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How to Make a Dog Vomit

The post How to Make a Dog Vomit by Stephanie Osmanski appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

It should go without saying but sometimes, curious doggos get their little nosies into things they’re not supposed to. And sometimes, those curious canines swallow things they’re not supposed to. Which brings us to a common question that many pet owners have: Is it ever okay to make your dog intentionally vomit in an emergency situation? If there are situations where you should make your dog vomit, you may be wondering how to make a dog vomit. Let’s look at some specifics and some options for how to make a dog vomit below.

In certain emergencies, it may be in your dog’s best interest to induce vomiting. Such emergency situations include if your dog swallows anything that can cause blockage in the intestines or substances that are toxic to dogs. Before we get into the steps involved with how to make a dog vomit, remember it’s important to always call your veterinarian or pet poison control before inducing vomiting at home. Keep reading to find out how to make a dog vomit — and when it’s appropriate to make a dog throw up.

First, should you make your dog vomit?

Should you make a dog vomit? It depends on a few factors. Photography by Kickers / iStock.

As a dog parent, emergency situations may arise in which you may need to know how to make a dog vomit — in a way that’s safe for both you and your pet. According to Dr. Katja Lang, a veterinarian at NYC’s Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital, dog parents should only consider making their dogs vomit in emergency situations where poison or blockage is a concern.

“Indications for emesis are if your pet ate something that could potentially cause an intestinal blockage or something toxic [like] grapes, rat poison, chocolate or xylitol-containing gum,” Dr. Lang adds.

So, your dog swallowed something — now what?

If it is a time-sensitive poison, you should make your dog throw up at home. Antifreeze is such an emergency. Antifreeze can be fatal and damage can occur within 30 minutes. And you’ll still need to rush your dog to the emergency vet clinic after inducing vomiting. The Pet Poison Helpline says that “Aggressive therapy is necessary to survive.”

For everything else, your first step should be to call your vet and ask if you should induce vomiting at home or rush him to the emergency vet because dog vomit must be examined on a case-by-case basis. It is always better to induce vomiting at the clinic where they can deal with anything that goes wrong and also do the necessary follow-up care.

Determining if you should make your dog throw up

“The safety of induction of vomiting depends on the ingested material — soft things like toys and socks are okay,” Dr. Brooke Champers, a veterinarian at Animal Emergency Services, says.

Dr. Lang concurs. “Small, soft objects (sock, squeaky toy, etc.) and toxins that won’t damage the esophagus are good candidates for induction of emesis,” she explains.

But, as Dr. Lang warns, be wary of sharp objects. Making your dog throw up something with sharp edges may do more harm than good.

“Do not induce vomiting with any sharp or caustic toxins like chicken bones or batteries,” Dr. Lang says.

So, what’s the difference between vomiting up a chicken bone and a sock? According to Dr. Jeff Werber, the swallowed chicken bone should take care of itself internally and poses more of a threat if vomited up.

“In most cases, the bone will be eliminated safely through the intestines. In the rare instance that surgery is required, it is preferable and safer to retrieve bones from within the stomach as opposed to in the esophagus,” Dr. Werber says. “However, these surgeries are not often needed.”

Dr. Champers further explains the dangers of sharp objects. “The size of the bone depends on the size of the dog and if there are sharp edges,” she says. “A radiograph should ideally be taken prior to assess the risk involved.”

As for chemicals, anything potentially toxic could be a strong candidate for the induction of emesis. Call your vet immediately if your dog has swallowed a potentially toxic chemical to see if he wants you to induce vomiting at home or at the clinic. Corrosive, acidic or alkaline materials should be handled at your vet’s office.

How to make a dog vomit — safely

In you have assessed the risks, contacted a veterinarian and, under the guidance of a medical professional, you (and your vet) feel that induction of vomit is your pet’s best option, here’s how to make a dog vomit, as outlined by Dr. Lang.

Call Pet Poison Control or your veterinarian to ensure making your dog vomit is the right course of action. The number for Animal Poison Control is (888) 426-4435.

Think about what time the pet ingested the toxin and when they last ate. It should be within 2-3 hours of toxin ingestion. A small amount of food will make emesis more successful.

Make sure your pet is alert. Do not induce vomiting if your pet seems disoriented or drowsy.

Administer a small volume of hydrogen peroxide based on your veterinarian’s recommendation.

Monitor your pet closely after emesis. There is a small risk of aspiration (stomach contents entering the lungs), especially in brachycephalic dog breeds.

