🐾 PAWPEDIA FAQ – The Ultimate Dog Owner’s Guide 🐾

🐾 PAWPEDIA FAQ: Your Ultimate Dog Owner’s Cheat Sheet! 🐶📖

1️⃣ How often should I bath my dog?

🛁 Most dogs need a bath once every 4-6 weeks, but it depends on the breed, coat type, and activity level. Dogs with oily coats (like Basset Hounds) may need more frequent baths, while double-coated breeds (like Huskies) do best with fewer baths to maintain natural oils.

2️⃣ How do I know if my dog is overweight?

⚖️ You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs but not see them. If they have no waistline or struggle to move, they might need a diet adjustment and more exercise.

3️⃣ Is it okay to let my dog sleep in my bed?

🛏️ It’s a personal choice! If your dog is clean, parasite-free, and doesn’t disrupt your sleep, it’s perfectly fine. But set boundaries if they show signs of dominance or aggression.

4️⃣ Why does my dog eat grass?

🌿 Dogs may eat grass due to boredom, nutritional deficiencies, or to induce vomiting. It’s usually harmless, but if it happens excessively, consult a vet.

5️⃣ What’s the best way to remove pet hair from furniture?

🧹 Use a rubber glove, damp sponge, or electrostatic brush like our FurSweep Electrostatic Pet Hair Remover available on our store for quick cleanup!

🐶 GENERAL DOG CARE FAQ

6️⃣ How do I stop my dog from barking excessively?

🔇 Identify the cause (boredom, anxiety, excitement) and use positive reinforcement for quiet behavior. Exercise, mental stimulation, and training commands like “quiet” can help.

7️⃣ Why does my dog hump things (or people)?

😳 Humping isn’t always sexual—it can be a sign of excitement, dominance, or stress relief. Redirect their energy with toys or training.

8️⃣ My dog keeps chewing everything—how do I stop it?

🦷 Chewing is normal, especially for puppies! Provide durable chew toys like our PawChew Soft Dog Toothbrush Toy, and use bitter sprays to deter chewing unwanted items.

9️⃣ Why does my dog dig holes in the yard?

⛏️ Dogs dig due to instinct, boredom, hunting behavior, or to cool down. Provide a designated digging spot, offer more exercise, and discourage digging in unwanted areas.

🍗 DOG DIET & NUTRITION FAQ

1️⃣ Can my dog eat human food?

✅ YES: Carrots, apples, blueberries, plain chicken, rice etc
❌ NO: Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, avocados, artificial sweeteners (Xylitol) etc

2️⃣ How much should I feed my dog?

🥣 It depends on age, breed, and activity level. Check dog food labels or consult a vet, but a general rule is 2-3% of their body weight per day.

3️⃣ Can my dog eat raw food?

🥩 The raw diet is controversial. Some owners swear by it, while others warn of bacteria risks. If feeding raw, ensure a balanced, vet-approved meal plan.

4️⃣ Why does my dog always seem hungry?

🍖 Dogs beg even when full due to habit, boredom, or food obsession. Stick to a feeding schedule and avoid reinforcing begging behavior.

🐕 BREED-SPECIFIC FAQ

1️⃣ Do Huskies really not get cold?

❄️ Huskies have a thick double coat designed for cold weather, but they can get frostbite in extreme temperatures. Always provide shelter in icy conditions.

1️⃣ How can I make my old dog more comfortable?

🛏️ Provide orthopedic beds, joint supplements, and gentle exercise to keep them active and pain-free.

2️⃣Why does my Pug snore so much?

😴 Pugs are brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs, making breathing harder. Snoring is common but monitor for severe breathing issues.

2️⃣Should I switch to senior dog food?

🍽️ Yes! Senior formulas are easier to digest and contain joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.

3️⃣Why does my Labrador eat EVERYTHING?

🤦 Labs are notorious food lovers! They have strong appetites due to genetics and past breeding as retrievers. Portion control and slow feeder bowls can help prevent overeating.

3️⃣ My senior dog is sleeping a lot—is that normal?

😴 Yes, older dogs sleep more due to slowed metabolism, but excessive lethargy can indicate health issues.

🦴 SENIOR DOG FAQ

4️⃣Why do Dachshunds bark so much?

🐕‍🦺 Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, making them naturally alert and vocal. Consistent training and socialization can help reduce excessive barking.

5️⃣Why do German Shepherds follow their owners everywhere?

