PetSutra

A one stop destination for all information relating to pets.

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Cat and Dog in the Same House? Here’s how to have them get along!

  You’ve had a cat for the longest time but your boyfriend is going out of town and you need to take care of his dog over the weekend. Who you dearly love, but is this going to work out?

Or, you’re a dog lover who has loved the company of your fuzzy friend for a long time. But now you see adorable kitten videos on YouTube and you can’t stop this idea from creeping into your head, what would it be like to have a cat?

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We’re sure you’ve watched more than enough cartoons about cat and dog fights and are probably terrified at the thought of having both of them in the same house. Well, it can surely be daunting and we’re not denying that. It will be quite a challenge to have them get along but here are some tips which will make the day a bit easier, and maybe even fun, for everyone.

Firstly, PREPARE! Before you get too ambitious and jump straight to introductions, make sure that your pet and your house is ready. It is essential to have enough space in the house for two pets to reside comfortably in. Make sure you don’t shift or disturb the current pet’s sleeping spot in order to accommodate the new pet as this will only cause fights. Make sure that you have separate sleeping arrangements, litter boxes, and food bowls beforehand so that once the pets are together, you have your hands free for controlling them.

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Protect the cat! Yes, we know that dogs are friendly, innocent creatures and cats are the meanies from hell, but seriously, dogs are natural predators and when they see a moving object, they attack it. When this moving object, is a cat, things might not go down too well. Even if the dog’s intention is only to play, defensive behavior from the cat can cause a fight and that is the last thing we want. A way to avoid this situation is by making sure the dog gets enough play time and energy beforehand so that he is considerably calmer before meeting the cat. Make sure the cat has a safe place to hide. Yes, cats can attack dogs too and those sharp claws are for good use, so make sure there is a balance between the two.

Start off Slow. Animals are extremely sensitive and don’t adjust to new creatures and situations as well as humans do. So, give both parties enough time and space to get used to having another animal around. Confine both to separate rooms until they’ve had enough time to adjust not only to a new house but also to the smells and sounds of the other animal. Make sure they have all the necessary items such as food, bedding, play toys, etc. in these rooms. Another idea you can try out is to alternate the animals and their rooms. While they may take more time to adjust, they will have the perfect opportunity to learn each other’s environments and most importantly, smell.

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When it’s time for the final introduction, keep either animal, preferably the dog, on a leash for some extra control. Monitor both the animals and if possible, keep them engaged in similar games and activities instead of a direct introduction. Read the mind of the pets and their reactions to figure out how fast or slow you should go and how ready they are. Either pet, which is comfortable with physical contact, can be held in your arms so they have the feeling of safety and familiarity while meeting the other animal. Like children, animals get jealous when there is a new entrant. So, while you’re parading around the house preparing for the new pet, and when he arrives, while you shower him with love to make him feel comfortable, don’t forget your own pet. This can only work when the old pet is ready to share its space and owner’s love.

After the first introduction, separate them quickly and then, keep introducing them for small amounts of time. After this, you can increase the length of these interactions. Discourage any negative behavior from either party and reward positive interactions with treats. Animals are sharper than you think and they will definitely form a link between getting along and getting treats and cuddles. Once they know this behavior is something that will be rewarded, they will be getting along in no time.

If the animals have a similar personality, they should get along as once they enjoy each other’s presence and ways, they will enjoy having a playmate other than you. Remember to go slow, as forcing a relationship will only backfire. Don’t panic if they do get into a fight as it is only normal. But make sure that they eat together or have some time together later, to fix up. Lastly, treat both animals with equal amounts of love and they will be ready to get along for the sake of your affection.

[petsutra]

Best Dog Toys For Small Dog Breeds: 7 Must Have Toys

Any dog that enters your house comes as a bundle of joy. Dogs are lively and spirited animals and make for great companions. If you’re feeling low, your dog is sure to bring a smile to your face. In return, you need to take good care of your pooch. Dogs also get bored sometimes and they (like children) require toys to entertain themselves. Get your dogs their favorite dog toys and pamper them!

A lot of people choose the dog breed they want depending on the size of that particular breed. Some people bring home smaller dogs because they seem easier to take care of and don’t need as much exercise or space as the big dogs. Some of the smallest dog breeds are Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles. Dog toys are also bought according to the size of the dogs. Here are a few of the best dog toys for dogs of a small breed.

1. Bones keep dogs busy for more than a while. The amount of pleasure a dog gets from chewing a bone is astounding. While gnawing on the bone, your dog won’t make a single sound. For smaller dog breeds, smaller bones are required. These act as chew toys for the dogs and are especially needed for the dogs during the initial stages of their life.

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2. Soft toys are a favorite among children and dogs alike. Even some of us are still holding on to maybe our favorite teddy bears or stuffed animals. The size of the soft toy doesn’t matter. Bright and colorful soft toys are easy to spot and the vibrant colors tend to excite your dog more.

3. If your dog is extremely energetic, then playing outdoor games with him is a must. Quite a few dogs enjoy playing Frisbee. It is obvious that a small dog will have a tiny jaw (or at least in most cases) and therefore, it is safer to buy a mini Frisbee for him.

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4. Squeaky toys provide dogs contentment like nothing else. Every time the toy makes noise, your dog seems to squeak with delight as well.

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5. Every household with a dog has a ball, whether plush or latex. If you have a dog but don’t have a ball for him to play with, it’s time to buy one. This can be an indoor activity or an outdoor activity. “Catch”, “chase” and “fetch” are a few favorites among dogs.

