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What Are the Signs of a Truly Hungry Dog?

/ October 10, 2017


Is your dog really, truly hungry or just bored? We go through the signs of a hungry dog and some guidelines for how much to feed your four-legged friend.

When it comes to eating, most dogs are seemingly bottomless pits. Not only are they used to having their meals at regular times, they’re also used to manipulating their owners into giving them snacks and treats between meals. The calories add up over time, and lead to weight gain, digestive problems and a host of other health issues. People have enough trouble making the distinction between need and desire for food, so how can we tell whether we have a hungry dog — or one who’s just bored?

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention‘s 2016 survey of veterinary professionals and pet owners reveals that the portly Pug you see on your daily walk is not an outlier. Indeed, the survey found that over half, or approximately 42 million American dogs, are either overweight or obese. Since dog nutrition needs differ widely by size, age, breed and genetics, it can be difficult for dog owners to determine just how much food is ideal for their canine companions.

Are you feeding your dog too much? Too little?

If your dog feeding schedule has you filling a bowl even once a day, chances are your dog is not, by any definition of the word, “hungry.” According to veterinarian Dr. Lou Budik, as long as they have ready access to fresh water, dogs that are “relatively healthy can go three, four, five days without food, many even longer than that.” A truly hungry dog, at least in a comfortable domestic setting, is a rarity.

This doesn’t mean you should put an overweight dog on a starvation diet. But since over half of American dogs are overweight, it does mean that one out of every two people reading this is probably over-feeding their dog on a regular basis. The differences between dog sizes, breeds and ages mean that the amount and frequency of feeding is spread between a number of factors. If you’re wondering, “How often should I feed my dog?”, here are some very basic guidelines:

Puppies: Three small meals per day.
Small adult dogs: Two small meals per day.
Medium to large adult dogs: Two well-portioned meals per day.
Large to giant adult dogs: One well-portioned meal per day.
Senior dogs: One to two smaller meals per day.
These are sweeping generalizations. There is no universal dog feeding guide calculator. Much depends on the health and activity level of your individual dog — let’s look at those factors next.

How much food should your dog eat? Activity level matters!


Does your dog sit on the couch so much that he practically has his own indentation in the couch pillow, fitted neatly to his curled-up girth? Daily, or at least regular, exercise plays a part. In many cases, a dog who seems hungry is actually just in need of more physical activity. I try to walk my dog, Baby, every day. Realistically, it works out to about 4-5 times each week. Movement uses energy, and energy expended means a dog needs nutrients to replenish it.

Regular exercise affects digestion, too. At Dogster, we think a lot about dog poop. A healthy dog eating wet food can move their bowels within 4 hours after eating. The same amount of dry food might take 8 hours. Each of these times to evacuation are affected by motility, or the operation of the muscles in the digestive tract. A dog that exercises regularly moves and processes the food he eats more efficiently than a sedentary dog.

Environmental factors also influence dog hunger


Even weather affects how much a dog should eat! I typically feed Baby twice a day. During the hot summer months in North Carolina, I’ve noticed that a bowl of food I leave for her in the morning is untouched when I get home from work. Summer heat drives dogs to cool resting spots where they do not need or use much energy.

My dog’s need for food, her hunger, if you will, is diminished when she is less active. This year, I started feeding her one smaller meal during the dog days of summer, and found that she was better about finishing it. The same principle — energy expended guiding the amount of food you provide — can be applied to any dog, regardless of environmental conditions.


When it comes to dog hunger and feeding your dog — consult with the pros


I learned, through a lot of wasted dog food over the last three summers, about how my dog’s need for food changes over the course of the year. If there is that much variance in my dog, imagine the task in trying to prescribe to all dog owners how much food their dogs need!

Suggested portion sizes on dog food bags and containers are only that, suggestions, and vary by manufacturer. The surest and most foolproof way to determine the individual needs of your dogs, at all times of year and at every stage in their lives, is to consult with your veterinarian.


Is your dog really, truly hungry or just bored? We go through the signs of a hungry dog and some guidelines for how much to feed your four-legged friend.

