A dog expert has answered the questions owners often ask — including what it means when your furry friend eats grass.
According to puppy training app Zigzag, the number of questions Googled about puppies each month has reached more than 54,000.
Lorna Winter, director of the UK Dog Behavior and Training Charter and co-founder of Zigzag, has answered the most frequently asked questions.
And some of them are pretty bizarre – asking how to stop their pet from chewing their leg hair.
Lorna says chewing grass can indicate a lack of fiber in a dog’s diet
What It Means When Your Pup Eats Grass
Lorna says it’s common for dogs to chew grass, but there could be a few reasons why they choose to eat grass.
Several grasses — such as Galium aparine or Goosegrass — taste good to puppies.
But they may also try to get their owner’s attention and want you to play a game with them.
Lorna also says chewing on grass could indicate a lack of fiber in their diet and they’re looking for more roughage, while it’s likely your pet is smelling the benefits of plants.
Can I teach my puppy to go to the toilet instead of going outside?
Lorna says dogs can be trained to do most things, including using a toilet instead of going outside.
But it can take a lot of time and skill for your pup to develop this ability.
The dog expert added that it is not recommended as it is important for your pet’s mental health that they use the toilet outside.
Lorna says there are “much better” alternatives to using a real toilet, such as specially designed dog toilets, or a “piddle patch,” which mimics the outside.
Do I need to brush my puppy’s teeth?
Lorna says you should brush your puppy’s teeth and check his teeth regularly.
She also says to watch out for their second set of teeth coming in and whether they’re keeping one of their baby teeth.
She also says it’s important that you use dog-specific toothpaste and not human toothpaste, which can be harmful.
Can I give my puppy antihistamines?
While Benadryl and other antihistamines are often suggested as safe to give to puppies, Lorna always recommends checking with your veterinarian before giving your pup human medications.
She adds that it’s a good idea to get the right dosage for your pet from the vet.
It’s not uncommon for dogs to eat wasps or bees that can sting their mouths, which can cause swelling and difficulty breathing, she says. it is wise to have an emergency antihistamine on hand.
Can I give my puppy cow’s milk?
Lorna says that while cow’s milk isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s not recommended they drink it.
It is like that because cow’s milk is one of the top two food allergens for dogs, so many cannot tolerate it.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Lorna says dogs can indeed eat the flesh of a watermelon.
But she says you should try to remove the seeds and not allow your pup to eat the fruit’s skin.
The expert says it’s worth remembering that while it’s hydrating, it’s still high in sugar, meaning it can cause an upset stomach.
Can my puppy eat adult dog food?
Lorna says to feed your furry friend foods that are appropriate for their size and weight
Lorna says puppies need different levels of nutrients and vitamins than an adult dog to support their rapid growth.
She adds that it’s okay for your pup to eat the same food as an adult dog, but this shouldn’t be their entire diet — you should be feeding your furry friend foods that are appropriate for their size and weight.
How do I stop my puppy from chewing my leg hair?
The dog expert says you should wear pants to prevent them from touching your legs in the first place.
You can also redirect them when they come to you and give them something else to do, such as playing with a stuffed toy or teaching them to sit on a mat near your feet instead.
How do I stop my dogs from bullying each other?
Lorna says if your dogs bully each other, make sure they have plenty of time apart.
She adds that time with shared quality activities is also important, such as long sniffing walks, trips to the woods, or swimming at the beach.
Making sure there are plenty of toys and chews to go around and feeding them in separate areas to avoid conflict can also help, she says.
Is my puppy dreaming or having nightmares?
Lorna says it’s likely your pup has dreams and nightmares because they have sleep cycles just like humans
Lorna says it’s likely your furry friend has dreams and nightmares because they have sleep cycles just like humans.
This sleep stage is known as “REM” — at this point your dog’s breathing will start to sound more irregular and their eyes will start moving faster, she says.
It is also thought that the length and frequency of dreams can be linked to a dog’s size.
A Toy Poodle can show the signs of dreaming up to once every 10 minutes, while a Golden Retriever-sized dog can only dream once every 90 minutes, Lorna added.