6. Tug toys are also a thing that not a lot of people are aware of. Dogs love to tug at things. So instead of letting him tug at your clothes or at his leash, buy him a tug toy.

  7. Dog puzzles are also available and this will help your dog exercise his brain.

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Dog toys for smaller dogs are more or less the same as the toys for bigger dogs. There are, however, slight differences you need to look into, to make sure whatever you buy for your dog is safe and feasible. After all, your dog deserves the best!

For more content regarding the health and wellness of your pooches, visit our website here.

[petsutra]

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog At Your Home

Dogs are wonderful creatures. They are loyal, compassionate and selfless. Most dogs love their families unconditionally. Different breeds have different characteristics, but most dogs are energetic or like to play at least once in a while. Here are 10 indoor games you can play with your dog.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: Catch

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This is one game that most dogs love and this game helps in maintaining agility. This can be played outdoors but it is easier to catch your dog or let them chase you inside the house.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: Hide and seek

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This is similar to what you play with your friends. This, however, can be played only if your dog is well trained and knows how to obey your command.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: Scavenger Hunt

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This involves hiding treats or toys from your dog and teaching them how to find the same. Such activities improve your dog’s sense of smell.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: Obstacle Course

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Setting up an obstacle course for your dog and helping him navigate is a good game and helps him with overall fitness. This also helps with navigation abilities and visual skills and is overall good for your dog.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: Games like tag

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You require a partner for this. You and your partner must stand at a distance and alternatively call your dog for treats. As this progresses, the distance between you and your partner should keep increasing so that the dog’s movement and activity are more. You can start giving treats to your dog after the third call so that food consumption is less. This is a great exercise for your dog, keeping him happy and healthy.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: Guess the toy

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It is possible for your dog to learn at least a few new names if not more. Pick out a small toy and name it. After practice and praise, your dog will be able to assign the verbal name to the toy. You can test your dog’s skills by seeing whether they can pick out the right toy out of their other toys.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: New tricks

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If you have to stay indoor for some reason, you can always teach your dog a new trick. You could utilize this time to teach them some of the basics such as sit, stand, stay, come etc. or you could teach them something more advance such as jumping through a hoop, playing dead or even how to switch the lights on and off.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: Puzzles

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There are a number of mentally stimulating puzzles available for dogs. You should buy a few of these puzzles for your dog in order to make sure they stay preoccupied and keep using their brain. It is also very interesting to watch your dog solves them.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: Bubbles

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Bubbles fascinate most dogs beyond words. Blowing bubbles is an activity that most wouldn’t mind taking up. Blow a few bubbles near your dog and watch them carefully. If your dog chases the bubbles excitedly and tries to pop the same, you have a new game to play with them, if for some reason you and your dog must remain in the house.

Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog: Organize a play date

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If due to unfavorable circumstances, you cannot take your dog outside for a walk and they miss out on a chance to socialize, you can organize a play date. Invite you neighbor’s dog over or maybe a school friend’s dog. This way you will have someone to spend time with and your dog might get a chance to enjoy with someone new. Make sure both dogs are fond of each other first to avoid chaos or any case of jealousy.

Dogs need to be looked after like children. Even if you want or need to stay indoors, make sure your dog is not just sitting around or lying near the couch with their ears drooped. Be interactive and innovative. There are a number of games you can come up with if you experiment and in the end, you will find one or maybe a few more games that your dog enjoys.

[petsutra]

Cat Anxiety: 5 Signs To Look Out For In Your Cats

Anxiety is a phenomenon usually associated with humans. Our daily lifestyle, job, and work environment cause us a great deal of stress. Surprisingly, humans aren’t the only beings facing anxiety, cats do too. Cat anxiety is a real issue.

According to PetMD, cat anxiety is defined as “the anticipation of future dangers from unknown or imagined origins that result in normal body reactions, associated with fear.”

Here are some signs of anxiety in your cats:

#1 Urinating/Spraying

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One of the biggest symptoms of cat anxiety is when they start peeing/defecating in places other than their litter box. If it happens only once or twice, it can be ignored as an accident. But if it happens again and again, you should start observing your cat and also think of taking her to the vet.

#2 Changes in drinking and eating habits

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Cats are usually taken to be creatures of varying moods and habits. Cats are often seen to be maintaining a routine of eating habits. They eat almost the same amount of food, every day. When they move away from this habit and stop eating or start eating more, it can be because something is bothering them.

#3 Increased and inappropriate scratching

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If you own a cat, you must be used to the sight of cats licking and scratching themselves constantly. So, when they exhibit an increase in scratching along with inappropriate scratching, you might not be alarmed. But, if they are scratching the couch, the rug, or the carpet, they are releasing stress. You should take your cat to the vet for a better take on what’s causing the problem.

#4 Aggression or submission

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Cats have no set of behaviors that they display. They can act playful or scratch you. They can sit in your lap and start purring or growl at you even if you didn’t do anything. If your cat behaves in a certain manner most of the time but has recently stopped doing so, or exhibiting the opposite behavior, this can be a case of cat anxiety.

#5 Increased meowing

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If your cat meows a lot and does it on a regular basis, there is no reason for you to be worried. Though not a common phenomena, cats meow only if something is alarming them. So if your cat has been meowing constantly and doesn’t seem to stop, check for triggers that can cause this type of anxiety.

A lot of cat owners are perplexed with how their cats behave but stop worrying thinking that it is all a part of complex cat behavior, but they can be wrong. Many behaviors displayed by cats are often signs of anxiety and stress.