Contact your veterinarian or pet poison hotline to see if you need any follow-up treatment to minimize other effects from the toxin.

How to identify the different types of dog vomit

Now that you know how to make a dog vomit, you might have the lovely task of distinguishing your dog’s vomit. Or maybe your dog has thrown up of her own accord. Either way, it’s important to understand what your dog’s vomit is telling you.

Just like in humans, different types of dog vomit suggest different things. Being able to identify what the different types of dog vomit actually mean is crucial to advocating for your pet’s health.

“The first step is to differentiate true vomiting from regurgitation as these processes can look very similar in dogs,” says Dr. Lauren Adelman, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM). “The main difference is that regurgitation tends to be a passive process while vomiting includes active abdominal contractions.”

“You often hear a dog begin to vomit (dry heaving) or see her become nauseous (salivation) prior to the actual act of vomiting,” Dr. Adelman continues. “Whereas with regurgitation, the dog will just bring up food or water without any warning. Contrary to popular belief, other factors such as timing related to eating and the consistency of the material brought up (digested or undigested) is not useful for differentiation.”

But there’s more to examining a dog’s throw-up. In fact, the color of your dog’s vomit is important information.

Identifying different colors of dog vomit

“If you have confirmed that your dog is vomiting, describing the vomit to your veterinarian may be helpful,” Dr. Adelman says. “For example, blood in the vomit can appear bright red or, if it has had time to be digested, dark brown or black, described as coffee grounds.”

Vomit can often present itself in many ways: white foam (which often indicates ingesting toxins or poisons), yellow (inflammation caused by bile back-up) or red (which indicates blood and usually warrants a trip to the vet’s office).

Please remember throughout this process, that the most important thing you can do in order to help your pet is to consult a veterinarian before taking any other medical action.

Thumbnail: Photography ©yellowsarah | iStock / Getty Images.

This piece was originally published in 2018.

About the author

Stephanie Osmanski is a freelance writer and social media consultant who specializes in health and wellness content. Her words have appeared in Seventeen, Whole Dog Journal, Parents Magazine and more. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Stony Brook Southampton and writing a memoir. She lives in New York with her Pomsky, Koda, who is an emotional support animal training to be a certified therapy dog.

Read more about dog health and care on Dogster.com:

What Is HGE (Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis) in Dogs?

How to Make Life Happier and Healthier for Your Senior Dog

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?

The post How to Make a Dog Vomit by Stephanie Osmanski appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Why Do Dogs Lick Their Lips?

The post Why Do Dogs Lick Their Lips? by Elizabeth Vecsi appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

When you notice your dog licking his lips, you might assume he’s hungry or just finishing up a tasty meal. But why do dogs lick their lips — even if, sometimes, there’s no food in sight? Is this more of a behavioral or a medical situation? Well, in short, it could be either.

Why do dogs lick their lips? The basics.

Is your dog licking his lips due to hunger … or something else? Photography © GlobalP | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Lip licking is a way for dogs to communicate via body language. If you notice your dog licking his lips when you admonish him for an unwanted behavior — or when he is at the veterinary clinic or any place that makes him uncomfortable — you can assume that the lip licking is caused by stress.

The term ‘calming signal’ was coined by Norwegian dog trainer, Turid Rugaas, who associates lip licking with stress, fear or confusion in a dog. She believes that this behavior can begin initially as a stress response, but over time can turn into an obsessive habit, like nail biting in humans.

Why do dogs lick their lips when they’re stressed?

If your dog is licking his lips out of stress, try to redirect him in a positive manner. One way to do this is to give him a simple cue and reward him when he follows it. You should avoid comforting your dog when he seems uneasy because this can actually reinforce his fear or anxiety.

Dogs also lick their lips to appease a person or animal who they perceive as a threat in order to ward off aggression. While this is considered to be a submissive gesture, it is still a sign that a dog is stressed and uncomfortable. Also, this does not mean that the dog won’t eventually become defensive and/or aggressive if the uncomfortable stimulus remains as is. At this point, it’s best to back off and give the dog some space to get more comfortable.

“If you want your dog to respect you, you must also respect your dog. A good relationship is based on two-way communication, and living together in a well-balanced togetherness,” says Turid. “Leadership does not solve anything; it only creates problems, in our lives as well as in the dogs’ lives.”

Why do dogs lick their lips when they’re confused or frustrated?

