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Pet Food Allergies Aren’t As Common As You Think: Report

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dog food allergies
(PRNewsfoto/Banfield Pet Hospital)

Think your dog has food allergies? There may actually be a different cause for skin irritations, a new report finds.

Banfield Pet Hospital® released its 2018 State of Pet Health® Report, which explores the science behind skin allergies in pets and sheds light on flea, environmental and food allergies.

With food allergies in humans being reported at an all-time high, veterinarians are seeing pet owners become increasingly concerned about food allergies in their pets.

However, according to the report, food allergies affect just 0.2 percent of dogs and 0.1 percent of cats, meaning other causes should be explored if food allergies are suspected.

In fact, pets can be allergic to fleas, and this allergy has been on the rise over the past 10 years, including a 12 percent increase in dogs and a 67 percent increase in cats. Environmental allergies are also on an upward trend, with a more than 30 percent increase in dogs and 11 percent increase in cats over the last decade.

“At Banfield, we’re deeply invested in partnering with our clients to help keep pets happy and comfortable – and that includes getting to the bottom of signs to uncover accurate diagnoses,” said Dr. Daniel Aja, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Banfield Pet Hospital.

“With thousands of itchy pets coming through our doors each year, Banfield’s 2018 State of Pet Health Report aims to uncover the common causes and offer pet owners the tools they need to help their pets find relief.”

Key findings from Banfield’s 2018 State of Pet Health Report include:

  • Flea Allergies. Fleas are the most common external parasite Banfield sees on its patients. According to Banfield data, cats are twice as likely as dogs to be found with fleas; however, fleas exist in all types of weather, on outdoor and indoor pets and in all 50 states – all year long. Therefore, year-round prevention with veterinarian-approved medication is key.
  • Environmental Allergies. Although environmental allergens for pets vary by region and climate, many are found in a typical pet owner’s home – including pollen, dander, molds and cleaning solutions. Additionally, Wisdom Health research has found additional evidence that links genetics to the development of environmental allergies in dogs. Some commonly affected breeds include: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, French Bulldogs and West Highland White Terriers.1
  • Food Allergies. Thirty percent of food-allergic dogs and cats are found to have another allergic skin condition. 2Food allergic pets are also more prone to skin infections – dogs are six times more likely to develop a bacterial skin infection, whereas cats are 15 times more likely.

The largest of its kind, the 2018 State of Pet Health Report captures medical data from the more than three million dogs and cats Banfield cared for in 2017.

Compilation of Chihuahuas Swimming Will Make You Want A Chihuahua

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Chihuahuas swimming

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBNFREX_KCs




I don’t know what’s so cute about chihuahuas swimming… maybe it’s because they are already so adorable and tiny.

A little dog paddling in a large pool is so heartwarming that it makes our day!

1 Out Of 2 Pets Is Overweight. Here’s How To Stop Giving Into Begging

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dog obesity
Actress, producer and wellness advocate Alison Sweeney feeds Royal Canin to her two dogs, Ozzy and Bean, as part of an overall healthy pet diet. Sweeney has partnered with Royal Canin, a global leader in pet health nutrition, to encourage pet owners to start conversations with their veterinarians about healthy weight for their pets. (PRNewsfoto/Royal Canin USA)
dog obesity
Actress, producer and wellness advocate Alison Sweeney feeds Royal Canin to her two dogs, Ozzy and Bean, as part of an overall healthy pet diet. Sweeney has partnered with Royal Canin, a global leader in pet health nutrition, to encourage pet owners to start conversations with their veterinarians about healthy weight for their pets. (PRNewsfoto/Royal Canin USA)

In the United States alone, approximately one out of every two pets is considered overweight.

Unfortunately, humans are contributing to the problem by overfeeding their pets, but they can also contribute to the solution. Royal Canin is partnering with celebrity spokesperson and health advocate, Alison Sweeney, to encourage pet owners to “Fight the Beg” and start a conversation with their veterinarian about their pet’s ideal weight and how to control begging during a pet’s weight loss process.

“As a proud pet owner, I understand the urge to give your cat or dog an extra treat, when in reality, it’s probably not what’s healthiest for them!” said Sweeney. “But just like we need to fight our own temptations when it comes to unhealthy foods, we need to fight the temptation to give in to those adorable begging faces. That’s why I’m thrilled to be a part of Royal Canin’s “Fight the Beg” campaign. We all want to do what’s best for our pets – and making sure they’re at their ideal weight is crucial to their health.”