Causes: Also, note that there are various causes of your cat behaving in a certain manner. These can be medical issues, hormonal problems, territorial problems caused by other cats, etc. Whenever your cat starts displaying signs of cat anxiety and stress, make sure to calm her/him down using toys and other medicines that calm the nerves. Always remember to take your cat to the vet on a daily basis.

[petsutra]

Potty Train Your New Puppy: Steps And Important Information

The arrival of a new puppy in the house is one of the most joyful occasions for a family. Puppy is a little bundle of joy but also brings with it certain responsibilities.Teaching your new puppy to potty at the right place and time is one of the most important steps you have to take for a long happy life together. That is why it is necessary to make sure you do some research in advance and decide which method will work for your situation so that you are ready with a plan when your new puppy comes home. Initially, you will have to build your routine around your puppy’s needs.

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Puppies have poor bladder control and need to urinate every hour or two. Potty training a puppy requires hard work and patience. It typically takes 4-6 months to potty train a puppy but some puppies may even take a year.

In the beginning, it is important to recognize the signs which indicate that your puppy needs a toilet break. Many times your puppy may bark persistently, scratch or sniff the floor. These signs indicate that your puppy is about to excrete.

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To potty train your puppy, the first step includes controlling their diet and schedule. This is required because puppies normally pass urine within 15-30 minutes of a meal and stool within 30-45 minutes. So with a consistent feeding schedule, your puppy should be taken for regular trips outside.

The second step is taking your puppy for frequent walks outside in the morning, evening and during the day if possible after meals. When your puppy discharges in the house, keep a newspaper at that place.

Thus, the third step involves convincing your puppy to excrete on the newspaper or any particular place in the house. Puppies and dogs often eliminate at the same spot again and again due to the familiar scent. It is necessary to set a routine for the puppy. Every morning bring your puppy to the same area. It is important to remain consistent so that your puppy develops a habit.

The last step is praising your puppy every time they discharge on the newspaper for positive reinforcement. This involves cheering, clapping and even giving them treats. This way they remember where to relieve themselves.

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Puppies should not be punished for an accident, they have to be handled gently. It is also important to remember that if during the first few weeks there comes a situation during which your puppy squats to urinate or defecate, the way to deal with the situation will be to quickly pick your puppy up and take them to the place where you want them to excrete. Once they excrete at the right place, they will remember it.

Puppies are playful and loving pets who need to be trained with affection, care, and patience just like human babies. In the end, all the hard work definitely pays off.

  For more content related to your puppy, their health, and well-being, visit our website.

[petsutra]

Human Expressions That Dogs Can Express Easily

Dogs are wonderful creatures to have as pets. “Man’s best friend” is the phrase used to describe dogs. They are extremely friendly, intelligent and loving animals. Dogs bring alive the third metric values of well-being, wisdom, wonder and giving. They bring us joy, make us laugh with their expressions and touch our hearts in a unique way.

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Those of us who have canine members in our family already know how deep impact they have on our daily lives. The social adaptation of dogs and humans are similar enough that dogs can live perfectly happy lives surrounded by humans and vice versa. On an emotional plane, families do not see their dog as alien. About 40% of owners identify their dog as a family member, reflecting social compatibility between the two species.

History of the relationship between dogs and humans:

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Dogs were the first domestic animal with whom we developed a close association. The human-dog relationship amounts to a very long lasting symbiosis. Dogs acted as human’s alarm systems, trackers, and hunting aides, garbage disposal facilities, hot water bottles, and children’s guardians and playmates. Humans provided dogs with food and security.

Dogs have a special chemistry with humans that goes back tens of thousands of years. Researchers have investigated this special evolutionary relationship from a number of different angles.

Different human emotions which are expressed by dogs:

Dogs are extraordinarily attentive and have an uncanny ability to predict what their owners will do, whether it is getting the dog a meal or preparing to go on a walk. Experiments show that dogs and wolves can be astute readers of human body language using the direction of our gaze to locate hidden food.

1. Human Expressions That Dogs Can Express: Excitement or Happiness

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This is one of the most commonly observed emotions in humans and dogs alike. It is very easy to figure out when someone is happy or excited. For example, when a person smiles or laughs, it is evident from the expression of that person that he/she is happy.

For dogs, we are able to make out whether they are happy or excited by noticing their tail. When dogs wag their tail, it indicates excitement. They show their love and happiness towards an individual by clicking that person’s face or hands.

2. Human Expressions That Dogs Can Express: Anger or Irritation

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This is another commonly observed emotion. It is expressed frequently by both dogs and humans. When a person frowns, yells or shouts, we can say that he/she is angry, annoyed or irritated. Similarly, when a dog growls, barks or tries to bite someone, the dog is most likely to be angry or annoyed.

3. Human Expressions That Dogs Can Express: Sadness

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When a person is unhappy or upset, it is generally visible on his/her face. He/she will either sulk or cry. When dogs are upset or unhappy they tend to whine. Paw licking also indicates that the dog is upset.

4. Human Expressions That Dogs Can Express: Fear

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Dogs also experience emotions like fear. For example, when dogs are punished they show fear and it reminds them not to repeat the same mistake.

5. Human Expressions That Dogs Can Express: Disgust

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When dogs are fed up with something, they refuse to eat or push the food away, just like we as humans do. This is an action performed out of disgust

Dogs experience and express quite a few emotions that humans also experience. There are more complex emotions such as shame and pride that dogs do not express. However, the most important emotion that dogs feel and express on a daily basis is love. They feel love for their owners, people around them and sometimes for other pets. They express this love every day and this is the reason why dogs make such lovely companions.

