by Arvind Sharma | Apr 21, 2019 | Fun with Pets
No species on earth varies as much as the domestic dog. Dogs can weigh two pounds or two hundred pounds. We have developed different breeds of dogs to fit all kinds of different occupations. Some dogs such as retrievers are bred to return things to us. Herding breeds such as border collies have been bred to effectively move groups of other animals. Some breeds of dogs are selected for incredible intelligence while others are bred to be gentle companions, sitting quietly with us while we read or watch television.
No matter what kind of dog you have, they all need mental and physical stimulation. Our dogs often get in trouble when they have not had enough mental and physical activity…in other words, they get bored.
There are various types of activities that you can do together with your dog. Dogs that love to chase and retrieve balls are natural candidates for Flyball. This activity has dogs running and jumping over hurdles while carrying a small ball in a relay race against other dogs. Super active dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds excel in this activity. These same dogs also do well in Agility activities. Dogs in these events run up ramps, jump over hurdles, run through cloth tunnels on a set course in order to finish with the best times.
Small dogs that love to dig can participate in Earthdog events. Dachshunds and Jack Russell Terriers have a great time digging and crawling through man made tunnels following a scent trail. Herding dogs, like Border Collies and Queensland Heelers, can be taken to places where they can actually learn to herd and work a small herd of goats or sheep.
Retrievers and other hunting breeds do well in tracking and field trials. Huskies and Malamutes can participate in mushing where they pull dog sleds. Any kind of dog, whether purebred or mixed, can participate in obedience training. There are many levels of accomplishment and you and your dog can choose how far you wish to take their training.
No matter what kind of dog you have, there are activities in which the two of you can participate together. Fulfilling your dogs’ need for activity is as important as affection and love. Ultimately, the time spent together will help you form a stronger bond with your pet. As an added bonus, you will also have a better behaved dog.
by Arvind Sharma | Apr 21, 2019 | Fun with Pets
Does your dog like to bark, dig and chew everything in his line of sight? Before you panic and head straight for doggy boot camp, the solution may be simpler than you think. Just as humans do, dogs get bored. Unlike humans, however, dogs have fewer means of passing the time. Instead, bored dogs can develop unhealthy behaviors and stress-related habits, such as excessive personal licking or chewing, which can potentially cause them harm.
Environment enrichment can help.
Environment enrichment is the process of making your pet’s living space engaging and stimulating in order to decrease boredom and avoid any associated consequences. Keeping your pets busy and engaged with mental games, active training and enough daily exercise will protect both your pets and your furniture. You can thank us later.
Environment Enrichment 101
There are a few simple ways to improve your furry friend’s immediate living space and help encourage mental and physical development, including the following:
- Use Food-Dispensing Toys
Toys that dispense food are an excellent way for your dog to beat daily stress and boredom. Keeping your dog busy while you’re gone by making them work for treats, or their entire meal, keeps them interested and engaged. They are far less likely to be distracted by an arm chair or potential digging spot if they are being rewarded and encouraged with their favorite foods. Additionally, using toys that encourage dogs to eat more slowly can even improve digestive health.
- Schedule Puppy Play Dates
As wonderful as engaging toys and human interaction can be for your pets, other dogs provide stimulation that we simply cannot. Regular play dates with other friendly dogs is one of the best ways to keep your dog learning and consistently engaged. Provide your pup with the opportunity to run, sniff and explore a new, safe space with a brand-new friend!
- Stimulate Their Senses
Much like humans, dogs need variation to keep them learning and developing. Whenever you can, provide your pup with the opportunity to explore new spaces. Maybe try a new trail on your morning walk, take a trip to the beach or pack your smaller furry friend into a secure bike basket and go for a ride. Allowing your dog to experience new things will keep his senses keen and improve both his physical and mental health.
Want to Know More?