Sometimes dogs exhibit appeasement gestures like lip licking and yawning when they are frustrated or confused. Owners may notice this behavior during training sessions when their dogs are having trouble understanding what is expected of them. This is a clear sign that the lesson needs to end soon, and on a positive note (perhaps by asking the dog to do something easy, like ‘sit’).

When you start again the next day or so, try to break down the action or training into smaller segments so it’s easier for your dog to learn.

Why do dogs lick their lips for other reasons?

In some cases, the answer to, “Why do dogs lick their lips?” is because of physical maladies such as nausea, dental disease or mouth pain. Gastroesophageal reflux, abrupt dietary changes, intestinal obstruction or a bout of pancreatitis can also be culprits. Lip licking, nausea and vomiting are often secondary to other conditions like liver disease, kidney disease or Addison’s disease.

Remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, you should promptly make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Thumbnail: Photography © bobmadbob | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

About the author

Writer Elizabeth Vecsi lives in the Hudson Valley with her five cats. Over the past two decades, she has been an editor and writer for various pet publications, including Cornell’s Dogwatch.

Read more about dog health care on Dogster.com:

What to Do About Dog Stomach Gurgling

Can You Use Human OTC Eye Drops for Dogs?

How to Navigate a Natural Disaster With Your Dog

The post Why Do Dogs Lick Their Lips? by Elizabeth Vecsi appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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stiles-wtf · 6 years ago

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Some Days, You Need Puppy Love

Houndstooth Tales and Tails - The hilarity of everyday life

Yesterday was one of those days when I thought I had things well in hand and then was reminded that the world can tilt sideways in the blink of an eye. My day started out pretty normally. We are having a state review at the school where I work that’s a big deal so I [...]

The post Some Days, You Need Puppy Love appeared first on Tales and Tails.

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Is Your Dog Vomiting Blood? What to Do Next

The post Is Your Dog Vomiting Blood? What to Do Next by Jackie Brown appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Picture this: It’s 11 p.m. on a Saturday night. You’re roused from your slumber by the sound of your dog throwing up all over the bedroom floor. With a deep sigh, you crawl out of bed, flip on the light and kneel down to clean it up. But wait, you see something dark-colored in the vomit. Blood. Your heart skips a beat. Your dog is throwing up blood. Is a dog vomiting blood life threatening? Do you need to rush your dog straight to the emergency clinic?

What to do about a dog vomiting blood

What are the next steps to take for a dog vomiting blood? Photography ©Rasulovs | Thinkstock.

A dog vomiting blood can be a sign of a serious emergency or a minor problem. “It sounds gross, but you should look closely at the vomit,” says Kelly Diehl, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, scientific communications advisor for the Morris Animal Foundation, a nonprofit foundation that funds animal health research. “Is it a just a thread or a few streaks of red blood? Is it a volume of fluid that’s very red, like fruit punch? And is there anything that looks like coffee grounds?”

A small amount of red blood in your dog’s vomit could be caused by simple stomach irritation. “If [your dog has] an upset stomach and [he’s] been vomiting a lot, the stomach becomes so irritated that [he] can have a little bleeding,” Dr. Diehl explains. “Sometimes, we see stomach bleeding in pets that are taking non-steroidal [anti-inflammatory] drugs.” So, a dog vomiting blood that looks like just a few flecks or streaks of red blood is not necessarily very serious. As long as the bleeding and/or vomiting doesn’t get worse, you could potentially wait until the next day to contact your vet.

Is your dog vomiting blood and exhibiting these symptoms?

In some cases, a dog vomiting blood necessitates an immediate trip to your veterinarian (or the emergency clinic, if it’s after hours). A dog vomiting blood that is uniformly bright red signifies a large amount of bleeding. Black or dark-brown blood that looks like coffee grounds indicates the bleeding has been going on for a long amount of time, so that is very concerning. “A lot of people don’t realize that’s dried, partially digested blood,” Dr. Diehl explains. “That is almost always serious, even more serious than a streak of red blood.”

Another factor to consider with a dog vomiting blood is your dog’s demeanor. Is your dog acting fairly normal other than throwing up blood, or is he very lethargic and depressed? A dog vomiting blood who is also acting very sick should go to the vet immediately, even if it’s the middle of the night.

Additionally, a dog vomiting blood should be checked for other sources of bleeding. “For example, if [your dog] ate something like rat bait, that can cause [him] to vomit blood, but [he’s] usually bleeding somewhere else, too,” Dr. Diehl says. “[He] might be bleeding from the mouth or the nose and swallowing it. Any kind of bleeding that doesn’t seem to be slowing down, from the nose or the mouth, or any other signs of bleeding, including bruising on the skin or passing blood in stool, is an emergency. You don’t wait — you go right in.”

