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Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and What To Do

By
Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
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0
Laryngeal paralysis in dogs
Among the first signs you may notice with laryngeal paralysis is some coughing or gagging when your dog tries to drink water. Credit: Capuski | Getty Images

Laryngeal paralysis in dogs is a potentially serious condition affecting the folds of the larynx (back of your dog’s throat). The larynx, also called the voice box, is a body part made primarily of cartilage that helps to close off the trachea when your dog swallows. That keeps food or fluid from getting into your dog’s airways and possibly causing inhalation pneumonia.

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How Do Dogs Communicate With Each Other?

By
Dr. Kate Mornement Phd, CAAB
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0
Early socialization can help dog develop by teaching dogs how to communicate early.
Just like with humans, not all dogs are naturally good communicators. Early socialization can help a young dog develop good communication skills. Credit: redstallion | Getty Images

Watch two dogs interacting at a dog park and you might not think much of it; a quick sniff, a wagging tail and they’re off! What you’re actually seeing, though, is a sophisticated exchange of information happening across multiple channels at the same time. Dogs communicate through body language, facial expressions, vocalizations, and scent and they do it constantly; with each other, with us, and with the environment around them.

Understanding how dogs communicate with each other doesn’t just make you a more informed care giver. It helps make you a better advocate for your dog, as you can better recognize when an interaction is going well, when it isn’t, and when it’s time to intervene.

Dog Body Language: The Primary Channel

The position of a dog’s body, the way they hold their tail, the angle of their ears, and the fluidity of their movement all carry meaning. Experienced dogs read these signals in real time, making constant adjustments in response. Let’s look at some different aspects of body language and what they mean:

  • Posture and movement—A dog who is confident and comfortable will carry themselves in a relaxed and fluid way with their weight evenly distributed and their movement loose and free. Whereas an assertive or aroused dog might shift their weight forward and stand tall, making themselves appear larger. A dog who is unsure will do the opposite and lower their body, shifting their weight backwards or even roll onto their side to signal they pose no threat.
One of the ways that dogs communicate is through body language and eye contact.
Dogs will often bow to indicate they want to play—or to remind other dogs that they’re only playing if the game starts to get too intense. Credit: Photos by R A Kearton | Getty Images
  • The play bow—Front end down, rear end up is a universally understood signal in the canine behavioral repertoire. It’s an invitation to play and also serves as a reset when play becomes too intense.
  • Tail position and movement—A tail held high and wagging rapidly signals arousal and confidence. But a wagging tail doesn’t always mean friendly. A tail held low or tucked is a sign of fear or uncertainty. Research has discovered that a loose, mid-height, loping tail wag is usually a good sign. The direction also matters! A tail wagged to the right is associated with positive emotional states whereas a left bias tail wag is associated with negative emotional states and dogs appear to detect this as well.
  • Ear position—Ears carried forward signal alertness or interest whereas ears flattened against the head show fear, appeasement, or submission. Ears that are held slightly back or loosely to the side indicate a relaxed dog. Ear position does vary depending on morphology (floppy ears vs. pricked ears).

Dog Calming Signals

Calming signals are a specific category of dog body language first described by Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas. These are behaviors used to communicate peaceful intent and to de-escalate tension. They include yawning, lip-licking, turning the head or body away, blinking slowly, sniffing the ground, and moving in an arc rather than a straight line towards another dog.

Calming signals are not random behaviors. They’re intentional communication and signal the dog is not a threat or that they are uncomfortable. When another dog responds to calming signals appropriately by softening their own body language or redirecting their approach, the interaction typically stays safe. If calming signals are ignored, tension can easily escalate.

Understanding Dog Facial Expressions

A dog looking away can indicate that a dog wishes to de-escalate.
A tight, closed mouth and ears held forward often indicate that a dog is concentrating hard or paying close attention to their environment. Credit: EyeWolf | Getty Images

Dogs have surprisingly expressive faces, especially their eyes. Soft eyes (relaxed, slightly squinting), signal comfort and relaxation. Whereas a hard stare where the whites of the eyes are visible (also called “whale eye”), is a warning. It’s one of the clearest signs a dog is feeling threatening.

The mouth also tells a story. A relaxed, slightly open mouth with a lolling tongue shows a dog is calm and comfortable. A tight, closed mouth is a sign of a dog who is concentrating or assessing the environment. The submissive grin where the lips are pulled back is frequently misread as aggression however in reality it’s appeasement.

Interpreting Dog Vocalizations

Dogs can vocalize in a few different ways and each means something different:

  • Barking is highly context dependent and can signal everything from alarm (sharp and rapid) to a desire to play (intermittent and high pitched).
  • Growling is communication, not aggression. A dog who growls is saying they are uncomfortable and need space. Punishing a growl doesn’t resolve the discomfort and can teach the dog to skip the warning and go straight to a bite instead.
  • Whining signals distress, frustration, or the desire for attention.
  • Howling is typically a response to sounds such as a siren or other dogs howling. Some dogs might howl when experiencing separation from their caregiver.