[petsutra]

3 Reasons Why Your Furry Friend Hates Bath Time

Every dog owner will know the struggle of weekends when you have to give your furry friend a bath to make them squeaky clean again. It’s messy, uncomfortable and tiring as hell and the activity is so exhaustive and difficult because Dogs hate to take a bath! It is difficult to control and convince them.

Ever wonder why? Here are some reasons for why dogs hate to bathe:

1. They’ve had traumatic experiences in the past.

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Your dog might be associating bath time to other negative memories in the past. As a puppy, he might have been doused with cold water, had a drowning experience or someone might have been too rough with him during the cleaning sessions. The sound of running water may be associated with a bad memory or maybe, they have been made to bath rather forcefully, against their wishes.

All of this can lead to a bigger fear of baths and to counter this, you need to be patient with your dog and make sure you create a safe, relaxed and loving environment where it feels comfortable.

2. It does not sound or feels normal.

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To us humans, bathing is a daily activity and the entire process is as normal as anything else. However, for dogs, the sound of running water, the sound of bursting water from a hose, smell of soap, the drain pipe, the feel of a tub, etc. might be extremely unusual and scary. He may not understand the feel of water through his fur or a blow dryer drying him. All these new and unexpected feelings are enough to make them aversive to the idea of baths.

You should introduce the sounds and feelings one at a time and give them enough time to understand and get used to each experience before they feel comfortable enough to enjoy it as a whole.

3. It’s simply uncomfortable.

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Think about all the various aspects which could be making the bath uncomfortable for them.The tub might be too small, the water might be too hot and burning them or too cold and chilling. The pressure of the hose might be too much, the soap could be stinging their eyes or irritating the skin and they may be uncomfortable getting touched in certain body parts.

You must be slow and patient with the process. Test the water beforehand, be careful with soaps and shampoos and observe and pay attention to the dog’s behavior for indications as to what he likes and dislikes.

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Considering all of this, you should try to make bath time as fun and enjoyable as possible. Include treats, playfulness, loving hugs and pats to make it a positive experience. Be patient and slow, while being extra nice. Your dog will surely learn to associate baths with something happy and exciting.

[petsutra]

The Essential Checklist Before You Get A Puppy Home

Be sure to stock up on the following things for your puppy:

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Comfortable leash

Dog tags

Food bowls

Water bowls

Healthy food for the dog

Adjustable collar

Poop bags and holder

These items will help in the daily caretaking of the puppy and are things that you will immediately require as soon as the dog gets home. These are wholly necessary and cannot be compromised at all. Also in the case of the food and water bowls, you must avoid using the same ones for two of your pets and make sure you clean them after every use just like any other vessel that belongs to you.

Useful toy and tools you must have on hand for your puppy:

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Puzzle toys

Chew toys

Pooper scooper

Chase toy

Harness

Dogtooth brush

Dogtooth paste

Brush

Dog shampoo

Exercise pen

Crate

Grooming wipes

Treat pouch for training

Dog beds

Enzyme spray for accidents

Carpet cleaner

These are not very different from a pacifier for a toddler, they come in handy more often than you think they will. And at times, the only thing that can calm down a restless dog is some of his toys. Remember, brushing your puppy’s teeth is as important as brushing your own. All these items are essential for maintaining proper hygiene and keeping your dog clean and flees free at all times.

Essential services for your new puppy:

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Veterinarian

Dog trainer

Pet insurance

Pet sitter

Dog groomer

Dog walker

Most of the above-mentioned activities (puppy training, walking) can be done by you, yourself. However, having a good vet that you trust is very important. These things may seem too much but at the end of the day, it is all worth it and it is best to have all the above-mentioned commodities at close proximity in your home for the ideal experience

  To bring home a new puppy for your family, download the PetSutra app (http://bit.ly/2cMA2eV).

[petsutra]

Tanmay and Led: The Forever Story Of Friends

I was twelve when we got our first real pet. I had always been fond of dogs and cats but had never been allowed to keep them in the house and my mother would forbid me from playing with them on the road for fear of them biting me or causing infections. However, when I was in class 7th, on my birthday, my friends got me a little puppy. He was tiny, only big enough to cover both of my small hands and a beautiful jet black fur covered him. My mother did not approve of this surprise but he was so adorable that she did not have the heart to turn him away. I remember him looking at us with large brown eyes, scared and hopeful and I knew then, we would take care of each other. I named him Led, after Led Zeppelin. Yeah, I was in a classic rock phase then.

So Led became a part of our family and life became completely different. In the morning, he woke me up by licking my face. In the afternoon, he would go crazy with happiness when I came home from school. At night, he’d sleep in my bed, near my feet, his warm fur and soft body putting me to sleep. Every evening I played with him. Even when I had a fight with my friends, Led was the one I held on to, his soft and comforting presence, making me feel okay for a while.

However, we did not raise Led like any other pet dog. We did not want to limit his movement to the house or make him scared of other dogs, unable to interact with his own kind. So we had always given him freedom to come and go in the house as he pleased. Sometimes he would disappear for hours and we’d see him playing with the other dogs. However, he always came back home for food and we’d hear his paws scratching at the door at the exact moment my mother made the evening tea for herself for that was the time she gave him his food.

But things were not to stay the same way forever. Like every morning, Led woke me up lovingly and I went to school. When I came back in the afternoon, he wasn’t there to greet me. This wasn’t unusual as it was winter and he would often go off somewhere to lie in the grass and soak up the warm sunshine. But evening came and he still did not come. My mother, for the first time in a year, drank her evening tea without Led sitting near her ankles. When night came, we went around the entire colony shouting his name. There was no response.

