Many times, when hunger presses and we have nothing at hand, we rummage in the pantry and there it is, the canned tuna. In a salad, in an omelet, in a sandwich, with macaroni... There are a thousand ways to eat canned tuna. But do you know if dogs can eat canned tuna? Read on if you want to know more.

Canned tuna

Canned tuna is a very popular canned food, and a convenient and simple way to consume this fish at any time.

They are made with fish of the tuna family, of which we have the light tuna or the white tuna, the so-called white tuna. These are usually the most commonly used for canning. There are other types of tuna, such as bluefin tuna, for example. But this species, in particular, is in danger of extinction. Therefore, we are not going to find it canned.

Within canned tuna, we can find different types depending on the part of the piece of fish they contain. For example, we can find ventresca, which is of superior quality. Or cans of tuna made with other parts with less culinary value.

Nutritional properties of tuna

Let's focus on the general properties of tuna as a fish. The nutritional properties of canned tuna will vary as we learn more about the wide variety available. In this sense, the closest nutritional value to fresh tuna will be canned tuna in its natural state. Tinned tuna with oil will have a higher fat content, for example.

Tuna has around 12% fat, which makes it a fatty fish, and in addition, it is a fat rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

On the other hand, it has a high protein content of high biological value, around 23 grams per 100 grams of fish.

As for vitamins, niacin, B6 and B12 stand out. Tuna also contains very significant amounts of fat-soluble vitamins, such as D. As regards minerals, selenium and phosphorus stand out in the nutritional composition of tuna. It also has a good dose of iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Can dogs eat canned tuna?

The answer is yes, but with considerations. Dogs can eat other fish, such as sardines. Tuna is a fish perfectly tolerated by dogs. In addition, it provides them with all the nutrients and benefits mentioned above. What is more, there are dog foods on the market that are either made with tuna or contain tuna together with other fish, such as salmon or herring.

But if we talk about canned tuna, things change. The problem would not come from the tuna, it would come from the content of the can. Therefore, we are going to explain in which ways the dog can eat canned tuna.

Ways to give canned tuna to the dog

First of all, we have to look for canned foods that are as natural as possible. For example, we must rule out tuna with sauces, such as tomato or other condiments. We should also look for tuna that does not contain too many additives, such as salt, for example.

In principle, there is no problem with tuna in oil. However, we must know that it will be more fatty and fattening. Therefore, if a dog is on a slimming diet, it may not be a good choice. Ideally, look for natural tuna with as few additives as possible.

When giving it to the dog, keep in mind that it should never exceed 10% of its usual feed dose.

With this in mind, we can mix a little canned tuna with his food. In addition to giving it more flavor, it will also provide those extra benefits mentioned above. For example, a medium sized dog can perfectly well eat a small can of tuna a couple of times a week.

We hope you found this post on whether dogs can eat canned tuna interesting.

Surely you have seen them and have fallen in love with some of them. They are adorable looking dogs, but very small in size, and they are known as "toy". But, what is a toy dog in reality? We invite you to know all the details about these small furry dogs.

What is a toy breed dog?

A toy dog is a dog that belongs to a breed that is already small in itself. The name "toy" is given to them because, due to their miniature appearance, they look like toys, like stuffed dogs. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Toy dogs are not toys, they are living beings that require the same care as any other animal. Moreover, as we will see later, due to their nature and characteristics, they are more sensitive than the same dogs of natural size. That is to say, they need more attention.

Having defined what a toy dog is, let's see its general characteristics.

Characteristics of the toy breed dog

To be even clearer about what a toy dog is, let's see what the qualities that define this animal in general.

A dog is usually considered a toy or miniature dog when it weighs less than 7 pounds and has a size of less than 16 inches. For these reasons, it is very common to confuse them with small dogs. However, it should be clarified that they are completely different canine genres.

When breeding toy dogs, a selection of specimens is carried out looking for standardization criteria. These criteria usually focus on a correct physiognomy, which tends to be similar to that of human babies: round faces, big eyes, flat noses... This is what makes us fall in love with their appearance.

How to take care of a toy dog

Knowing the health details of this animal is an essential step before adopting any of them.

It is true that their small size makes them comfortable to live with: they are perfect for living in small spaces. But the fact that they are miniature pets does not imply that they require little care.

