Max. Unexpectedly, as he launched himself at her, muddy paws and all, she realized something had to change. Notably, Max wasn’t being malicious—he was just trying to say hello in the only way he knew how. Knowing how to stop dog jumping is a critical lesson for every dog guardian Fundamentally, dogs jump for one simple reason: connection. Essentially, it’s their way of getting face-to-face with us, seeking attention, and expressing pure joy. Interestingly, when a puppy jumps and gets…

Last evening, my 2 year old Labrador mix Zeus let out a series of short, high-pitched barks while wagging his tail frantically. Having worked with dogs (indoors and outdoors both) for over 15 years, I knew instantly – someone was at the door, and it was probably my husband returning from work. Sure enough, moments later, there was my husband at the door, and Zeus’s excited dog sounds turned into what I can only describe as happy “talking” – a mix of whimpers, grunts, and playful growls that perfectly expressed his joy. Understanding Dog Vocalizations: A Scientific Approach Think of…

Dogs are highly expressive animals, using a rich repertoire of dog posture, gestures, and vocalizations to convey their internal states and intentions. As a dog owner or enthusiast, understanding the nuances of dog body language is crucial for building stronger connections and anticipating your canine companion’s needs. Dog posture At the core of this nonverbal communication are a dog’s dog postures – the positions and alignments of their body, head, ears, and tail. Each dog posture carries profound meaning, allowing dogs to wordlessly express emotions ranging from joy and confidence to fear and aggression. In the sections that follow, we’ll dive deeper into 25 of the most…

Last week, my neighbor’s six-year-old daughter asked me why her dog Tucker always rolls over when she approaches him. Like many pet parents, she assumed he wanted a belly rub. Being a dog behaviorist, I knew Tucker was unfortunately showing appeasement behavior. In fact, this was his way of saying “I come in peace” when he felt overwhelmed. Ultimately, understanding the dog body language could have made this interaction much more enjoyable for the dog. This common misunderstanding of dog body language happens more often than you might think. Dr. Sarah Chen, a certified animal behaviorist, reports that nearly 77%…

If you’ve ever wondered why do dogs wag their tails, you’re not alone! Tail wagging is one of dogs’ most common and recognizable forms of communication. Most dog guardians do the mistake of thinking that every tail wag means that the pup is happy. But did you know that not all tail wags are the same? The tail movements of a dog convey a wealth of information about its emotions, intentions, and state of mind. Whether your dog’s tail is wagging in joy or stiffening in tension, reading these signals is key to understanding dog behavior and dog communication. In…

Gabapentin, a pharmaceutical initially created for epilepsy treatment, is a highly utilized medication recognized for its capacity to regulate brain electrical activity and impact the nervous system. Most often Gabapentin is used for managing seizures. However, gabapentin has become a versatile medication in human medicine, often prescribed for a range of different conditions. It has additional uses for treating nerve-related pain, such as pain caused by shingles, diabetic neuropathy, and peripheral neuropathy. In addition, gabapentin is well-known for its ability to effectively manage postoperative pain. It can also provide support in treating anxiety and mood disorders. The versatility of this…

Trazodone is a frequently prescribed medication in veterinary medicine. It has gained significant popularity for its use in managing anxiety and behavioral problems in dogs.Trazodone is a pharmaceutical compound classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Initially, it was created for the treatment of depression in humans. However, this medication is now in use for the management of anxiety, fear, and other behavioral issues in dogs. Trazodone functions by elevating serotonin levels in the brain. Thus, it induces a calming and relaxing effect in dogs without causing undue sedation.Both dog guardians and veterinarians need to comprehend the potential…

Finding a safe and effective therapy for canine atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition in dogs, is a primary concern for many dog guardians. Cytopoint is one medication that has become more popular recently. However, the side effects of Cytopoint are not something to be ignored. This blog post will help you make an informed decision regarding your dog’s health care by diving into the definition, mechanism of action, and typical uses of Cytopoint, as well as by studying its potential adverse effects. Are you passionate about giving your furry friend the best life possible? Join our community at The…

Meet Max, a playful Golden Retriever who loved nothing more than exploring his backyard. One sunny afternoon, Max’s owner, Sarah, noticed something alarming during their routine walk—Max’s stool was streaked with blood. Panic set in as she wondered what could be wrong with her beloved companion. Rushing to the vet, Sarah soon realized how crucial it was to pay attention to bloody stool in dogs, as they can be a sign of serious underlying health issues. Bloody stool in dogs can be a distressing experience for any pet owner. While it may be a sign of something minor, it can…

Recently, there has been a noticeable trend towards adopting healthier eating habits, not only for people but also for their beloved pets. More and more pet owners are discovering the advantages of adding superfoods to their dogs’ diets, which can greatly improve their overall health and well-being. Out of all the superfoods out there, beetroot has caught people’s eye with its striking color and incredible nutritional benefits. However, the question arises, can dogs eat beetroot?Beetroot, renowned for its vibrant crimson color and distinct taste, is brimming with vital nutrients. This source is packed with an impressive array of vitamins and…