How Dogs Use Scent to Communicate

Scent is one of the key ways that dogs communicate with each other.
Dogs can learn a lot about each other though scent which is one of the reasons they often greet each other nose to rear. Credit: Alexandre Morin-Laprise | Getty Images

Dogs experience their world primary through their sense of smell. Accordingly, a significant portion of their communication with other dogs occurs through olfaction and includes:

  • Urine marking—The information contained within a dog’s urine includes their sex, reproductive status, and health. When a dog pauses to investigate every tree or bush on a walk, they’re reading their local bulletin board of information left by other dogs in the neighborhood
  • Anal glands—When dogs greet each other nose to rear, they’re exchanging detailed chemical information about who this dog is, how they’re feeling, and what they’ve recently eaten and this information gathering happens in seconds!
  • Pheromones—Pheromones are chemical signals (detected by the vomeronasal organ) that operate below the level of conscious awareness and influence social behavior in ways we are still learning about.

When Dog Communication Breaks Down

Not all dogs are proficient communicators, especially those who missed critical socialization windows during puppyhood. These dogs often struggle to read and respond to signals accurately. A dog who was isolated during this time may not recognize a play bow as an invitation or know how to respond to appeasement signals from another dog.

Physical alterations such as docked ears and tails can also affect communication, making it harder for other dogs to read them.

Communication can also break down when early signs are ignored and a dog is pushed past their limit. A dog who has yawned, looked away, licked their lips, and tried to move away has run out of options and may need to get louder and harder to miss: a growl, a snap, or a bite. In most cases the warning signs were there. They were just not seen or ignored.

What Owners Can Do: Helping Your Dog Communicate Better

The most important thing an owner can do is to learn to read and respond to your dog’s signals. If they’re yawning repeatedly during a greeting, turning away, or trying to move away, they are communicating clearly. Holding them in place or encouraging the other dog to keep approaching teaches your dog that their communication doesn’t work, which will likely cause fear, frustration, and anxiety.

Give dogs time and space to communicate on their own terms and be ready to intervene if needed. Short positive interactions are much more beneficial than prolonged interactions that end badly.

If your dog consistently struggles to communicate with other dogs, it’s worth consulting a qualified behavioral professional. These patterns may not resolve on their own and early intervention can make a big difference.

Supporting your dog’s social development means prioritizing quality over quantity. A handful of positive interactions with well-matched dogs does more for a dog’s social confidence than dozens of chaotic ones at a busy dog park.

How Dogs Communicate

Dogs are sophisticated communicators. The more fluent you become at reading your dog’s body language the better equipped you are to support them in their interactions with other dogs and in their relationship with you.

References

Mariti, C., Falaschi, C., Zilocchi, M., Carlone, B., & Gazzano, A. (2014). Analysis of calming signals in domestic dogs: Are they signals and are they calming?: 3. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 9(6), e1-e2.

Siniscalchi, M., Lusito, R., Vallortigara, G., & Quaranta, A. (2013). Seeing left-or right-asymmetric tail wagging produces different emotional responses in dogs. Current Biology, 23(22), 2279-2282.

Quaranta, A., d’Ingeo, S., Minunno, M., Straziota, V., Nolè, M., Ventriglia, G., … & Siniscalchi, M. (2025). Decoding dog communication through the physiology and behavior of urine marking. Scientific Reports.

Best Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers

By
CJ Puotinen
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3
Dog toys for heavy chewers need to be built strong, but not so strong they pose a health risk.
.When it comes right down to it, rubber toys—like the Kong shown here—are the best option for dogs who are seriously heavy chewers. Credit: eldadcarin | Getty Images

Puppies are notorious chewers, especially between 3 and 7 months of age, and most pet supply stores sell a variety of toys that keep teething puppies busy and away from whatever you don’t want them to chew.  Examples include Kong Puppy Chew rubber bones, binkies, tires, and classic Kong-shaped toys in pink or blue, plus Bininl Puppy Toys for Teething made of natural rubber, which come in six different shapes designed for chewing.

What To Look for When Picking the Best Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers

WDJ’s 2024 review of dog toys for serious chewers listed qualities to keep in mind while searching for toys that will survive your dog’s attention. In addition to looking for toys made of safe-for-pups materials, search for toys that are an appropriate size and shape for your dog and also have:

  • No small parts (choking hazards)
  • Some give or flexibility (aren’t brittle)
  • Some weight or heaviness (aren’t flimsy)
  • Minimal seams or no seams

Small parts to avoid include plastic eyes, noses, horns, or other projections. If a toy isn’t securely stitched together, your pup may enjoy removing stuffing and squeakers.

