Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

This Week's Dog-Centric News and Tips are in: 

• You Can Recognize Your Dog by Their Smell

• Can Dogs Have Panic Attacks?

• Thread: Have I done the right thing with the crate?

• Video: Never underestimate chihuahuas

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

HEARTWARMING STORIES

Dog Crocs Are Here. You Can Now Wear Matching Crocs With Your Dog!

Get ready for the ultimate matching moment with your furry friend! Crocs, the famous comfort footwear brand, is finally answering one of their most requested products ever - Crocs for pets!

They have launched on Croc Day (October 23), these paw-fect shoes are:

• Made in partnership with BarkBox

• Available in three sizes (Small, Medium, Large)

• Come in two glow-in-the-dark colors: Green Slime and Pink Dragon Fruit

• Feature easy-on design with adjustable straps

• Made from comfortable, breathable EVA foam

The best part? Pet parents can get matching Crocs for themselves, complete with special dog-themed Jibbitz™ charms. These stylish sets will be available globally on Crocs' website and in select stores, but only for a limited time.

Based on the excited social media response, it looks like both humans and their four-legged friends can't wait to rock these matching shoes!

DOG BEHAVIOUR

You Can Recognize Your Dog by Their Smell, Study Says

A 2021 study by researchers at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague found something pretty amazing: most of us can recognize our dogs just by their smell. Just like parents can identify their babies by scent, we can pick out our furry friends from a lineup of dog smells!

How They Tested This

Scientists did a clever test:

• They collected dog smells using sterile gauze pads

• Put these smells in sealed glass jars

• Asked owners to pick their dog's smell from six different jars

• The chance of guessing right by luck was only 17%

What They Found

The results were fascinating! 71% of pet parents could identify their dog's smell correctly. But there's more to the story:

Men did better than women at this sniffing game (89.5% vs 64.7% success rate), though there were fewer men in the study.

Several things made it easier to recognize a dog's smell:

• Dogs who ate kibble were easier to identify than those eating raw meat

• Outside dogs were easier to recognize than indoor dogs

• Dogs who got baths less often had more recognizable smells

• Younger people were better at identifying their dogs' scents

Why This Matters

This shows just how close we are to our dogs. Our noses might not be as good as our dogs' famous sniffers, but they're good enough to recognize our furry family members. Just like we can identify our human family by smell, we can do the same with our dogs.

Earlier studies were simpler - they only gave people two smells to choose from. This study was tougher because people had to pick from six different smells, making it more impressive that so many got it right.

The bottom line? While our dogs might have better noses overall (they can smell things like cancer and drugs!), we humans aren't too shabby when it comes to recognizing our own pups. It's just another sign of the special bond between humans and their dogs.

Source: KinShip

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2. Never underestimate chihuahuas

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DOG HEALTH

Can Dogs Have Panic Attacks? Yes, and Here's What You Need to Know

Just like humans, dogs can experience panic attacks. These scary episodes can leave both pets and their owners feeling helpless. Let's break down what you need to know about panic attacks in dogs and how to help your furry friend through them.

What Does a Dog Panic Attack Look Like?

According to Gabrielle Johnson, a certified dog behavior consultant, a dog having a panic attack is experiencing "a toxic level of stress." During these episodes, dogs have trouble processing information, smells, sights, and sounds. They might even have trouble responding to their own name.

Common signs of a panic attack include:

• Heavy panting and drooling

• Shaking or trembling

• Restless running or pacing

• Whining or howling

• Trying to hide or escape

• Bathroom accidents

• Clinging to their owner unusually

• Wide, frightened eyes

What Causes These Attacks?

Several things can trigger panic attacks in dogs:

1. Noise Sensitivity

   • One study found it's the most common anxiety trait in dogs

   • About one-third of dogs fear at least one type of noise

   • City noises like sirens or street sweepers can be especially challenging

   • Even household sounds can trigger attacks

2. Separation Anxiety

   • Very common, especially since people returned to offices after the pandemic

   • Dogs might panic when left alone

   • Can be hard to spot since owners aren't there to see it

3. Other Common Triggers

   • Past trauma or PTSD

   • Physical pain

   • Unknown smells (remember, dogs smell things we can't)

   • Bad dreams

   • Gut health issues

How to Help Your Dog

If your dog has panic attacks, there are several ways to help:

1. Medical Support:

   • Get a vet check-up to rule out physical causes

   • Consider anti-anxiety medications if recommended

   • Common medications include Trazodone, Clomicalm, and Reconcile

   • Some dogs need daily medication, others just during stressful times

2. Lifestyle Changes:

   • Keep a consistent daily routine

   • Create safe spaces around your home

   • Provide mental stimulation with toys and puzzles

   • Consider adjusting exercise levels (some dogs need more, others less)

3. Natural Aids:

   • Try calming supplements (with vet approval)

   • Use soothing scents like lavender

   • Provide comfort through gentle petting or brushing

   • Offer a quiet, safe retreat space

Important Things to Remember

1. Never punish your dog for having a panic attack

   • They're already scared and confused

   • Punishment will only make things worse

   • Use positive reinforcement instead

2. Watch for patterns

   • Keep track of when attacks happen

   • Notice what might trigger them

   • Share this information with your vet

3. Be patient with treatment

   • Improvement usually takes months, not weeks

   • Each dog responds differently

   • Some need a combination of treatments

When to Get Professional Help

Call your vet if you notice signs of panic attacks, especially if:

• They happen repeatedly

• Your dog seems unusually distressed

• There are physical symptoms like diarrhea

• Your dog's behavior suddenly changes

Remember, dogs are complex creatures with real emotions. Just as they support us emotionally, we need to be there for them when they're scared. With patience, understanding, and proper help, most dogs can learn to manage their anxiety better.

Trust your instincts - you know your dog best. If something seems off, it's better to check with a professional sooner rather than later. Your furry friend depends on you to be their advocate and support system.

Source: KinShip

Quiz Answers

Sit is the most common training command taught to dogs.

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