What It Means When Your Dog's Jaw Is Quivering (And How To Fix It)
Jennifer Williams
DogsDog HealthWhat It Means When Your Dog's Jaw Is Quivering (And How To Fix It)ByAdam SymchukApril 1, 2025 9:25 am ESTOlga Pankova/Getty ImagesWe may receive a commission on purchases made from links.Those who have welcomed a dog into their hearts and homes will be familiar with the many curious actions and gestures it performs to the delight of its owners. While many of these behaviors, such as snoring, licking our hands when pet, or barking can be commonplace, some, such as a quivering jaw, can be more perplexing for pet parents when they occur.There are several reasons why a dog's jaw may begin to quiver: arthritis or fracture of the jaw, mental struggles like separation anxiety, fear, or other stressors, gastrointestinal issues, a natural response to pheromones for a dog looking for a partner, a byproduct of seizures, or, in rare cases, inflammation from an ear infection or other muscles around the jaw. However, dental pain or discomfort, which can include a broken tooth, an abscess, or inflammation of the gums, is the most common cause behind a dog with a quivering jaw.A vet visit is important for figuring out the cause of a quivering jaw, but additional signs can help pinpoint the cause. A quivering jaw related to your dog's teeth or gums may show signs such as bad breath, excessive drooling, or difficulty eating. Gastrointestinal issues can be suspected if the jaw quiver comes with symptoms like vomiting. A jaw fracture will show additional signs of swelling around the affected area, and arthritis effects can be visible in multiple joints beyond the jaw. If a dog is having a seizure, there are other steps you should take before worrying about a quivering jaw. Behavioral issues that lead to a quivering jaw can be addressed through training, but suspected medical issues should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian.Dental care can help address jaw issuesKali9/Getty ImagesIf your dog's jaw has been quivering, dental issues may be to blame. Around 80% to 90% of dogs over the age of three show signs of some periodontal disease. If left unchecked, dental issues can increase the chances of more severe issues like heart and kidney disease. A veterinarian can determine the root cause of any discomfort around the mouth and help devise a plan to tackle dental problems or other health conditions causing the issue. If your pup's jaw quivering checks out otherwise healthy, but your pup has some minor dental disease, these at-home steps can help. Learning how to brush your dog's teeth is an essential first step to proper dental care. Pet parents can start using a Virbac C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit and get their dogs used to brushing using a toothbrush or finger brush. Treats like Greenies Original Regular Natural Dog Dental Care Chews can promote proper dental care.Natural ways to support a dog's teeth include probiotics like PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs, which also promotes proper gut health, and bone broth, like Brutus Bone Broth for Dogs, which also supports joints, both of which can help address other jaw-quivering causes, such as GI upset or arthritis, too. Adequate cleaning and support of a dog's teeth will help address problems before they happen. Importantly, regular at-home dental care will allow owners to look for potential problems before other signs of dental discomfort caused by inflammation or disease appear. Addressing behavioral issues that cause quivering jawsMiniseries/Getty ImagesBefore jumping to behavioral causes, a veterinarian should first rule out any other potential medical issues, such as arthritis, seizures, or ear inflammation, for proper treatment and medication. If a pet parent suspects a behavioral issue such as separation anxiety, fear, or excitement, these methods can help.While there are available products and veterinary-prescribed medications to help relieve anxiety, stimulation and exercise can be a simple step to help alleviate the nervousness of a pooch; a tired dog is a happy dog. For low-energy dogs who won't exercise, mental stimulation with a toy like the KADTC Dog Chess Puzzle Toy can also help relieve any pent-up anxiety and offer distraction. Behavioral therapy with a trained behaviorist to redefine for your dog what being alone means can also help overcome anxiety.For a fear response, a combination of desensitization and counterconditioning during training can help address a chattering mouth caused by nerves. This training gradually addresses and lowers a dog's fear response to a particular stimulus and can be worked on with a professional dog trainer. If your pup's jaw quivering is from excitement when smelling pheromones, there is not much an owner can do other than be aware that it could preface some unwanted behavior, such as running away in search of a mate. A furry friend with a quivering jaw may be an unexpected and worrying reaction for an owner. However, being attentive to potential health concerns and possible behavioral issues can help address the problem with less stress.Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search theAmerican Animal Hospital Association's online database.