To choose the best size for your pup:

  • Focus on anatomy and look for toys that extend beyond both sides of your dog’s mouth and are slightly wider than his nose. Whenever you have a choice between two sizes that are possible matches for your dog, choose the larger.
  • Consider your dog’s age, as puppies need soft, flexible toys for teething, while adults enjoy dense rubber for jaw exercise, and most seniors prefer softer materials like plush toys or silicone.
  • Match a toy’s durability to your dog’s chewing strength. For aggressive chewers, look for toys labeled “heavy duty,” “power chewers,” “extra strong,” or something similar.
  • Press the toy with your fingernail to see if it leaves a mark, which is associated with appropriate hardness. Toys that are too hard to leave a mark can damage teeth, and toys that are too soft can break into small pieces. Avoiding hard toys is important for puppies, especially before their adult teeth grow into place.
Safety and Chew Toys

No matter which new toys you offer your chew-happy dog, there are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to dog chews:

  • Check the toy’s label or product website for instructions.
  • Supervise your dog, especially with puppies or aggressive chewers.
  • Separate chewing dogs if there is any chance of resource guarding or arguments.
  • Don’t leave your dog in a crate with a new toy that is very hard, might splinter, or might break into pieces that could cause choking or an intestinal obstruction.
  • Replace a toy when it’s chewed down enough for your dog to swallow, if you see deep cracks or sharp edges, or if the toy has lost its shape and no longer matches the original design.
  • Pay close attention to the toy’s size relative to your dog’s mouth and jaw. The toy should be larger than your dog’s back molars when she bites down. Avoid any toy that could fit behind the canine teeth because that is a choking risk.
  • Choose large, oversized, tough chew toys for aggressive chewers.

Replace rope or fabric toys that have long, loose strings that could be swallowed

Toughest Dog Toys for Heavy Chewers

Product and MakerBest for Price RangeNotes
Kong ExtremePower Chewers$9 – $27Natural rubber, market leader, 60-day satisfaction replacement/refund guarantee
GoughnutsAggressive Chewers$25 – $40Engineered rubber, red safety indicator, lifetime replacement/refund guarantee
Monster K9Destructive Chewers$20 – $25Proprietary rubber, recommended by many military/K9 handlers, lifetime replacement/refund guarantee
WestPaw HurleyFetch/Chew Combo$13 – $21Zogoflex rubber/plastic, very low return rate, lifetime replacement/refund guarantee
Chew King SupremeModerate/Strong Chewers$5 – $17Natural rubber, safety air vent, no replacement/refund guarantee

Best Rubber Dog Toys for Strong Chewers

No toy is impossible for dogs to destroy, but, as the table above suggests, rubber toys are most often recommended for heavy chewers.

Kong Company’s “Extreme” toys are made of black heavy-duty rubber known for its durability. The collection includes goodie ribbons, bones, donuts, rings, tires, and balls in different sizes.

Goughnuts Chew Toys, made of carbon rubber that can float, roll, and bounce, include rings, sticks, balls, tug toys, and “work to eat” treat dispenser toys. These toys are built around a red core that is a built-in safety indicator. When the red rubber shows through, it’s time to replace the toy.

Monster K9 Dog Toys use industrial-strength natural rubber and are a favorite among police and military K9 handlers. These chew sticks, rings, aero discs, and balls are guaranteed to be the longest-lasting toy your dog has ever had.

West Paw’s puppy toys and chew toys like the Hurley are made of Zogoflex, a nontoxic rubber-like material made of recycled ocean-bound plastic, which is free from BPA, phthalates, latex, and FDA-compliant. Designed to bounce, stretch, tug, and withstand heavy chewing, Zogoflex toys also float.

Chew King’s Supreme Balls for heavy chewers are made of durable rubber with a rugged texture for gripping and fetching. A built-in safety air vent allows air flow if the ball is fully in a dog’s mouth.

Are Nylon Chew Toys Safe for Heavy Chewers?

Since 1955, Nylabone has manufactured nylon chews for dogs of all ages. Its 57 Power-Chew toys come in different shapes, sizes, and flavors, all made of nontoxic nylon and designed to withstand hours of heavy chewing.

At the same time, Nylabone toys are controversial because some dogs have died or been injured after swallowing a chunk or piece or whole Nylabone. Some veterinarians have blamed nylon chews for tooth fractures, other dental damage, and gastrointestinal problems associated with nylon particles in the digestive tract.

According to the Nylabone website, it’s important to follow these guidelines when offering nylon toys to super-chewers:

  • Select the proper size and type of chew for your dog’s weight and age.
  • Always supervise the use of chews and toys.
  • The product is not intended to be eaten or ingested. During normal chewing, small bristle-like projections will be raised, which help clean teeth. If you think your dog swallowed a large piece, take the product away and contact your veterinarian.
  • Inspect the toy before giving it to your dog to make sure it’s whole and intact. Check frequently and replace the toy if it’s damaged, the ends are worn down, or it becomes too small to chew safely.
  • To clean, hand-wash with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

Other manufacturers have helped make nylon chews among the world’s most popular dog toys.

Benebone started with a curved bacon-flavored wishbone-shaped toy and now offers nylon chews in different shapes, multiple sizes, and natural flavors, including tripe, bacon, salmon, and maplewood.

Ethical Pet’s Bambones combine nylon and bamboo in different shapes, sizes, and flavors for chewing dogs.

