Category: Behavior

Will A Dog Eat Itself To Death?

It would be highly unusual for a dog to eat himself to death, but some dogs will certainly overeat if given the chance. Free feeding is a common practice among pet owners, and it may work for some dogs who will stop eating when satisfied. Other dogs, however, will continue to eat until they make themselves sick. Fatalities from gorging are extremely rare. That being said, bloat is a serious condition that can be caused by eating too much too quickly and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Problems With Overeating

While your dog isn’t likely to eat himself to death in one sitting, long-term overeating can certainly shorten his life and lead to a myriad of medical conditions including:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Arthritis 

As is the case with humans, ensuring your dog eats a proper balanced diet is important to his good health. If your dog tends to overeat, then free feeding is not the way to go. Instead, you’ll want to put out measured amounts of food two or three times a day.

Why Do Some Dogs Overeat?

Like humans, some dogs tend to eat until satisfied while others overeat anytime they have the chance. There is no one simple answer as to why some dogs overeat, but potential causes include:

  • Boredom
  • Anxiety
  • Former food deprivation
  • Hormone imbalances 

No matter the reason, curbing your pet’s overeating is important in order to help him maintain optimal health. Free feeding may be convenient, but if your dog doesn’t know when to stop, then it’s detrimental to his health.

Even though your dog isn’t likely to eat himself to death in one sitting, long-term overeating could lead to serious health consequences. If you’re not sure how much or how often your pet should be eating, talk to your vet for advice specific to your dog. 

 

Why Is My Dog Peeing Everywhere?

Some reasons your dog may be peeing everywhere include medical conditions, improper training, fear, or infrequent walks. If the pet is a puppy or a dog that is new to your home, you’ll need to exercise some patience as some dogs take longer to train than others. If a housebroken pet has started peeing everywhere, you’ll need to try to pinpoint a reason.

Common Reasons For Inappropriate Urination 

Once your dog is properly housebroken, he shouldn’t start urinating in the house unless there is an underlying reason. These may include:

Medical Conditions

This is a common cause of a trained dog to start peeing throughout the house. Medical conditions that can cause this behavior include urinary tract infections, kidney issues, bladder stones, diabetes, and certain injuries. In many cases, dogs will show no other symptoms, so you should make a vet appointment as soon as you notice that the dog is urinating in the house.

Submission

This is most common in puppies, but it can occur at any age. If someone startles the dog, reaches for, or scolds the dog, he may urinate out of fear or to show his submission.

Marking

You can recognize marking as it tends to be very small amounts of urine in certain places. Spaying or neutering can help, and the earlier you fix your pet, the less likely they are to mark.

Infrequent Walks

An easy-to-fix issue is that your dog simply isn’t being let out enough. If you’re gone for 8+ hours a day, your dog may not always be able to hold it until you return home. If putting in a doggy door is not a feasible solution, consider hiring a dog walker to stop by each day.
Until you can figure out and address the reason, you’ll want to be sure to use an enzymatic cleaner to fully eliminate the odor left behind by the urine. If you don’t, the dog will be attracted to urinate in that spot again—as may other of your household pets.

The good news is that the behavior can usually be successfully addressed either by the owner, the vet, or, in some cases, an animal behaviorist. 

What Is the One-Bite Rule?

In some laws, the one-bite rule may state that the owner of the dog will only be liable for injuries caused by the pet if the owner knew about the animal’s aggressive tendencies. Sometimes called the one-free-bite rule, this could eliminate the owner’s responsibility for the dog’s first bite. While one has been the norm throughout the country, many states have changed this so that owners may be fully responsible even if they had no solid reason to think their dog would be aggressive.

States With The One Bite Rule 

While laws are always changing, the following states still use the one-bite rule as of this writing:

  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • New York*
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon
  • South Dakota**
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming 

*In New York, the one-bite rule applies to criminal liability, but not civil liability.

**In South Dakota, the one-bite rule applies as long as the owner kept the dog from running at large and maintained reasonable control over the animal. 