Royal Canin has also partnered with veterinarian Dr. Eric Mueller to offer pet owners tips and advice on how to “fight the beg” and help pets reach and maintain healthy weight goals.

“Pet owners often have the best intentions in mind when giving their cats or dogs treats or table scraps,” said Dr. Eric MuellerAtlanta-based Veterinarian and Owner of Noah’s Bark Mobile Veterinary Services. “Whether it be for training purposes, or to simply show their pet affection, it’s important for pet owners to be aware of how much is too much when overfeeding their cat or dog. We find that it is very common for families to simply not know what the ideal weight looks like for their pet.”

If your pet is in need of weight loss, Dr. Mueller offers the following tips to help you and your pet succeed in the weight loss journey:

  • Beat the Beg: Begging is common and often misunderstood.2,5 Data shows that three out of five pet owners agree their pets beg often.5 Resisting a begging pet is difficult and may lead to overfeeding,2 as owners often misinterpret their pet’s begging behavior as a need for food.2,5
  • Focus on Portion Control: Measure the recommended feeding amount as directed by your veterinarian.
  • Encourage Exercise: Encourage regular physical activity. This can be anything from brief periods of play to long walks. Remember to adjust the intensity based on the individual abilities of your pet.
  • Maintain Consistency: Changing behavior can be challenging. Your personal motivation and commitment are critical to the success of your pet’s weight loss program.
  • Talk to Your Veterinarian about Precise Nutrition: Nutrition plays a critical role in a pet’s weight loss plan. Pet owners should talk to their veterinarian to determine which diet is most appropriate for their pet.

Would You Use an Automatic Dog Feeder?

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automatic dog feeder
Wagz Serve Smart Feeder (PRNewsfoto/Wagz)
automatic dog feeder
Wagz Serve Smart Feeder (PRNewsfoto/Wagz)

 Wagz, Inc., the connected pet lifestyle company, introduces the Wagz™ Serve Smart Feeder—the only dog feeder that delivers the right nutrition at the right time, and keeps you connected to your pup from anywhere.

The Wagz™ Serve Smart Feeder eliminates the most common pet lover concerns surrounding nutrition with intelligent serving technology that allows pet owners to control everything from their smartphone. The new feeder raises the bar for what is possible in an exploding smart pet product space that has modern pet owners looking for more practical and integrated solutions.

As part of a greater system of connected Wagz™ solutions that will include smart collars, dog doors, water dishes and more; the video-enabled smart feeder automatically feeds the right amount, to the right pup, at the right time. More than just an automatic feeder, the device pairs with the soon-to-launch Wagz™ Explore Smart Collar to portion food based on the precise activity levels of each individual dog. It knows when you’re running low and can automatically order more food to be shipped to your door before you run out.

“Dog owners know that their pets have different levels of activity every day, but don’t always know how it should translate to portion size,” said Terry Anderton, CEO of Wagz, Inc. “Our new smart feeder is loaded with proprietary technology that feeds the right amount of food at the right time, and automates mealtime, but it’s really about one thing—eliminating real-life worries that get in the way of enjoying more fun, hugs and wags with your best bud.”

The Wagz™ Serve Smart Feeder can be loaded with any food (7mm or more), but also accepts new Whello™ smart food boxes that easily snap into the feeder. Using the feeder (and Whello™ food cartridges) challenges the need/practicality of giant bags of dog food by eliminating the hassle of lugging around heavy bags and the loss of most of the food’s nutritional value long before it lands into a dog’s dish. Feeding from smaller packages guarantees more nutrition, freshness, and less waste.

Serve Smart Feeder features and functionality include:

  • Portion Control and Calorie Allocation
    When synced with the soon-to-launch Wagz Explore Smart Collar, feeder recommends and dispenses the right amount of food for your dog’s unique size and activity levels.
  • Built-in Replenishment
    Smart monitoring detects when food levels are low, and automatically reorders food to your doorstep.
  • Automatic Dispenser
    Ditch the scooping and set unique feeding schedules from your smartphone to automatically feed your dog from anywhere, anytime.
  • Feeds the Right Dog in Multi-Dog Household 
    Included smart pendant recognizes each unique dog and instantly covers food when another dog approaches.
  • Sound Alert
    Let your dog know it’s dinnertime with an automated sound, whether you are at home, or on the go.
  • Built-in HD Video Camera
    Interact with your dog on the go, and see for yourself that they’re eating properly while you’re away.
  • Whello™ Smart Nutrition
    Buh bye bags, welcome Whello. New smart boxes snap into the feeder to deliver super-premium nutrition without the waste and hassle of giant dog food bags.
  • Each standard Wagz™ Serve Smart Feeder comes with a smart pendant, a 19-cup hopper, and a free app. Optional monthly subscription options to store data. Wagz Explore Smart Collar ships Q3 2018.