Crayola's 2025 Christmas Commercial Will Make Dog Lovers Cry 'Happy Tears'
Michael Miller
NewsCrayola's 2025 Christmas Commercial Will Make Dog Lovers Cry 'Happy Tears'ByCynthia AnayaDec. 17, 2025 9:28 am ESTCrayolaEvery devoted dog owner wants to include their canine kids in the Christmas fun. Some dress them up in cozy sweaters or silly costumes, whip up homemade dog treats, or share a few pet-safe scraps with them at dinner time. Others buy them new chew toys as gifts or just give them a few extra head scratches and belly rubs to remind them they're loved. Crayola tapped into this universal dog parent response in a recent 60-second commercial entitled "Blue Christmas."In the ad, a young girl flips through a book moments before locking eyes with her blue heeler lying in front of her. Her eyes then drift to the decorations hanging from the windows. As if channeling her inner Grinch, she strips the house of every red and green decoration she can find; piles them on a blanket; and drags them across the room. She then grabs a storage bin filled with craft items and finds a spot at the living room table.With her dog again by her side, she starts coloring and cutting with the help of her sibling and parents. Together, they all hang their creations around the house. Her grandmother enters the home moments later and immediately notices that all the decorations are blue. "Dogs can't see red and green," the girl says. "But they can see blue," her grandma responds. "Now you can see Christmas, too," the girl says to her dog. Many viewers on YouTube loved the commercial, with some crowning it "the best ad ever."How dogs see colorsCrayolaThe commercial highlights one of the things to know about dog eyesight and dispels common misconceptions. So, what colors can dogs see? Not nearly as many as we can. A dog's world isn't just blue, black, and white, but the palette looks very different from ours. Canine eyes contain only two types of color-detecting cones, referred to as dichromatic vision. Humans have three. This means dogs can distinguish blues and yellows well, but shades of red and green don't pop the same way. Instead, those hues tend to blend into muted browns or grays in a dog's view.This visual world resembles that of a human with red-green color blindness: colorful to a point, but with fewer vivid tones on the spectrum. Although the commercial focuses on blue as the replacement color for the red and green decorations, adding some yellow would have also been a great choice.With that in mind, the next time you choose a new toy for your pup, go for a blue or yellow one to add a little more excitement to playtime. Of course, if your dog loves toys, it won't care about the color, but at least you'll know you picked something it can actually see well. Just like the girl in the Crayola commercial, choosing colors that stand out in your dog's world offers a small, thoughtful way to include them in the fun, whether it's holiday decor or a simple game of fetch on the living room floor.
How To Potty Train A Yorkie Poo
John Johnson
DogsDog TrainingHow To Potty Train A Yorkie PooByKatherine MaloneUpdated Apr 29, 2021Purple Collar Pet Photography/Moment/GettyImagesWhen considering designer dog breeds, the Yorkie poo, a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a miniature or toy poodle, is a popular choice. Yorkie poos are friendly, courageous, intelligent, and full of energy. Their intelligence is a benefit when it comes to training, but these pups also have a stubborn streak that may test your patience. However, with a good plan, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, your patience will pay off and you'll soon have a fully potty-trained dog that can be relied upon not to have accidents.Create a scheduleCreate a scheduleCreating a plan and a schedule is key to your success in potty training your Yorkie poo. You can start training when your puppy is just 12 to 16 weeks old, but keep in mind her bladder control is not as strong at this age as it will be as she matures. Create a schedule for your dog that includes regular feeding with potty breaks after eating and nap time.You will need to schedule eight to 10 potty breaks for puppies under 14 weeks of age and six to eight breaks for puppies 14 to 20 weeks of age. When the dog reaches 30 weeks, she will have bladder control to only need three to four breaks each day.Decide where in your yard you want your puppy to eliminate and if possible, leave some feces in the grass. This lets your Yorkie poo know that this is the right place for her to go potty.Considering housetraining toolsConsidering housetraining toolsPuppy pads are a popular option as a housetraining tool. They are especially useful if you live in an apartment and don't have easy access to a yard or if you work full time and can't get home to let your puppy out. However, using puppy pads can lengthen the amount of time it will take to fully train your Yorkie poo as you are essentially teaching them that it is acceptable to eliminate indoors.Mechelle Brooks/iStock/GettyImagesCrates are another effective option. Puppies and dogs avoid eliminating in their den, so if your crate is not too big for your Yorkie poo, she won't eliminate in the crate if she