Category: Dog Care
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Is My Dog Happy? How to Tell
In Dog CareUnderstanding a dog’s emotional state depends on observing behavior, body signals, vocal patterns, activity, social interactions, and physical health. Careful observation of consistent patterns rather than isolated moments gives the best indication of a dog’s overall wellbeing. Defining Canine Happiness “Happy” for a dog is a combination of affect (momentary emotion), contentment (sustained positive state),…
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When Does My Puppy Finish Growing?
In Dog CarePuppy growth is a stepwise process in which body size, bones, and behavior change as the animal matures. Observing physical milestones and adjusting care for breed and size helps owners support healthy development. Growth Phases and Timeline Newborn puppies progress through recognizable phases including neonatal, socialization, juvenile, adolescent, and adult stages, each defined by typical…
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Hiccups in Dogs. What Causes Them?
In Dog CareHiccups in dogs are an involuntary, spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm that produces a characteristic “hic” sound and sudden inhalation. They are usually benign but can occasionally indicate underlying disease when frequent or prolonged. What are hiccups in dogs? Hiccups are brief, involuntary spasms of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles that cause a sudden intake…
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Risks of My Puppy Growing Too Fast or Too Slow
In Dog CarePuppy growth can follow different paths depending on genetics, diet, and health, and small deviations may signal problems that merit attention. Normal growth patterns and benchmarks Growth is typically described in phases: neonatal, juvenile (also called socialization/transitional), and adolescent, with rapid physical and neurological development occurring early in life; neonatal is birth to about 2…
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When to Switch My Puppy to Adult Dog Food
In Dog CareDeciding when to move a young dog from puppy food to an adult maintenance diet depends on growth, breed, and overall health status. Why puppy food differs from adult food Puppy formulas are designed to support rapid growth and development through tailored nutrient profiles and energy density. AAFCO growth profiles set a higher minimum crude…
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How Long Will My Dog Live?
In Dog CareDogs vary widely in how long they live, and that variation depends on many biological and environmental factors. Understanding terms and the main drivers of longevity helps set realistic expectations for an individual pet. Defining Canine Lifespan Lifespan can mean different things: the maximum observed age for a species, a median age in a population,…
