👀What are the Warning Signs Most Dog Parents Miss?

🐶Welcome Back Wonderous Dog Parent, Here’s your latest delight of dog-understanding for your pup-attuned & curious brain. This issue digs out the subtle signs most dog parents miss, those quiet cues that say “I’m not okay” that may lead you to care or a vet visit. PLUS we sniff at the myth of catching a cold from your pup, & give a nose nudge to the misunderstood world of canine “embarrassment”. So what’s really going on?…& as always…there’s more…

Enjoy!

🧐FACT or FLUFF??

‘Dog’s sweat through their tongue’

Dig down the page to find out…

THIS WEEK’S WOOF WISDOM

• 👀What are the Warning Signs Most Dog Parents Miss?

• 🤧Answered! Can You Catch a Cold From Your Dog?

• 😳What if Your Dog is Feeling Embarrassed?

• This Pup’s a Genius Just Don’t Give Her Carrots!

• 🧐More to Chew On…

😏OK..NOW WHAT? (your Q & A)
What are the Warning Signs Most Dog Parents Miss?

Dogs don’t send emails when something’s wrong, they shift their actions quietly. A little less energy, a little more licking, a bathroom habit that feels off. These subtle changes are often the first signs that something’s not right. Your dog’s body is talking, & when you learn to read the signals, you catch problems before they escalate.

Here are 14 signs worth paying attention to:

1. Changes in appetite – Eating more or less can signal stress, pain, or illness.

2. Sudden weight gain or loss – Could point to thyroid issues, diabetes, or cancer.

3. Lethargy – Persistent tiredness may mean infection, heart trouble, or more.

4. Excessive licking or scratching – Often linked to allergies, skin infections, or pain.

5. Bad breath – Dental disease or organ issues could be brewing.

6. Heavy panting without exertion – May indicate pain, anxiety, or respiratory distress.

7. Behavior changes – Aggression, withdrawal, or clinginess can stem from discomfort.

8. Limping or stiffness – Not just aging, it could be injury or joint disease.

9. Bathroom habit changes – Watch for signs of kidney, bladder, or GI trouble.

10. Red or cloudy eyes – Could mean infection, glaucoma, or vision loss.

11. Changes in sleep patterns – Too much or too little sleep may signal metabolic or neurological issues.

12. Unusual vocalizations – Whining or whimpering can be a cry for help.

13. Frequent head shaking or ear scratching – Often a sign of ear infections or mites.

14. Excessive paw licking or chewing – Can point to allergies, anxiety, or hidden injuries.

Be attentive for the quiet & not so quiet warning signs & you’ll be the kind of dog parent who sees what others miss. If in doubt it’s best to see your vet.🧐 

🐾MORE HERE

💎PLUS FOR PAWRENTS

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🧠🌿WOOF WELLBEING
Answered! Can You Catch a Cold From Your Dog?

Can you catch a cold from your dog? Short answer, No…Your dog’s sniffles & your seasonal sneeze come from different viruses. Dogs get their own respiratory bugs, like kennel cough or canine coronavirus, but they don’t cross over to humans.

So if you’re curled up on the couch sneezing in sync, you’re not swapping colds...just companionship.

It’s rare, but dogs can pass along other health risks so it’s worth knowing. It’s called zoonotic transmission, when diseases jump from animals to humans. These aren’t everyday threats, but they do exist, especially in puppies or pets exposed to wildlife.

Here are a few dog-specific examples:

1. Ringworm – A fungal skin infection, not a worm.

2. Leptospirosis – Spread through infected urine or puddles.

3. Campylobacter – Bacteria from poop, mostly in puppies.

4. Giardia – A parasite that causes digestive upset.

5. Hookworms/Roundworms – Can transfer through contaminated soil.

6. Brucellosis – Rare, but serious bacterial infection.

7. Rabies – Deadly, but not present in most developed countries.

8. Salmonella – Bacteria shed in feces or saliva, can affect dogs fed improperly checked raw diets.

Good habits to have without bubble wrapping your dog:

• Wash hands after handling pets, waste, or raw food.
• Keep vaccinations & parasite treatments up to date.
• Supervise kids around dog poop & outdoor play.
• Skip the mouth kisses.
• Be extra cautious during wet seasons & around puddles.

Smart habits, not paranoia. That’s how you protect the bond & the biology. Love your animals, respect your microbes...& sneeze responsibly.❤️ 

🐾MORE HERE

😳What if Your Dog is Feeling Embarrassed?

Your dog falls off the couch mid-zoomie, lands in their water bowl, & immediately glances around like they’ve just tripped in front of a crowd.

That moment, the awkward pause, the head turn, the “did anyone see that?” energy, feels suspiciously like embarrassment. But the thing is, dogs don’t do shame. They don’t care about social norms, reputations, or whether they’ve violated the unspoken rules of polite society…and yes, many dog parents will disagree on some of this.

That “guilty” look after messing up? It’s not remorse, it’s a reaction to your reaction.

Embarrassment requires complex self-awareness & cultural context, & of the many amazing things our adorable dogs possess, this isn’t one of them.

In sharing the happiest bond with your pup, science & behaviorists say this:

1. Dogs don’t grasp social norms – They’re not worried about etiquette or reputation.

2. They don’t reflect on how others see them – No internal monologue, no imagined judgment.

3. They live in the moment – No guilt, no shame, just now.

4. That “guilty look” is fear or appeasement – They’re reacting to your mood, not their actions.

5. Punishment teaches anticipation, not accountability – It builds anxiety, not understanding. Positive reinforcement is the best way!

6. Calm responses build trust – Your dog needs safety, not scolding.

So if your dog slips, spills, or stares at you mid-mess, don’t lecture. They’re not embarrassed, they’re just trying to read the room, & they’re hoping you’re still on their side.🙂 

🐾MORE HERE

💎FOR PUPS & PAWRENTS.
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❤️❤️ ❤️ 

🤔PAWSE TO REMEMBER

Remove Your Dog’s Collar. When in a safe secure area & particularly when left alone in a safe secure area inside or out. Tragically through collars getting caught on objects, & even during mutual dog play, dogs have died through choking. If your dog enjoys active play with other dogs a harness is considered safer.

👃🏻QUICK SNIFFS
More to Chew On.

• 🐶Does Your Dog Have ADHD?…There’s a new way to find out.

• 🏋🏽‍♀️One Tough Dog Mumma! Rescues her pup by punching an Alligator! 

• 🐕💩Your Dog’s Poop…Now worth its weight in gold & you wear it around your neck. Yep, really!

😮OH MY DOG
This Pup’s a Genius Just Don’t Give Her Carrots!

Golden Retriever Nola is sooo clever. She has mastered talking with buttons & certainly makes the most of them when instead of dinner Mum gives her a carrot!

Watch & add a smile to your day…

Enjoy!😄 

🧐FACT or FLUFF??...Answer.  FLUFF

Dogs do not sweat through their tongue. They cool down mostly through panting, which allows moisture to evaporate from their tongue, mouth, & breathing tract, helping regulate body temperature. Dogs do have sweat glands, almost all located in their paw pads. So while the tongue plays a role in cooling, it’s not a sweat gland.

We are here to please🐶…

Thanks for being part of the pack 😀

Keep yourself & your pups, happy & safe & see you next time!

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