On the contrary: they tend to be very delicate animals since, due to their constitution, they are more likely to get sick than other large dogs.

Among the most important aspects to take into account:

• Since their immune systems can be somewhat more fragile than those of large dogs, complying with the vaccination schedule becomes more relevant.
• In the same way, it will be necessary to be very cautious and not to expose the small ones to walks or other animals until they have all their vaccinations.
• The feeding should be balanced and the daily doses should be strictly complied with so that the toy dog does not tend to become overweight.
• In addition, it is necessary to control the time between doses. If they go many hours without eating, they could suffer a drop in glucose.
• As they have less fat in their bodies, these small dogs are more vulnerable to temperature changes. A dog coat will be essential in winter and they should be kept away from drafts.
• These dogs should be prevented from making sudden movements or jumping from heights too high for them. Their bones are usually more fragile than those of larger dogs. For the same reason, they should also be careful when playing.

Most popular toy dog breeds

Knowing what a toy dog is, its general characteristics and care, you may wonder what breeds you could find miniature specimens.

Well, the most common are the following:

• Chihuahua. It is undoubtedly one of the best known toy breeds all over the world. The Chihuahua is a dog of Mexican origin, with a lively and somewhat nervous temperament.
• Some terriers. They are breeds that are characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, and territorial. Among the most common toy terrier dogs, we usually find the Yorkshire terrier and the Australian Silky terrier.
• Pomeranian. The Pomeranian breed stands out for its abundant coat, which makes them look like bigger dogs than they really are. They are very attached to their owners.
• Pinscher. The miniature pinscher reaches in its adult life no more than 12 inches and the weight is usually not much more than 5 pounds. They are very energetic and have strong character.
• Prague Mouse. It is another of the best known toy dogs. It is an affectionate and intelligent dog, with a weight that can vary between 3.5 and 8 pounds.
• Pekingese. The Pekingese is an ideal pet if it is given the proper education from puppyhood, because, in spite of its small size, it is an animal with little patience and a lot of character. The same happens with its toy version.
• Poodle. It is one of the most adorable looking dogs you will ever see. Besides, it is affectionate and very attached to its owners.

Why is the breeding of toy dogs so much criticized?

Considering that their appearance could melt even the coldest of hearts, it may be hard for many to think that anyone would oppose the existence of these little animals. But the truth is that many people are against the breeding of toy dogs, and for good reason.

As it has been mentioned, toy dogs are born from the intentional selection of specimens. That is, they are not small like this by chance, but are the result of a series of activities carried out by breeders that put their health at risk, to the point of being lethal.

The Kennel Club, a UK organization dedicated to monitoring and improving the welfare of animals, is one of the main organizations taking a stand against the breeding and sale of these animals.

In a statement they stated that, although it may happen that these animals are small due to a casual congenital defect, this reality is usually due to unethical practices of breeders, such as, for example:

• Prematurely weaning and separating them from their mother. Mother's milk in puppies is fundamental for their growth.
• Feeding them with nutrient-poor diets so that they do not grow too much.
• Playing with the estrus cycles of the mothers to favor premature birth of the pups.
• Selecting the smallest and weakest females to breed, as they are more likely to give birth to smaller pups.

All of this poses risks to the mother and to the pups, which can develop diseases such as patellar luxations, tracheal collapse (causing difficulty breathing), dental problems, and syringomyelia. The latter is a very painful brain disorder that occurs when the brain does not fit into the abnormally small skull.

Read also: Are teacup dogs good pets?

Is it really worth all that to have a toy dog?

Nutrition during the first days of a puppy's life is fundamental for it to begin its development correctly and without problems. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that we are giving the little ones all the food they need. How much milk does a newborn puppy need? We will help you to know how much you should feed puppies.

How much milk does a newborn puppy need?

Once you start bottle-feeding your puppies, you'll notice that manufacturers of breast milk substitutes for dogs recommend specific dosages, but the truth is that each dog is different, and it is necessary to observe the reactions of the little ones to determine their particular needs. For this reason, it may take you some time to know how much milk to give them.