can help it. Crate training offers additional benefits including giving your puppy a place where she can rest and making travel easier.Monitor and praise potty tripsMonitor and praise potty tripsFollow the schedule you set to take your Yorkie poo outdoors to go potty but don't forget to pay attention to her behavior so you can recognize the signs that she needs to eliminate. Yorkie poos often get restless when they have to go potty, circling and sniffing the ground. If you notice these behaviors, take your Yorkie poo outside immediately rather than waiting for her to have an accident. This sets her up for success and prevents setbacks in training.It is helpful to link potty breaks with a verbal cue such as, "Wanna go potty?" or "Wanna go outside?" This helps your dog associate the phrase with the process. Once you're outside, don't play or distract your Yorkie poo and give her enough time to sniff around and choose a spot if she needs to go. It is a good idea to keep her on a leash while potty training to keep her focused and to ensure you don't miss a behavior you can reward.Once she has finished eliminating in the desired location, offer plenty of praise and even offer a small treat. This feeds your Yorkie poo's desire to please you and helps the training process go faster.Yorkie poo training problemsYorkie poo training problemsAccidents will happen and this can be very frustrating for you. However, punishing your Yorkie poo is not effective and may even trigger her stubbornness. Never punish her physically or rub her nose into the mess. Clean up any accidents in the house with an enzymatic cleaner. This removes the scent that may draw your Yorkie poo to eliminate in the area again.Mary Swift/iStock/GettyImagesIf you catch her in the act, interrupt her and take her outside immediately to finish going potty. Once she eliminates outside, don't forget to praise her.ReferencesDr. Phillips Animal Hospital: How to Potty Train A Puppy: Your Comprehensive GuideUniversity of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine: House-Training Your PuppyAmerican Kennel Club: How To Potty Train Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide for Success
How Can Guide Dogs Help Blind People?
Michael Davis
DogsDog TrainingHow Can Guide Dogs Help Blind People?ByJulie Thomas-ZuckerUpdated Mar 23, 2021Jim Craigmyle/Stone/GettyImagesA guide dog can help a blind person in many ways, beginning with giving unsighted people independence. Many blind people can't get around without the help of a well-trained guide dog. As with most types of service dogs, guide dogs go through extensive training. It takes between 2 and 5 years for a guide dog to be ready to be matched with a disabled person. Training includes basic obedience and service dog training. Providing protection and companionship are other ways these dogs help blind people.Guide dog trainingGuide dog trainingService dog training takes a minimum of 2 years to complete. In addition to basic obedience, the dog learns how to move forward and to turn right and left on command. More advanced commands include learning how to stop before crossing a street, leading its blindfolded handler around overhangs or other obstacles safely, and retrieving dropped objects. Also, during this time the dog learns only to guard its handler. After successful completion of training, the dog is matched with a blind person.Despite their extensive abilities at the end of the training, there are some things that guide dogs cannot do. They cannot be expected to establish a route to a new location, nor can they read traffic signs or signals. They take direction from their handlers and offer warnings of any dangers or obstacles along the route.Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, establishments are not allowed to refuse service to individuals with a service animal. While all guide dogs must be exceptionally well trained to fulfill their role, certification is not required. Many guide dog schools will provide an identification card or certification to help minimize hassles, but these do not offer official legal protections for the handler. Service dogs are legally allowed to enter establishments unless they are posing a real danger. Some states may have additional laws pertaining to guide dogs and other service animals.Types of service dogsJupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty ImagesTypes of service dogsAny well-trained dog can become a guide dog, although some common guide dog breeds for the blind include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and German shepherds are the most popular breeds. Standard poodles are another popular option, especially for individuals who have allergies. This is mainly because they have a strong instinct to assist their owners.Guide dogs must be in good health and free from any genetic health conditions. They must also have a personality that fits the job. Characteristics to look for in guide dogs include a high level of confidence, friendliness, biddability and adaptability. Trainers also look for dogs that are focused and not easily distracted. Another important requirement for a guide dog is that it be large enough to be fitted with a harness and leash. The blind person