When it comes to eating, most dogs are seemingly bottomless pits. Not only are they used to having their meals at regular times, they’re also used to manipulating their owners into giving them snacks and treats between meals. The calories add up over time, and lead to weight gain, digestive problems and a host of other health issues. People have enough trouble making the distinction between need and desire for food, so how can we tell whether we have a hungry dog — or one who’s just bored?

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention‘s 2016 survey of veterinary professionals and pet owners reveals that the portly Pug you see on your daily walk is not an outlier. Indeed, the survey found that over half, or approximately 42 million American dogs, are either overweight or obese. Since dog nutrition needs differ widely by size, age, breed and genetics, it can be difficult for dog owners to determine just how much food is ideal for their canine companions.

Are you feeding your dog too much? Too little?

If your dog feeding schedule has you filling a bowl even once a day, chances are your dog is not, by any definition of the word, “hungry.” According to veterinarian Dr. Lou Budik, as long as they have ready access to fresh water, dogs that are “relatively healthy can go three, four, five days without food, many even longer than that.” A truly hungry dog, at least in a comfortable domestic setting, is a rarity.

This doesn’t mean you should put an overweight dog on a starvation diet. But since over half of American dogs are overweight, it does mean that one out of every two people reading this is probably over-feeding their dog on a regular basis. The differences between dog sizes, breeds and ages mean that the amount and frequency of feeding is spread between a number of factors. If you’re wondering, “How often should I feed my dog?”, here are some very basic guidelines:

Puppies: Three small meals per day.
Small adult dogs: Two small meals per day.
Medium to large adult dogs: Two well-portioned meals per day.
Large to giant adult dogs: One well-portioned meal per day.
Senior dogs: One to two smaller meals per day.
These are sweeping generalizations. There is no universal dog feeding guide calculator. Much depends on the health and activity level of your individual dog — let’s look at those factors next.

How much food should your dog eat? Activity level matters!


Does your dog sit on the couch so much that he practically has his own indentation in the couch pillow, fitted neatly to his curled-up girth? Daily, or at least regular, exercise plays a part. In many cases, a dog who seems hungry is actually just in need of more physical activity. I try to walk my dog, Baby, every day. Realistically, it works out to about 4-5 times each week. Movement uses energy, and energy expended means a dog needs nutrients to replenish it.

Regular exercise affects digestion, too. At Dogster, we think a lot about dog poop. A healthy dog eating wet food can move their bowels within 4 hours after eating. The same amount of dry food might take 8 hours. Each of these times to evacuation are affected by motility, or the operation of the muscles in the digestive tract. A dog that exercises regularly moves and processes the food he eats more efficiently than a sedentary dog.

Environmental factors also influence dog hunger


Even weather affects how much a dog should eat! I typically feed Baby twice a day. During the hot summer months in North Carolina, I’ve noticed that a bowl of food I leave for her in the morning is untouched when I get home from work. Summer heat drives dogs to cool resting spots where they do not need or use much energy.

My dog’s need for food, her hunger, if you will, is diminished when she is less active. This year, I started feeding her one smaller meal during the dog days of summer, and found that she was better about finishing it. The same principle — energy expended guiding the amount of food you provide — can be applied to any dog, regardless of environmental conditions.


When it comes to dog hunger and feeding your dog — consult with the pros


I learned, through a lot of wasted dog food over the last three summers, about how my dog’s need for food changes over the course of the year. If there is that much variance in my dog, imagine the task in trying to prescribe to all dog owners how much food their dogs need!

Suggested portion sizes on dog food bags and containers are only that, suggestions, and vary by manufacturer. The surest and most foolproof way to determine the individual needs of your dogs, at all times of year and at every stage in their lives, is to consult with your veterinarian.
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Does finding a tumor on your dog mean he has cancer? Find out the symptoms of dog tumors, how to determine if they’re cancer and your options for treatment.

As they age, many dogs get lumps, bumps and masses under their skin. Some of these dog tumors are benign, fatty growths that are completely harmless, but one in four dogs will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and cancer is the second leading cause of death in older animals.

To learn more about dog tumors, when pet parents should worry and what treatment looks like if dog tumors are cancerous, we sat down with Dr. Barbara Biller, an Associate Professor of Oncology at the Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center and a member of the American Animal Hospital Association Oncology Task Force, who authored the 2016 Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.

