Questions hounding dog owners during pandemic

KENNEL CLUB OFFERS ADVICE TO FIRST-TIMERS ON THEIR PETS’ PUZZLING BEHAVIOUR

THE Covid-19 pandemic has led to a boom in first-time dog owners, who have been left puzzled by certain forms of behaviour their pets have shown during lockdown.

Everything from questionable dietary choices, excessive licking and staring into space are just some of the habits that dog owners have been struggling to understand.

The Kennel Club tracked Google search trends during the pandemic puppy boom and found a nation of dog owners looking for reassurance on canine habits.

Spokesman Bill Lambert said: “We all want reassurance that our pets are as happy and healthy as they can be, and this is highlighted by what the dog lovers are searching online.

“Whilst there have been many people becoming dog owners for the first time this year, there are also many long-term dog owners who are continuing to learn the behaviours and needs of their pet.

“The Kennel Club is here to help all dog owners, guiding them through every step of their pets’ lives, and to provide reassurance for the unexpected.”

Most-asked questions include:

WHY DOES MY DOG EAT GRASS?

■They like it.

We tend to think of dogs as mainly eating meat, but it’s normal for them to eat both meat and plants.

■They’re bored.

If your dog isn’t getting enough mental stimulation then they may turn to behaviours such as eating grass, digging or chewing. Eating grass occasionally is normal for dogs, but you should contact your vet if your dog shows other signs, such as not eating the food you give them; seeming tired; having diarrhoea or constipation; is eating grass obsessively, or keeps eating grass and being sick.

WHY DOES MY DOG STARE AT ME?

■They want to know what you’re doing or what you’re going to do next.

■They’re confused about what you’re up to or what you want from them.

■They want something from you, such as food, affection, to go for a walk or to go to the toilet.

■They love you!

There may be a number of different reasons why your dog stares at you, but it’s usually because they want to

know something or are trying to tell you something. Understanding what that special “something” could be is the key to knowing why your dog is staring at you, but it’s most likely for one of the reasons listed above.

WHY DOES MY DOG SHAKE?

Dogs can shake for a number of different reasons and these can be divided into three main categories:

■Behavioural (they’re scared, anxious or excited).

■As a response to their environment (they’re wet or cold).

■Medical (they’re in pain, they feel sick, or it may be a sign of a health condition, such as epilepsy, generalised tremor syndrome, muscle weakness, ear problems or poisoning).

Keeping your dog warm, dry, relaxed, up-to-date on their vaccinations and out of paw’s reach from poisons can help to prevent the most common reasons for your dog to shake. If you’re unsure why your dog is shaking you should always speak to your vet, especially if you’re concerned about them, or if the shaking is new, severe or accompanied by other signs.

WHY DOES MY DOG FOLLOW ME EVERYWHERE?

If your dog follows you everywhere then it’s a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they’re bored, they want something, they’re feeling scared or are just being nosy.

It is also part of their natural social behaviour, to watch and follow what you are doing to help maintain a good relationship with you. Wanting to be close to you is a normal behaviour for dogs, but some dogs may be too clingy or even become anxious when their owner leaves. There are a number of ways you can help your dog feel more confident, but you should always consult your vet or a behaviourist if you’re concerned about them.