Strict Liability: The Alternative To The One-Bite Rule 

Unlike states that adhere to the one-bite rule, strict liability states can deem the owner responsible for any dog bite inflicted by their pet. Under strict liability laws, the owner may be responsible whether or not they could have prevented the incident and whether or not they should have reasonably known the dog had aggressive tendencies. 

Can You Give a Dog Benadryl? Appropriate Benadryl Uses for Dogs

Is Benadryl safe for dogs? Can I give my dog Benadryl to calm them down? Learn more about safe uses for Benadryl in dogs including tips to calm a dog down.

Benadryl is an antihistamine that can treat allergies, motion sickness, and temporary anxiety in some dogs. It is safe for many dogs when given at the correct dosage, but it is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving it to your dog to ensure it is safe for your dog, especially if they take other medications or have underlying health problems. Benadryl is not a cure for any underlying medical condition and should only be used as directed by a veterinarian.

Like all medications, Benadryl can cause unwanted side effects in some dogs and may cause adverse reactions in dogs with certain underlying health problems. If your dog experiences any side effects such as agitation, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, stop giving them Benadryl and contact your veterinarian.

The good news is that this medication (the generic name for which is Diphenhydramine) is readily available without a prescription in pill, tablet, and liquid formulations, and, most of the time, your vet will recommend that you purchase the same Benadryl used for humans at your local pharmacy. While there are a few dog-specific brands of Benadryl, these may be more expensive or harder to find. So, once you know it is safe and effective in your dog, Benadryl is great to keep on hand as part of your doggy first aid kit.

Benadryl’s Purpose and Calming Side Effect

Benadryl is primarily an antihistamine, which means it blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released by certain cells of the immune system. The release of histamine triggers many unpleasant effects in the body, including inflammation, itchiness, swelling, and constriction of the airways. Antihistamines like Benadryl block this pathway and reduce those unpleasant effects, with varying degrees of success.

The main reason vets prescribe Benadryl for dogs is to treat allergies and/or itchy skin. It also can be used to reduce nausea and prevent motion sickness due to the effects it has on the brain. There are other drugs that have similar effects and may be more effective in dogs, so your vet may recommend a different antihistamine depending on your dog’s specific condition.

Occasionally, Benadryl is prescribed as a mild sedative or calming agent for dogs because a common side effect of this medication is drowsiness. That can help dogs feel sleepy, for example, during travel. It is not a preferred drug for this purpose because there are many other medications and behavior modification techniques that have specific anti-anxiety effects and are more reliable.

While many dogs will experience drowsiness, Benadryl can also have the opposite side effect and cause agitation in other dogs. If you are planning to try to use Benadryl for its sedating effects, try it at home prior to the event you really need it for to make sure it works on your pup.

Is Benadryl Safe For Dogs?

Many people wonder if Benadryl can hurt dogs, but Benadryl is safe for most dogs at the prescribed doses. While it can cause a number of side effects, most are mild and resolve as soon as the medication is discontinued. It can be more risky for certain dogs with underlying health problems such as dry eye, glaucoma, urinary problems, or seizure disorders since it can exacerbate these conditions. Here are some of the common Benadryl side effects in dogs:

  • Drowsiness
  • Agitation
  • Dry eye
  • Urinary retention
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

Benadryl can also be harmful if the dose is too high and/or if a pet parent is using Benadryl to treat a medical problem at home without veterinary guidance. For example, a dog that has a severe allergic reaction with facial swelling and/or hives may not respond to Benadryl alone and likely will need stronger medications to stop the reaction. These reactions can snowball and become life-threatening if a dog develops difficulty breathing, so trying to treat at home with over-the-counter Benadryl could put a dog at risk for serious complications. Any dog who is in distress or develops a new medical problem suddenly needs to see a vet first to get a thorough exam and diagnosis before trying an over-the-counter medication like Benadryl

How often can you give a dog Benadryl?

The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering the correct dose of Benadryl two to three times a day, but this dosage can vary depending on a dog’s weight and any other medical conditions they’re experiencing.

How much Benadryl can I give my dog?

