Greetings, dog lovers!

Welcome to Dog Forum’s newsletter.

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

• Human foods that your dog can and cannot eat

• Decoding the wags: a guide to what your dog's tail movements really mean

• Thread: Help needed on puppy aggression

• Video: When your dog knows what kind of driver you are

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions of our forum!

DOG DIET

Human Foods that Your Dog Can and Cannot Eat

As dog owners, it's crucial to know which human foods are safe for our furry friends and which could be harmful. Here’s a breakdown:

Safe Foods:

• Carrots: A fantastic low-calorie snack full of vitamins and fiber. Just chop them up to prevent choking.

• Peanut Butter: A healthy treat in moderation. Opt for unsalted and plain varieties.

• Eggs: Cooked eggs are nutritious but avoid raw ones to prevent the risk of bacterial transmission.

• Salmon: Cooked salmon is safe and beneficial for its omega-3 fatty acids.

• Blueberries and Blackberries: Low in calories and rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

• Popcorn: Only if it's air-popped and unsalted without additional flavors.

• Apples: Remove the seeds as they contain cyanide.

Foods to Limit:

• Salt: Excessive amounts can lead to serious health issues.

• Cheese: Due to lactose content, it can cause upset stomachs in larger quantities.

• Peanut Butter: High in fat, it should be given in limited amounts.

• Cashews and Almonds: High in fats and calories, feed them sparingly.

• Tomatoes: Ensure they are ripe as green tomatoes contain tomatine, which can be harmful.

Dangerous Foods:

• Onions and Garlic: These can cause anemia and are very toxic to dogs.

• Grapes and Raisins: Well-known to be very toxic to dogs.

Remember, individual dogs may have specific sensitivities or allergies, so it's always a good idea to introduce new foods slowly and in moderation. Consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your dog, especially if you have health concerns.

Source: FitBark

Playful Picks

1.When your dog knows what kind of driver you are..

2.

3. That’s a real cobra attack!

@themothergothel

Noone was harmed in the making of this video 🥴😂

DOG TIPS

Decoding the Wags: A Guide to What Your Dog's Tail Movements Really Mean

Ever wonder what your dog is thinking when they wag their tail? Well, strap in, because it’s time to decode the secrets of tail wagging! From joyous swings to cautious wags, every movement has a meaning.

The Emotional Language of Tails, Explained by Jessica Comstock 

Jessica Comstock, a senior studying Magazine Media and Politics at Drake University, dives deep into the tail-talking phenomena. Just like humans use a variety of facial expressions to show how they feel, dogs use their tails to communicate their emotional states.

Understanding the Wag:

• Body Language: First up, notice the stiffness of your dog’s body. A stiff body paired with a wagging tail doesn’t mean party time; it suggests your dog might be feeling tense or anxious.

• Tail Positioning: This is crucial. The position of the tail can help you gauge your dog's comfort level. A tail wagging high might indicate confidence or alertness, while a low wag could signal insecurity or fear.

• Movement and Speed: The speed of the wag adds another layer. A rapid wag can express excitement or even agitation, while a slow wag might mean your dog is unsure or feeling mellow.

Lauren Novack from Behavior Vets in New York City adds her expert insight, reminding us that a dog's tail is just one piece of the behavioral puzzle. "Think of it as a word in a sentence," she advises. The tail's message becomes clearer when viewed in the context of the dog’s overall body language.

Types of Tail Wags:

• Happy Wagging: If the tail wags are wide and involve the whole body, like the adorable 'helicopter' tail, it’s a good sign your pup is in high spirits.

• Fearful Wagging: A tail tucked under the body is a red flag. This indicates fear. Giving your dog some space to calm down is the best approach here.

• Curious Wagging: A straight tail that wags slightly indicates curiosity. Your dog might be assessing something new or unfamiliar.

Special Case – Wagging in Sleep: Yes, dogs wag their tails in their sleep too! It's likely a part of their dreams. Puppies and older dogs, who need more sleep, often show these sleepy twitches. Whether they’re reliving a fun day or imagining a great adventure, these wags are totally normal and quite cute to watch.

Practical Tips for Dog Parents:

• Watch the Full Picture: Don’t just focus on the tail; observe your dog’s entire body to understand their emotional state fully.

• Learn Your Dog's Tail Language: Each dog is unique. Spend time observing how your dog’s tail movements correlate with their mood in different situations. This will help you become fluent in their tail language.

• Respond Appropriately: Use your knowledge of your dog’s tail language to respond appropriately to their needs, ensuring they feel safe and understood.

Understanding what your dog’s tail wagging means can deepen the bond between you and your furry friend, making your interactions more meaningful and your responses more attuned to their feelings.

Source: DailyPaws

Quiz Answers

Absolutely true!

Just like our fingerprints, each dog's nose print is utterly unique.

This nifty little fact means that in theory, you could use a dog’s nose print for identification, much like a human fingerprint.

Isn't nature fascinating? So next time you're gazing lovingly at your pup, remember their nose isn't just for sniffing out treats—it's also one of a kind!

That’s it for this edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

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