For a week, I roamed the entire area, until my voice grew hoarse screaming his name and I would break down in tears each night, his name escaping my mouth only in a whisper. Led had left us. And we had no idea why, or where. We just hoped he was alive.

Two months passed and my father got a promotion. We could now afford a better house and decided to shift to a new colony. It was not very far away from where we lived then but I was reluctant to move. Not only would I be leaving my friends, I would have to give up my last remaining bits of hope of Led finding his way back to us. But I was just a kid and Led was just a pet who had come to love us for a small while. So we did move.

I did not make any new friends in the new house. I lost all contact with my old friends. But life, as always, still went on, in monotony. Another winter came. The winds grew bitterly cold, the sky became gray and we snuggled in our beds. There were some sunny days, here and there. It was on one such sunny afternoon, that I found happiness again.

My mother and I were standing on the balcony, letting the warm sunshine wash over us. She was examining the plants in the balcony, checking for any new flowers, picking out yellowing leaves. I was gazing at the park opposite our house, completely empty. I spotted a black figure in the grass. Hope immediately blossomed in my chest. Was it Led? But this dog was so much bigger than mine. And I had grown excited at way too many black dogs in the past, only to be disappointed. I went inside. A few moments later, my mother called me again. She was as unsure as I was, but something in her made her feel like it was Led.

We both ran to the park and then approached hesitantly. He gazed at us, unafraid. There was no doubt about it. It was my Led. I sank down on the soft grass. He walked into my arms as I cried into his fur. I don’t know, for how long we sat there, the two of us.

We never found out where he had gone for an entire year, or how he had survived. We could never figure out how he had found us or how fate had worked that we had seen him that day. We just knew that little Led had grown up somehow, into someone wiser and stronger. And that he was back to us. To stay, forever.

As told to us by Tanmay Arya

If you want us to share your Pet (Love) story with the world, Mail us your stories at [email protected]

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Yudhishthira And His Dog: A Tale Of Dharma And Loyalty

Recently, all the rage on the internet seemed to be centered around the girl from Bangalore who refused an arranged marriage because the guy was against having a pet dog in the house after marriage. Such news was surely a breath of fresh air and a restoration of faith in humanity after all the regular reports of cases of violence against animals and after witnessing the poor state of animals in our country. However, this rise of love for animals and in increasing awareness about the importance of pets is not something necessarily recent as we present to you a tale you might have often heard from your grandmother. It is a tale from the ancient Hindu mythology Mahabharata which is about Yudhishthira and his dog. It is a tale that beautifully depicts the values of love for animals and bravery.

However, this sudden increase of love for animals and awareness about the importance of pets is not something necessarily recent as we present to you a tale you might have often heard from your grandmother. It is a tale from the ancient Hindu mythology Mahabharata which is about Yudhishthira and his dog. It is a tale that beautifully depicts the values of love for animals and bravery.

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Yudhisthira was the eldest son of King Pandu and Queen Kunti and the king of Indraprastha. Years after the Kurukshetra war, the successful Pandavas decided to retire and renounce their kingdom on the advice of sage Vyasa. Following the coronation of Parikshit as the king of Hastinapur and Vajra as the king of Indraprastha, the Pandavas along with their wife Draupadi commenced on their journey to the Himalayas. Yudhishthira lead, followed by his brothers Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and last in the line was Draupadi. On the way, an Indian Pariah Dog started following them through the rough terrain.

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Everyone kept falling and dying one by one. The first to fall along the way was Draupadi, then Sahadev, followed by Nakul, Arjun, and Bheem. And now only Yudhisthira and the dog were left, they continued their journey together.

Finally, Indra descended in his chariot. He praised the extraordinary qualities of Yudhisthira and invited him into the chariot to ascend to heaven.

“The dog must come with me,” said Yudhishthira

“That is not possible,” said Indra. “All cannot attain heaven. The dog is old and thin and has no value.”

“In that case, I do not seek heaven, “replied Yudhisthira. “The dog was my faithful companion and I cannot abandon it. It sought my help and gave me unconditional love. The pleasures of heaven will mean nothing to me in comparison to its grief. It has done nothing to deserve abandonment and had none of the weaknesses of my wife and brothers. If it does not deserve to go to heaven, then neither do I.” And so he turned back.

“Stop!” cried Indra. “None have the qualities that you possess, O Yudhishthira! The dog is Dharma, from whom you have descended!”

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And indeed, the dog had transformed into the God of Dharma and blessed Yudhisthira for his complete lack of selfishness and dedication to righteousness in all circumstances.

And thus rose Yudhisthira to heaven in the chariot of Indra.

It was a test of dharma and Yudhishthira had once again proved his righteousness by not abandoning people who stayed with him throughout.

Not only heaven, if you show them, love, they will even follow you on the highway to hell. There is something special about the dogs, they offer their heart to us, and the least we can do is to not abandon them. You don’t have to be a dog lover, but, you mustn’t stop others from loving them.

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Cats And Dogs: The Love-Hate Relationship Between Them

For a long time, the cats and dogs relationship is deemed as either a love-hate relationship or just a plain hateful one. But the only proof of such a negative inference is a particular cartoon or an occasional cat-dog chase we have witnessed. But what is the reason for interpreting their relationship in such a bitter sense? This is because the natural instincts of each species lead towards antagonistic interactions, though individual animals can have non-aggressive relationships with each other, particularly under the conditions where humans have socialized non-aggressive behaviors.