Dog tumors, lumps and bumps

Beyond making sure your dog has regular annual wellness checkups, Dr. Biller mentions looking out for these dog tumor symptoms. If your dog starts to develop skin lumps, or you notice any abnormal swellings or masses growing, bring your pup to the vet ASAP to determine if they are benign (not cancerous) or cancerous growths. Dog tumors aren’t something you can treat at home, so any unusual or new growths should be checked out by professionals.

 Diagnosing dog tumors


If your dog has a growth, your vet will likely perform a needle aspirate, which Dr. Biler explains doesn’t involve any need for sedation. “The veterinarian takes a needle and pokes that needle into the mass, drawing back some cells in the mass with the syringe that can be looked at on a microscope,” she explains. Your vet will usually order some blood tests and perform a physical examination.

If your dog’s tumor isn’t cancer


If your vet confirms that your dog’s tumor isn’t cancer, that’s really good news! My 15-year-old Chihuahua mix has a benign tumor on his chest, so I know what a relief it is to hear the doctor say that a growth isn’t cancerous. While my vet said the lump was unlikely to become cancerous, it’s still important to keep an eye on it. We were told to monitor the tumor to make sure that it didn’t rapidly change in size, develop any kind of sore and — because the tumor is near his armpit— that it didn’t impact his movement in any way. Of course, you should still bring him in for regular checkups.

If the dog tumor is cancerous


If your dog’s tumor comes back positive for cancer, your vet will likely recommend surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the above.

Veterinary medical advancements have also opened the doors to new and better cancer treatments designed specifically for dogs. “In the last couple of years, there are actually chemotherapy drugs that are designed just for dogs. These are dog-only, chemotherapy-type drugs that are potentially more effective for dogs and are less expensive for owners,” Dr. Biller shares.

The cost of treating cancerous tumors 


Dr. Biller stresses that treating a cancerous tumor isn’t necessarily expensive. The price of treatment will depend on what you and your veterinarian decide is the best approach for your dog’s specific diagnosis. Many veterinarians will work with owners on payment plans, and chemotherapy for dogs can be much cheaper than it is for humans. Dr. Biller estimates that treatment can be as low as $50 a month, or it could range upward of $10,000 for a more complicated course.

Dr. Biller also encourages getting health insurance for your dog while he is young and healthy before lumps and bumps develop. Many canine health insurance plans are now covering diagnostics and treatments for any tumors your dog might develop so long as your pup was on the plan before receiving a diagnosis.

Quality of life when your dog has a cancerous tumor


While cancerous tumor treatment for people and dogs looks very similar, there are some big differences.

Dr. Biller explains that treating dogs is, “very different, in a positive way, from what humans experience,” she says. “One of the big differences is that even though we use the same treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy or combinations, the quality of life during the treatment — not just when [the dogs] are done — is good. Meaning that most dogs and cats handle treatments for cancer really well with a very low chance of severe side effects. Most dogs and cats don’t have any outward side effects.”

Clinical trials for dog cancer


Just like with humans, many veterinary hospitals are working on clinical trials to develop new and hopefully more effective cancer treatments for dogs. The costs associated with treatments in clinical trials are usually fully covered by the research hospitals. Ask your veterinarian to refer you, or learn more about various clinical trials your dog might be eligible for in the US and Canada by visiting caninecancer.org.au.

Not happy with the treatment? Get a second opinion


Dr. Biller also encourages dog owners to get second opinions, especially if your veterinarian is telling you that you have an old dog and there is nothing you can do about a growth or tumor. “If someone has told you there is nothing you can do, it may be worth a second opinion,” she says. Dr. Biller encourages dog owners to find another veterinarian, or even to go directly to a specialist. She says that most canine oncology specialists will see new patients without a referral, and even if there isn’t a firm diagnosis. “People can self-refer if they aren’t happy with the message they are getting from their vet.”

From urinary tract infections in dogs to dog incontinence, we take you through the signs and symptoms of some common urinary diseases in dogs.