must be able to reach the harness comfortably.Good human candidatesBoris Djuranovic/iStock/Getty ImagesGood human candidatesGuide dogs serve blind people as well as individuals who are visually impaired. Handlers too must be trained. Much to the surprise of many of them, they have to learn how to walk again, as oftentimes, blind persons will shuffle along and not move at a speed that a dog can comfortably walk. As they gain confidence in their partnership, they learn to move at a pace better suited to the dog.Dogs are matched with people based on their specific needs, personalities and lifestyle. Some blind people may not walk enough to keep their dogs happy and healthy, so activity level is an important consideration when pairing guide dogs with their handlers. They must attend a training school as well and pass competency tests. This allows the dog and handler to build a trusting relationship and practice realistic scenarios.ReferencesAmerican Kennel Club: 7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Guide DogsThe Seeing Eye: What You Should Know About Service Animals In Public PlacesService Dog, Therapy Dog & Emotional Support Animal: How are Guide Dogs Trained to Help the Blind?Guide Dogs for the Blind: Guide Dog TrainingGuide Dogs for the Blind: Get a Guide DogGuide Dogs for the Blind: FAQs
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How To Stop Your Dog From Urinating On Concrete
Jane Williams
DogsDog TrainingHow To Stop Your Dog From Urinating On ConcreteByKrissy HowardUpdated Oct 16, 2020Sean Murphy/Stone/GettyImagesImagine this: You've just cleaned and stained your concrete front patio and you take a step outside with your canine in tow when she pees all over it, leaving a puddle all over your handiwork. Even if you don't need to stop your dog from peeing on a patio, you may wish she wouldn't pee on concrete sidewalks or the corners of buildings while on your daily walks. Training a dog to go outside rather than in your home is what every dog guardian strives for, and if you wish to encourage your dog to go in preferred spots, like grass, it can be done with a bit of focus and practice.Positive reinforcement pee trainingPositive reinforcement pee trainingPositive reinforcement training is an effective, reward-based training style that allows dogs to associate positive reactions with desired behaviors. Positive reinforcement training is often used to teach dogs basic commands, like "sit" and "off," as well as leash training on walks, by redirecting their focus from their surroundings back to you. This training style is also often used when dogs are learning to be potty trained to use the bathroom outdoors, and can be implemented to teach a dog to eliminate in a specific spot.To use positive reinforcement training to stop your dog from urinating on concrete patios, walkways, or door stops, the American Kennel Club suggests finding a reward that your dog will consider to have high value, like small bits of a hot dog. Next, offer your dog the reward only when he exhibits the exact behavior you're working toward — in this case, peeing in the yard over the concrete. Each time your dog pees in the grass, or other designated area you prefer, offer the reward to help him associate peeing in grass with a tasty treat. Finally, positive reward is called positive for a reason, it discourages the use of punishment or withholding to train a dog, so do your best to resist scolding your dog for peeing on concrete, and instead praise him for doing what you prefer.Teaching incontinent dogsTeaching incontinent dogsIn some cases, it may be hard to stop a dog from peeing on the patio because they are, quite simply, incapable of holding it until they reach greener pastures. Young puppies often struggle to even make it to the door, let alone several paces to the yard or a patch of grass that skirts the street. Older dogs can sometimes struggle with this too, as do dogs with underlying medical issues that may result in frequent urination, like a bladder infection, kidney disease, or diabetes, says VCA Hospitals. To make things easier on dogs who struggle to hold it, try increasing the number of times they go out, and do your best to time bathroom breaks to coincide with when they tend to drink more water, like after meals or a long walk.Peeing in the cityPeeing in the citySometimes, a concrete sidewalk is just about the only option for a canine to relieve herself, which is the case for dogs who live in cities and densely populated neighborhoods that don't feature grass lawns. While you can't exactly expect a dog to go where there is no grass, there are areas you can train her to eliminate that won't force people to step over or rinse away with a hose. One option is to train your dog to go along the edge of the street, which should be done on leash and with extreme care and caution for passing cars and bikes.ReferencesAKC: 4 Tips for Training Your Dog with RewardsVCA Hospitals: Urinary Incontinence in Dogs
The Completely Normal Human Behavior That Makes Your Dog's Anxiety Worse Every Time
John Williams