How do you know how much milk a newborn puppy needs? The first thing to look at is the prepared formula you are going to give. Generally, a newborn puppy will eat two spoonfuls of formula per 100 grams of weight per day. These amounts are approximate, as they will depend on each specific product and its caloric, protein, and vitamin content. Consult your veterinarian to find out exactly what that is.

How often to feed newborn puppy

It is not only important to know how much milk a newborn puppy needs each day, but also when to give it. The frequency of feedings will vary as the puppy's weight increases.

Generally, during the first week of life, a puppy needs a feeding every two hours. That is 12 feedings a day, but remember to divide the total amount of milk according to the puppy's weight. They will be very small portions!

Approximately after two weeks, when he has gained weight, you will be able to space out these feedings a little more, every three or four hours. Keep in mind that, depending on his weight, you will also have to increase the dose of milk.

How to bottle feed a puppy

When you have to feed a newborn puppy, the ideal is to use a bottle or a syringe. Place the puppy in a horizontal position, in the same position it takes when it suckles from its mother. Carefully put the nipple or syringe in his mouth and squeeze to release a couple of drops of milk. Upon receiving them, the puppy itself should begin to suck on its own.

Be careful with the amounts. If you see milk coming out of his nose, you should stop giving it immediately. This happens when the puppy is completely full. The milk goes up the nose because there is no more room in the tummy.

You know how much milk a newborn puppy needs and how to give it to him. Just one more thing to keep in mind: always follow the preparation instructions on the bottle or, failing that, your veterinarian's instructions. If the milk is too diluted, it could cause diarrhea, and the opposite is true if it is too thick. Feeding a puppy well at this delicate stage is essential for it to grow well!

Humanizing dogs is a practice that is as common as it is harmful. And although great advances have been made in understanding how canine learning works, dogs are often trained ignoring basic aspects of their nature. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers of humanizing dogs, as going beyond certain limits can be dangerous.

Therefore, in this article we want to talk about the risks of the so-called anthropomorphization, which involves treating dogs based on human expectations, principles, and behaviors.

What is dog humanization?

Humanizing dogs (or any other animal) consists of seeing them as if they were people.

Some people try to see in their pets gestures, preferences, or attitudes that are only in accordance with human behaviors, thus misrepresenting animal instincts.

Humanizing pets has nothing to do with giving affection. You can love a dog, cat, etc. very much, take care of it as it deserves, and take it into account when choosing a vacation destination so that it can go with you, for example. What is not appropriate is to treat it as if it were a small child.

Attitudes that indicate that you are humanizing your dog

Some of the behaviors performed by people who humanize their dog are:

• They allow him to sit at the table to eat with the rest of the people.
• They offer him human food.
• They always dress the animal, regardless of whether it is cold or not.
• They spend a lot of money on treats for the animal.
• The animal is allowed to occupy more space in the resting area (sofa or bed), putting its comfort above its personal comfort.
• It is treated like a baby.

Dangers of humanizing dogs

When dogs are given supposed needs that are inherent to people and not to them, their essence is misunderstood and their importance is reduced to things that are really important for these animals, taking into account their nature.

Of course, the dog can be seen as another member of the family, but a different member, with its own needs.

Therefore, there are many dangers in humanizing dogs.

Identity

Dogs build their identity based on their physical and social environment. That is why we insist on the importance of good socialization. Socialization is essential to learning basic codes of behavior with other dogs and humans.

During the first four months, the dog learns, along with his mother and the other dogs in the litter, what play, exploration, and other characteristics define him as a dog.

But it is in life with humans that many of these behaviors are repressed, rejected, or even punished, without understanding that they just need to be channeled.

Dogs also need to learn to manage their emotions, and for that, humans must identify and satisfy their needs without taking away their canine nature.

They do not know the rules

A dog must be educated in order to have a proper coexistence. The animal must know that there are attitudes that it cannot have, such as biting everything or urinating where it wants.

Humanized dogs do not know the limits, because the person in charge of showing them has overlooked them. Therefore, behavioral problems are common in them.

In addition, it must be taken into account that the way to educate a dog is not the same as when educating a child. The teachings of the animals must be oriented to their capacities so that they can assimilate them.

Aggressiveness and destructiveness

Derived from the previous point, one of the most serious dangers of humanizing dogs is the development of aggressive and destructive behaviors.