Wagz™ is on a mission to develop a fully integrated pet care system that makes it easier for pet owners to deliver the best life for their best friends – all managed through one simple app. At the heart of the Wagz™ system is the Explore Smart Collar (available in Q3 2018) which connects with a suite of products including the Serve Smart Feeder, Go Smart Door, Play Smart Treat Dispenser, Drink Smart Water Dish, and more.

Dog Dental Chews: Do They Really Work?

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best dog dental chews

best dog dental chews

When you’re in the pet store thinking about what treats to buy Fido, you’ve probably come across dental chews. Maybe you’ve even bought them for your dog.

But do they actually improve his teeth?

In this post, we’ll examine how chews affect your dog’s oral health and delve into which ones work best.

 

Dog Dental Issues

Just like humans, dogs can also have dental problems.

Problems can include:

  • Gum disease
  • Pain
  • Plaque build-up
  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Stinky breath

Oral issues like gum disease can cause:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble eating
  • Broken or lost teeth
  • Infection and organ damage (if the bacteria gets into the bloodstream)

 

Do Dog Chews Prevent Oral Problems?

best dog dental chews

Many dental problems result from plaque build-up. A good way to prevent this is through chewing. When Fido chews on anything, whether it’s a toy, treat or stick, it can help clear the plaque and result in better teeth.

Although you can buy dog toothbrushes, dogs mouths don’t need to be brushed as often as humans because they have a tendency to chew.

Since most dogs don’t like having their teeth brushed, a good way to ensure plaque removal is by using dental chews. Since most are designed to be tasty, your dog will gladly accept the treat without any fuss. It’s kind of like hiding vegetables in a child’s meal: They know it’s tasty, but they don’t know the health benefits.

Dog chews are also designed in different shapes that will scrape the gunk off easier.

If you don’t think that simply chewing will improve your dog’s oral health, consider this: Making kibble 50% bigger led to 42% less tartar on dog teeth, according to one study. It’s also been shown that coating chews or toys in polyphosphate can reduce the build-up by 55%. The reason this works is because the substance isolates calcium on the teeth, preventing plaque from becoming tartar.

 

Which Dog Dental Chews Can I Trust?

Luckily, you don’t need to investigate every dental chew to determine if its claims are true.

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has done it for you. It has analyzed products to see which ones should get their seal of approval. Chews must reduce plaque and tartar by at least 10%. If it contains an anti-plaque substance, it needs to reduce it by at least 20%. See the full list.

Aside from getting a quality product, there are a few other things to consider when choosing the perfect dog chew:

  • Does your dog have bad breath? If so, you can purchase one specifically designed to make your dog smell fresher.
  • How aggressive is your dog? If he has a sharp bite, getting more durable dental chews is a good idea.
  • How healthy is it? While they serve a purpose, dog chews still add calories to his diet, so make sure you choose a healthy brand.
  • Do other owners like it? Before purchasing one, read reviews to see how other dogs like it. For example, this post outlines the pros and cons of 8 best dental chews for dogs.

Meet This Year’s U.S. Military Dogs Who Received Nation’s Top Honors

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dog hero
More than 200 VIPs came to Capitol Hill to salute America's military hero dogs with American Humane's Lois Pope K-9 Medal of Courage, including (left to right): Sgt. Dennis Dow (ret.) with Jag and Jacqueline Dow; Eddie Valadez, Sgt. Kevin Zuniga and Taker; Rear Admiral Thomas Kearney (ret.); philanthropist Lois Pope; USMC Col. Zachary White; Sgt. Micah Jones with Summer; Heather Leider with Taba and Beck Leider; American Humane President Dr. Robin Ganzert; and American Humane Chairman John Payne (PRNewsfoto/American Humane)
dog hero
More than 200 VIPs came to Capitol Hill to salute America’s military hero dogs with American Humane’s Lois Pope K-9 Medal of Courage, including (left to right): Sgt. Dennis Dow (ret.) with Jag and Jacqueline Dow; Eddie Valadez, Sgt. Kevin Zuniga and Taker; Rear Admiral Thomas Kearney (ret.); philanthropist Lois Pope; USMC Col. Zachary White; Sgt. Micah Jones with Summer; Heather Leider with Taba and Beck Leider; American Humane President Dr. Robin Ganzert; and American Humane Chairman John Payne (PRNewsfoto/American Humane)

Four heroic military dogs were recognized with the nation’s highest honor for canine service to our country in a special ceremony on Capitol Hill Tuesday with top military leaders and members of Congress.