The bottom line on vet attention for a dog vomiting blood

The answer is easy with a dog vomiting blood during normal business hours. Call your veterinarian, describe the blood you saw, and ask if your dog needs to come in immediately or if you can take a wait-and-see approach.

However, if your dog is throwing up blood after business hours, consider the appearance and the amount of blood, how your dog is acting, and whether he has any known medical issues or is taking any medications that might be contributing to the bleeding. “If it’s really a lot of red-looking vomit, versus a streak or flecks, you should come in right away,” Dr. Diehl advises. “When you see that much bleeding, you should go in, even if your pet seems to be okay. And if your dog starts feeling really lousy, even if you’ve just seen a little bit of blood, you should go in right away.”

If you choose to wait until morning, always call your vet to report what you saw, even if your dog seems to be feeling better. “Don’t ever just completely blow it off,” Dr. Diehl says. “Even if you don’t see the blood anymore, call and talk with your veterinarian about what your next step should be.”

Tell us: Have you ever dealt with your dog vomiting blood? What caused your dog to vomit blood and how did you treat it?

Thumbnail: Photography by Kickers / iStock.

This piece was originally published in 2018.

Did you know? Vomiting blood or coffee-like material can be a sign of gastritis in humans. Find out more >>

About the author

Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. She is contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian’s Approach to At-Home Animal Care (April 2019) and author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases (Lumina Press, 2006). Jackie is a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media and is the former editor of numerous pet magazines, including Dog World, Natural Dog, Puppies 101, Kittens 101 and the Popular Cats Series. Prior to starting her career in publishing, Jackie spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals where she assisted veterinarians as they treated dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and one memorable lion cub. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons and miniature poodle Jäger. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.

Read more about dog health on Dogster.com:

What Causes Dog Seizures and How Should They be Treated?

Dog Scooting: Why It Happens and When to See a Vet

8 Alternative Dog Cancer Treatments

The post Is Your Dog Vomiting Blood? What to Do Next by Jackie Brown appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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stiles-wtf · 6 years ago

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Is Your Dog Restless at Night? Here’s What’s Going On

The post Is Your Dog Restless at Night? Here’s What’s Going On by Elizabeth Vecsi appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

After a long day at work, you look forward to a restful night of sleep (with or without your dogs in the bed!). But your dog may have different ideas. Is your dog restless at night? While sleepless nights can be common for new puppies or even some younger dogs, the restlessness will usually die down once the dog matures.

However, if you notice that your dog is no longer sleeping through the night, is constantly changing positions, or pacing around the room or throughout the house, there may be a more serious underlying issue that needs to be addressed. A dog who’s restless at night may signify different age or behavior issues that require some gentle intervention.

Is Your Dog Restless at Night? Dog Restlessness and Activity During the Day

What’s going on if your dog is restless at night? Photography ©hedgehog94 | Getty Images.

If you don’t provide your dog with the daily exercise he requires, it could result in behavioral issues. Simply put, puppies and dogs need to move and expend their energy. They need to play and run to burn off energy — plus it’s a perfect way to work on your bond, including the practice of some important training cues.

It could be as easy as a walk or a game of fetch. If you have an older, calm dog, he may simply need a short stroll down the block to burn some energy. If you have a young and/or excitable dog, you may need a daily play session in the backyard to adequately tire him out. Remember: A tired dog is a happy dog!

“Because exercise decreases anxiety overall, lack of exercise can contribute to anxiety-based conditions. More specifically, lack of exercise and mental stimulation can lead to attention-seeking and destructive behaviors,” says Stephanie-Borns-Weil, DVM, DACVB, head of the behavior clinic at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. “Ideally, a young, healthy dog should have a minimum of 20-30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise. Some ways to get your dog’s heart rate elevated include long walks, running, fly ball, games of Frisbee or fetch, and swimming. Swimming is especially great for older dogs as it is not as demanding and puts less stress on their joints than other kinds of aerobic exercise.”

Anxiety Can Cause Dogs to Get Restless at Night

Is your dog restless at night even though he’s getting enough exercise during the day? While activity can definitely help, canine anxiety can have many causes and may be subtle enough that some dog owners won’t necessarily notice. This can affect a dog’s sleep schedule and result in a dog who’s restless at night.