Not knowing hierarchies, it can also become a dominant dog.

Separation anxiety

Pets may develop separation anxiety if they are humanized.

If most of the time is spent with the animal from the moment it arrives in the person's life, that animal will not know what loneliness is.

When there is a separation, the dog will not know how to manage being away from its owner, which will lead to behaviors derived from this problem: barking, biting, urinating where it should not, etc.

Insecurity and distrust

Another danger of humanizing dogs is that they become insecure and distrustful.

Possibly, there will come a time when he will not obey his owner and will not know how to relate to other dogs.

Anxiety and frustration

Animals are driven by instincts, following their own nature.

If we try to change it, the dog may begin to suffer from anxiety and frustration, leading to illness or behavioral problems.

Let's look at a simple example: dressing dogs. In winter, when it is cold, it is logical to want to keep our pets warm, especially when it comes to small breed dogs.

However, what does it do for your little dog to wear a dress in summer? It does nothing for her, except discomfort and warmth. It is the person who puts that dress on her who finds "benefit" from that practice, seeing her pet very adorable.

Health problems due to lack of nutrients

When you feed your pet the food you eat, you may not only be making a mistake by feeding toxic food to your dog.

You may also (and even if you avoid those that are harmful to his health) not be giving him all the nutrients he needs.

Dangers of humanizing dogs for people

The dangers of humanizing dogs are not just for the animals.

People also suffer the consequences of having humanized their pets.

For example, they may develop a disorder known as petophilia, the inordinate love for pets. This leads the person to totally condition his or her life, putting the pet's needs above his or her own.

Remember that you can love your pet unconditionally, but that should not imply that you forget that it is an animal.

How many of us have had the experience that when we come home from work, our dogs happily approach us and almost always the first thing they do is sit at our feet? In this case, we will show what it means that they sleep on our feet and why dogs do this action so much.

Whether it is because we like to sleep with our dog or because our dog comes to us, there are some reasons that we will show you below and explain in detail why dogs feel comfortable sleeping on our feet.

Why does my dog lie on my feet?

To go into details, we first have to know the natural characteristics of dogs as a species, as this will explain some of the usual behaviors. The first thing is that dogs are pack animals, that is to say, they are very sociable animals and they establish a close bond with those they consider part of their pack, in addition to the fact that they provide food, affection, and company.

Now, there is no single reason why our dog lies on our feet and stares at us, it will depend mainly on his body language and the context that surrounds him.

Since an action of a dog, depending on all these factors, can have diverse and multiple interpretations, we must observe and inquire about its body language and its context to be able to understand more precisely why it performs a certain action.

When a dog lies down on our feet, they simulate a usual pack behavior of dogs, since the threats when another member rests, some stay awake in order to protect him. Since while sleeping there is a state of vulnerability.

This also indicates that he not only considers us a member of the pack, but that he is showing us his affection and love because he is taking care of us. It often happens because the man in his daily activities spends hours away from the house while he comes home, so the dog wants to share as much time with us as possible and dedicate every moment we are there to share.

What can I do to prevent the dog from sleeping on my feet?

In the case that the dog has bought his house or built his bed, it can generate some conflict since the dog will prefer to sleep on our feet than on his bed. If this is the case, the recommendation for the dog to sleep in his bed is to leave him a piece of our clothes, so that the smell makes him feel that he is next to us and he can sleep peacefully.

We can also use rewards or dog cookies to direct the dog's attention to the bed and accompany him if it is difficult for him to sleep in that place. Taking into account that the dog is an animal of habits, you will have to do this process for at least several weeks, and then you will see that the dog will be comfortable with his bed.

We must also check that the bed is comfortable enough for the dog, because if it is not, obviously the dog would prefer the best place to sleep. So in this case, we must pad his bed much better so that he can sleep much more comfortably.

We must also take into account that, in the case of the winter season, he must have his bed with good quilts so that he can withstand the cold. With these solutions and habituating him, he will be comfortable in his bed to sleep peacefully.

Myths about dogs sleeping close to you

First of all, we will talk about a myth that has been disproved, which refers to the dog that sleeps on its guardian's feet out of a sense of dominance, which means that the dog is imposing itself on its guardian.