The courageous canines were the 2018 recipients of the American Humane Lois Pope K-9 Medal of Courage, presented annually to a select few outstanding military dogs for their extraordinary valor and service. Created under the aegis of American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, which has worked with the U.S. military for 100 years, and internationally renowned philanthropist and veterans advocate Lois Pope, the awards were conferred upon the courageous canines with the help of U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Thomas Kearney (Ret.) and U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Zachary White.  Some 200 members of Congress, their staff, and the media attended the packed event.

“These remarkable dogs have given us their best.  They have put their own lives on the line to protect us, to defend us, and to save us,” said Mrs. Pope, who conceived and spearheaded the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

“Working side-by-side with the men and women of our Armed Forces while putting their own lives on the line for our country, these dogs have taken loyalty to a whole new level through their service and, by doing so, have saved countless thousands of lives.  Today is the perfect time to properly recognize their valiant sacrifices and contributions to our nation at the highest levels.”

“Soldiers have been relying on these four-footed comrades-in-arms since the beginning of organized warfare and today military dogs are more important than ever in keeping our service men and women safe,” said American Humane President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. “At American Humane, which has been working with the U.S. military and military animals for 100 years, we feel it is time to recognize and honor the extraordinary feats and acts of devotion these heroic animals perform every day.”

Meet this year’s medal winners

Jag
Specialized Search Dog Jag met Army Sergeant Dennis Dow more than a decade ago, when they were paired together on the first day of training. With Sergeant Dow at his side, Jag learned to detect deadly explosive devices and identify other threats to his platoon. The pair deployed to Afghanistan and Germany, where Jag worked to locate lethal bombs and other security threats. On their very first mission together, Jag sniffed out a hidden weapons cache of deadly artillery rounds, alerting Dow of the immediate danger. His tireless bravery and keen sense of detection was put to the test during thousands of searches and hundreds of missions… but Jag tirelessly defended his fellow comrades. Jag, now twelve, retired after seven years of courageous military service—that’s almost five decades in dog years. Sergeant Dow, who is now retired, adopted his best friend and today the pair volunteer at their local fire department, helping provide comfort to the community after fires and other tragic incidents.

Taba
Taba is a nine-year-old Dutch Shepherd who served with the U.S. Army’s Special Forces Group 10 as a Multi-Purpose Canine specializing in explosives detection, patrol, and tracking during her two years of service. Taba was adept at locating deadly IEDs and bravely participated in many dangerous raids during her deployment to Afghanistan, saving an unknown number of lives.  After Taba returned from service, she was adopted by a former K-9 police dog handler and his family. As the family helped Taba adjust to retirement, a previous injury in her rear leg began to flare up, eventually requiring amputation. Taba is healing from the recent surgery and this warrior is now living out the rest of her days free of pain, just as she deserves.

Taker
Taker is a 12-year-old Labrador Retriever who served with United States Marine Corps Sergeant Kevin Zuniga in Iraq and in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom where he worked as an Explosives-Detection Dog. During that time, he saved uncounted lives while risking his own under harsh environmental and psychological conditions. Taker is retired from military service, but he continues to serve in another capacity. He now acts as a life-changing service dog, helping his longtime Battle Buddy cope with Post-Traumatic Stress, which affects so many of our brave warriors. In so many ways, a war dog truly is a warrior’s best friend.

Summer
Explosives Specialized Search Dog Summer is a seven-year-old Labrador Retriever who courageously served with the U.S. Marines Corps, conducting routine patrols, finding numerous weapon caches and IEDs, clearing routes and coming under fire several times during her years of service. Summer never stopped serving her country. Summer retired from the military but continues her selfless dedication to protecting our country. Today, she works as a member of a TSA K-9 team for the Amtrak Police Department in Washington, D.C., with her partner, retired U.S. Air Force Sergeant Micah Jones. The inseparable pair has provided coverage and security for VIPs and foreign dignitaries and works each day to play a vital role in the war against terrorism.