Kseroo makes a variety of heavy-duty nylon chew toys in beef, bacon, and peanut butter, all designed for aggressive chewers.

Nylon-free Bones for Dogs Who Like to Chew

Because real bones can splinter, break with sharp edges, or in other ways cause damage or injury, some companies make “safe” nylon-free bones out of cellulose and vegetable oil. Examples include Woof’s HonestChew and BetterBone’s Dog Chews.

Are There Any Stuffed—or Unstuffed—Soft Toys for Heavy Chewers?

When it comes to soft toys with or without squeakers—and with or without stuffing—many owners of heavy chewers just laugh and walk past the display. “My dog would annihilate that in two minutes,” they say. They might be right, but a few companies have improved their toys’ life expectancy with new materials, designs, and construction techniques. That’s good news for heavy chewers who like to sink their teeth into toys.

Tall Tails stuffless toys use high-pile plush fabric with an inner mesh layer that prevents toys from losing their shape during vigorous play by adding structural support. Built around an inner rope and double-stitched, stuffless toys are easy to clean and extra sturdy. Tall Tails overstuffed toys use recycled plastic bottle stuffing protected in a fabric pouch stitched into the seam to maintain shape and prevent spillage. Squeakers are protected in fabric pouches and stitched into seams. These interactive, attractive animal toys are built for fetch, tug, and chase games rather than prolonged chewing.

Tuffy Dog Toys, which their manufacturer calls “the world’s toughest soft toys,” aren’t squishy or fluffy. They’re made of very sturdy fabrics stitched in multiple layers and designed for active use with aggressive chewers. Tuffy toys come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Several are water-resistant and float. All are designed for interactive activities and are not sold as chew toys.

Outward Hound makes sturdy, soft, plush toys like the Durablez Gecko with heavy duty binding, a strong interior layer, and triple stitched seams to withstand active play. They are not sold as chew toys but last longer than most plush dog toys.

Firehose Toys for Strong Chewers

Firehose toys are not indestructible, but they last longer than most fetch and tug toys, and they satisfy a dog’s urge to bite deeply into a yielding object.

According to Tug and Go Dog Toys, municipal Boston firefighter Shannon Blair wanted to find a toy that his energetic Boxer couldn’t destroy. He realized that repurposed firehoses might make good dog toys, and the result was Tug and Go, which makes ring toys, tuggable hoops, and professional tugs for bite-work training.

Outward Hound offers 11 interactive and fetch toys made of firehose.

Hyper Pet makes flying discs and other firehose toys.

Toys for Dogs Who Like Chewing on Wood

“Why Does My Dog Chew on Wood?” describes how wood, which offers a natural odor and satisfying texture that a dog can chew and pull apart, is nature’s favorite toy. Puppies like to chew on wood to help soothe their sore gums and adults like to chew to relieve boredom, stress, or anxiety. While not a food or edible treat, there are some woods sold as dog chew toys. These are considered safe if ingested because they don’t splinter but gradually break down as their fibers separate. Made-for-dogs wood chews that are shaped for interesting chewing and designed for safe use include:

Helping a Rescue Dog Adjust to a New Home

By
Dr. Kate Mornement Phd, CAAB
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0
Helping a rescue dog adjust to a new home requires considering their needs and providing safe spaces.
Moving to a new home can be a big adjustment for a dog. Keeping the first several days quiet and making sure the dog has a safe space to retreat to if needed can help them settle in faster. Credit: aire images| Getty Images

Bringing home a rescue dog is an exciting and rewarding experience but it can be a very stressful time for the dog. New sounds, sights, people, and routine can be a huge adjustment. The dog doesn’t understand that this is their new home, that they are safe, and that uncertainty is over. All they have to go on is what they observe and experience and those early days in a new home can be very overwhelming.

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Can I Put Vaseline on My Dog?

By
Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
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0
A woman smears Vaseline on her dog's paw to protect him from snowy weather.
Vaseline, or generic petroleum jelly, is excellent to protect your dog’s paw pads, but there are cautions with its use, including not allowing your dog to lick it off. Credit: Biserka Stojanovic | Getty Images

Vaseline and generic petroleum jelly are safe to use on dogs, with some caveats that we will discuss. As the generic name suggests, Vaseline is petroleum-based. It comes in a thick, jelly-like state that makes it easy to apply to dried areas of skin on your dog’s pads and nose. It is generally not used on haired areas as it is “gooey” and will clump the fur.

 

 

What Does Vaseline Do For a Dog?

Vaseline is designed to hold moisture in which is why it helps with dry skin. For maximum benefit, you might want to apply it to dry areas after wetting or soaking. By keeping an area moist, it encourages healing. Its thick texture helps it to stay where it is applied. Because it seals the area underneath it, it is important to only apply Vaseline to clean areas of skin, otherwise you might seal a bacterial infection in.

Vaseline For Dog Paw Pads

Dry, cracked pads in summer or winter can benefit from Vaseline as an inexpensive alternative to some dog-specific skin moisture products. Many owners find it excellent to put on their dogs’ pads when out walking in winter, especially if they might encounter road salt or ice-melt products. The oily layer keeps those substances from directly contacting the pads. You can then wipe the pads off when you get home.