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The generally aggressive interactions between the species have been noted in cultural expressions. This also is mostly due to the need for one of them to try to seek dominance at all times. The dog-cat relationship is generally misunderstood. Despite the long-held belief that dogs and cats cannot maintain a relationship with one another, perpetuated by such phrases as “fighting like cats and dogs”, and the stereotype of the animal hierarchy of dog-cat, if appropriately socialized, cats and dogs may have relationships that are not antagonistic, and dogs raised with cats may prefer the presence of cats to other dogs.

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People should realize that there are many households that raise cats and dogs together and face no problems. This is mostly because they have a common master, are trained the same way and understand each other quite well for there to be any hostile behavior towards each other.

For example, if a cat is raised with a dog it will know what all the gestures made by the dog will be as it is the only mode of communication between them and chances are that they had learnt it together so if in this case the dog raises his paw ( which means it wants to play ), the cat will play with it but if the same action is performed in front of a stranger cat it can be easily mistaken as a sign of an attack, prompting the cat to swat her paw at the dog, sending her into a hissy fit. Likewise, a cat that tries to rub up against a dog may be acting friendly, but a dog can interpret that as a threat — especially if the cat is near his toys or food—and can cause the dog to growl or bark.

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If you want to keep a dog and cat together, the best way to do so is to get a puppy and kitten at the same time, this way you will not face any problems unless one of them is overly-aggressive and dominating. While it may seem like cats and dogs can never co-exist, there are several breeds that can live harmoniously with their family’s feline counterparts: Sussex Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bichon Frise, English Setter, Poodle, Pekingese, and Pugs. Although, these breeds can all live with cats, successfully introducing cats and dogs often depend on the personality and temperament of the individual animals involved.

The following are a few cat breeds that can be raised with dogs: Oriental, Burmese, Siamese, American Ragdoll, American Shorthair, British Shorthair. “Just be sure not to force any interactions, which can backfire and cause your cat (or dog!) to be fearful. Try to make the experience as positive as possible and, if you notice any discomfort on either said, back off.” Dr. Jeff Webster explained.

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5 Reasons Why A Pet Is The Best Gift For Your Best Friend

1) As children, we all dreamed of having that perfect cute pet who we imagine playing with all day and having the best time but as we grow older this wish fades away as we feel “spending more time on studies is the best thing to do”. So your job as a best friend is to fulfill your friends wish (the one that they deep down still want to come true).

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2) They make you healthier- Dog owners are 34% more likely to get better exercise than non-pet owners are. Walks aren’t just good for your pet, they’re great for you too – pet owners have also been found to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Interacting with a pet actively lowers your stress levels, leading to more relaxation, better moods, and less anxiety. One study even found that pets are more effective at lowering people’s stress levels than their significant others.

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3) They put a smile on your face, no matter what the mood or situation or circumstances are, they never fail to put a smile on your face with the help of their goofy antics. They know how you are feeling and what you are feeling at all times. There is no end to their happiness and cheerfulness and there is absolutely no problem a clumsy pet cannot fix or make you feel better about. It gives you a sense of comfort.

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4) It is the best gift if your friend is an only child as it provides companionship and gives them a sense of responsibility because they have to do daily chores such as take their pet out, feed them from time to time, and maintain their hygiene. They also teach people, a sense accommodation, for example, if you are not feeling well and are tired but your dog wants to play, you have to take them out for a walk and play with them for a while. This teaches you that putting others before you can be a good thing now and then, and who knows, maybe taking your dog is exactly what you needed at the moment to boost your mood.

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5) Having a pet can also convince any person to become more social, whether it means going to the park or signing up at pet-friendly clubs. So if your friend is struggling to fit in, it will be a perfect ice breaker between them and other people who live nearby as people in general (even if they don’t have pets themselves) tend to ask other people who they see with their pet about their pet. Being social outside your school or workplace promotes a healthy lifestyle. Pets are so loyal that they often guard their owner while he/she is sleeping, making sure that no harm could ever come their way.

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To gift your Best Friend a Dog, Adopt one from the PetSutra App (http://bit.ly/2cMA2eV).

[petsutra]

Food Allergies In Cats: Symptoms and its Diagnosis

Cats are one of the most popular pets to have in the house. They are valued by humans for companionship. They are agile creatures and quite acrobatic. They love to be pet, cuddled and held. Cats do not require constant attention like dogs. Cats are good at self-maintenance but even your fastidious feline cannot prevent some of these common cat diseases and health issues. For example, there are certain allergies that they can have, which need to be taken care of. Before bringing your kitten or cat home, it is necessary to do your research. It is especially important to know which food items may harm your cat. It is also important to know the distinction between food allergies and food intolerances.

Signs And Symptoms Which Indicate Whether Your Cat Has Food Allergies:

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Sneezing, coughing and wheezing

Itching and skin rash (visible red and inflamed skin)

Watery eyes

Chronic ear infections (indicate constant scratching)

Vomiting or diarrhea

Hair loss

Difference Between Food Allergies And Food Intolerances:

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It is important to know the difference between food allergies and food intolerances. Food allergies are true allergies which cause irritation, itching and other symptoms mentioned above. Food intolerances, on the other hand, are due to certain substances present in food that the cat’s body cannot digest, resulting in diarrhea.

Different Food Allergies In Cats:

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Research shows that there are a few ingredients that can cause allergies in cats more than others. In cats, the most common offenders are beef, lamb, seafood, corn, soy, dairy products and wheat gluten. It may take months or years before your cat develops an allergic response to a particular food but once your cat develops an allergy towards certain foods, there will always be a negative reaction to the same. Allergic reactions are most commonly associated with protein sources – usually the meat in your cat’s food. Food allergies can occur at any age.

