Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

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

• Why Is Your Dog Coughing? 11 Causes and When to Worry 🏥

• Pet Parents Get Separation Anxiety Too

• Thread: Introducing a new dog

• Video: This guy has a personal fitness coach, and it’s also his dog

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG BEHAVIOUR

Why Is Your Dog Coughing? 11 Causes and When to Worry 🏥

That concerning cough keeping you up at night? Veterinarians Dr. Chyrle Bonk and Dr. Alycia Washington break down everything you need to know about dog coughs, from harmless throat clearing to serious health concerns.

Types of Coughs: A Sound Guide

Not all coughs are created equal! Here's your decoder ring:

The Dry Hack

• Sounds like: Your dog clearing their throat

• Often comes with: Foam or mucus

• Usually means: Kennel cough or bronchial issues

• Think of it as: A tickle in the throat that won't go away

The Wet Gurgle

• Sounds like: Fluid moving around

• Often includes: Rattling or wheezing

• Usually means: Something more serious (pneumonia or heartworm)

• Red flag: Needs immediate vet attention!

The Famous "Honk"

• Sounds like: A goose overhead

• Common in: Small breed dogs

• Usually means: Possible tracheal collapse

• Often happens: After excitement or drinking

11 Common Causes to Know

1. Respiratory Infections

• Kennel cough (the dog park special)

• Canine influenza (yes, dogs get the flu too!)

• Various viruses and bacteria

• Think: Dog daycare, boarding, or grooming visits

2. Pneumonia

The scary one:

• Fluid in the lungs

• Can progress quickly

• Requires immediate attention

• Often accompanied by fever and lethargy

3. Allergies

Just like humans:

• Seasonal reactions

• Environmental triggers

• Can lead to bronchitis if untreated

• Often comes with eye and nose discharge

4. Heartworm Disease

The preventable threat:

• Spread by mosquitoes

• Affects heart and lungs

• Preventable with monthly medication

• Treatment is tough - prevention is key!

5. Heart Issues

The serious stuff:

• Often worse at night

• Comes with exercise intolerance

• May include fluid backup in lungs

• More common in older dogs

When to Rush to the Vet

Don't wait if you see:

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Pale or bluish gums

• Blood in cough

• Extreme lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Fever

Treatment Options

Your vet might recommend:

• Cough suppressants (but only when appropriate!)

• Corticosteroids for inflammation

• Bronchodilators for airway opening

• Heart medications if needed

• Antibiotics for infections

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Keep your pup healthy by:

• Staying up-to-date on vaccinations

• Using monthly heartworm prevention

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Avoiding cigarette smoke exposure

• Regular vet check-ups

The Bottom Line

While some coughs are just temporary irritations, others can signal serious health issues. When in doubt, get it checked out! Your vet would rather see you for a false alarm than miss something serious.

Special Note for Breed Owners

Some breeds are more prone to coughing:

• Small breeds: Watch for tracheal collapse

• Flat-faced breeds: More sensitive to respiratory issues

• Large breeds: More susceptible to heart-related coughs

Remember, you know your dog best. If something seems off, trust your instincts and consult your veterinarian. After all, it's better to be safe and have a healthy, happy pup! 🐾

Source: KinShip

Playful Picks

1. Now that’s a real Italian dog

2. This guy has a personal fitness coach, and it’s also his dog

3. This fella who found its very own massage therapist:

Pet Parents Get Separation Anxiety Too - You're Not Alone! 💕

"I do indeed suffer from separation anxiety when I leave my dogs," admits renowned animal behaviorist Dr. Patricia McConnell.

"I'm already starting to stress lick!"

If this sounds familiar, you're in good company - a recent study found that 47% of dog parents experience anxiety when away from their pets.

It's More Common Than You Think

Whether it's reluctance to leave for a few minutes or complete inability to travel, separation anxiety affects pet parents in different ways.

Faith Maloney, co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society, explains that every case is unique, often triggered by past experiences. Maybe your dog got sick at boarding once, or a pet sitter fell through - these experiences can leave lasting emotional scars.

The Rescue Parent's Dilemma

For many rescue parents, the anxiety runs even deeper. "I gave my dogs my word when I took them on that they would have the best life possible," shares Sarah Bartley, mom to rescue dogs and horses.

This promise, while beautiful, can sometimes keep us from living our own lives fully.

Breaking Free Without Breaking Promises

The key is understanding that helping our dogs become confident and independent is actually keeping our promise to give them the best life.

As Pamela Uncles, animal behavior consultant, points out, "Giving dogs the skills to be independent is one of the best gifts."

Practical Steps Forward

If you're struggling with leaving your furry friend:

• Start small - practice short separations

• Consider attending dog behavior seminars (a perfect excuse for travel!)

• Ensure your dog has reliable care when you're away

• Remember: Your anxiety doesn't always reflect your dog's actual feelings

The Chocolate Solution

Even Dr. McConnell has her moments of weakness. Her solution?

"I literally eat chocolate," she admits. "Never, ever dismiss the power of chocolate." Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones!

Remember, wanting to be with your dog all the time comes from a place of love.

But the greatest gift we can give our pets is helping them feel secure and confident - even when we're not around. And yes, maybe treat yourself to some chocolate in the process! 🍫

Source: KinShip

Quiz Answers

Contrary to popular belief, your pup isn't trying to be tidy when they do that backward kicking dance after bathroom time.

They're actually leaving their mark!

Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and that dramatic kicking releases their unique scent, basically leaving a "Dog was here!" sign for other pups to find.

So next time you see your dog performing their post-potty kickline, remember - they're not trying to cover anything up, they're just adding their signature to the neighborhood news! 📝

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

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