How to Apply Vaseline to Your Dog’s Paws

If you apply Vaseline to your dog’s paw pads, it can make them slippery when walking on non-carpeted areas in the house. It can also be messy, especially if it gets on carpets.

For very dry feet, you may want to soak the paws, lightly dry them, apply Vaseline, and then a gauze and a light wrap over the paw. Putting booties also works well to keep things clean.

Cautions When Using Vaseline on Your Dog

When using Vaseline, you only need a light film, not a thick layer. Nose, muzzle, and paws are all areas your dog can easily lick. The same is true if you want to use Vaseline around the anus or genitals (your dog’s private parts). That is where we get into some of the cautions.

Dogs tend to like the taste of Vaseline. As the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center notes, petroleum jelly is a laxative and can cause gastric irritation. A dog needs to consume a fair amount to have reactions, but if your dog chews into the container or licks a bunch out of a container you left open, there could be gastrointestinal effects.

Due to the oil-based nature of Vaseline and petroleum jelly, it is dangerous if your dog vomits it up. If any gets inhaled, it can cause serious aspiration pneumonia.

If your dog has wounds or burns and your veterinarian feels Vaseline may be the best option for keeping the area clean and moist, you will need an Elizabethan collar or a surgery suit to keep your dog from licking off the petroleum jelly.

The bottom line is that Vaseline can be an inexpensive solution to helping your dog heal dry, cracked skin areas, but you need to be watch for licking. Your veterinarian may also recommend a more suitable ointment for infected, inflamed, or pruritic (itchy) areas.

How To Get Rid of Dog Smells in the House

By
CJ Puotinen
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0
Loving your dog doesn't mean loving the smell. Here is how to get rid of dog odors in the house.
We all love our dogs but that doesn’t mean you have to love the odors they may bring. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of dog smell in the house. Credit: Lourdes Balduque | Getty Images

Some houses smell like fresh air and some have a “dogs live here” odor. The stinkiest combine wet dog fragrances with urine, fecal matter, vomit, skin or coat problems, and food stains. What is the fastest way to get rid of dog smells in the house, and what is the best way to keep it fresh and pleasant?

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Dogs With Dwarfism

By
Kate Basedow, LVT
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2
The Corgi dog's short legs is due to a mutation that causes a particular sort of dwarfism in dogs.
The naturally short-legged Corgi breed is a dwarf breed. The dwarfism is due to a genetic mutation.

Dogs with dwarfism are often quite cute: short legs, big heads, and often stocky. But while many dogs with dwarfism lead happy, normal lives, this condition does predispose them to certain health conditions. Dogs with pituitary dwarfism require hormone replacement therapy and may still not achieve a normal lifespan.

 

What Is Dwarfism in Dogs?

Dwarfism is a genetic mutation that causes abnormal growth and bone formation. This usually results in a body that is out of proportion with its parts. Short, possibly crooked legs and an oversized head are common. There are two forms of dwarfism in dogs: achondroplasia and pituitary dwarfism.

Achondroplasia

Achondroplasia, also known as chondrodysplasia or osteochondrodysplasia, is the most common form of dwarfism in dogs. This is a genetic mutation that stops ossification, the process of hardening cartilage into bone. It is a dominant trait, which means that a dog only needs one copy of the mutated gene to exhibit dwarfism.

Many well-known breeds have been selected to have achondroplasia:

  • Corgis
  • Bulldogs
  • Dachshunds
  • French Bulldogs
  • Basset Hounds

Dogs with achondroplasia usually live perfectly normal lives. That said, their long, low stature does predispose them to spinal cord and disc problems in their backs. If you have a chondrodysplastic dog, it is critical to keep him lean and fit and to prevent reckless jumping that could injure his back.

Pituitary Dwarfism

Pituitary dwarfism in dogs is uncommon and comes with a variety of unpleasant health consequences. Also known as hypopituitarism, pituitary dwarfism occurs when the pituitary gland in the brain does not produce enough growth hormone. It usually occurs as a recessive genetic mutation, meaning that a dog needs two copies of the mutated gene to exhibit dwarfism.

In rare cases, pituitary dwarfism can be caused by damage to the pituitary gland during birth or in early puppyhood. The gland can be damaged by lack of oxygen during birth, brain tumors, a traumatic brain injury, or inflammatory conditions.

Dogs with pituitary dwarfism are at risk for a variety of health problems, including:

  • Slow growth – may not reach skeletal maturity until four years old
  • Delayed eruption of adult teeth
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Abnormal tooth alignment and other dental problems
  • Thin hair coat
  • Hair loss
  • Skin problems and chronic infections
  • Poor muscle mass
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Luxating patellas
  • Eye problems ranging from cataracts to retinal degeneration

Puppies with pituitary dwarfism are usually significantly smaller than their littermates and grow slowly. When getting a diagnosis, it can be helpful to compare littermates. The affected puppy will have less bone ossification on X-rays and will have lower growth hormone levels and higher levels of creatinine than his siblings.

