Greetings, dog lovers!

Welcome to the second edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

Every Wednesday, you'll receive a newsletter packed with the latest stories from both our vibrant DogForum and the wider dog-loving world.

First off, I just want to wrap all of you in a big, heartfelt thank you for engaging with our previous newsletter.

I'm all ears for any suggestions you might have to make our little newsletter even more special (so don't be shy, hit reply!).

As I was wandering through our forum, I couldn't help but notice that some of our cherished members haven't been around much lately.

If life's hustle and bustle have kept you away, remember, our door is always open, the kettle is always on.

You can also easily regain access to your account by restoring your password (simply go to this link and follow the instructions).

We've missed your stories, your advice, and yes, even your delightful doggie dilemmas.

Below, you'll stumble upon a curated list of topics that might be of interest to you. Who knows, one of them might inspire you to jump back into the conversation.

After all, this community wouldn't be the same without you.

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

• Can dogs get hiccups?

• How to keep the dog clean between the baths

• How do dogs choose their favorite person?

• The risk of homemade recipes for dogs

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions of our forum!

BEHAVIOR

Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

Hiccups in dogs, much like in humans, are a common yet often misunderstood phenomenon. Triggered by various factors such as eating too quickly, excitement, stress, or even growth in puppies, hiccups can lead to mild spasms or gagging but are usually harmless and resolve on their own.

Experts note that while hiccups are most frequently observed in puppies due to their excitable nature and rapid growth phases, they can occur in dogs of all ages. Despite the adorable nature of puppy hiccups, it's essential to differentiate between hiccups caused by harmless activities and those signaling underlying health issues.

Occasionally, what appears to be a hiccup could be a symptom of more severe conditions like reflux esophagitis or even neurological disorders. Thus, while hiccups in themselves are not dangerous, persistent episodes call for a check-up to rule out any serious causes

For those looking to ease their dog's hiccups, simple home remedies such as modifying eating habits, encouraging calmness, and gently changing the dog's position may help. Understanding and responding to your dog's hiccups can ensure they remain nothing more than a quirky part of your pet's life, allowing you both to focus on the joy of your companionship.

Source: The Wildest

Video of the Week

The cutest smile of the week!

FOOD

Doggie Delish

Last week, I received lots of positive feedback on the turkey mini burgers—thank you all for your kind comments! This time, however, I want to share some cautions about homemade diets.

Choosing a home-cooked diet for your pets is often motivated by concerns for their health, doubts about commercial pet foods, or specific dietary needs.

However, homemade diets come with their own set of challenges, including increased time, cost, and the necessity for nutritional knowledge.

Common errors include modifying recipes without a professional's input, relying on unverified recipes from the internet or books, and providing such diets to sensitive groups like pregnant, nursing, or young dogs without expert advice.

Alarmingly, a study evaluating dog recipes discovered only 9 out of 200 met the basic nutritional standards set for commercial pet foods.

These mistakes can cause nutritional deficiencies and pose health risks to your beloved companion. It's essential to consult with a veterinarian for a nutritionally balanced diet.

While I strive to offer recipes vetted by professionals, please remember to consult with your veterinarian before adjusting your pet’s diet.

Be safe, and continue to enjoy delicious meals alongside your beloved companion.

Source: vetnutrition.tufts.edu

DOG FACTS

How Do Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person?

Ever notice how dogs seem to pick their favorite person in the room? This choice isn't random.

It’s based on specific behaviors and traits that resonate with them.

The key factors include the amount of attention and affection you shower on them, the positive associations you build through consistent, enjoyable experiences, and the socialization efforts you make to enrich their lives.

Additionally, dogs often connect with a person whose personality aligns with their own, whether it's a love for cuddles or a strive for adventure.

If you're wondering if you're the bacon to your dog's breakfast, look out for signs like your dog seeking your company relentlessly, showing excitement upon seeing you or choosing to sleep close to you.

Source: SitStay

True or False...

Answer: False! 

It's a common myth that dogs can only see in shades of gray. In reality, dogs can see colors, but their color vision is limited compared to humans.

Dogs are dichromatic, meaning they have two types of color receptors (cones) in their eyes, allowing them to see shades of blue and yellow. This means while they can't see the full spectrum of colors that humans can, they do perceive more than just gray tones (Another W for dogs).

That’s it for the second edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

Please let me know what you think about this release in the poll below (Feel free to leave any recommendations. I take into consideration every comment).