A dog’s Benadryl dosage is based on their size and weight and may vary based on the condition being treated, so it is important to discuss your particular dog’s situation with your vet and troubleshoot any issues that may be related to dosing. Typically, dosages start around 2.2 milligrams per kilogram, which is one milligram per pound of body weight. A basic formula to figure this out is to use your dog’s weight in pounds as their dosage — so, a dog who weighs 10 pounds would receive a dose of 10 milligrams.

Can You Give a Dog Benadryl for Anxiety?

Yes and no. Benadryl is not an anti-anxiety medication, so it does not actually help your pup to feel less anxious. For dogs that are drowsy after taking Benadryl, the sleepiness masks their anxiety and makes them too tired to act anxious, but is it not actually helping the underlying problem. This may be fine in a pinch if, for example, you suddenly have to travel with your pet and can’t see your vet in time to get a more effective medication. However, keep in mind that not every dog is sedated by Benadry,l so it may not have the desired effect on your pooch at all.

Anxiety in dogs is a complex issue, just like in humans. It can be triggered by many different things, and dogs often need a multifaceted treatment approach. This may include behavior modification training to desensitize them to their triggers, using exercise and positive reinforcement to provide structure, and prescription medications to actually reduce their anxiety level enough for them to work through these other techniques. A dog with moderate or severe anxiety will not make progress with Benadryl alone. These can be challenging cases and are best treated with the help of your vet and a veterinary behaviorist.

Drug-Free Ways to Calm Your Pet

While many websites talk about how safe Benadryl is, responsible pet parents will always check with their vet before dosing their dogs with any medication. There are times when drugs will be a crucial part of their treatment plan, and for those cases, specific anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives will be the most effective choices. If you have a very active or anxious dog, there are also other important steps to take to work with them on these behaviors. These include:

More exercise

Giving your active dog plenty of time to burn off their energy is a great way to calm them down. Long walks, time at a doggy daycare, trips to the dog park, agility training, or tossing a ball around your yard are a few ways to allow your dog to be more active. Dogs need physical activity just like people, and some breeds need a lot more than others. If you have a high-energy dog, be sure you are giving them constructive outlets to exercise — otherwise, they may find destructive habits that are not to your liking.

Prevent boredom

Giving your dog’s brain a workout is just as important as giving their body a workout. A puzzle toy that makes your pup work for a treat is a great way to engage their brain and help curb boredom. Other ways to provide enrichment include training sessions to teach your pup new cues and tricks, time for socialization with other dogs, and sensory experiences with music, different scents, and/or flavors.

Proper training

One common complaint among dog parents with very active dogs is that it’s difficult to walk them because they are always pulling on the lead or otherwise engaging in unwanted behaviors. This conduct can be modified with proper training. Even the most energetic dogs can be taught to “leave it,” “stay,” and “sit,” and most pet parents are surprised how quickly the training kicks in. Training is also very important for anxious dogs as behavior modification techniques can help your dog overcome fears, desensitize to triggers, and build confidence. Working with a behaviorist or trainer is a good idea in these cases as your dog’s anxiety should be properly diagnosed in order to craft the most effective training approach.

Change their food

This is one option that many pet parents don’t consider, but food can impact your dog’s behavior. It is important to ensure your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet suited to their life stage and needs. Dogs who are not eating an appropriate diet could be at risk for nutritional deficiencies, which can sometimes affect their behavior as well as their overall health. There are even some treats and diets out there formulated to provide calming effects, although many of these have not been rigorously studied to know if they are truly effective. If you’re not sure how to choose the best food for your dog, check out our dog and cat nutrition page or talk to your vet for advice.

Can You Overdose a Dog on Benadryl?

Yes, you can overdose a dog on Benadryl. An overdose can range from mild unwanted side effects to more serious health scares depending on how much a dog ingests.

It is very important to keep this medication, and all medications, safely out of your dog’s reach. Some human medications are highly toxic to dogs and even small amounts can cause fatal complications, so it is good to get into the habit of keeping all medications secured.

Also, be sure that if you are giving Benadryl to your dog, the only ingredient in the product is Diphenhydramine. Some products contain a combination of ingredients such as an antihistamine combined with a decongestant and/or fever reducer, and these other medications can be highly toxic to dogs.