This is completely false because dominance happens between members of the same species, that is to say, that it can only happen between dogs. This, on many occasions, has caused behavioral problems since these actions are repressed as if they were an aspect of dominance affecting the dog's personality and character.

Another myth is that they give rise to diseases, but this is actually false, as long as they have the corresponding hygiene, vaccinations, and pertinent care.

Is it comfortable for my dog to sleep at my feet? Why does he do it?

Generally, dogs sleep on your feet because it is a demonstration of affection and a lot of protection. That is to say, he feels that you are really taking care of him. He also feels that you are a great team, and it is a mutual demonstration.

Regarding if it is comfortable for them, yes it is. They can spend a long time sleeping there because they feel protected. They are also capable of ignoring a big bed for the sake of being at your feet.

Why does my dog sleep on my shoes?

It is a sign that he wants to feel safe and that is the place to get it. Basically, he can feel nervous in a moment and that is why he comes to sleep in your shoes. He feels that you can really provide him with protection and security, and that's why he does it.

Why does my dog lie on my clothes?

It is important to know that the canine may be going through a moment of anxiety and restlessness and that our clothes are a way to reach calm. Since the clothes we wear carry our scent, and so they feel much closer to us, somehow they feel safer.

Pomeranians, also known as German Spitz or Pomeranian Lulu, are known to be very active and intelligent dogs, capable of excelling in different disciplines such as obedience and Agility.

They are very popular animals, given their great temperament and ability to coexist with children, as long as they are well socialized. At the same time, due to their small size, they are ideal dogs for life in an apartment. This makes many people wonder if these dogs are hypoallergenic or not.

Pomeranians are not hypoallergenic dogs because they shed their hair frequently. Thus, they promote the dissemination in the home of the salivary proteins "Can f1" and "Can f2" that we can find in the animal's dander and that cause an allergic reaction.

However, if you have recently adopted a Pomeranian dog, this does not mean that there are no ways to alleviate allergy symptoms.

In the following article, we hope to help you better understand what allergies are and if there really are hypoallergenic breeds, as well as preventive measures you can take at home to avoid reactions.

What should I know about Pomeranian dogs?

Pomeranian or German Spitz dogs, also known as Pomeranian Lulu and Pomeranian Boo, are small breed dogs. According to the standard established by the American Kennel Club, Pomeranian dogs measure on average between 15 and 18 cm, weighing between 1.5 and 3 kg.

The Pomeranian Lulu is the version that corresponds to the breed standard, it is characterized by a fox-like face (with an elongated muzzle).

The Pomeranian Boo, on the other hand, is characterized by a bear-like face (the shorter muzzle and rounder cheeks give it the appearance of a teddy bear).

When it comes to the Boo Pomeranian, or bear-faced, it must be taken into consideration that, due to their reduced anatomical structure, they are predisposed to suffer from respiratory problems in the same way as brachiocephalic breeds.

Another problem is caused by the small size of the skull, which is not able to accommodate the brain. This causes a condition known as Chiari malformation, where the brain presses against the walls of the skull. This is a very painful condition for the animal and can lead to paralysis.

Generally, in terms of size, there are several types, such as the toy or the teacup-sized Pomeranian. Both types do not exist as such, since the official standard only recognizes one breed, the Pomeranian. However, these terms are typically used to describe dogs that are smaller than average.

As for the coat, it is characterized by being long, and at the same time, it has an undercoat. Because of this, Pomeranian dogs moult relatively frequently throughout the year. Also, during seasonal changes (twice a year), they moult abundantly.

As for colors, the coats recognized by the standard are the following: black, black and tan, blue, blue and tan, blue merle, blue sable (sable color is a light yellowish-tan tone), chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, cream sable, orange, orange sable, red, red sable, white, white sable, beaver (beaver) and tricolor.

They are very intelligent and relatively active dogs. Despite their small size, they excel in canine activities such as agility and obedience competitions. They have an average life expectancy of between 12 and 16 years.

They are animals that stand out for being very affectionate with their families, being good at interacting with other dogs and dealing with small children.

What causes allergies in humans from dogs?

In the case of animals, it is the salivary proteins Can f1 and Can f2 that trigger such an allergic reaction in a person.