The life expectancy for pituitary dwarfism in dogs is three to five years if left untreated. Affected dogs are often infertile, but no dog with pituitary dwarfism should be bred due to it being a hereditary disorder.

Uncommon overall, pituitary dwarfism is most common in German Shepherd Dogs. It can occur in any breed or mix. Genetic tests are available.

Treating Dwarfism in Dogs

Because dwarfism is a genetic condition, there is no cure. Dogs with achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia usually lead normal lives and do not require any special care beyond keeping them at a healthy weight to prevent back problems.

Dogs with pituitary dwarfism require hormone replacement therapy as soon as possible to achieve somewhat normal growth and improve their coat and skin condition. Many of these dogs are hypothyroid and will require thyroid supplementation their whole lives. Some dogs are also given pig growth hormone. Skin problems and infections will require prompt veterinary care. With treatment, a dog with pituitary dwarfism may be able to live a full life.

The Dream Life of Dogs

By
Joan Merriam
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0
What do dogs dream about? We can't know for sure but science offers clues.
Although we can only speculate what dogs dream about, evidence strongly suggests that they do dream. Credit: Andreas von Einsiedel | Getty Images

Today, science is leading us in some new and remarkable directions, further blurring the differences between humans and our animal companions. Take sleep, for instance: we know that REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep in humans—that highly fluid sleep stage typified by intense brain activity, vivid dreaming, and rapid eye movements —is a critical component of deep sleep. But REM sleep isn’t confined to only humans: signs of it have long been found in dozens of mammals, but more recently in a surprising and expanding group of other creatures: cuttlefish, octopus, rodents, birds, reptiles . . . and even spiders. These new discoveries have prompted some researchers to suggest that dreaming, once believed to be the sole domain of humans, occurs in far more species than we ever thought.

Do Dogs Dream?

Back in the 1800s, the majority of scientists believed that almost all mammals experienced vivid dreams. That vision fell out of favor with the rise of behaviorism in the 20th century, with many scholars poo-pooing the idea that any species other than humans was capable of dreaming.

Today, we know better, and understand more. As Jane Goodall said, “We find animals doing things that we, in our arrogance, used to think was ‘just human.’”

Which brings us to one of our most enduring companion animals, the dog.  Watch a dog in deep sleep, and you’ll see him twitching and pawing and barking and whining, and if you look closely, you can see movement behind his lidded eyes. Is he dreaming? If so, what is he dreaming about?

Defining Dreams

First, what is a “dream”?  While there is no unified definition of dreaming, the dictionary defines dreams as a series of mental images, emotions, and sensations that occur involuntarily during sleep. Once, scientists believed that dreams arise only during REM sleep, but research over the last 50 years has proven that dreams occur throughout both sleep cycles, although REM dreams tend to be more emotional, vivid, and are longer.

Scientists believe that dreaming is an evolutionary state shared by many species, and serves similar functions such as memory reinforcement, but even they can’t say for certain if our dogs have the same emotional experiences as humans. In many respects their physiology and behavior are similar to ours, leading to the hypothesis that we also share at least some similarities in mental activity, including dreaming.

Exploring Animal Sleep Studies

Yet in most of the 20th century, while a huge body of scientific studies focused on animal sleep, researchers scrupulously avoided the subject of dreams. Many insisted that the idea of animal dreams was simply anthropomorphizing: the assignment of human traits and emotions to non-humans. It wasn’t until the 2020s that the word “dream” began to enter the lexicon of scientific studies on animal sleep, based in large part on research using EEGs (electroencephalograms), which measure electrical activity in the brain. This revealed that during sleep, a dog’s brain wave patterns are almost identical to ours and exhibit the same type of electrical activity.

Signs That Dogs Dream

Just as humans often exhibit physical reactions during dreams by talking, moaning, laughing, and sometimes sleepwalking, dogs also respond subconsciously to their dreams with physical signs: twitching their paws, wagging their tail, whining, grumbling, licking their lips, and sometimes barking. While all of this cannot prove with absolute certainty that dogs are dreaming, it is the clearest indication thus far that they are.

Unless in the far distant future dogs learn to speak (and what, do you think, would they say?), we need to rely on physical cues to tell us. Lest I be accused of that much-dreaded anthropomorphizing, such assumptions are not so far-fetched: with our fellow humans, we take cues from their physical expressions every day: someone is limping, and we presume they have been hurt . . . someone laughs, we believe something was funny . . . someone grimaces when they bend down, we surmise their back is bothering them. Doctors and mental health experts are taught to watch a patient’s body language, teachers base many of their actions on a student’s behavior, and even our clichés—”watch what they do, not what they say”—reveal just how much we rely on physical signals.

What Do Dogs Dream About?

So, if dogs dream, what do they dream about? Do dogs dream about their owners? Food? Chasing rabbits?