Talk to your dog’s veterinarian if medication is warranted, or even an appointment with a board-certified animal behaviorist. Also, there are calming supplements on the market that can be beneficial, but be sure to check with your vet first before you purchase anything to be sure if it’s safe and appropriate for your particular pet.

Aging and Dogs Who Are Restless at Night

Still looking to find out why your dog is restless at night? As dogs get older, they can easily become restless at night — and the reason why is pretty common. Age typically brings on joint and muscle pain, which can make sleeping more difficult due to discomfort. The onset of dementia can also cause sleep disturbances in dogs. It is important to try and help the quality of life for a senior dog. Again, a consultation with your veterinarian is helpful in a case like this.

For an older dog with typical aches and pains, you might want to consider providing an orthopedic dog bed (younger animals may benefit from this, as well).

Thumbnail: Photography ©grki | Getty Images.

About the author

Writer Elizabeth Vecsi lives in the Hudson Valley with her five cats. Over the past two decades, she has been an editor and writer for various pet publications, including Cornell’s Dogwatch.

Read more about dog behavior on Dogster.com:

Have a Fearful Dog? Keep These 6 Things in Mind

Sounds That Scare Dogs — And What to Do About Them

My Dog Stares at Me — Is That Normal?

The post Is Your Dog Restless at Night? Here’s What’s Going On by Elizabeth Vecsi appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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stiles-wtf · 6 years ago

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Wordless Wednesday 5/1 — Queen Of The May

Houndstooth Tales and Tails - The hilarity of everyday life

The post Wordless Wednesday 5/1 — Queen Of The May appeared first on Tales and Tails.

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Dug Up at Dogster May 2019 Dog Events

The post Dug Up at Dogster May 2019 Dog Events by Melissa L. Kauffman appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Spring has sprung, so it’s time to grab that leash and your pup and have some fun at the latest and greatest dog events happening this month. If you don’t see an event you know dog fans would love on here, send an email with the dog event information and a photo to [email protected]. We’ll consider your event for our May 2019 dog event listings.

May’s Holiday Observances: Chip Your Pet Month, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

All May 2019: Dogs of Danville, Unleashed

Check out Danville, California’s outdoor public art display of painted dog sculptures.

Danville, California, has created an outdoor public art display of beautifully painted dog sculptures throughout its downtown. Just pick up a colorful walking tour booklet that will show you the location of each dog, the sponsor info and any promotions offered. Dog sculptures will be auctioned off at the end of the event, and proceeds go to future art programs. More here.

May 3, 2019: National Specially-abled Pets Day

Celebrate Specially-abled Pets Day! Photo by adogslifephoto | Getty Images

Founded in 2006, National Specially-abled Pets Day celebrates all pets who seem to have a remarkable ability to get past their disabilities. Honor these dogs by adopting or supporting a specially-abled pet. You won’t regret it!

May 7, 2019: Book Premiere: The Scent of Murder

The Scent of Murder by Kylie Logan premieres on May 7th.

Perfect for a day at the pool, dive in to bestselling author Kylie Logan’s new series The Scent of Murder, published by Minotaur Books. Protagonist Jazz Ramsey has an interesting volunteer gig — she’s a cadaver dog handler who trains them to find human remains. Things take a dangerous turn one day when her current cadaver dog trainee Luther finds a dead woman. When Jazz realizes her connection to the woman, she can’t stand to let the murder go unsolved. $26.99.

May 17, 2019: Movie Premiere: A Dog’s Journey

The movie A Dog’s Journey — sequel to A Dog’s Purpose — comes to theaters on May 17th.

Yes, Bailey’s journey (from A Dog’s Purpose) continues in this sequel, both based on the novels of W. Bruce Cameron. The story begins with Bailey (voiced again by Josh Gad) living on the Michigan farm of his “boy,” Ethan, (Dennis Quaid) and Ethan’s wife, Hannah (Marg Helgenberger). He’s got a new playmate — their granddaughter, CJ. When, CJ’s mom, Gloria (Betty Gilpin), takes CJ away, Bailey promises Ethan to find CJ and protect her at any cost. The movie follows Bailey’s new adventure through multiple lives as he, CJ (Kathryn Prescott) and CJ’s best friend Trent (Henry Lau) experience joy, heartbreak, music, laughter and lots of good belly rubs. I’m a fan of both Dennis Quaid and Marg Helgenberger, so I’m happy to see them both again! The movie is directed by TV’s Modern Family’s Emmy-winning director Gail Mancuso and produced by Gavin Polone. See it in movie theaters starting May 17th. Follow A Dog’s Journey on adogsjourneymovie.com and on social @ADogsJourneyMovie.