What are the symptoms of Benadryl overdose in dogs?

If you suspect your dog has ingested too much Benadryl, whether by accident or a miscalculation, be sure to note down as much information as possible, including the specific medication your dog received, any other ingredients in the product, the strength of the medication, the formulation (such as pill versus capsule versus liquid), what time you believe the overdose occurred, and how much of the medication you believe your dog ingested. All of this information will help your vet create a treatment plan.

It is best to get your dog to the vet right away if you believe an overdose occurred instead of waiting for symptoms to set in. However, some common symptoms in dogs of an overdose of Benadryl include:

  • Agitation
  • Sedation
  • Excessive drooling
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

Commonly Asked Questions

At what age can you give dogs Benadryl?

Benadryl is safe to give to dogs four months of age or older and may be used in younger dogs with your veterinarian’s supervision. Benadryl’s effects have not been thoroughly studied in very young puppies, so it is not clear if it’s completely safe for them.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for itching?

Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that is sometimes prescribed to dogs for itchy skin. It is always important to get a diagnosis from your vet first since certain skin conditions can be cured with a specific treatment, and Benadryl just temporarily relieves the itch. Also, some other antihistamines may be more effective in certain dogs.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for allergies?

Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that is sometimes prescribed for allergies in dogs. It is always important to get a diagnosis from your vet first since other conditions may seem like allergies but require different treatments. Also, some other antihistamines may be more effective in certain dogs.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for bee stings?

Yes, Benadryl is an antihistamine that can help with mild swelling related to bee stings in dogs. A dog that is stung by a bee and is acting completely fine may not need any treatment at all. A dog that has more severe signs of an allergic reaction, including any swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, needs to see a vet right away for more intensive treatment.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for pain?

No, Benadyl does not provide any pain relief for dogs. A dog that is in pain needs to be evaluated right away by a veterinarian in order to receive medications that are safe and appropriate to treat its pain. As a reminder, many human pain medications are highly toxic to dogs and should never be given to dogs

References

Diphenhydramine Intoxication in a Dog

Oral antiallergic activity in ascaris hypersensitive dogs

The influence of an antihistamine drug on the release of histamine in the unanaesthetized dog

Frontiers in Immunology:

The Role of Histamine and Histamine Receptors in Mast Cell-Mediated Allergy and Inflammation: The Hunt for New Therapeutic Targets

ASPCA Poison Control: Can you give your pets an Antihistamine

ASPCAPro: Antihistamine Toxicosis

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association: Evaluation of Diphenhydramine as  Sedative for Dogs

Amy Fox, DVM is a small animal veterinarian in New York City. She has worked in many different settings including shelter medicine, emergency medicine, general practice, and animal cruelty and forensics. She is especially interested in nutrition, preventative medicine and care for senior pets. Dr. Fox also enjoys writing about veterinary medicine and teaching. In her free time she loves to cook, garden, and go for long runs.

Why Is My Cat Attacking My Other Cat?

There are many possible reasons why your cat might be attacking your other cat including lack of space, social maturity, a medical issue, or environmental changes. Fortunately, solutions can usually be found that allow the cats to continue to live together and to overcome their aggression.

Since you can’t just ask your cats what’s wrong, pinpointing the reason for aggression will usually be a process of elimination that involves simply trying various solutions. Note that if the behavior started after the cats had been together some time, a medical issue may be to blame. When a cat is in pain or uncomfortable, he/she may show signs of aggression, even if he is typically docile.

Once medical issues have been ruled out, there are other things to try to reduce cat to cat aggression.

Give Cats Their Own Space 

Cats like to have their own space and can be quite territorial. Having to share a small space, food bowls, and litter boxes is a common reason for aggression. While you probably can’t expand your home, you can add space for the cats by providing additional perches, kitty condos, or even investing in an outdoor cat enclosure that allows cats to safely spend time outdoors.

Also, place food and water bowls and litter boxes (one litter box per cat plus one additional litter box works best!) for each pet, so the cats won’t have to share. 