However, there are numerous substances capable of triggering an allergic response.

Sometimes, the reaction does not occur in response to the specific protein of the animal but to substances of a different nature that the animal has attached to its coat or paws.

How do allergic reactions occur?

For an allergic reaction to occur, the organism must first be "sensitized," i.e., it must be exposed to the allergen for the first time.

The organism becomes "hypersensitized," i.e., once it comes into contact with the same allergen a second time, its immune system will trigger an excessive response to it.

Thus, the typical picture of an allergic reaction appears, where we can find the following symptoms: Milder symptoms, such as hives or nasal congestion, may be present, as may more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, nausea, swelling of the face, and/or loss of consciousness.

This excessive response is characterized by a huge production of a specific type of immunoglobulin, IgE. An antibody (immune system protein) that the body produces to fight antigens such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens.

Are there really hypoallergenic dogs, and what does the science say?

A study comparing breeds of animals considered 'hypoallergenic' with 'non-hypoallergenic' breeds found that the "hypoallergenic" breeds had higher concentrations of Can f1 proteins in their hair. This study questions the existence of hypoallergenic breeds and the concept of a "hypoallergenic breed".

Throughout the research, the scientists wondered if there were certain habits that may have influenced the results obtained, since in some of the homes with "hypoallergenic" dogs, the levels of allergens in the environment were lower.

The type and frequency of household cleaning is one of the factors considered. It is possible that those households with "hypoallergenic" breeds had other types of routines.

It may be that these routines were performed more thoroughly and more frequently, given the clinical history of their inhabitants, where allergic reactions are frequent.

In turn, they found a lower concentration of allergens, both in the ambient air and in the hair, in those animals that had been spayed or neutered. Although the cause is not yet known, it is thought that it may be because they have different daily activity habits.

Why is the Pomeranian not a breed of dog considered hypoallergenic?

The Pomeranian is not considered a hypoallergenic dog, primarily for the following reasons. Firstly, it is questionable whether hypoallergenic dog breeds as such really exist, and secondly, Pomeranian dogs meet two of the basic requirements that scientists determine to be influential:

• On the one hand, they are obviously dogs. Therefore, they are going to produce in their saliva the allergens.
• On the other hand, they shed their fur considerably during seasonal changes. This means that the levels of allergens present in the environment are higher.

It is true that not only the level of shedding is a determining factor, but also the animal's dander levels, as well as its daily habits, for example, if it likes to lick itself frequently.

However, if we have a series of factors that are difficult to manage, such as dander secretion, and we add frequent shedding, we generate an environment with a high load of allergens.

All this makes the Pomeranian not the best choice for a person suffering from allergies. However, just because it is not the best choice does not mean that it is impossible to live with this type of animal. It all depends on the case and the measures we are willing to take.

Can a person with allergies live with a Pomeranian dog?

As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, it is possible that you have adopted a Pomeranian dog, or mongrel, and you need to know if you can live with the animal, because you do not want to give your new pet for adoption.

The definitive answer to this question can only be given by the doctor handling your case. This professional will know exactly what levels you can tolerate.

However, as the referenced article showed, many owners acquire dogs of 'hypoallergenic' breeds thinking that with them they will not suffer allergic conditions.

In spite of this, thanks to the study, we obtained an important fact: although there were no differences in the level of allergens in the coat between the different breeds, there were differences in the environment for some of them.

It is difficult to explain the exact reason for this difference, as even the scientists themselves need to continue their research.

However, the results obtained suggest that if we establish a good hygiene routine, it would be possible to coexist with such animals.

In any case, as we mentioned at the beginning, the professional in charge of your case will be in charge of determining whether or not you can live with such an animal.

How can I reduce my dogs allergens at home?

If you suffer from allergic reactions and you live with a Pomeranian dog, here are some recommendations that can help you with your allergic reactions.