Diagnosis:

Cats are exposed to many other diseases and infections which must be ruled out before diagnosing them with food allergies. It is very important that all other problems are properly identified and treated prior to establishing a diagnosis of food allergies.

If you cat falls sick or undergoes a reaction after consumption of a particular food then the following steps should be taken-

Your cat needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Once the cause of the allergy has been identified, the causative substance should be removed from your cat’s diet.

Canned diets can be frozen in chunks or baked, and these can be used as treats.

Maintain a separate litter box for the patient (if you have other pets). If possible, feed the others the same diet as the patient. If this is not possible then feed other pets in an entirely different location than the patient, and do not allow the patient any access to that food.

Do not allow your pet to roam. Keep cats on leashes when outside.

Keep a journal in which you can record the date and any foods, treats, etc. your pet may have accidentally eaten.

Conclusion:

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Cats are lovely creatures and even though they don’t require as much attention as dogs do, their requirements still need to be looked after. Keep your family members and any domestic help in the loop as well. Make sure that they do not feed the cat anything harmful.

If homemade diets are used, it is essential that they be balanced, with the correct amount of ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. Homemade diets for such long-term use should be developed by a veterinary nutritionist. Be aware that some pets with food allergies may develop allergies to new foods if they are fed those foods long enough.

If you see signs of food allergies returning, consult your veterinarian again.

[petsutra]

Dog Training: 5 Commands You Can Teach Your Dog

Who doesn’t love playing with their dog? And although enjoying and playing with one can be great fun, not training your furry friend can lead to some very embarrassing moments in public. Dog training does not only discipline them but also give you a number of opportunities to show off and prove that your dog is the best dog.

Need help with this? Here are 5 commands your can teach your dog:

FETCH:

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This in many cases is a given, however, it is often mistaken by people that dogs are born to know what `fetch’ means and respond to the command by running after whatever has been thrown by the master. However, this is a skill that has to be taught to them. Begin with short throws, but not too short – the dog has to understand both, going to the object, and traveling back. You can also encourage them by showing them a treat for motivation in the beginning- later this will become a game usually initiated by them and not you. This is the most common Dog training method and is widely used.

STAY:

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At first, this may not seem like a necessary command because who doesn`t like a happy dog, who is always running around, but when you have guests constantly pouring in, it may not be the best scenario for a dog running around the house. At times like these, you can teach them the command of staying put. To work on your dog’s stay, pick a time when he/she is relaxed and well exercised. This applies especially to puppies and bouncy young dogs. Ask your dog to lie down, but instead of delivering a treat as soon as he/she hits the floor, hold off for one second. Then say “Yes!” in a calm, warm voice and give him/her a treat. Or, if your dog tends to bounce up again instantly, have two treats ready. Feed one right away, before he has time to move; then say “Yes!” and feed the second treat.

This Dog training method not only helps in imparting discipline but also is very important as most dogs get excited and it gets difficult to contain their energy at times.

SIT: 

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This is a very simple placement command and is mostly put to test in desperate times. You can get your dog to follow this command by putting a treat in his/her palm of your open hand, face up. Raise the treat above the dog’s head and say, “sit.” The dog will look up at the treat and automatically sit down. Do this over and over again until the dog pairs the command with the action.

LIE DOWN:

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The simplicity of this command can be very deceptive at times as which dog doesn`t just want to lie down and take naps forever but when you have a hyperactive dog, it is the last thing it will want to do. You can get them to follow this command by pampering them, by rubbing their tummy or neck. After doing this for five times or more they automatically associate the words `lie down’ with pampering and will never disobey when asked to do so.

Shake Hands (In Their Case, Paws):

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Who does not like a dog with the manners of a gentleman? This command will definitely up your game as a dog owner in front of all your friends. To achieve this, you have to provide some manual encouragement by taking your dog’s paw gently, issue the command and give them the treat. You can also work on just holding your hand out until your dog shakes it by themselves. The dog will learn how to get a reward on its own soon.

Motivation is the key to proper Dog training and giving them a few extra treats here and there will not cause many problems and it will just show your affection towards him/her.

Best of luck!

[petsutra]

Gestation Period: 7 Things To Take Care of In Your Dog

Is your bitch in her gestation period? Pregnancy in dogs can be a very tricky phase. This period can last anywhere from 58-65 days. Here are a few things you have to take care of in these few days:

How To Confirm The Pregnancy?

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For symptoms, check for redness in the abdominal area, enlarged mammary glands, and increased body weight. If you take her to the doctor, he will perform an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, or he will try abdominal palpation. Although, the pregnancy can go unnoticed if your bitch is overweight, nervous or tense.

What To Feed Your Dog During Her Gestation Period?

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If your bitch is pregnant for the first time, you might be confused with what to give her for her health and nourishment. It is recommended to give her commercially prepared food for a balanced diet. As she won’t be able to have large meals, you should give her more frequent, small meals.

How to know whether your dog is in labor?

When your bitch is about to go into labor, she will become restless, she will start panting, her interest in food will decrease and she might have a swollen vulva. After 1-2 hours of contractions, she will deliver the first pup. The water (placental membrane) may or may not rupture. If it doesn’t, you have to do it yourself.

Removing The Umbilical Cords And Placental Membranes.

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The membranes that haven’t been removed and umbilical cords are usually cut by the bitch herself. But if she is too tired, you can carefully tear the membrane from the nose and the mouth. Immediately after removing the two, you will notice that the pups will begin looking for nipples and start to suckle.

Do Not Worry If The Pups Are Not Born Continuously.