Provide an Escape 

If one cat tends to be passive, install a collar-controlled cat door that leads to a quiet room. Only place the collar on the cat that gets bullied. This will allow him a way to get away from the aggressor and give the bully cat a cooling off period. 

Pheromones 

Many cat owners have had great success by using pheromones to stop one cat from attacking the other cat. These products, which come in spray and diffuser form, calm cats and are, in some cases, a very effective way to eliminate fighting.

Time Apart 

Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Maybe not, but it will give you a chance to properly and slowly reintroduce the cats. Check out our blog article Introducing a New Cat or Kitten to Your Cats for more guidance. 

If the methods above are unsuccessful, enlist the help of an animal behaviorist. The good news is that in the majority of cases, with time and patience, the issue can be resolved to the point that the cats will be able to live together peacefully—even if they aren’t the best of friends. 

Why Is My Dog Peeing on My Bed?

Dogs may pee on your bed for many reasons including a medical condition, excitement, leaving their scent, or because they are anxious. While it’s frustrating, it’s important not to yell at or punish your dog, as that isn’t likely to stop the behavior. Instead, work to pinpoint the reason for the inappropriate urination so you can address it properly.

How to Deal With Inappropriate Urination 

So you’ve had to strip your bed more times than you’d like this week, and you’ve considered buying stock in urine odor removal products. Whether a new puppy or a dog you’ve had for years, it’s just plain frustrating when your dog urinates where he shouldn’t—especially when it’s on your bed.

Here are some things to consider:

  • If your dog is a very young puppy, there is a good chance the behavior will stop on its own. Puppies haven’t yet learned to control their bladders, so they may urinate anywhere. As they grow and gain better control, it’s likely to stop.
  • If the behavior started suddenly, see a vet right away. When a housebroken dog suddenly starts peeing on the bed, there is a good chance a medical condition is to blame. Diabetes, urinary tract infections, and spinal injuries are a few examples. You’ll want to make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.
  • Note what happened just prior to the accident. As mentioned above, there are many reasons a dog may pee on the bed, including anxiety and excitement. Did you come in the room and pay lots of attention to the dog just before he urinated? It’s probably due to excitement. Did something startle or frighten him just before? It was likely anxious or nervous urination.
  • Occasional accidents can happen with any dog. Even a very well-trained dog may have the occasional accident. If it’s just a one off occurrence, you probably don’t have much to worry about. 

If the problem is ongoing, a medical reason has been ruled out, and you can’t find a solution, enlist the help of an animal behaviorist who can work with you to try and stop the behavior. In the meantime, consider locking the pet out of your bedroom, or only allowing the pet in your bedroom while on a leash or in a crate so he can’t get on your bed. This will protect your bedding and mattress until you are able to resolve the issue. 

Why Is My Dog Peeing a Lot?

Common reasons for your dog peeing a lot include diabetes, urinary tract infections, and aging. Certain medical conditions can be treated, which will often alleviate the frequent urination. Other causes, however, such as aging, may not be resolved. The first order of business when you notice frequent urination, or any other change in your pet’s bathroom habits, should be a visit to your vet for a thorough exam. 

Is Frequent Urination Dangerous? 

On its own, frequent urination isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it could be, as mentioned above, the sign of a potentially serious medical condition. Your vet will know exactly what to screen for, so you’ll be able to quickly find out if a particular medical problem is causing the condition.

If it is, treatment may be able to help with the issue. Some conditions may require simple treatment, such as a round of antibiotics for a UTI. Others, such as diabetes, may require ongoing medication and other treatment.

What If The Problem Can’t Be Corrected? 

Many pet owners live with aging dogs and those who suffer incontinence for various reasons. This alone isn’t necessarily impacting the dog’s quality of life, and it’s a pretty easy situation to handle. Solutions could be as simple as installing a doggy door so your pet can go out whenever he needs or just taking him on more frequent walks.

Another option that works for busy pet owners is to purchase belly bands for male dogs and diapers for female dogs. Both reusable and disposal belly bands and diapers are available. While it may take a little getting used to, this is a simple way to deal with living with an incontinent pooch. 

Can An Aggressive Dog Be Rehabilitated?

