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Pet Health Library

Dogs + Behavior & Training

  • The Finnish Spitz, the national dog of Finland, loves to bark, and his barking talents are so valued that every year in Finland, officials select a King Barker. Maybe not the breed for peace-and-quiet lovers, the Finkie, as he is known to his friends, is nonetheless a playful and devoted companion.

  • For reasons that are difficult to explain, Flat-Coated Retrievers are not as common as pets as other retriever breeds, but it is said that once you live with a Flat-Coated Retriever, no other breed will do.

  • Fluoxetine is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat various behavioral conditions. Common side effects include sleepiness and decreased appetite. Do not use in pets with a history of seizures, that are on medications that lower the seizure threshold, that are allergic to it, taking MAOIs, younger than 6 months old, or aggressive pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Successful airline travel with a dog begins long before the day of travel. Do your homework with the airlines. Acquire your dog's travel carrier well before your trip. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian close to the date of travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he does not travel well. With some advance planning, attention to detail, and consultation with your veterinarian, flying with your dog can be a great experience.

  • Guarding food items can be a normal behavior in dogs, but when it escalates, the safety of both people and animals is compromised. Exercises to prevent and reverse guarding behavior can be beneficial to any dog. Professional guidance is needed for any dog who has repeatedly come into conflict with people or pets because of guarding behavior.

  • The Frenchie is a quiet but sociable dog who continues to love snoozing on human laps and otherwise cuddle at every opportunity.

  • Gabapentin is given off label and by mouth and is used to treat pain and seizures in cats and dogs. It is also used to treat fear and anxiety for short periods in cats. The most common side effects include sleepiness and incoordination. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, and use cautiously in pregnant pets or those with kidney disease. Some liquid oral formulations contain xylitol, so read the label before administering. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • This is a lively dog with a playful personality that demands to be with people and in the thick of things—and isn't above a bit of high-energy mischief.

  • Shepherds are intelligent and can learn almost any task. They have big hearts and often attempt to perform a request even if it's beyond their physical ability.

  • Easy care in the grooming department, they are high maintenance mentally, demanding a lot of attention and daily play or work time. They are not fussy as to which, as long as it involves exercise and their favorite person.