If you have any further questions about environment enrichment, or any unhealthy behaviors you have seen appear in your pet, contact your veterinarian for additional resources and support.
by Arvind Sharma | Apr 21, 2019 | Fun with Pets
If you’ve ever watched your pet twitch, twist, and growl when sleeping, you’ve probably wondered if he or she is having a particularly interesting dream that involves chasing mice or rooting through your trash can. For years, people have wondered if their furry friends experience the same vivid dreams that humans do. We’ve taken a look at the latest information and research on pet dreams in an attempt to answer the question.
What Happens During Sleep?
Whether you’re a pet or a person, you pass through similar stages of sleep. When you first drift off to sleep, you enter the non-rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep. The Non-REM cycle involves three stages of increasingly deeper sleep. During the first stage, your body becomes very relaxed, and your brain becomes less active. The second non-REM stage is marked by a slower rate of breathing and a lower heart rate. Relaxation intensifies and brain activity slows further as you prepare to transition to the deep sleep that occurs during the third non-REM phase. Dreams do occur during this stage but usually aren’t remembered.
After you’ve been sleeping for about 1 1/2 hours, you’ll enter the rapid eye movement phase. As you’ve probably guessed, your eyes begin moving back and forth during this phase. If you watch a family member sleep, you may actually be able to see their eyes moving beneath their eyelids during this phase.
Brain activity, breathing and heart rate increase during this shallower phase of sleep. REM dreams are often vivid and surreal and easily remembered when you wake up. Fortunately, your limbs and muscles are temporarily paralyzed during this phase of sleep to prevent you from harming yourself during a particularly disturbing dream. You’ll cycle between non-REM and REM sleep several times during the night, with each REM cycle lasting between 10 minutes and one hour.
What Does the Research Reveal?
Because the non-REM/REM sleep cycle occurs in all mammals, researchers believe that pets also dream. Unfortunately, your furry friends are never going to wake up and say, “You won’t believe the dream I just had!”. Although your pets can’t share their dreams, Koko, a gorilla who has been taught sign language, has the ability to discuss what she sees while she’s asleep.
In a People magazine article, researcher Penny Patterson mentioned that Koko has shared information about events that haven’t actually taken place or people she hasn’t met after she wakes up in the morning. If Koko can dream, it’s perfectly reasonable to assume that your dog, cat or rabbit also has nightly dreams.
French sleep researcher Michel Jouvet decided to find out if cats dream during a 1959 experiment that involved destroying the part of the feline brain that stops them from moving during REM sleep. When the cats entered REM sleep, Jouvet reported that they jumped, pounced and stalked invisible prey.
A 2001 study by Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher Matthew Wilson explored the issue by comparing the brain activity of rats while they were awake and asleep. Rats in the study often exhibited the same brain patterns during REM sleep as they did while running a maze while awake. The results lead Wilson to conclude that the rats were dreaming of running through the maze during the REM cycle.
Size matters when it comes to dreaming. Small animals, like rats, have very short REM cycles. Dogs and cats have longer cycles, but cycle length may still depend on the size of your pet. For example, a Rottweiler may experience longer REM stages than a Chihuahua.
Should I Wake My Sleeping Pet?
If your pet seems to be distressed by a dream, your natural reaction may be to wake and comfort him or her. Unfortunately, it takes a little while for a sleeping pet or person to transition from a dream to a fully awake state. Until that happens, your pet may think you’re part of the bad dream and bite or scratch you. Unless your pet is in danger of harming himself or herself during a dream, it’s best to let sleeping dogs (or cats) lie.
Do you have a question about your pet’s health or need to schedule a checkup? Give us a call and let us know how we can help you keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Sources:
People: What Is Your Cat or Dog Dreaming About? A Harvard Expert Has Some Answers, 10/13/16
http://people.com/pets/what-is-your-cat-or-dog-dreaming-about-a-harvard-expert-has-some-answers/
LiveScience: What Do Dogs Dream About, 2/17/16
https://www.livescience.com/53743-dog-dreams.html
AKC: Do Dogs Dream, 11/09/15
http://www.akc.org/content/entertainment/articles/do-dogs-dream/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Understanding-Sleep
MIT News: Animals Have Complex Dreams, MIT Researcher Proves, 1/24/01
http://news.mit.edu/2001/dreaming
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