We can only theorize, but it appears they dream about their day. For instance, EEG studies done on rats show they dreamed about the mazes they ran earlier: the rats’ brain activity during sleep was exactly the same as their brain waves while they were running through the actual maze. Researchers could even tell precisely where the rats were in their dream maze. If rats dream of past events, then it stands to reason that dogs, who are more intelligent and whose brains are far more complex, must have similar dreams.

It’s also likely that dogs dream of things that are central to their world, such as food, playing, their human companions, and even more fundamental to the way they experience the world, smelling. Dr. David Peña-Guzmán, author of When Animals Dream: The Hidden World of Animal Consciousness, explains that a canine dream would be far different than a human one, because it would be based upon the unique circumstances of a dog’s life.  Dogs dream on their own terms, and of their own experiences—and since much of how dogs interact with the world is through their noses, it follows that smell is likely a key component of their dreams (unlike humans, whose dreams rarely if ever include smells). A 2025 study goes further, noting that dogs appear to have emotional responses to scents, which only heightens the likelihood that a dog’s dreams would include smells. Since dogs process life through their noses and eyes rather than logically, their dreams probably integrate imaginative events with common scents and sights.

We also know that dogs are capable of experiencing a wide range of negative feelings, including fear and anxiety. Studies on PTSD in dogs reveal that they develop symptoms similar to humans suffering from the disorder, including sleep disturbances, and that the distress from their trauma manifests in their dreams. For dogs with longstanding trauma, such as those with abusive or neglectful pasts, the likelihood of experiencing nightmares may be even higher.

We may never know for certain what mysteries lie within the quiet whispers of our dog’s dreaming mind, any more than they can know what is in ours—but it’s far from fanciful to believe that their dream life is every bit as vibrant, diverse, and emotional as our own.

Picking the Best Cooling Bed for Your Dog

By
CJ Puotinen
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0
The best cooling mats for dogs can help keep your dog comfortable during hot winter days.
Cooling mats can be a good option for helping your dog cool down while travelling or in a crate. Credit: Ilona Shorokhova | Getty Images
Summer, hot weather, heat spells—all of us, including our pets, need relief from high temperatures. Cooling dog beds can help.
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Dog Food that Contains Grain: Still a Good Choice

By
Dr. Mary Cope, PhD
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6
Grain inclusive dog food is a healthy choice for most dogs without dietary restrictions.
Grain itself isn’t likely to hurt your dog. With or without grain, the food you choose for your dog must be a balanced formula to meet nutritional needs. Credit: Anita Kot | Getty Images

Grain-inclusive dog food refers to diets that include grains such as rice, barley, oats, corn, or wheat as part of the carbohydrate and nutrient base. Unlike grain-free diets, which often replace grains with legumes like peas or lentils, grain-inclusive formulas rely on traditional grains that provide digestible energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These grains are often referred to as “fillers,” however they can contribute valuable nutrients, support steady energy levels, and can complement high-quality animal proteins in complete diets. Grain-inclusive diets are a viable option for most dogs, as grain allergies or sensitivities are relatively uncommon, and many dogs thrive on them.

Is Grain-Free the Best Choice for Dog Food?

Not necessarily. One of the main reasons grain-inclusive dog food has regained popularity is growing awareness around the potential downsides of certain grain-free formulations. Many grain-free diets rely heavily on legumes, which have been investigated for possible links to heart health concerns in dogs. Instead of relying on grains such as wheat and corn, many brands have switched to ingredients like rice and oats that are easy to digest and widely tolerated, even by dogs with sensitive stomachs or food intolerances.

The best dog food with grain is typically defined not just by the presence of grains, but rather by its overall formulation quality. This includes having a clearly identified, high-quality animal protein source as the first ingredient, balanced fat levels, and the inclusion of whole grains.

Best Brands of Dog Food with Grain

Several grain-inclusive dog foods stand out in the market today, offering a range of protein sources and formulations to meet different needs. For a premium, high-protein option, Orijen Amazing Grains is recognized for combining diverse animal proteins with quality grains. ACANA Wholesome Grains is another strong option, offering recipes with fish, beef, or poultry paired with oats and sorghum for a nutrient-dense approach. For dog owners specifically looking for grain-inclusive dog food without chicken, there are still excellent choices available, although they can require a bit more label scrutiny.
ORIJEN (US)

Amazing Grains™, Original

Price/lb: $4.50
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Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), whole herring, salmon, dehydrated chicken... View all
ACANA (US)

Wholesome Grains, Free-Run Poultry & Grains Recipe

Price/lb: $3.12
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Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, oat groats, whole sorghum, whole millet, catfish meal, whole oats... View all

Grain-Inclusive Dog Food Without Chicken

For dog owners specifically looking for grain-inclusive dog food without chicken, there are still excellent choices available, although they can require a bit more label scrutiny.

Chicken is one of the most common protein sources in pet food and one of the more common sensitivities, so alternatives like salmon, lamb, beef, or venison are often preferred in these cases. Fish-based formulas, such as salmon and rice recipes, are especially popular for dogs with both digestive and skin sensitives. For those looking to avoid chicken, ACANA offers a Red Meat & Grains Beef Pork & Lamb Wholesome Grains  recipe and a Sea to Stream Saltwater Fish formula, which are both good options. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains also offers both a beef and a lamb formula for those looking for a more limited ingredient diet.

