IAMS MY
Reading Your Dog's Body Language
Reading Your Dog's Body Language

adp_description_block428
Reading Your Dog's Body Language

  • Share

Dogs use a range of sounds to communicate with us and each other. Just as important is the body language they use to tell us how they feel or what they need. How well do you know your pooch’s unspoken cues? Read on to find out.

 

Why do dogs stare?

Dogs often stare at their owners because they love them. They want to make sure you’re okay or find clues for what you’ll do next — like making sure you’re not going for a car ride without them.

We love it when dogs do this, too, which has led to this trait being even more prominent. 

Opens a new windowDr. James Serpell, BSc, PhD, Professor of Humane Ethics & Animal Welfare at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, explains: “We've selected dogs for this behavior. Humans love that dogs look up at them in admiration, intense loyalty. One frequent observation researchers have made is that people who handle wild dogs ... they don't look their handlers in the eye like domesticated dogs do.”

 

Why do dogs tilt their heads?

Dogs have great hearing. High-frequency sounds that humans can’t hear are especially interesting to them. Head-tilting helps them track down the source. Owners find these head tilts super cute and often reward this behavior, which, of course, makes them do it more.

 

Why do dogs yawn?

Dogs yawn when they’re tired, but it’s also a possible sign they’re stressed, impatient or frustrated — like when they’re in the vet’s office, or when you won’t throw that ball you’re holding already!

 

Why do dogs sit on your feet?

In a recent IAMS poll,* 90% of dog owners said their pet sits or lays on their feet and 100% of dogs said they love their owners. Dogs are very social creatures and this is a way for them to connect and be close to you. Plus, it keeps your feet warm.

 

Why do dogs raise their hair?

Often called “raised hackles,” dogs do this when they’re nervous, threatened or showing aggression. It’s an adaptation from their wild days of attempting to make themselves look bigger.

 

Opens a new window Dr. Tammie King, Applied Behavior Technical Leader at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, offered this insight to keep in mind: “What’s important when talking about a dog’s body language is to not take one thing in isolation. You’re at risk of misinterpreting what the dog is trying to say to you. Context is everything.”

 

So be sure to pay attention to what your dog isn’t saying to keep them healthy and happy. Serving them 

Opens a new windowIAMS dog food every day will certainly help.

 

*Surveyed U.S. dog owners, age 18+ 

Sample Size: n=201 

Fielded May 8 to May 10, 2020

Reading Your Dog's Body Language
Reading Your Dog's Body Language
Reading Your Dog's Body Language
  •  How Often Should a Puppy Go to The Vet?
     How Often Should a Puppy Go to The Vet?
    adp_description_block77
    How Often Should a Puppy Go to The Vet?

    • Share

    Bringing a new furry friend home is one of the most exciting things you will experience. And as a pet parent, the first thing you need to do is lay down a puppy vet care plan. Hence, it is essential that you take your new, little pet for a general check-up within the first week of bringing it home. During this vet visit, you can learn about your dog’s vaccination schedule, nutritional requirement, training needs, and more. It is crucial to seek professional medical advice to make sure that you do not overlook any aspects that may need immediate attention. If you are not sure why and when you need a vet for your dog, this article is for you. It gives you a gist on how often you should visit your vet, vaccinations, annual check-ups, and more.
     

    How often should I take my puppy to the vet?

    A veterinarian is going to help you keep your floofy healthy and in check. A puppy, just like a senior dog, will require more attention. So, if you are wondering how often a puppy should go to a vet, here’s your answer: once every 3-4 weeks. If your puppy requires special attention, your veterinarian will recommend frequent follow-ups. If this is your pup’s first vet visit, contact the breeder for information on vaccination and any other medical history. If you have a rescue pup, let your vet know. It will help your doctor assess your pup’s case better.

    Moreover, take your puppy to the doctor immediately if you notice any of the following issues:

    • Eye injuries 
    • Hives 
    • Open wounds 
    • Seizures 
    • Fainting 
    • Bite marks 
    • Trouble breathing 
    • Sudden changes in body temperature 
    • Vomiting 
    • Diarrhoea 
    • Any kind of pain

    Note: Even if your dog comes with a documentation of up-to-date vaccination shots, you should take it to the vet at least once to get a green signal.
     

    Annual check-ups

    We humans visit our family doctors at least once a year even if we do not exhibit any symptoms. Similarly, even your fur baby needs to be taken to the vet once a year for annual vaccination and a general medical check-up  The vet will check your baby’s heart, lungs, ears, eyes, look for any abnormal growth, and do other basic tests. 
     

    Based on the medical examination, your vet may recommend certain dietary changes, physical activities, and a dental care routine. Follow their recommendations religiously to improve your puppy’s health! Here are a few things you can carry during your dog’s yearly appointment:

    • Any supplements or medications consumed by your dog
    • Medical reports 
    • Details about your dog’s diet 
    • A list of questions

    What is the ideal age for puppies to get vaccinated?

    Puppies are born with some immunity passed on to them by their mothers. However, they start losing their inherited immunity once they turn 6 to 8 weeks old. Therefore, it becomes imperative that you start vaccinating your puppy around that time. Their innate habit of sniffing and licking everything that strikes their fancy exposes dogs to a plethora of diseases. Thankfully, a vaccination plan can shield them against fatal viruses and diseases. Vaccine shots are administered when puppies turn 6-8 weeks old, and they are repeated every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks of age or older. Sometimes, a vet may recommend an earlier vaccination regimen, starting at 4 weeks of age in the face of an outbreak or when the mother has an unknown vaccination history. You can ask your vet for a vaccination schedule customised for your puppy.
     

    Different types of vaccines administered to a dog

    As kids, we were inoculated against several health issues with different types of vaccination. Similarly, your dog too needs to be vaccinated against multiple diseases such as rabies, distemper, hepatitis, etc. So, Let’s take a look at the types of vaccines commonly administered to your dog:

    • Canine Parvovirus
    • Canine Distemper Virus
    • Canine Adenovirus
    • Rabies
    • Parainfluenza Virus
    • Coronavirus
    • Bordetella bronchiseptica
    • Leptospirosis

    The above vaccines may come in different combinations; hence, consult your vet and get a proper understanding of

Close modal