Penny The Dog Lets Tito The Raccoon Spend Day At Pool With Her

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dog raccoon swimming

For some of us, raccoons are just pesky creatures that tear apart our garbage.

For others, they’re adorable best pals.

This dog allows the domesticated raccoon to hang out poolside and even to swim on her back!



Dog Spirit Animal: The Mystical Meanings That Can Enrich Your Life

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dog spirit animal

Dog Spirit Animal

“Man’s best friend” can also be man’s spirit animal.

Animal totems can be used to guide you throughout your life and to help you grow as a person. If you have a dog as your guide, you have a lot to think about.

In this post, we’ll outline the basics like what a spirit animal is, what it means and how to find out what yours is. Then we’ll delve into what it means to have a dog as your totem. 

 

What Is A Spirit Animal?

In some cultures and beliefs, people believe that the spirit of a particular animal guides them throughout life. A person’s spirit animal may be one that shares similar traits with the person or traits the person should learn.

Spirit guides are a popular concept in indigenous, Pagan and Wiccan cultures. They may also refer to them as “totem animals” or “power animals.”

However, you may also hear a person jokingly refer to something as their spirit animal, implying they share or love traits about the person or animal. For example, someone may say “Britney Spears is my spirit animal” or even more stupidly, “Chocolate is my spirit animal.”

 

What Is My Spirit Animal?

In general, people who believe in spirit animals believe that you do not get to choose which type of animal is your spirit guide. For example, just because you like dogs does not mean one is your spirit guide. You may hate snakes only to figure out that a snake energy is your spirit guide and your hatred for them represents traits you should learn to embody.

People suggest different ways to find your spirit guides. Although there are tons of online quizzes, most believers suggest finding your guide through meditation and dreams.

Beginner tip: Try a guided meditation, like this one.



 

What Is The Purpose of Spirit Animals?

dog spirit animal

Once you’ve found your spirit animal, you can use it to learn and grow. Think about the traits your spirit animal has and contemplate how you can add more of that trait into your own life. For example, if your totem animal is a cat, think about ways you can add solitute and more independence into your life. It may help to research the animal to uncover traits you hadn’t thought of.

 

Who Has Dog As A Spirit Animal?

People that have dogs as spirit animals tend to already be kind and loving, much like dogs themselves. They may also have careers that allow them to help or counsel others, such as teaching, nursing, etc.

 

The Meaning of Dog Spirit Animals & Dog Animal Totem Traits

In general, dog spirit animals are thought to embody certain traits. While reading these characteristics, it may be helpful to consider how you relate to each.

Loyalty. You probably knew loyalty was going to be on this list because it’s the most common dog trait (i.e. “a man’s best friend). If a dog is your spirit animal, it may symbolize that others can safely find loyalty in you. On the other hand, if you’re going through a dark time, particularly with the people in your life, a dog spirit animal can serve as a reminder that loyalty is possible… you just need to find the right people. It could also be a sign that you need to be loyal to yourself, your feelings and what you know is right.

Unconditional love. The second most commonly thought of trait relating to dogs is unconditional love, meaning that a dog will love you no matter what. Humans can find achieving unconditional love very difficult and contradictory. If your spirit animal is a dog, it could be a sign that you need to open your heart and use a little compassion when dealing with other people. Accepting other’s faults and using understanding can go a long way.

Playfulness. The trait of playfulness may be particularly true if you feel like playful breeds keep showing up in your life. Dogs love to play, whether it be a good ol’ game of fetch, a competitive game of tug-of-war or trickster play, as when they plot to sneak their next treat. A dog spirit animal could be a symbol that you need to take some time out to inject some fun into your life—whether it be a physical game or a game night with your family. Thinking of the activities that make you feel joy could be a good place to start.

Instincts. Although every animal has instincts that help them survive, this can be particularly true for dogs. Have you ever seen a normally friendly dog bark, get angry at or dislike a stranger? Even though the person has barely spoken, the dog has made up their mind that they’re a bad person. Although it’s bad to judge, dogs seem to have an intuition that allows them to see through people. If you’re not already in touch with your intuition, having a dog spirit animal could mean that you should start working with that more subconscious side of yourself and trusting it.