A happy, healthy dog sports a well-working “plumbing” system. Consult your veterinarian if your dog’s bathroom habits change, as catching conditions early can lessen the harm and may even save your dog’s life. Here is a rundown on the most common canine urinary diseases to look out for:

1. Urinary tract infection

Upper urinary tract infections in dogs involve the kidneys and ureters, while lower UTIs in dogs impact the bladder and urethra. Common causes can include bacterial infections (particularly, Streptococcus and Escherichia coli), endocrine diseases and injury. Dogs with UTIs will exhibit many of these signs: cloudy or bloody urine, inability to urinate, straining when trying to pee, painful urination, obsessive licking of the genital area, increase in the amount and/or frequency of urination, suddenly house soiling, back pain and vomiting.

2. Kidney infection:

Pyelonephritis is the medical term for an inflamed kidney infection caused by bacteria. A weakened immune system can make your dog more vulnerable to a variety of bacterial infections, including those associated with dental disease. All of these bacterial infections can weaken the kidney’s ability to filter toxins and waste products from the blood. Common symptoms associated with kidney infection include foul breath, vomiting, weight loss, bloody urine, pale gums, lethargy, reduced appetite and change in the amount of urine.

Kidney or bladder stones:


Some dog breeds, including Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzers and Dalmatians, are more prone to develop crystals or stones in the kidneys (medically referred to as nephrolithiasis). Many causes are linked to kidney stones, including high levels of calcium. Bladder stones are made from chemical compounds like struvite, urate or calcium oxalate crystals. Look for these warning signs: straining to urinate, discolored urine, house soiling accidents, frequent tries to urinate and licking around the urinary opening.

3. Diabetes:


This chronic disease (formally known as diabetes mellitus) is a metabolism disorder in which the glucose-insulin connection is not working in harmony. Look for these early signs: increased thirst and increased urination, weight loss and increased appetite. However, if diabetes is allowed to progress, your dog will display vomiting, loss of appetite, diminished energy and, eventually, cataracts, urinary tract infections and kidney failure.

4. Cushing’s disease:


Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, this condition results from an excessive production of cortisol released by the adrenal glands. Older dogs are most at risk. It’s tricky to diagnose, but affected dogs will be extremely hungry and thirsty, urinate more often and in greater volume, develop infections, lose muscle and bone mass plus suffer from enlarged abdomens.

5. Prostate gland disease:


Some male dogs do not display any symptoms of this infection that can develop in intact dogs. But here are some common signs: blood in the urine, blood in ejaculate, difficulty in urinating or defecating, ribbon-shaped stools, decreased appetite, stiff walking and abdominal pain.

6. Dog incontinence:


A weakened urinary sphincter muscle causes urine to leak out. Other causes can include hormonal imbalance, spinal cord disease, urinary tract infection or stones and reaction to certain medications. An incontinent dog will drip urine (even while sleeping or climbing stairs) and develop redness around the vulva or penis area. This condition tends to affect middle-aged to senior dogs.

Why do dogs hate baths? We’ve compiled a few common mistakes that owners make — and easy fixes for each!

We have a furry new addition to our family, a French Bulldog named Louie. Louie and I made it through bath time unscathed. We finished with a brisk towel dry and a spritz of kiwi-scented dog cologne. When I had my first dog, Lulu, dog grooming was a little more basic. With Louie, there are a lot more than flea and tick shampoos at my disposal. The lineup now includes detangling sprays, leave-in conditioners, and — I kid you not — doggie hair gel. But all those fancy products fail to help many of us overcome one major hurdle: when dogs hate baths like Lulu did.

Lulu used to be a handful at bath time. She would run, hide and wail, leaving me with a house that smelled of wet dog. For examples of similar doggie drama, search “dogs who hate bath time” on YouTube.

Fortunately, it’s never too late to introduce good habits — even if your dog hates baths. Professional dog trainer Mario Bardouille has spent the past 18 years specializing in behavior modification. He shares five common mistakes dog owners make during bath time.


1. Stressing the dog out before you even reach the tub

Don’t rush through bath time. Dogs respond to your energy and work to please you, so be patient and focus on creating a positive experience. Start with brushing your dog’s coat regularly. Include plenty of praise — as well as treats — for good behavior. Gradually build toward milestones such as entering the bathroom and actually stepping inside the tub. It may take time, but Bardouille says your dog eventually will understand that baths can be a comfortable, happy and rewarding experience.