• Brush the dog outside the home every day. This is an effective measure to get rid of excess allergens accumulated in the coat.
• Clean the coat and paws regularly with a towel and a little water. Especially after a walk. This method allows us to remove any allergens that may have remained adhered to our animal.
• Let the dog sleep in a different room. Sleeping with your pet is a very high risk for any allergic person, since you do not give your body the opportunity to recover. It is recommended, in turn, to install an air purifier in the room.
• Cover the surfaces of your furniture. Or, teach them to use only their bed. This way, you avoid having to deep clean all the furniture constantly.
• Avoid licking. The proteins that cause allergies are synthesized in the animal's saliva. Many times, animals lick themselves out of boredom, for hygiene reasons and, sometimes, due to an allergy. By offering our Pomeranian a greater variety of toys to entertain him, we can avoid certain situations, such as those caused by boredom. If they continue with the habit of licking themselves, it may be necessary to visit the veterinarian to determine if they suffer from some type of allergy.
• Get a cleaning robot. Robots reduce the workload, since you can program them to clean the house daily and even several times a day. This reduces the amount of allergens and hairs in the environment considerably.

Final considerations

Although current studies rule out the existence of truly hypoallergenic breeds, they still do not have a clear answer.

One of the important conclusions we draw from such research is that home hygiene routines and habits play a very important role.

This opens the possibility of being able to keep breeds considered as not "hypoallergenic" as pets at home, among them the Pomeranian, as long as we respect the necessary hygienic measures.

We hope you found this article useful. Please do not hesitate to share it through your social networks.

Is it common for dogs to lick their own or another dog's pee? Yes. A dog licking its pee or another dog's pee is completely normal in the animal world. It is part of their behavior, and urine is a great communication tool that not only allows them to leave a trail but also communicates a lot of information to other members of their species.

Whether or not you should be concerned will depend on how often he does it, the age of your dog and where he licks the urine, for example, inside or outside the house.

Why does my dog lick other dogs pee?

Dog pee has several components, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia, urea, uric acid, creatinine, magnesium, and calcium. But what most owners don't think about is that urine is the body's liquid waste, so it can also contain traces of different elements, such as salts, electrolytes, carbohydrates, fatty acids, enzymes, hormones, traces of blood if the dog is in heat, drugs if she is on medication, and, as in people, urine is affected by diet.

Not all urine is the same. What it contains is going to depend on the particular dog that has urinated, and of course, this can vary from dog to dog, but also within the same animal throughout the day. Just like people, pee can tell a story about an individual dog and give a picture of its health.

A dog's ability to detect different components in pee is so powerful that it can tell if the dog that peed is sick, in heat, etc. If you have experienced your dog licking pee, you will have seen that he is very selective about which pee he chooses to lick, and this is due to the different compositions of the expelled pee, which then attracts your dog or the next dog that passes by.

Why did my dog suddenly start licking pee?

This can depend on a variety of factors, but let's look at some of the main reasons. In the end, you are the one who knows your dog, and you will figure out what fits your particular situation to determine if you need to make any small changes or if you need to talk to a veterinarian. Always do your research before you medicate, and only do so if necessary. In many cases, dogs' long-term health suffers because of medicine that is administered "just in case," rather than a more holistic and moderate approach to treating the problems that arise.

Pheromones

They are in the pee, and these chemicals naturally elicit a social response in the dog that smells them. They are a method of communication with other animals of the same species. Animals detect pheromones with their sense of smell, and if you've ever seen your dog licking urine and he freezes for a second with his tongue out - known as a Flehmen response - it means he's soaking up all the juicy details of the message. Animal pheromones can communicate everything: danger signals, alarm calls, territory or route markers, sexual traits such as willingness to mate, physical or health status, and predator or prey information. Even if a dog lives in a comfortable home, this type of communication still exists and is part of its natural survival instinct. So if you notice that your dog suddenly starts licking urine, it may be due to pheromones. Don't think too much about it, nature takes its course, and your dog is going to enjoy some much needed communication with his own tribe!

Digestive enzymes

They are excreted in the pee, and when the dog selects one type over another, it may simply mean that it is an innate survival tactic to diversify the range of gut bacteria critical to his health. This is more prevalent in dogs that eat the same diet every day. Their microbiome range of beneficial gut bacteria is limited to what the owner chooses to feed them. A dog may need to seek out live food sources to diversify the gut bacteria essential for good immune health and to help with stomach pH.