DogsDog BehaviorThe Completely Normal Human Behavior That Makes Your Dog's Anxiety Worse Every TimeByAdam SymchukMay 4, 2025 9:25 am ESTReddogs/ShutterstockWe may receive a commission on purchases made from links.Pet parents love to see the ways they can get their dogs excited. Who can blame them? Witnessing a dog's reaction to the mention of its favorite outdoor activity, when rummaging through a bag of treats, or playing with its favorite toy is a genuinely joyful experience. It's hard not to react to a dog that is ridiculously happy to see its owner, but a pet parent may unintentionally give their dog negative cues on how to behave — especially when coming and going.While your dog may be excited to have you home after even the briefest outing, adding to its energy can cause anxiety that can escalate into unwanted traits like excessive barking, destructive behavior, or peeing inside. A pooch in waiting may start associating its owner's return with positive stimulation, such as letting it out, playing with it, or just giving it an enthusiastic greeting. The anticipation of interacting with its favorite person and not having these expectations met can heighten anxiety. This anxiety-inducing behavior can also extend to leaving the home with an overly expressive or emotional goodbye.It's a natural response for some owners to shower their dogs with affection when they leave or return home. However, it is recommended that owners wait to greet their dogs and minimize attention. You may want to give your dog 5 to 10 minutes to calm down before you say hello. The same routine can be applied before leaving, with 10 minutes of non-engagement before departing. Exercise before leaving a dog alone can also help burn its anxious energy. However, not all dogs are the same, and sometimes establishing the perfect routine for coming and going requires extra effort.Alternative ways to greet your dog that won't cause anxietySofikoS/ShutterstockCertified dog behavior consultant Sarah Fraser of Instinct Dog Behavior and Training has a nuanced approach to greetings. For her, completely ignoring a dog has not proven as effective. Instead, a calm, simple greeting with a neutral expression is recommended. She states, "The initial acknowledgment is important so your dog doesn't worry that they've suddenly become invisible."From here, Fraser recommends using several training techniques. The techniques can help redirect your dog's behavior and offer soothing, calming alternatives to overexcitement. They include giving a handful of treats to redirect your dog's attention to a new task at-hand or using a KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy packed with almond or peanut butter to keep your dog occupied. If food motivation is not an option or is ineffective, a toy basket by the door can ease your dog's anxious mind when handed its favorite toy. Alternatively, trying to sit down and focus on soothing your dog with a calming touch can also help lessen its anxiety.The best approach to combatting a dog's anxiety when arriving home or leaving will depend on the dog's personality. However, the desire to greet it with the same energy it has or give a long goodbye is counterintuitive to how you want it to feel. People can hide their excitement or sadness for the greater good of their pets; it can be difficult for the passionate owner, but it is the best way to avoid unnecessary anxiety.
How To Train A Red Heeler
Jane Miller
DogsDog TrainingHow To Train A Red HeelerByJane MeggittUpdated Jul 6, 2011cynoclub/iStock/Getty ImagesIf you're training a red heeler or a blue heeler — color types of the Australian cattle dog — it's important to know the history of this working breed. These high-energy dogs require lots of exercise, so they need active owners. While the ACD is highly trainable, he needs a strong leader. Otherwise, he'll train you, not the other way around.Australian Cattle DogAustralian Cattle DogThe breed's name explains it. Australian cattle dogs were developed Down Under to work all day herding cattle. A cattle drive might last for weeks through rugged, harsh territory. Heelers are tough, independent and extremely smart canines who learn quickly. The typical ACD is territorial but loyal to his person. The Australian Cattle Dog Rescue website says the breed is suited to "active people who view training and working with a canine companion as a way of life." If that's more of a time and energy investment than you can give a dog, consider a less demanding breed.Early SocializationEarly SocializationWhile early socialization and puppy kindergarten classes are important for every canine, they are especially necessary for dominant breeds like the Australian cattle dog. Some ACDs are aggressive with strangers, so acclimating a puppy to different people and situations early on can help avoid that later aggression. However, you must take it slowly and not overwhelm an Australian cattle dog. He will never be the sort of dog who just loves everybody — but he can be trained to tolerate everybody. As puppies, ACD are even mouthier than other young canines. If he's biting you, give him something appropriate to chew on, not your hand or other body part.Australian Cattle Dog TrainabilityAustralian Cattle Dog TrainabilityBasic training for an ACD is similar to that of any other dog. He must learn the basic commands — sit, stay, down, heel and come. How he