2. Avoiding dental care

Brushing a squirming dog’s teeth can be a pain. That’s why so many people skip dog dental care, which can lead to costly health issues down the road. “Turn grooming, particularly dental care, into a fun experience,” says Bardouille. “Help the dog understand that this isn’t going to be so bad.” He suggests investing in flavored toothpaste specially formulated for dogs. Toothpaste made for people can be toxic to dogs, so shop at pet supply stores for this grooming item. (He’s partial to a beef-flavored version from Petsmile that doesn’t require the use of a brush.) Start slowly, encouraging your dog to approach and sniff the tube or applicator.

“We’re conditioning good behavior,” he says. “Let the dog follow it with his nose, introducing that sensory factor. Then rub it on his lip and actually put it in his mouth. Make the dog want to show interest rather than pulling away. When that happens, they get the reward, which is the toothpaste. Make that behavior a conditioned thing where you do it every morning. Turn that into your morning routine so the dog understands that this is something they do before they get their food or after their morning walk. Before you know it, your dog will be sitting and doing obedience.”


3. Neglecting touch-ups between baths

Once dogs return from their daily walk, Bardouille recommends that you wipe paws as well as their private areas with baby wipes or an old washcloth. These regular touch-ups keep the funk at bay between baths and help dogs grow more accustomed to regular grooming.

“French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs — they are a little bit lower — so when they are walking, they splash things up,” he says of short-statured dogs. “Wipe their armpits, stomach and private areas; that actually makes a big difference in the odor.”

Also, don’t forget to wipe those wrinkles and eye areas, which can accumulate lots of gunk.

4. Freaking out during nail trims

“You have to learn how far to go with your dogs,” Bardouille says. “Some dogs’ quicks (nail tips) are a little bit longer. Look at the base underneath the dog’s foot. Even on a dark nail, you can see the excess nail where it kind of hooks.”

Even with great care, accidents do happen. During a routine nail trim, you may go a little too far and cut the dog’s quick, causing bleeding. Bardouille says don’t panic. Keep a container of styptic powder in your doggie first aid kit to stop the bleeding. Then return to the task, taking things slowly and snipping a bit at a time. Let go of the dog’s paw when you notice him getting uncomfortable, and end on a positive note with plenty of praise.

5. Forgetting that repetition is key

Work on developing good habits, including regular brushing, so that the dog is conditioned to enjoy this bonding time. Before you know it, Bardouille says your dog will be sitting still during bath time.

I’m certainly putting his advice into practice. After that first drama-free bath, my nephew rewarded Louie with treats and plenty of cuddle time to celebrate a job well done. We’re off to a good start.

Dealing with a dog eating cat poop? You’re not alone! We’ve found some tips on how to keep your dog out of the litter box — for good.


I live with three dogs and four cats. For the most part, it’s a peaceable kingdom. So what if the cats sleep in the dog beds or if my dogs think that mouse toys are meant to be shredded. The joys of living with both dogs and cats outweigh the small challenges of an interspecies household. Except for the part about the dogs eating the “snacks” they steal from the cats’ litter boxes. In case that’s not clear, I mean that I’m dealing with a dog eating cat poop out of the litter box.

Dogs Eating Cat Poop — My Story


My dogs must think it awfully nice of the resident felines to consistently leave these gifts in their boxes. Darned if my dogs don’t feast on feces and come right over to me with poo-poo breath and want to kiss my face.

Talk about potty mouth. I had to figure out a way to stop my dogs from eating cat poop.

Experts say you should have one more litter box than you have cats. So four cats means we have five litter boxes in our home. All are in rooms with closable doors: in bathrooms, the basement, and one in my son’s room where one cat spends most of her time.

Things We Tried to Keep the Dogs Out of Litter Boxes


At first, to keep the dogs out, we used a combination of door stops and braces. I put a brick or other heavy object on the inside of a door to make it difficult to open. That meant every time humans left the bathroom, we had to perform an awkward combination of reaching around the door while pulling the brick toward us and simultaneously closing the door just the right amount so that a cat could fit in but a dog could not. It was not a practical or sustainable solution.

Then we tried using a combination bungee cord and make-shift door stop. It worked, but only for a little while.