👮 German Shepherds are loyal working dogs bred for companionship and protection. They thrive on being close to their owners and may develop separation anxiety if left alone too often.

4️⃣ What should I do if my dog eats something toxic?

🚑 Call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (ASPCA) immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed.

5️⃣ How do I know if my dog is sick?

🐾 Signs of illness:
✅ Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, limping, or bad breath.

🐾 PAWPEDIA MYTH BUSTERS: Unleashing the Truth About Dogs! 🚀🐶

💥 Busting the Biggest Dog Myths – One Paw at a Time!

🐕 Myth #1: "Dogs See the World in Black and White."

✅ Truth: Dogs actually see blue and yellow hues! While they don’t see the full spectrum like humans, their vision is far from grayscale.

🍖 Myth #2: "A Dog’s Nose Should Always Be Wet."

✅ Truth: A dry nose doesn’t always mean a sick pup! It could be due to weather changes, sleep, or hydration levels—so don’t panic!

🐶 Myth #3: "One Human Year Equals Seven Dog Years."

✅ Truth: Aging varies by breed and size. Smaller dogs live longer, while larger breeds age faster. The "7-year rule" is just a rough estimate!

🦴 Myth #4: "Dogs Can Eat Bones Without Any Issues."

✅ Truth: Cooked bones are dangerous! They can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Stick to raw, dog-safe bones or vet-approved chews.

🐾 Myth #5: "Dogs Wag Their Tail Only When They're Happy."

✅ Truth: Tail wagging can also mean nervousness, aggression, or alertness. Pay attention to the speed and position to understand their mood!

🚿 Myth #6: "Frequent Bathing is Bad for Dogs."

✅ Truth: The right bathing schedule depends on breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Some dogs need weekly baths, while others are fine with monthly.

🛌 Myth #7: "Letting Your Dog Sleep in Bed Will Make Them Dominant."

✅ Truth: No dominance involved! It’s about comfort and bonding. Just ensure boundaries if needed for a good night's sleep.

🌿 Myth #8: "Dogs Can Self-Medicate by Eating Grass."

✅ Truth: While some dogs eat grass to settle an upset stomach, many just like the texture! If it happens too often, check for digestive issues.

💖 Myth #9: "Dogs Don’t Feel Guilt—They Just Act That Way."

✅ Truth: That "guilty look" is actually fear or submission—not guilt. Dogs live in the moment and don’t dwell on past mistakes like humans!

🔥 Myth #10: "A Warm, Dry Nose Means My Dog is Sick."

✅ Truth: A warm nose is normal! Illness signs include loss of appetite, lethargy, or behavioral changes—not just a dry nose.

👹 Myth #11: "Shaving a Dog in Summer Helps Them Stay Cool."

✅ Truth: A dog’s fur actually regulates body temperature! Shaving can expose their skin to sunburn and heatstroke—so let that coat do its job.

🦷 Myth #12: "Dog Saliva Heals Wounds Faster."

✅ Truth: While dog saliva contains some antibacterial properties, it also carries harmful bacteria that can make wounds worse. Let’s stick to first-aid kits!

🐺 Myth #13: "Dogs Are Direct Descendants of Wolves, So They Should Eat Raw Meat Only."

✅ Truth: Dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, but after thousands of years of domestication, dogs' digestive systems are built differently. They thrive on a balanced diet—not just raw meat!

🐶 Myth #14: "If a Dog Eats Poop, It Means They Have a Nutrient Deficiency."

✅ Truth: While diet can be a factor, many dogs eat poop out of boredom, curiosity, or learned behavior—gross, but not always a sign of poor health.

🐩 Myth #15: "It’s Okay to Leave Your Dog in the Car for a Few Minutes."

✅ Truth: Never! Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket, causing heatstroke within minutes.

🐶 Myth #16: "Rubbing a Dog’s Nose in Their Accident Teaches Them Not to Pee Inside."

✅ Truth: This only confuses and scares the dog—it does not teach them where to go. Positive reinforcement is the way to go!

🐕‍🦺 Myth #17: "Dogs Love Being Hugged."

✅ Truth: While some dogs tolerate hugs, many find it stressful and restrictive. Instead, try petting or belly rubs—they love that more!

🚀 Myth #18: "Dogs See the World in Black and White."

✅ Truth: This myth is completely outdated! Dogs actually see in color, just not like humans. Their vision is similar to someone with red-green color blindness—they can distinguish blues and yellows but struggle with reds and greens.