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Sometimes, the bitch will get tired, thus leading to a gap of 15 minutes to an hour between each pup. She will take deep breaths and also rest for a while after giving birth. She will also keep cleaning and feed her puppies. When it’s time for another pup, she will start whelping and get restless.

Always Take Veterinary Advice During The Gestation Period.

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This step is a must. Seeking advice will only help you and your dog. The vet will guide you with gestation, diet, and labor. If the dog has a problem giving birth, or before or after labor, contact the vet. Look out for signs like:

Long gestation periods (more than 64 days)

No pup after more than an hour of contractions

Greenish-dark discharge from vulva before or after birth.

Medical Care During Gestation Period.

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During her pregnancy, get your bitch vaccinated as per the required medications and also get her dewormed at 4 and 6 weeks of being pregnant. This reduces the risk of infection for pups. For additional safety, get your bitch vaccinated before mating.

After the birth of the puppies, make sure they get a warm environment, take care of your d4og’s diet and also get suitable vaccinations done. With these few steps in mind, welcome a bundle of happiness in your own home.

[petsutra]

7 Things To Take Care of During Your Dog’s Gestation Period

  Is your bitch in her gestation period? Pregnancy in dogs can be a very tricky phase. This period can last anywhere from 58-65 days. Here are a few things you have to take care of in these few days:

How To Confirm The Pregnancy?

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For symptoms, check for redness in the abdominal area, enlarged mammary glands, and increased body weight. If you take her to the doctor, he will perform an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, or he will try abdominal palpation. Although, the pregnancy can go unnoticed if your bitch is overweight, nervous or tense.

What To Feed Your Dog During Her Gestation Period?

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If your bitch is pregnant for the first time, you might be confused with what to give her for her health and nourishment. It is recommended to give her commercially prepared food for a balanced diet. As she won’t be able to have large meals, you should give her more frequent, small meals.

How to know whether your dog is in labor?

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When your bitch is about to go into labor, she will become restless, she will start panting, her interest in food will decrease and she might have a swollen vulva. After 1-2 hours of contractions, she will deliver the first pup. The water (placental membrane) may or may not rupture. If it doesn’t, you have to do it yourself.

Removing The Umbilical Cords And Placental Membranes.

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The membranes that haven’t been removed and umbilical cords are usually cut by the bitch herself. But if she is too tired, you can carefully tear the membrane from the nose and the mouth. Immediately after removing the two, you will notice that the pups will begin looking for nipples and start to suckle.

Do Not Worry If The Pups Are Not Born Continuously.

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Sometimes, the bitch will get tired, thus leading to a gap of 15 minutes to an hour between each pup. She will take deep breaths and also rest for a while after giving birth. She will also keep cleaning and feed her puppies. When it’s time for another pup, she will start whelping and get restless.

Always Take Veterinary Advice During The Gestation Period.

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This step is a must. Seeking advice will only help you and your dog. The vet will guide you with gestation, diet, and labor. If the dog has a problem giving birth, or before or after labor, contact the vet. Look out for signs like:

Long gestation periods (more than 64 days)

No pup after more than an hour of contractions

Greenish-dark discharge from vulva before or after birth.

Medical Care During Gestation Period.

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During her pregnancy, get your bitch vaccinated as per the required medications and also get her dewormed at 4 and 6 weeks of being pregnant. This reduces the risk of infection for pups. For additional safety, get your bitch vaccinated before mating.

After the birth of the puppies, make sure they get a warm environment, take care of your d4og’s diet and also get suitable vaccinations done. With these few steps in mind, welcome a bundle of happiness in your own home.

[petsutra]

Why Small Dogs Are More Aggressive Than Larger Dogs?

Ever wondered why cute little Small Dogs are highly dominant and aggressive when compared to large dogs? Why do they start barking and pouncing on people? Why they get angry at the smallest of things? Here are a few problems and their reasons as to why some smaller breeds are more aggressive than larger ones.

1) Height as a factor of problems.

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Height can be counted as a reason for dogs to be feisty and aggressive. Short breeds are often seen begging for food, being afraid of other dogs, be harder to train, have attachment problems, roll in feces, and are also more likely to hump people’s legs.

2) Weight-related problems

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Even when height was removed from the picture, the weight came out to be another reason for smaller breeds to act violently and aggressively. Lighter dogs, in comparison to heavier dogs, are more hyperactive, they indulge in “dog rivalry”, and they are extremely likely to run away from home.

3) Head shape and size

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Surprisingly, head shape and size also lead to dogs showing traces of violent behavior. Long-nosed dogs were more likely to get afraid of strangers and indulge in inappropriate chasing, whereas dogs with stub noses and wider skulls were most likely to attack other dogs.

4) Excessive dog breeding

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A reason for this great difference between large and small dogs is breeding. Large amounts of dog breeders have been breeding dogs to meet the requirements and desires of owners to have “cute” or “fierce” dogs. In order to meet these demands, dogs are bred excessively and this often results in dogs with increased aggression, hyperactivity, escaping, and coprophagia. (eating poop)

5) Nature (genes) and Nurture (environment)

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Nature – Small dogs with an aggressive behavior isn’t that harmful and is not paid attention to by owners. Studies show that small dogs are more likely to bite and attack. Begging and attention-seeking are genetic side effects of gene selection for infantile looks (cuteness) and immaturity.

Nurture- Sometimes, the owner can also be at fault. Hyperactivity could be because of less exercise in dogs because of staying indoors too much. Also, small dogs are often in an unintended way reinforced to attract attention, get jealous as well as beg because of their “baby-like” looks.