Happy and Healthy Dog
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The first indication that you have a happy and healthy dog, is his tail wagging. We humans smile with our faces, our beloved companion dogs smile with their tails. A very submissive dog may give a wag tucked between his hind legs, but it is still wagging. Sometimes their entire body sways, just for the joy of greeting you! Even our stump tailed friends, will get their hind quarters going. If your dog does not greet you with his normal exuberance be sure to watch out for other indications that he may be ill. For example he may be off his food too, then a trip to the vet is recommended.
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Ears that are up and alert indicate excitement, confidence and generally the signs of healthy and happy dogs. Many small dog breeds are a bit more difficult to read, for example a dachshund whose ears and eyes are rather doleful. A dog that is feeling under the weather, will certainly show it in his downward ears and patently miserable appearance.
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Some breeds such as Golden Retrievers are classic smilers. A dog showing the corners of his mouth, they may be drawn into an upward curve, with smile lines into his forehead. A study conducted by the University of Florida measured dogs' features in response to their human owners' smiles and concluded, that it is possible that dogs have picked up on human behavior and have learnt the art of smiling in return for a reward. A dog baring his teeth, is not smiling, and may be given you a warning to back off.
A happy and healthy dog is enthusiastic and energetic, with a good appetite for food and exercise.
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What makes your dog happy? All dogs need some stimulation in the form of exercise, chew toys, games and learning tricks.
- Scent and Sight Hounds need to run and track.
- Herding dogs crave the chase and love training.
- Gundogs love retrieving and swimming.
- Terrier types enjoy digging and agility exercises.
- Our beloved toy dog breeds, need a daily walk and lots of lap time!
Whatever activity you choose for your dog, use your imagination for a healthy dog in mind and in body.
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Any pooch that is left to his own devices day after day, without human interaction or exercise will soon show symptoms of depression. A new puppy or a baby, often means he gets less attention than normal. Signs of depression in dogs, is lack of appetite or enthusiasm. Long term depression in dogs is unusual, but as we want the best for our beloved small dog breeds, we need to be in tune with their body language and be sensitive to their needs.