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Reasons For Problematic Barking

July 15, 2023

Is your dog barking incessantly? This can be a sore spot for many people, and it can definitely cause friction with the neighbors. Problematic barking isn’t an unsolvable issue. However, you’ll need to start by figuring out what is making Fido vocalize in the first place. A Washington DC vet offers some suggestions in this article. 

Boredom

Man’s Best Friend is very intelligent, and he needs entertainment and stimulation. Make sure Fido has plenty of toys to play with. That shouldn’t be the only form of enrichment he gets, though. Daily walks also provide lots of enrichment. Let your pooch sniff different things while you’re walking him. If he stays home alone while you go to work, offer him puzzle toys, or hire a dog walker to break up his day. 

Anxiety

Just like people, Fido can suffer from stress and anxiety. Dogs sometimes bark as a way to try and ‘scare off’ something that they fear or are uncomfortable about, or just to soothe themselves. This can stem from a variety of causes: such as loneliness, boredom, discomfort, past trauma, and phobias.

Warning! 

Another reason Fido may be barking is if something set off his inner watchdog. We know, it can be tiresome if your furry friend lets you know every time the neighbor’s cat moves. However, if your canine pal mostly barks to let you know something is off, he’s trying to help you out.

Attention

When your furry pal starts barking, do you go to check on him? If so, well, he may be training you. Fido learned quite a while ago that barking is a great way for him to get attention. Some pups will even settle for negative attention. It is important to make sure your pooch is getting enough affection, but don’t spoil him.

Excitement

Last but not least, Fido may bark to show that he’s excited about something. He may speak to greet you when you come home after work. He should settle down quickly, though, once you’re inside.

Tips

If you aren’t sure why your pup is barking, or how to stop him, consult a pet behaviorist, and get professional guidance. Never punish your canine companion for barking: it’s an instinctive behavior, so he won’t know what he did wrong. 

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Washington DC pet clinic, today! 

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!

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