May 18 –19, 2019: U.S. Canine Biathlon

Sign up for this 4-plus-mile furtastic event with your best furry friend — the U.S. Canine Biathlon. Photography courtesy Paul Hammond.

Do you and your dog love obstacle racing? Sign up for this 4-plus-miles event featuring more than 40 purpose-built obstacles over forest, sand and water. Serious competitors compete on the 18th while those more in it for the fun compete on the 19th. Or just watch the race and enjoy the vendors, food and beer trucks and children’s bouncy house. Takes place at VWK9’s training facility in Anniston, Alabama. Event info at uscaninebiathlon.com.

May 18 – 19, 2019: 15th Annual Milwaukee Pug Fest

The nonprofit Pug Hugs Pug Rescue is holding the 15th Annual Milwaukee Pug Fest to benefit Pug Rescue at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin. Expecting over 4,000 humans and 2,200 Pugs and smoochie-faced breeds to take part in what is now the largest event of its kind in North America, the Fest offers attendees two fun-filled days of demonstrations, wellness discussions and contests, while raising awareness and critical funding for Rescue groups in attendance for veterinary care for surrendered, abandoned, neglected and abused Pugs and Pug mixes so they may be placed in new forever homes. Visit online at MilwaukeePugFest.com.

Thumbnail: Dog driving car. Photography Svetlana Aganina | Getty Images

Read more dog news on Dogster.com:

5 reason to Microchip Your Dog

What to Do About Stomach Gurgling

Have a Fearful Dog? Keep These 6 Things In Mind

The post Dug Up at Dogster May 2019 Dog Events by Melissa L. Kauffman appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Have a Fearful Dog? Keep These 6 Things in Mind

The post Have a Fearful Dog? Keep These 6 Things in Mind by Amber Carlton appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

My dog Mayzie was rescued by Second Chance Animal Rescue in Colorado. At the time, she was approximately two years old and had spent her entire life at the end of a rope in someone’s backyard. She had little food and water and only the frame of a drawer for shelter. To our knowledge, she had never lived in a house until she went to live with her foster mom. When we adopted her two months later, we knew her history and that she was a “sensitive” dog. But beyond that, we really had no idea what we were getting into. Truth be told, I’m not sure we could ever have been prepared for the enormous project we were undertaking. Mayzie was a truly fearful dog. She was quite literally afraid of everything.

A list of “Items That Terrified Mayzie” included: hardwood floors, stairs, the oven, the dishwasher, the BBQ grill, the umbrella on our patio set, the wind, ceiling fans, walks, getting in the car, getting out of the car … Well, you get the idea.

Today, though, with a lot of hard work, patience and cheese therapy, Mayzie is a happy, funny, confident dog. Sure, there are things that still scare her, but she now has the tools she needs to deal with most things that come her way.

But, oh, I remember how challenging those first few days, weeks and years were. And I realize now that while there are many resources out there on how to help a fearful dog, they generally don’t prepare the human for the unique challenges and rewards that come along with it.

So if you’re just starting your journey or have been at it for a while, here are some tips to help your fearful dog.

1. A fearful dog’s journey isn’t a straight line — don’t expect it to be

Parenting a scared dog is a challenging but rewarding experience. Photography ©Image Source | Photodisc via Getty Images.

Humans seem to be hardwired to want to get someplace by the shortest, most direct path. When it comes to working with a fearful dog, however, it’s best to accept that you’re going to be taking the scenic route. You should prepare for setbacks and breakdowns, and you may have to take an alternate route every once in awhile.

The fact is, setbacks are going to happen and they’re perfectly normal when it comes to a fearful dog. But that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Even in the worst case scenario, you’re likely not going to go back to the place you started. If you stay the course, you’ll be gaining ground and moving forward toward your goal. So when detours happen, acknowledge them but don’t let yourself be discouraged by them.

2. Learn to enjoy the perspective

After adopting Mayzie, I became hypervigilant about everything around us. What were the potential triggers on our walks? What might cause her to fly into a panic in the house? Frankly, it was stressful because it seemed that Mayzie’s many boogeymen were always lurking just around the corner.

But then I slowly began to realize something: I was seeing things in a way I never had before. Maybe the flowers in one of my neighbor’s gardens had begun to bloom. Or maybe another put up a new fence. And, wow, I never noticed that beautiful weeping willow down the street before. Once I began looking at the world through Mayzie’s eyes, I not only helped her, I received the gift of appreciating the world around me in a whole new way.