Default Dog Food
ACANA (US)

Wholesome Grains, Red Meat & Grains Recipe

Price/lb: $3.69
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Ingredients: Beef, pork, beef meal, oat groats, whole sorghum, whole millet, pork meal, whole oats... View all
ACANA (US)

Wholesome Grains, Sea to Stream Fish & Grains Recipe

Price/lb: $4.22
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Ingredients: Whole herring, whole mackerel, whole catfish, herring meal, mackerel meal, catfish meal, oat groats, whole sorghum... View all
MERRICK

Healthy Grains Real Beef & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Price/lb: $2.85
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Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Pork And Bone Meal, Barley, Natural Flavor, Salmon Meal, Pork Fat... View all

Bottom Line on Dog Food that Contains Grain

Ultimately, choosing the best grain-inclusive dog food comes down to your dog’s individual needs, including sensitivity, activity level, and life stage. Dog foods that contain grain can offer excellent nutrition, especially when formulated with high-quality proteins and digestible grain sources.

For dogs with chicken sensitivities, focusing on alternative proteins like salmon, beef, venison, or lamb within a grain-inclusive formula can provide a well-balanced and well-tolerated diet. The key is not simply whether a diet contains grains, but rather how thoughtfully the entire formula is put together to support long-term health and well-being.

The Best Dog Teeth Cleaning Products

By
Jae Thomas, CPDT-KA
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4
The best dog teeth cleaning products come in a variety of forms.
When picking the right product to clean your dog’s teeth, look for options that are easy to use, made with dog friendly ingredients, and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Credit: Jae Thomas
From toothpaste to dental chews, these top canine dental care products will help keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
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My Dog Is Breathing Heavy

By
Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
-
0
Labored breathing in dogs is a cause for alarm and immediate medical care.
When a dog normally pants, he is relaxed and happy. If he is struggling to breathe, his body will likely be tense. Labored breathing is an emergency. Credit: Faba-Photography | Getty Images

Dogs can have different types of heavy breathing. Panting is one version of increased respirations. Panting involves a rapid rate of breathing with a regular rhythm, open mouth, and a relaxed attitude. It can follow excitement, hard exercise, or anxiety.

If the panting is related to anxiety, your dog’s posture may be a tad stiff. Breathing tends to return to normal in five to 15 minutes, however. True panting is not an emergency. Panting doesn’t take much effort for the dog to do. It’s his main way of cooling his body.

What Does Labored Breathing Look Like?

Labored or hard breathing is respiration with effort. Any type of heavy breathing is hard work. Your dog may stretch his neck out and look like he is gulping air. His elbows may go out at the sides.

Unlike the pink gums you may see during regular panting, with heavy breathing a dog’s gums may be blue or gray. His respiratory rate may be rapid or perhaps not that much above normal due to the effort required for each breath.

Your dog’s nostrils may flare as he tries to move air, and his rib cage visibly moves. He is clearly working hard to get oxygen in. You might hear a wheeze or a whistle during the movement of air. Most dogs will avoid lying down during labored breathing, or if they do lie down, they will stay in sternal position. Your dog will appear to be worried or anxious.

What Causes Dyspnea in Dogs?

The medical term for labored breathing is dyspnea. High on the list of causes are cardiac conditions and respiratory disease. Trauma can also cause breathing difficulty.

Any obstruction may cause your dog to work hard to breathe. The obstruction may be an inhaled foreign body, laryngeal paralysis, scar tissue, or cancerous growth. Due to their conformation, brachycephalic dogs may have trouble breathing if heavily exercised or in hot, humid weather.

Many cardiac conditions can interfere with breathing and adequate oxygenation of the dog’s body. Congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and heartworm disease can all cause your dog to work hard to breathe. Pneumonia is a serious respiratory reason for labored breathing.

What Should I Do If My Dog Has Trouble Breathing?

If your dog is having trouble breathing, head to your veterinary clinic or an emergency clinic, if your regular vet isn’t open. The veterinarian will examine your dog including a full auscultation of his chest with a stethoscope. Hearing a heart murmur or “crackles” in the lung field may give your vet an idea of the cause behind the labored breathing

The next step is generally X-rays to evaluate the heart and the lungs. The veterinarian is looking for changes in the size of the heart, any neoplasia (cancers) that are visible, and changes in the appearance of the lungs. Free fluid or free air in the chest can make it hard for your dog to breathe. Ultrasound or echocardiograms may help to pinpoint the cause.

Blood oxygen levels will be checked if possible. Many dogs with labored breathing will need oxygen. This may be given via a nasal cannula or by placement in an oxygen cage.

Further treatment will be based on therapy for the cause of the labored breathing. That might mean antibiotics, diuretics, surgery to remove a mass or foreign body, or drugs to regulate your dog’s heart.

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