For our terrier Tucker in particular, the cat poo was too much of a temptation. He learned how to barrel his way right into the bathrooms. It didn’t matter how heavy the barrier object was.

The dogs eating cat poop out of litter boxes continued.

We tried pressure-mounted baby gates, blocking off access to our laundry room and the bathroom where the most-used litter box was kept. The gate was secured about 5 inches off the ground, high enough for a cat and maybe a dog nose to go under, but not an entire dog.

That worked, kind of. The gate also prevented humans from coming and going easily. Every time we left the house, did our laundry, walked out the back door, or used the downstairs bathroom, we had to take down the gate and put it back up.
Eventually, we found a special door latch that my husband installed, drilling holes in the door and the jamb. The latch had a long metal hook that kept the door open just enough for a cat to fit through, but not for my dogs.

Experts also say animals like to work for their food, which is the thinking behind offering your dogs (and cats) food puzzles. Tucker took the latch setup as a conundrum to be solved. Which he did; he learned that if scratched and banged at the door long enough, he could dislodge the hook.

It was a game of constant one-upmanship.
If Your Dog is Eating Cat Poop, Change the Behavior

That’s when I realized that solving the problem wasn’t going to be simply about preventing access. I needed to address the behavioral issue.

Thus, I began to train my dogs to stay away from the litter. I reinforced the Leave It command — which they already knew — by putting a treat in front of them, and rewarding them with a better treat when they ignored it.

I also taught them the Wait command. A variation on Stay, Wait means don’t go past a certain point. A dog can sit, stand, even walk around, but not go beyond a doorway or a fence. In our case, I used it to keep the dogs out of the bathrooms when I cleaned the litter.

In the meantime, we made a special effort to keep the cat litter boxes very clean. We made sure to empty them of potential treats before we left the house, as our smart little terrier had figured out he had a better chance of getting away with a successful poop retrieval mission while we were away.

In addition, I began exercising the dogs more before we left, keeping them busy and active. I also give my dogs a small snack right before we walk out the door. This combination means they are more likely to sleep, and less likely to perpetrate eating the cat poop.

Then I found a door latch that Tucker isn’t able to bang open. The Door Buddy (I received a free sample, but was not paid to write about it) allows doors to stay open just the right amount. They’re adjustable, inexpensive, and can be installed without tools. I now have one on every door that protects a litter box.

Eventually, we were able to stop using the gate, and just relied on the Door Buddies. Every once in awhile, one of our dogs manages to find and consume a cat poo; usually it’s due to someone forgetting to latch the door.

But for the most part, I can enjoy doggy kisses once more, without worrying too much about what my dogs have been snacking on.

Except when one of the cats barfs. We’re still working on that…

Tips to keep a dog out of the litter box:

Teach your dog the Leave It command to stop him from eating the poop.
Teach your dog the Drop It command, in case you’re a little too late, and she’s already got a cat poop in her mouth.
Teach your dog Wait, and don’t allow him into the litter box areas, especially while you’re cleaning them.
When you’re at home, keep your dog busy and active, so she won’t get bored and thus more likely to look for trouble.
Make sure litter boxes are clean, particularly before you leave home.
Consider using gates or a latch like the Door Buddy. Two others I have found are the Peek a Boo (that’s the one I started with) and the Latch’nVent.
Don’t punish your dog if he eats poop; use only positive reinforcement in your training.
While some people use litter boxes with covers as a way to prevent dog snacking, it isn’t an optimal solution. Many cats don’t like to be enclosed while they’re taking care of business. Particularly in multi-cat households, cats like to be able to see what (and who) is around them, and to feel safe when they are at their most vulnerable. Plus, it smells pretty bad inside a covered litter box, which must be awful for those sensitive little kitty noses.
If possible, put the litter boxes up high, where a cat can go, but a dog cannot.
A somewhat expensive solution is to use a cat door that allows the cat into a room, but not your dog. Doors made for indoor use are available; they use a pet’s microchip to open it, thus controlling access if you have a small dog that is similar in size to your cat.
Experiment with several different combinations of blockade solutions to see what works best for you and your pets, but make sure you use positive training techniques as well.

Brain activity during sleep suggests that dogs do dream, but what dog dreams are about is less certain.