3. Revel in small victories when it comes to scared dogs

One morning on our walk, Mayzie stopped dead in her tracks and backed up several steps, her body low to the ground. I immediately became extra alert. What threat had I missed? Then I saw it. After a hard rain the night before, a large dahlia bloom had dropped onto the sidewalk and into our path. Any other dog wouldn’t have even noticed. Not Mayzie. This was new and different, and in the past it might have sent her into a panic to get away. I stood still, studying her for clues on the best course of action.

Not sure how to tell when your dog is scared? These are some signs of a scared dog >>

As I watched, she slowly crept her front legs forward, her neck outstretched, while somehow keeping her back legs poised for flight. Closer and closer she inched until she was finally nose-to-bud with the flower. As soon as she sniffed it, all tension released from her body. “Duh, mom, it’s a flower! And you were so scared,” she seemed to say as she trotted happily away. To anyone else, it might have seemed inconsequential. But to me it was another example of how far this fearful dog had come. I smiled all the way home.

4. There will be tough days and you might want to give up

About two weeks after we adopted Mayzie, we had a really, really bad day. Everything that could go wrong, did. I was at my wit’s end and felt completely in over my head. As my husband and I climbed into bed, I broke into sobs and blurted out, “I don’t know if we can do this! Maybe we should give her back to the rescue.” I shocked even myself by saying that. I was raised to believe that an animal, like a child, is a lifetime commitment, but I was tired and frustrated and simply didn’t know what to do.

My husband looked me in the eye and said, “She’s ours now and we’re not giving up on her. You’ll feel better after you’ve slept.” And you know what? He was right. I woke with a better outlook and renewed determination to help my dog. That wasn’t our last bad day, by any means, but I was better prepared for them in the future.

5. Just remember — a fearful dog does get better

Five years ago, I never would have believed where Mayzie is today. Never. I couldn’t have conceived of a reality where she would love to go for walks or that I could flip on the ceiling fan without a second thought. Yet here we are. Some days/weeks/months, it felt like we were making no progress at all. But looking back on it, I realize that things were getting better even if it was hard to see at the time.

One of the best pieces of advice I got was to start a journal to keep track of progress. I started a blog. You might prefer a notebook. But whatever you do, write it down. It’s so helpful on the difficult days to read about how far you’ve come, how much progress you’ve made and how it really has gotten better.

6. Parenting a fearful dog is one of most rewarding things you’ll ever do

I can’t even begin to count all the hours and money I’ve invested in helping Mayzie become the dog she is today: happy, healthy and with a full, rich life. Is she “normal” (whatever that means)? Well, no, I guess not and probably never will be. She was too far behind the eight ball to ever catch up completely. But every minute and every dollar I’ve spent have been worth it. All the work we’ve done together has created a trust and a bond that is rare and unbreakable. It’s been an amazing, challenging, crazy roller-coaster of a ride, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Your turn: Do you have a fearful dog? What has been your biggest challenge or reward? Tell us in the comments!

This post was originally published in 2014.

About the author

Amber Carlton is owned by two cats and two dogs (all rescues), and is affectionately (?) known as the crazy pet lady amongst her friends and family. She and her husband (the crazy pet man) live in colorful Colorado where they enjoy hiking, biking and camping. Amber is a freelance copywriter and blogger for hire and also acts as the typist for her dog’s musings at Mayzie’s Dog Blog. She encourages other crazy pet people to connect with her at her business website, on Twitter or on Facebook.

Read more about dog fears and anxieties on Dogster.com:

How to Help a Nervous Dog Overcome His Fears

Help! My Dog is Scared of Everything

How I Taught My Nervous, Skittish Dog to Be Brave

The post Have a Fearful Dog? Keep These 6 Things in Mind by Amber Carlton appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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What to Do About Dog Stomach Gurgling

The post What to Do About Dog Stomach Gurgling by Stephanie Osmanski appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Have you ever thought your dog was growling only to realize the sound wasn’t coming from your dog’s mouth but from his stomach instead? If you have ever mistaken dog stomach gurgling for a regular pupper growl, you’re not alone.

While dog stomach growling isn’t uncommon, you shouldn’t ignore it. Like most symptoms (or weird noises for that matter), dog stomach gurgling can be completely normal — or it can indicate a real medical issue.