In most cases, an aggressive dog can be rehabilitated. Even when the aggression stems from long-term abuse, there is still hope with the right treatment.

First Steps in Rehabilitating an Aggressive Dog  

If you’re dealing with an aggressive dog, be hopeful—but don’t ignore the problem. Aggression isn’t going to go away on its own. You need to actively deal with the issue and find the right help from your vet or a skilled, experienced animal behaviorist.

The first thing you need to do is find professional help, and let them guide things from there. Look for someone who specializes in working with aggressive dogs. A general dog trainer may not have the skills to handle the needs of an aggressive dog.

Note that if the behavior came on suddenly, it’s likely a medical issue. In that case the aggression will likely cease once the medical problem is addressed.

Until you can get help, keep your dog away from the situations that trigger the aggression. Also, isolate your dogs from other people, children, and other pets. The last thing you want is for your dog to attack or bite someone. Protecting your dog from situations in which that could happen is the responsible thing to do.

Be patient with your dog, follow the advice and guidance of the animal behaviorist, and give your dog every chance at the happy, healthy life he deserves. 

How Can I Stop My Dogs From Fighting?

You can stop your dogs from fighting by eliminating the stressors that lead to the aggressions, by better managing the dogs’ environment, or by getting professional help from a qualified animal behaviorist. Whether or not you know what starts squabbles between your dogs, it’s important to find a way to stop them. Even if no serious injuries have occurred (yet), fighting between dogs can leave one or both dogs feeling stressed and afraid. The good news is the behavior can usually be brought under control—but in the meantime, avoid injury to your pets by closely monitoring them and keeping them physically separated while you work on a safe re-introduction protocol with the help of a professional dog trainer.

Steps to Preventing Fights Between Your Dogs 

Sometimes, two dogs just don’t like each other, but sometimes there is a more concrete reason for dogs fighting such as:

  • Maintaining a hierarchy
  • Redirected aggression
  • Friendly play escalates
  • Protecting food or other possessions 

If you can pinpoint the cause, you can remove the stimulus. For example, some dogs are food aggressive. In this case, you can simply feed the dogs in separate rooms.

While you’ll find all kinds of advice about how to stop fighting, the best course of action is to involve a professional right from the start. This will give you the best chance of success, and you won’t have to wade through the information online to separate the good from the bad.

An animal trainer or behaviorist with a proven track record of success in fixing dog aggression will give you solid advice and work with you to develop a plan that will help you protect your dogs and enjoy peace of mind. 

How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating Poop?

You can stop a dog from eating poop by finding the reason your pup is doing this – it could be a medical or environmental issue. The good news is that this behavior can be curbed in most dogs. Whether through treating the feces in a way that makes it unappealing or identifying and correcting the medical problem or environmental trigger, it is possible to find a solution to this disgusting habit.

Why Dogs Eat Poop 

To humans, the idea of eating feces is disgusting, but dogs are much less picky about what goes in their mouths. Your purebred pooch or adorable mutt’s ancestors were scavengers that were willing to eat just about anything to survive—including feces. Some dogs eat only their own poop while others eat the poop of others dogs. The former, while gross, isn’t dangerous. The latter, however, can pose a health risk to your dog if parasites or bacteria are present in the feces.

Reasons dogs eat feces include: 

Medical Issues

  • Parasites
  • Insufficient Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Cushing’s
  • Certain Drugs 

Environmental Issues

  • Isolation
  • Anxiety
  • Confinement 

Whatever the cause, you just want to the behavior to stop. Some of things you can try include:

  • Visit a vet to rule out medical issues.
  • Supplement your dog’s diet with appropriate vitamins.
  • Work on training, especially commands like “leave it!”
  • Clean up after your dog immediately.
  • Apply products that make the feces taste bad to dogs. (Options are available that can be added to the food or directly to the feces.) 

Note that in puppies this behavior is quite common and will usually correct itself as the dog grows. If it continues into adulthood, you’ll need to intervene.

If your dog eats poop, don’t panic and think it’s time to rehome your pet. This is an issue that, when properly addressed, can be corrected.