If you have spent any time watching the placid and soothing spectacle of sleeping dogs, you may have also borne witness to more active periods of sleep. A dog’s legs might twitch, a tail may involuntarily wag, or a muted yip, yelp or bark might emerge from a sleeping dog’s mouth. Do dogs dream? Questioning whether dogs dream, and, beyond that, the nature of those dreams, is not wholly frivolous. These kinds of speculative questions lead scientists at top research universities to breakthroughs in understanding pressing issues about human health.

Indeed, the start of the 21st century has seen foundational research performed and published in the fields of neuroscience and psychology on the existence and impact of dreams on animal cognition. From the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to the University of British Columbia, research into the dreams of animals has proved useful in advancing our understanding of complex and difficult human disorders such as Alzheimer’s and insomnia, as well as broader concerns with memory and learning.

Let’s look at some of the facts about dog dreams:

Do dogs dream?


The evidence of these studies shows that many animals — humans, rats, dogs, cats, and even some birds — share similarities in brain structure and in patterns of electrical activity within the brain, both awake and asleep. This suggests that not only do dogs dream, but it’s almost certain that dog dreams, like our own, not only replay the events of the day, but also allow them to process what they learn.

Analogous portions of brain architecture that produce visual images and create memories seem to have similar functions across most mammal species. This includes the pons in the brainstem, which has, among its functions, the capacity to restrict physical movement while we sleep. Sleeping dogs who are seen to twitch or whimper as they dream are no different than humans rolling over or muttering incoherently in their sleep. In rats, scientists have effectively inhibited or altered the pons and seen full somnambulatory episodes play out during dream states.

Dreams begin within 20 minutes for sleeping dogs. They seem to differ in length and number depending on factors ranging from a dog’s size to his age. Small dog breeds, for example, tend to have shorter and more frequent dreams per sleep cycle. Large dog breeds, on the other hand, tend to have dreams that are greater in length, but fewer in quantity. Regardless of size, puppies, who are still learning about the world they inhabit, tend to have more dreams on average than adult and senior dogs.

What dogs dream about

Unfortunately, we may never truly know the precise content of a dreaming dog’s nocturnal reveries. Despite this lingering uncertainty, scientific research has provided some enticing suggestions. MIT’s studies on dreams in rats have shown that nearly identical brain activity occurs when these rodents are dreaming and when they are running through mazes.

Since humans also dream about their typical daily activities, it is safe to assume that when dogs dream, those dreams mine the same material. In other words, dogs dream about normal dog stuff: chasing after the family cat, barking at the person who delivers the mail, the taste of the kibble she had for dinner, the location of that bone she buried a week ago, or the sound and sensation of playing with her favorite squeak toy.

Do dogs have nightmares?

It follows, from our curiosity about dog dreams and what they may contain, to ask whether dogs also have bad dreams. Why not? If dogs have dreams that utilize the same parts of the brain and prompt the same kinds of muscle twitches and half-formed vocalizations as humans, then surely the content of those dreams must vary from the comforting to the frightening.

Dog nightmares are probably less abstract and more concrete than our own, and more likely to revolve around real dangers they’ve experienced. I’ve yet to see a film like Child’s Play II or Hellraiser II written and directed by a dog, or even a small team of enterprising dogs, so I can only hope that dog nightmares are less grotesque than human ones.

Do dogs have wet dreams?

To be sure, this is a prurient and lascivious question to ask, especially about something as lovely as sleeping dogs and their dreams. It has been asked, though, and should be addressed. When I came across the question, I was reminded of that episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation in which Dr. Crusher and Counselor Troi discuss — in graphic detail — the contents of their grandmothers’ erotic dream journals.

In the same way that dogs are just as likely to have nightmares as humans are, so too is it at least conceivable that a dog’s resting mind may invent sexually satisfying scenarios. Perhaps in the future, studies will be carried out that compare the dreams of dogs who have been spayed and neutered with those who are encouraged to breed.

Can dog dreams be lucid dreams?

One question I’ve not seen commonly asked in relation to whether dogs dream concerns the phenomenon of lucid dreaming. You may have heard of it, either in the normal course of reading stuff on the Internet, or, like myself, through Queensrÿche’s seminal 1991 radio hit, “Silent Lucidity.” Coincidentally, that is my go-to song on karaoke nights at the Pinhook.

