Some dogs begin panting noticeably before a storm arrives. This can be unsettling, particularly when the behavior is unusual for them or becomes intense. Some dogs become anxious before a storm arrives and may start panting, pacing, hiding, trembling, following their owners, or becoming restless. Dogs can respond to several features of storms, including thunder, […]
Dog Panting Before Diarrhea: What Does It Mean?
Panting shortly before a dog develops diarrhea can be unsettling, particularly when the change happens suddenly. Some dogs become restless, pant, pace, or repeatedly change position before having loose or watery stool. Panting does not identify the cause of diarrhea by itself. A brief episode may occur with a mild digestive upset, dietary change, or […]
Dog Suddenly Becomes Incontinent: Is It an Emergency?
A dog that suddenly becomes incontinent may begin leaking urine without seeming to realize it. You may notice wet bedding after your dog has been sleeping, urine dribbling while walking, or unexpected accidents in a dog that was previously reliably house-trained. Sudden urinary incontinence is different from simply having an occasional accident. The pattern of […]
Dog Suddenly Becomes Paralyzed (Here’s Why)
A dog that suddenly becomes paralyzed may lose the ability to move one or more legs, stand, or walk normally. The change can be obvious, such as suddenly being unable to get up, or it may begin as severe weakness, stumbling, dragging a limb, or repeatedly falling. Sudden paralysis is different from ordinary tiredness or […]
Dog Hacking but Not Puking (Here’s Why)
A dog that repeatedly hacks without bringing anything up can sound as though they are trying to clear something from their throat. An occasional episode may pass quickly, but frequent or persistent hacking can be concerning, particularly when it is a new behavior or seems to be causing your dog discomfort. The sound and frequency […]
Dog Hacking but Is Acting Normal: Should You Worry?
A dog that is hacking but acting normal may cough periodically while continuing to eat, drink, play, and interact normally. The hacking may be dry or harsh, may occur only a few times a day, or may happen in repeated spells. Because coughing can occur without obvious changes in appetite, energy, or behavior, it is […]
Dog Hacking but Still Eating: Should You Worry?
A dog that is hacking but still eating may continue to have a normal appetite despite repeated coughing episodes. You may notice a dry or harsh hacking sound, coughing after activity, or occasional bouts throughout the day while your dog continues to eat, drink, and behave normally. Still eating is a useful observation, but it […]
Why Does My Dog Only Hump My Mom? (Here’s Why)
If your dog humps only your mom, it can be confusing and sometimes embarrassing. Although mounting is often associated with sexual behavior, dogs may hump people for several other reasons. Excitement, play, stress, attention-seeking, and learned habits can all contribute to mounting, and the behavior can occur in both male and female dogs, including dogs […]
Why Does My Dog Only Hump My Friend? (Here’s Why)
When your dog only humps your friend, it can be confusing, especially if your dog does not behave the same way toward other people. Mounting is not necessarily a sexual behavior. Dogs may hump people or other animals because they are excited, overstimulated, stressed, anxious, playing, seeking attention, or repeating a behavior that has become […]
Why Does My Dog Only Hump One Dog? (Here’s Why)
If your dog only humps one particular dog, you may wonder why that dog seems to be the only target. Mounting can be a normal canine behavior, but it does not always mean that your dog is trying to mate. Dogs may mount other dogs during play, excitement, stress, or other highly stimulating interactions. Sexual […]