First, is dog stomach gurgling normal?

Dog stomach gurgling is known officially as borborygmus (pronounced bor-bor-rig-mus). As Nicole LaForest, LVT, explains, “Borborygmus is a gurgling or rumbling noise that occurs when fluid or gas passes throughout the intestines.

Gas is supposed to travel through different parts of the intestines (that’s how it gets out, after all!). But when borborygmi is exceptionally loud or obvious, it might indicate discomfort.

“It is one of those symptoms that can mean anything from trapped wind — totally harmless — to a twisted stomach (GDV) — totally deadly,” says Dr. Dave Nicol, BVMS Cert MGMT of Roundwood Vets. “But usually it is a sign that something has upset the stomach and is leading to more gas being produced or the intestines moving food along more quickly to get it out as fast as possible.”

What does dog stomach gurgling mean?

Dog stomach gurgling can signify several different things, which can range from the harmless and totally normal to a severe illness or complication.

LaForest says, “The presence of stomach gurgling may occur from simply feeding table scraps, dietary changes, intestinal parasites, toxicity, immune-mediated conditions such as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, IBS or Crohn’s, fluid in the abdominal cavity and potentially from an ingestion of a foreign body such as a rock, stick or toy that may have potentially perforated through the intestines.”

“If your pet has recently had surgery or received anesthesia, stomach gurgling may be indicative of his intestines becoming mobile and responsive to the (lack thereof) drugs,” LaForest continues.

What to do about dog stomach gurgling — if it’s normal

Can you hear your dog’s stomach gurgling? The sound you are hearing might signify an upset stomach. Luckily, if it’s all that is, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort.

“If your dog is otherwise normal, then just keep a close watch and take an extra poo bag or two,” Dr. Nicol advises. “But if there is any other symptom happening like sleepiness, not eating or vomiting, then get it checked by your vet.”

If your dog isn’t exhibiting any other symptoms, diet can play a role.

“Try hard to stop your dog from scavenging,” advises Dr. Nicol. “Feed [your dog] a quality food and try to be consistent in your choice. Picking and mixing dog food based on cost — or what’s on special offer — is rarely a good idea and is going to cause more gurgly tummies.”

What to do about dog stomach gurgling — if it’s serious

While the above advice is applicable to innocuous cases, there’s more to consider if you notice additional symptoms alongside that dog stomach gurgling.

“Get a diagnosis from your veterinarian before initiating at-home care as many over-the-counter medications can be harmful if used inappropriately or frequently,” says LaForest.

“While waiting for your dog’s appointment, you could consider withholding food and water to allow their stomach to settle,” she adds. “If your dog is exhibiting other signs of intestinal upset, feeding a bland diet of unseasoned boiled poultry or fish and white rice may suffice.”

Dog stomach gurgling can also indicate the ingestion of a foreign body. “Try to rule out toxicities within your household such as chocolate, raisins, rat bait or sugar-free gum that may be the cause of your dog’s stomach gurgling,” LaForest advises.

Diagnosis of dog stomach gurgling

A physical examination to diagnose dog stomach gurgling will begin with feeling the dog’s abdomen, and listening to his heart, lungs and intestinal sounds with a stethoscope.

“Depending on what specifically your dog’s symptoms are, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostics typically starting with X-rays and blood work and may discuss further testings such as a food allergy panel, ultrasound or fluid therapy, if indicated to rule out a more serious or underlying condition,” LaForest adds.

Treating dog stomach gurgling

Oftentimes, dog stomach gurgling does not require professional treatment. However, in some cases, treatment may include deworming meds, adjusting of diet, fluid therapy or even surgery.

“In uncomplicated cases we mostly don’t need to treat; time is our healer,” explains Dr. Nicol.

According to LaForest, dog stomach gurgling can be resolved by withholding food, a bland diet or drugs that slow the production of gas, stomach acid or diarrhea.

LaForest adds, “If your pet is rapidly losing water, intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy along with an anti-nausea, antacid, anti-diarrhea or antibiotic may be necessary. If parasites are what is plaguing your pet, a dewormer or monthly preventative for worms and other parasites may be necessary.”

This piece was originally published in 2018.

About the author

Stephanie Osmanski is a freelance writer and social media consultant who specializes in health and wellness content. Her words have appeared in Seventeen, Whole Dog Journal, Parents Magazine and more. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Stony Brook Southampton and writing a memoir. She lives in New York with her Pomsky, Koda, who is an emotional support animal training to be a certified therapy dog.