Puppys and Dogs have Jealous Emotions

Dogs are more similar to humans than once thought. They suffer from the pangs of jealousy just like us. They do not like to share the affections of their owners. When they see their owners giving attention to another dog it brings out strong emotion in them. It was once believed that dogs were only capable of having primary emotions such as anger and anxiety now research has shown that they have secondary emotions such as  guilt, jealousy, embarrassment and shame. Dogs show a strong dislike to unequal treatment. They do not like to see another dog getting preferential treatment over them. Dogs understand fairness. Dogs have the hormone oxytocin like us humans which has shown to bring out love and jealousy in humans.

Dr Range from the University of Vienna headed a series of experiments with dogs who knew how to give their paw. The dogs gave their paw weather they got a treat or not. All changed when one dog was given a treat for giving the paw and the other not. The dog who did not get the treat would not give the paw eventually and would not look at the researcher. You should treat all your dogs with equal care and attention. Even if you get a cute fluffy new pup make sure you give as much attention to your old dog. Experiments have shown that dogs are more sensitive to fairness rather than equity.

("The surest route to breeding jealousy is to compare. Since jealousy comes from feeling less than another, comparisons only fan the fires." Dorothy Corkville Briggs)

Puppy Yawn's

Dogs are in the group of a small number of animals that yawn. A study done by Porto University discovered that dogs can catch yawns from their owners. Dogs that have a strong bond with their owners catch more yawns from their owners. This research gives us proof that dogs empathise with their owners and can feel for them. The research showed that when the dogs heard their owners yawn they were far more likely to yawn than in any other circumstance. Half of all dogs yawned when played a tape of humans yawning. Dogs are five times more likely to yawn if the yawn comes from their owner.

Puppy Hiccups

Puppy hiccups are usually harmless. Some pups even hiccup when they are in the womb. Many puppies under 6 months hiccup a few times during the day. The hiccuping bouts usually last 2 to 3 minutes. The hiccups are usually brought on when the puppy eats or drinks too quickly. Medications, stress and excitement can also bring them on. You should bring your pup to the vet if the puppy vomits/regurgitates his/her food when hiccuping. Also contact your vet if the hiccups last longer than 30 minutes or if it happens more than a few times a day. 

You can massage your puppy while he/she hiccups to relax them.

You can also change the way you feed the puppy. Reduce the speed with which he/she eats. There is a slow feed bowl that is available in pet shops. Its great for slowing the puppy's speed eating down.

Dangerous Foods For Puppies and Dogs

Some foods that humans enjoy can cause serious illness even death to your beloved pet.

• CHOCOLATE and Coca should never be given to puppies or dogs. Chocolate contains theobromide which is deadly on the kidneys, hearts, lungs and nervous system. You should take your puppy to the vet if he/she has eaten some. Avoid all chocolate products. If your puppy has theobromide poisoning from the chocolate signs are  tremors, diarrhoea, seizures, coma, abnormal heart rate, vomiting.

• GRAPES are toxic to your dog also. Call your vet if your dog eats them. Grapes will cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, belly pain, low urine production, loss of appetite.
• CAFFEINE will cause heart lung kidney and central nervous system problems for your pet.
• RAISINS  similar to grapes very toxic. Call your vet. Vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, Belly pain low urine, loss of appetite.
• ONIONS lead to kidney damage. Symptoms can show days after ingestion. Signs diarrhoea, discoloured urine, vomiting, loss of appetite.
• GARLIC lead to kidney damage. Symptoms can show days after ingestion. Signs diarrhoea, discoloured urine, vomiting, loss of appetite.
• MACADAMIA NUTS will cause your pet to swell, vomiting, depression, weakness, these symptoms will show a few hours after ingestion.
• AVOCADO  vomiting and diarrhoea.
• FRUIT PITS fruit pits contain cyanide. Cyanide poisoning can kill. Signs coma, vomiting, heavy breathing, rash.
• POTATOES make puppies vomit, puppies can get very dehydrated from vomiting.
• CHEWING GUM gum that contains xylitol which is an artificial sweetener will cause liver failure. Pup will suffer seizures.
• ALCOHOL will cause failure of the respiration and nervous system of your pet
• HOPS cause heavy breathing, increased heat beat, high temperature seizures and death
• MUSHROOMS can lead to  toxic shock and death, multiple organ failure.
• YEAST DOUGH can rupture the pups stomach 
• TOBACCO damages the digestive and nervous system, could lead to death.
• COOKED BONES not easy to digest, can cause obstruction in the dogs digestive system.