learns might differ from the average dog. An ACD will go to the ends of the earth for a firm leader. As long as you're consistent, the ACD is easily trained and just soaks up knowledge. That strength doesn't mean you physically or emotionally dominate the dog in any way. Instead, use positive reinforcement, such as effusive praise or treats, when he does what's expected. Methods such as clicker training are often effective with an ACD. Because he's a herding dog, it's his nature to nip at cattle to keep them moving. He can transfer this behavior to kids in the household or other pets. Nip the nipping in the bud. A sharp vocal reprimand should suffice.Lots of ExerciseLots of ExerciseLots of exercise is necessary not just to address all the heeler's pent-up energy but to keep him out of trouble. Separation anxiety is common in the breed, so if you must leave one alone for extended periods, introduce him to crate training as a puppy. Otherwise, you could come home to mass destruction. In addition to physical activity, the ACD needs mental stimulation. He can master and excel at nearly any canine sport, so see which ones best suit the two of you.Herding TrainingHerding TrainingHerding comes naturally to ACDs. If you don't have cattle, find a club or trainer with available livestock. You can find trainers through the American Kennel Club, which holds certified herding events. If you're not familiar with herding, you have as much — maybe more — to learn than your ACD. Before you start training, it's crucial that your ACD knows all of the basic commands and obeys them immediately. You must ensure that your ACD views the herd as individuals, rather than a group, so he knows to work one animal at a time. Herding takes a team: you and your ACD. He takes direction from you, so you must know enough to give him the correct cues.ReferencesAustralian Cattle Dog Rescue: HomeAustralian Cattle Dog Rescue: Frequently Asked QuestionsAustralian Cattle Dog Club of America: Breed and Working Standards for the Australian Cattle DogVetstreet: Australian Cattle DogAmerican Kennel Club: Why Does My Dog Do That? Or Why Does My Handler Do That?
Vet Reveals The Truth About Foster Puppy & Everyone Learns What He Really Is
John Brown
DogsDog NutritionVet Reveals The Truth About Foster Puppy & Everyone Learns What He Really IsBySheri RadfordNov. 22, 2025 9:25 am ESTmythologicaldogs/TikTokWhen Laurel Lingenfelter agreed to foster a puppy named Bruce, she thought she was getting a malnourished bully mix aged somewhere between four and six months. But after Lingenfelter got Bruce home, she started to suspect he was something different. A trip to the vet confirmed her hunch about the sickly but happy pup."Bruce is only 12 weeks old and he's definitely part Great Dane, made extremely obvious from his long legs, build, and tail that is the same length as the rest of him," she said in a TikTok video. "Big breeds like this need a special diet to grow correctly." But sweet little Bruce clearly hadn't been receiving the right type of food, or anywhere near enough of it. "He was found already emaciated, full of worms, and then not given the correct nutrients for his size," Lingenfelter said.Fixing Bruce's dire health situation required Lingenfelter to respond swiftly, but cautiously. She gave Bruce another round of deworming medication and the vaccines he needed, and began feeding him an appropriate type of dog food for his breed. She also started Bruce on a slow refeeding plan. "[Y'all] are doing GREAT!!! There's gonna be some days where it's hard but in the end trust me it's so worth it ... I'm sure he's in very very great hands," commented a TikTok user.What's the best way to help a malnourished dog?Djavan Rodriguez/Getty Images"Bruce is a two out of nine on the Body Condition Score, which is heartbreaking," Laurel Lingenfelter said in the TikTok video. Two Body Condition Score scales are commonly used to express how thin or heavy a dog is. One of the scales assigns a numerical score out of five, while the other uses a nine-point system. Bruce's score indicates an extremely underweight animal.Symptoms of malnutrition in dogs – lethargy, weakness, a dull coat, and visible ribs — can be frightening to witness, and it takes patience to treat a malnourished dog. The reality is that helping a skinny dog gain weight isn't as simple as drastically increasing the amount of food the animal receives. "If a dog this malnourished gets fed too much too quickly, they can die because their body isn't used to the amount of nutrients, so you have to slowly work them up to the correct amount of food," Lingenfelter explained.A slow refeeding plan involves gradually introducing more food in small meals throughout the day and carefully monitoring the effects, to make sure the animal's body is metabolizing nutrients again and to prevent the potentially deadly refeeding syndrome. "It is so hard to foster a malnourished dog and not give them all the food. It's for the best, but it's so hard," a TikTok user commented on Lingenfelter's video. Fortunately for Bruce, he ended up with an experienced foster, and his perpetually wagging tail gives reassurance that he'll be just fine.
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