Protective nature. Many breeds are seen as “guard dogs” and will alert the family whenever a stranger comes close to the home. Similarly, if you have a dog spirit animal, you may be the protector in your social circle. You may be the one who makes sure everyone gets home safely after a night on the town or the parent who always knows what her kids are up to. On the other hand, having a dog spirit animal could mean the opposite. If you’re going through a hard time where you often feel scared, fearful or vulnerable (either of physical or psychological threats), a dog spirit animal could be a reminder that you are protected and not alone.

Companionship. Similar to the trait of loyalty, dogs represent a heartfelt companion. If dogs are your spirit animal, you may find yourself feeling a bit lonely or isolated. Dogs can represent your need and ability to reconnect and find companionship with others—not just in dog form 🙂

Others see as trustworthy or true to their word. You may not immediately think of a dog as trustworthy because they will usually be the first ones to steal food off of the table when you’re not looking. However, in the big picture, dogs are trustworthy in their dedication to you in the family environment. People with dog spirit animals may notice that people always tell them they seem reliable and honest and stick to their word. They may be the ones others confide in times of upheaval.

Go-Getter. If your spirit animal is a hunting-type of dog, you may want to consider the go-getter traits of dogs. Are you someone who is always on the go to get something or achieve your next goal? If so, you can relate to dogs this way and at times, you may even want to consider slowing down. However, if you have dog energy, you’re likely to find a good balance. If you’re someone who has been a bit lazy lately, you may want to consider bringing in some of this energy to help you motivate yourself to achieve goals.

 

What Does The Spirit of A Dog Mean For You?

Everyone who has a dog as a spirit animal can derive a different meaning out of it and that’s because all of our lives are unique. While we can’t tell you what specifically a dog spirit animal means for you, we can give you a starting place. Read the traits above and see how those traits fit into your life. Do you embody that trait? Is that trait something you need to work on? Basically, how does each characteristic fit into your life?

Along with the tips below, it can help to do some additional research about dogs to uncover a deeper meaning.

 

Consider The Breed

If you think dog is your spirit animal, you may also want to consider the breed. For example, if a certain breed of dog keeps showing up in your life, consider the traits that are unique to that type. In addition, if there’s a certain dog breed you don’t like or that annoys you, think about what that means. Perhaps you share similar qualities that you’re a little self-conscious about. Or maybe you’re completely the opposite and you need to add a little bit of that trait into your personality.

While all dogs are known to be loyal, some breeds are generally more energetic, more lethargic or more “intelligent.”

Take a Chihuahua for example. These dogs are known to be have energetic personalities that are entertaining and sometimes offbeat. You could interpret this to mean that you shouldn’t be afraid to speak up or to let your true self be seen.

Conversely, pugs are known to be less lively with more of a serious look. You could interpret this spirit guide lesson to mean that you should relax more and enjoy some introspective downtime.

 

Spirit Animals: Dogs, Coyotes & Wolves

Since dogs are descendants of coyotes and wolves, you may consider researching these animals to gain extra insight. Dogs are similar except domesticated, so you may also find that you resonate with some traits of these similar animals.

 

Dogs In Dreams

dog spirit animal

Do dreams about dogs mean anything? The answer can vary. For example, if you have a dog and you dream about him, your mind may simply be recalling an event from earlier that day or piecing various events together.

In other cases, dreams about dogs may symbolize something more important. Some people who believe in dream interpretations say that dogs symbolize other people in our lives. For example, if we dream of a vicious or barking dog, it may mean that someone is betraying our trust or that we are perhaps betraying ourselves.

A dog that is sick or struggling could represent the struggle through a friendship or that a relationship is unhealthy or “dying out.”

A dog running playfully and happily could simply represent that you’ve selected the right group of friends who support you and help you joyfully live life.

 

Summary

Every spirit animal has positive and negative traits. If you’ve discovered that your spirit animal is a dog, consider the role the following traits play in your life:

  • Loyalty
  • Unconditional Love
  • Playfulness
  • Instincts
  • Protective nature
  • Companionship
  • Trustworthiness
  • Go-getting attitude

After reflecting on the traits, you may see opportunities to change or tweak certain aspects of your life and personality. That’s not only normal but it’s the point of spirit animals… to guide you. If you’re really into the idea of spirit animals, do additional research about dogs to learn more about what it means to your life. You may also want to research the traits of specific breeds or related animals like coyotes and wolves.