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7 Things Dogs Don't Understand

January 15, 2021

One of the best things about dogs is the fact that they’re so smart. Fido can learn up to 100 words and commands! However, our canine pals don’t think the way we do, and they don’t process information in the same way. A Washington DC vet lists some things that confuse pups in this article. 


Phrase Variations

When training your dog, or even just communicating with him, it’s very important to use the same words or phrases every time. Fido won’t know that ‘Come’ means the exact same thing as ‘Fido, get over here now!’


Punishment

We know, it can be frustrating to come home and find that Fido ate your shoes or tore up the trash. However, punishing him won’t help. Your furry friend won’t necessarily associate your reaction with his behavior, and may not understand why you’re angry.


The Concept Of Poison

Unlike cats, who tend to be quite finicky, dogs will eat pretty much anything. This can be very dangerous, as Fido could easily ingest something that isn’t safe. Sago palms, for example, are highly toxic to pets. Many of our favorite foods, including garlic and onions; grapes, currants, and raisins; chocolate; and avocado are also unsafe for them. Ask your vet for more information. 


Vacuum Cleaners

Our canine companions are quite protective of their humans. Fido may very well bark at these evil robots to try and scare them away!


Cats

We really can’t blame Fido for this one. Our feline pals can be quite ‘purrplexing.’ After all, Fluffy cleans herself on purpose, wags her tail when she’s mad, and spends a ridiculous amount of time sleeping! 


Changes

Major adjustments, such as getting a new owner or moving to a new house, are very stressful for pets. Fido won’t really know what is going on, and he can get quite anxious. Pay extra attention to your pup during these types of changes. 


Us

While it’s easy to joke about pets not wanting to go to the vet, it is important to realize that clinics can be stressful for them. There’s all those unfamiliar scents, as well as the presence and smells of other nervous animals. We know this, and do everything we can to make appointments easy on our patients!


Please contact us, your Washington DC veterinary clinic, for all of your pup’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help! 

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

Preventing Poisoning In Pets

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with
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