Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

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

• Do Dogs Love Christmas Lights As Much As We Do?

• Holiday Season Alert: Protecting Your Dog from Pancreatitis

• Thread: What to do when you discover that dogs are not for you?

• Video: This dog just discovered a new and significantly more effective way to bark. 13/10

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG BEHAVIOUR

Do Dogs Love Christmas Lights As Much As We Do? 🎄

Ever noticed your pup staring in wonder at twinkling holiday displays? You're not alone! The internet is buzzing with adorable videos of dogs absolutely mesmerized by Christmas lights, but are they really as enchanted as we think? Let's unwrap this festive mystery!

What The Experts Say

Animal behaviorist Colby Julien gives us a perfectly scientific "maybe" on whether dogs actually enjoy holiday lights. It turns out, just like humans, every dog has their own opinion about festive decorations!

A Tale of Three Star Wars Pups

Nicole Kohanski, founder of Wiggle Butt Academy, took her three dogs (all named after Star Wars characters!) on a holiday lights adventure:

Different Dogs, Different Reactions

Chewie was more interested in trying to mark the decorations as his territory (yikes, watch those electrical cords!). Artoo decided the inflatable decorations needed a good barking-at, while poor Obi took one look at the first decorated house and decided that was quite enough holiday cheer for one evening!

Playing It Safe

If you're planning to take your pup on a festive light tour, remember:

• Watch for signs your dog's not feeling festive (lip-licking, "whale eyes," or cowering)

• Take it slow - those twinkling lights look different to doggy eyes

• Remember, some dogs might just prefer their regular walking route

The Real Holiday Spirit

Here's the heartwarming truth: Even if your dog couldn't care less about the lights, they're probably just happy to be spending time with you! As Julien puts it, "Sometimes, the joy for your dog isn't in the lights themselves, but in spending time with you."

So whether your pup is mesmerized by the twinkling displays or just wants to use that inflatable Santa as a fancy fire hydrant, the most important thing is sharing those special holiday moments together! 🐕✨

Source: KinShip

Playful Picks

3.

Holiday Season Alert: Protecting Your Dog from Pancreatitis 🎄

'Tis the season for festive feasts and sneaky snacks! But before you slip your pup that slice of turkey with all the trimmings, here's what Dr. Shea Cox wants you to know about a serious holiday hazard: pancreatitis.

Think of it as the holiday hangover you definitely don't want your four-legged friend to experience!

What's Pancreatitis, Anyway?

Think of your dog's pancreas as their personal food processor. Usually, it minds its own business, helping digest food and regulate blood sugar. But when it gets angry (usually from too many fatty treats), it starts digesting itself instead - ouch! And trust me, that's as unpleasant as it sounds. Even scarier? This condition can pop up suddenly (acute) or develop slowly over time (chronic).

The Warning Signs

Your pup might be developing pancreatitis if they're:

• Turning up their nose at breakfast (very un-doglike!)

• Getting sick to their tummy

• Acting like their belly hurts

• Looking depressed or feverish

• Doing a strange "prayer" position (bottom up, head down)

The Usual Suspects

While sometimes pancreatitis just happens, there are some known troublemakers:

• High-fat holiday foods (looking at you, turkey skin and gravy!)

• Garbage can raids (those old leftovers are double trouble)

• Certain medications

• Even genetics (Miniature Schnauzers, we're watching you extra carefully!)

Why Holiday Time is Risk Time

The holidays are like an obstacle course of pancreatitis triggers. Think about it: unattended plates of turkey skin, sneaky counter-surfing opportunities, well-meaning relatives who can't resist those puppy eyes - it's a recipe for trouble! Plus, with all the hustle and bustle, it's easier to miss those early warning signs.

Treatment Talk

If your pup does develop pancreatitis, they'll need some serious TLC:

• A few days of fasting (with IV fluids to stay hydrated)

• Pain management (because comfort is crucial)

• Lots of monitoring and blood work

• A new, low-fat diet going forward

Keeping Your Pup Safe

Prevention is WAY better than treatment. Here's your holiday survival guide:

• Keep those counters clear (yes, even when you're "just running to answer the door quickly")

• Make the garbage can Fort Knox-level secure

• Remind holiday guests that your dog is on a strict "no human food" diet

• Keep an eye on your pup during parties and gatherings

• Consider crating during meal times if your dog is a known food thief

When to Call the Vet

This isn't a "wait and see" kind of situation. If your dog is showing signs of pancreatitis, especially during the holidays, get them to the vet pronto. Quick treatment usually means a full recovery, but delays can lead to serious complications or even become life-threatening.

Remember, the best gift you can give your furry friend this holiday season is keeping them safe and healthy. Save the festive feasting for the humans, and maybe get your pup a new squeaky toy instead! After all, nothing ruins holiday cheer faster than an emergency vet visit.

Keep those tails wagging and those pancreases happy this holiday season! 🐾

Source: KinShip

Quiz Answers

True! 🇲🇽

These tiny pups get their name from Mexico's largest state - Chihuahua!

The breed was first discovered in the 1850s in this region, though their exact origins are still debated. Some believe they descended from an ancient breed called the Techichi, kept by the Toltec civilization.

Despite their small size today, their ancestors might have been a bit bigger!

So next time you meet a Chihuahua, you can impress everyone by mentioning they're carrying around a piece of Mexican geography in their name!

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

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