Lucid dreaming is the practice of learning to recognize a dream as it happens in an attempt to exert control over the dreamscape. Rather than simply having a dream where you’re flying, you choose to fly when you realize you’re dreaming.

Can dogs fly in their dreams? Do robot dogs dream of chasing electric cats? What do you imagine your dogs dream about at night or as they nap during the day? Let us know in the comments!

Why does dog marking happen and how can you stop it? We turned to a professional dog trainer for her expert advice.

If I could list the top five problem canine behaviors that drive dog parents to the brink of despair, scent marking would be high on that list. Even though scent marking is a very normal and common behavior outside, particularly in male dogs, dog marking becomes a big problem when it occurs in the home.

Housetraining accidents are common, too, but unlike scent marking, basic toileting issues can be rectified with a clear, consistent schedule and by following a few housetraining rules. You can tell scent marking from a normal toileting issue by the amount of urine eliminated. Dogs with potty problems usually produce larger amounts of urine than dogs who mark. Scent markers like to deposit little bits of urine in many different places so territory can be well-covered

Why dog marking happens

Dogs mark to advertise their presence or claim territory and resources. Pheromones in urine and feces contain chemical messages that pass on information about the marking dog, such as his age, sex, health and reproductive status. Marking can have a competitive component, but it can also occur if a dog is overstimulated (during or after vigorous play, for example) or if a dog becomes anxious in a particular situation, such as when a person leaves. This common expression of anxiety is often mistaken for spite, resulting in punishment, which only serves to increase anxious behavior.

Both sexes scent mark, but whole males are the worst offenders, as signaling sexual availability and claiming territory is “encouraged” by the presence of testosterone. In many cases, neutering can reduce the desire to scent mark, but some dogs continue even after being neutered. Resources like toys, food bowls, chew treats, bones and beds are the most likely objects to be marked and, in some cases, a dog will mark a person or something that smells heavily of that person, such as a sofa or a bed.

How to stop dog marking

Scent marking is more common in multi-dog and multi-pet households where dogs compete for space, resources and human attention. This is a difficult behavior to work with, but you can make progress with the following tips: „

Ensure your dog has a full medical checkup so you know his marking is not related to a medical problem. If your dog is given a clean bill of health, then it’s most likely to be behavioral in nature.
Clean every area your dog has scent marked with a special pet urine cleaner and deodorizer. This gets rid of the enzymes in the urine that smell so good to dogs and encourage them to re-mark on areas they have already visited. „
Remove high-value resources (like a juicy bone) that encourage competitive marking, and don’t allow your dog or dogs who scent mark to roam freely around your home.
Take your dog to a dogproofed room or crate when you are unable to supervise him, to prevent access to favorite marking spots.
Use a leash to tie your dog to you to supervise him constantly when he’s out of his dogproofed area. This can be frustrating for both of you, but it ensures he can’t have any unsupervised accidents.
Avoid competitive or vigorous play indoors, as excess activity encourages urination. If you see your dog about to mark, interrupt the behavior with a vocal interrupter (like an “Uh Oh!”), immediately directing him onto something more positive or taking him outside.
Help your dog succeed by taking him to new and different areas on walks. This encourages him to mark outside, rather than inside.
If you’ve tried everything and your dog still marks, seek help from a veterinarian who might prescribe medication that reduces the desire to mark. You can also buy a belly band for male dogs or doggie diapers for females, and continue with behavioral therapy. The less your home or favorite marking spots smell like urine, the easier for your dog to resist marking over them.
Dogs who urinate when excited or nervous are not marking, so be careful when dealing with this behavior. Elimination can be an expression of anxiety, and punishment will only make the issue worse. In both cases any person coming into your home must give limited attention to your dog until he is calm.

When a calm dog receives attention, there is less chance of him losing control or feeling nervous. When that attention is finally given, the submissive urinator should make his own decision about whether he wants to greet a person, taking pressure off your dog and curbing his need to release urine from stress.

How to Stop Dog Marking

by on October 10, 2017
Why does dog marking happen and how can you stop it? We turned to a professional dog trainer for her expert advice. If I could list t...

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