Why Some Dogs Bite and How To Prevent It

Dog biting owners arm.

Some dogs offer a little nip in the arm at cuddle time, while others snarl and snap warnings before they lunge for an attack. Dogs that bite without warning put other dogs and strangers at risk, which can cause major problems from your family. The team at Arlington Animal Hospital wants to help you figure out why dogs bite, and what can you do to prevent your dog from attacking:

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Pooch Pampers? Are Dog Diapers For You?

Dog with urinary issues.

Pet training in general is not for the faint of heart. Persistence and consistency are key, and while almost any dog is trainable, it can be an uphill battle at times. Housetraining your pooch is no different. While it may be tempting to just go invest in some dog diapers, there are downsides to this solution. Arlington Animal Hospital is prepared to fill you in on the details.

Reasons Dog Diapers May Be Needed

Sometimes our canine companions make a mess, but for most dogs these are few and far between. For those that have frequent potty problems, though, dog diapers can be a lifesaver. 

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Sloppy Kisses: Why Does My Dog Lick Everything?

A woman's dog licking her

Dogs have specific calling cards like barking or digging that are quintessentially canine in nature. Another common behavior among dogs is licking. Puppies learn to lick as a way to investigate everything around them, and this behavior matures as they do. Licking allows dogs to not only taste something delicious, but also to figure out what the object is.

Arlington Animal Hospital would love to explain this sometimes cute, other times gross, behavior in canines:

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Help! My Dog Licks Everything All The Time And Without Reason!

A terrier sniffing the floor

No two dogs are the same, and yet all dogs share some universal canine behaviors. To some degree, dogs cannot help doing certain things that seemingly defy human logic. Repetitive behaviors, including obsessive licking, can interrupt a dog’s sense of wellbeing. If your dog licks everything in sight, you might oscillate between wonder, curiosity, irritation, and confusion. Because of their individuality, their behavior is unique to them. But there are definitely ways you can address this canine trait before it gets out of hand. 

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Does Your Dog Smell Like Fish? Here Are the Reasons Why!

Man complaining about dog smell
Man complaining about dog smell.

Dogs can smell like a lot of things, depending on what they eat, their health, and what things they have been exposed to (or rolled around on) outdoors. But if your dog is smelling like last night’s flounder dinner, it can be both offensive to the olfactory system and also concerning. 

Why does my dog smell like fish? That’s what the team at Arlington Animal Hospital is here to explain.

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Sneak Attack: How to Train a Kitten Not to Scratch

A man holding a cat while covered in scratches

Dogs dig. Cows chew. Kittens? They love to scratch. This scratching behavior is something they will grow up with, as scratching is a part of a feline’s natural behavior. But if your wee little one is shredding you and the furniture, it’s time to figure out ways to curb the excessive scratching.

Your friends at Arlington Animal Hospital are here to give you some helpful suggestions how to train a kitten not to scratch. Yes, it is possible!

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Arlington Animal Hospital’s Top 5 Pet Blogs for 2020

A woman wearing a mask standing with her dog in a window

We made it – and what a feeling it is, too! 2020 was a year for the ages and we are so grateful to be on the other side of it. We are also incredibly grateful for our pets. They saw us through the best of times and the worst of times, but also gave us a reason to smile through their antics and unconditional love.

The team at Arlington Animal Hospital has greatly-appreciated your patience and trust as we adapted to the challenges of the year. We hope some of that trust has been built on the continued publication of our blog and the information it provides you.

With that in mind, we wanted to share our most-read blogs of 2020 with you, our readers. We hope you enjoy!

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When It Comes to Feline Body Language, Look at the Tail

cat laying down

Dogs use their tails in a fairly straightforward way. They wag it uncontrollably when they’re happy, and that’s about it! Cats, on the other paw, come equipped with precise tail movements designed to communicate exactly what they’re feeling. The trouble is, not everyone is listening.

When owners pay close attention to feline body language, and specifically how the tail looks, they are more likely to give their fluffy buddy exactly what they need. 

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Gobble It Up: Thanksgiving Pet Safety for Your Furry Family Members

dog under Thanksgiving table

Turkey, dressing, fall leaves, pumpkin pie, a chill in the air…these are the elements of Thanksgiving. It’s also a time of gatherings and feasts, and your furry friend is probably pet right there with you during the festivities. Unfortunately, many pet emergencies occur around the holidays because they get into something they shouldn’t get into. 

Since we are winding our way to the holiday table, the team at Arlington Animal Hospital is here to give you some tips on Thanksgiving pet safety. By exercising caution you and your fur family can have a happy holiday indeed.

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Are You Up For the Extreme Challenge of House Training Your Pet?

house traning puppy

There’s a reason training a pet is such a big deal. For starters, training helps them behave in ways that make it easier to live together. When pets understand what is expected of them in human society, they are safer and happier and can enjoy more experiences overall.

When it comes to house training your pet, it’s essential to realize that it is a process full of roadblocks. But with the right approach, you can help your pet become a happy member of your family.

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