Glucose

In dogs on a dry food diet, which is full of by-products and carbohydrates, these "foods" are converted to sugars, which are present in a dog's urine in the form of glucose. Even if a dog's kidneys are healthy, with the amount of dry food consumed, there are going to be traces of glucose in the urine, which can then attract other dogs to lick it up. Since dogs can sense everything from urine, it may be that the dog that urinated earlier has glycosuria, high blood sugar levels, or diabetes, so the glucose levels expelled would be higher than normal, and sweet pee is attractive for dogs to eagerly take.

Dehydration

Most dogs that eat balanced food do not get enough water in their diet, so it could be that while out walking, especially on warm or hot days, certain dog pee will appear on cue to quench their thirst. It is unlikely that the pee intake is due to dehydration, as most dogs would drink from another source if it is within reach. If your dog is very thirsty, be sure to always carry water with you when out walking.

Behavior

The question is whether you noticed any drastic changes in your dog's behavior that are unusual for him.

Some of the easiest problems to solve are when a dog urinates inside the house environment and then licks its own pee. This is going to depend on a couple of things, such as whether it is an adult dog or a puppy, or if it is an untrained senior dog. It's quite natural for this to happen since they resort to denning behavior. Train your puppy and retrain older dogs with positive reinforcement techniques only. If you challenge him, you will cause him more emotional damage in the long run. Don't make it a big deal, but when you go out with your dog, congratulate him and give him a small reward with a natural snack to show him he did a good job. Be consistent with training until your dog learns. Consider shortening the time between walks so that your dog has more opportunities to go out rather than having to hold on all day while desperately waiting for you to take him out.

Just think, you could be the problem. Unfortunately, many pet owners do not establish a routine with regular schedules for their dog and do not allocate enough time for him to be outside and go to the bathroom as he should many times. If day to day, your dog has no idea when it is time to go to the bathroom and eat. They are trying to make the best of a bad situation that you created. If this is the case, they prioritize their self-protection. For a dog to be forced to relieve himself inside the house goes against all his natural instincts, and licking his own urine becomes a mechanism to hide the evidence. Think about how many times a day you go to the bathroom and start calculating that your dog has to match that amount. Or, at the very least, schedule times for him to go to the bathroom throughout the day so he knows when it's time for walks.

Older dogs

Just like people, dogs age and experience body changes. In many older dogs, the problem may be related to the amount of time they have to wait between walks. Or it may be the onset of incontinence. Your adult dog may have a weaker bladder, which is why he leaks drops of pee when he changes position and, because he knows he is doing so within his area of refuge, he tries to lick it up, resorting to his innate behavior.

An underlying health problem

See if your dog is peeing more than usual or licking other dogs' pee more frequently. If this is part of the problem, then there may be an underlying illness. If you know that everything else is the same, such as his walking schedule, diet, etc., talk to your veterinarian. Some common diseases related to excessive pee intake are as follows (not an exhaustive list).

Urinary tract infections Bladder diseases Cushing's syndrome Cognitive dysfunction Dementia Kidney diseases Liver disease Diabetes

Mating

Male dogs often lick up more pee than female dogs, especially if a female dog expelled pheromone-filled urine to show that she is in heat. Males identify these signals and the scent.

Emotional stressors

Dogs that suffer from anxiety, fear, or have a nervous personality often pee more or have small accidents depending on the situation they are in. When this happens, your reaction can either help or worsen their behavior. If you get angry, you are likely to encourage a negative reaction and more frequent peeing behavior. Whereas if you deal with the situation more kindly and understandingly, you help your dog calm down and reduce the need to lick his own pee.

Is it dangerous for my dog to lick other dogs' pee?

Really not. He will be alright, much like if a dog eats another dog's poop. Even while there is a slight possibility that he could get a parasite of some sort, the probability is negligible.

Dogs have ancestral digestive systems, which is why they have the ability to process higher microbial activity than humans, which is why they can eat raw meat and bones, eat spoiled food, lick pee, and eat poop without getting sick. It is also part of their survival instinct and is what they learn as sheltering behavior. Dogs are more protected against pathogens and bacteria than many pharmaceutical companies would like you to believe.

If you are concerned about parasites, a simple technique is to always have an alternative water pot in your home that you replace often and that has a little apple cider vinegar in it. Your dog will naturally select this water when he needs the apple cider vinegar to help keep his stomach at the optimum pH to prevent parasites.