![Why are dogs loyal?]()
Nature and nurture play a role in our dog’s loyalty, explaining how our pets evolved to be known as man’s best friend.
Why are dogs loyal?
Our canine companions are famous for their loyalty, but the cause behind Fido’s faithful nature is more of a mystery. An interplay of environmental and genetic factors influence our pets’ personalities and helps explain why dogs are so loyal to their humans.
Domesticated pets rely on their owners for everything from basic needs such as food and water to companionship, exercise and playtime. Our dogs are acutely aware of their position in the relationship and this provides major motivation to display their loyalty to their caretakers. By staying in our good graces, our pets affirm that their needs will be met, but the relationship between a dog and his owner runs deeper than food and water. Dogs also consider us part of their families and, like humans, they take care of their family members. These bonds grow stronger as you and your pet come to rely on each other, creating a sense of loyalty.
There are genetic factors at play, too, when it comes to canines’ faithfulness to their humans. Dogs, who are scavengers by nature, learned that people hunted and left scraps that provided their packs with food. Likewise, dogs helped humans hunt as they evolved together, eventually forming bonds that led dogs to evolve into the loyal pets they are today. Canines that excelled at co-existing with humans had more opportunities to find food. Not only did people take care of the dogs that were around more often and friendlier, but they also intentionally bred them to favor human interaction. Over time, selective breeding helped create dogs that were genetically predisposed to “tameability,” and therefore, human loyalty.
With their long history with humans, it is not surprising that dogs have actually developed empathy for their human counterparts. Researchers have found that dogs actually alter their behaviors based on their owners’ moods, showing an acute understanding of human emotions. Study have shown canines can read the emotions of strangers, too, demonstrating an empathy that lends itself easily to the loyalty our pets display. Other studies have found dogs’ oxytocin levels increase when they are around their owners. This feel-good hormone creates a boost of happiness, showing that being around their people truly benefits our pets’ wellbeing. It is easy to feel loyal to someone who brings you happiness, helping us understand why our dogs develop friendships, trust and loyalty with their human families.
![Why does my cat smell bad?]()
Cats are known to groom obsessively, but sometimes even felines start to smell. Here’s how to determine when an odor is a sign of a problem.
Why does my cat smell bad?
Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, so it can come as a surprise when your pet starts to stink. Although some odors are easy to fix, others can indicate a serious health problem. To determine the cause behind your Kitty’s bad smell, start by identifying the location of the odor.
The best way to get to the bottom of why your cat stinks is to determine the source of the odor. Start by identifying whether the smell is coming from his face, rear, a particular part of his coat, or all over. Once you’ve narrowed down the site of Kitty’s offensive smell, you can begin diagnosing the problem. If his mouth stinks, for example, your cat may be experiencing dental disease. This is the most common cause of bad breath in cats and is due to buildup of bacteria in his mouth. Left untreated, plaque and tartar can cause gum disease and painful tooth infections, so if your pet is experiencing persistent stinky breath, take him to the veterinarian for an oral exam. Other mouth-related odors can result from ulcers or wounds. Again, these can be painful for your pet, so take him to the vet to diagnose and treat the problem, as most cats will not let their owners have a look inside their mouths.
Other sources of bad smells around your cat’s face include his ears, which are subject to infections caused by yeast, bacteria or mites. If you notice an offensive odor coming from your pet’s ears or he is scratching at them and shaking his head, this can be a sign of an ear infection. Look inside his ears for debris, and take him to the vet as soon as possible to determine whether he is suffering from a painful ear infection and to treat the problem.
Cats can also experience stinky coats. If he appears dirty, a bath may be the only treatment needed, but if your pet appears relatively clean, he could be suffering from a skin condition. Skin infections are caused by bacterial or fungal overgrowth and can lead to a bad smell across a cat’s entire body. Other symptoms include a thinning coat; inflamed or red skin; or a greasy or smelly coating on his fur. If, however, your pet’s skin stinks only in a certain spot, it is likely due to an infected wound. Cats’ thick coats can easily hide cuts and scrapes, which can ooze a smelly discharge when they become infected. Run your fingers through your pet’s fur to help find a wound and take your cat to the vet immediately if you do find one.
The base of cats’ tails is an unsurprising source of stinky smells, but some can require veterinary care. Though gas is nothing to worry about, persistently, overly smelly flatulence can be a symptom of a gastrointestinal problem. Likewise, if your pet experiences diarrhea or constipation for more than two days, he needs immediate veterinary care. Finally, some cats stink due to inflamed, infected or impacted anal glands. If your cat is “scooting” across the floor or grooming the base of his tale excessively, take him to the vet to diagnose and treat the problem.
|
For Dogs
For Cats
855 908 4010
