Do dogs like to be dirty or clean
Top 10 Cleanest Dog Breeds
Spending time outside is very important for overall physical and mental health, both for humans and animals alike. Our pets, dogs especially, can be quite dependent on the time they spend outdoors. It helps stimulate them, keep them mobile and active, and also helps them spend all that extra energy they have stored which in turn impacts their behavior for the better. But as it is with everything in life, there is always too little and too much of a good thing. So in the end, it does make you wonder just how much outdoor time does your dog need? And, can you really overdo it? Lets find out!How Much Outdoor Time Does My Dog Need?The amount of outdoor time your dog needs can vary based on factors such as their breed, age, health, and individual preferences of your dog. It cant really be the exact same for all dogs out there. Just like humans, some pooches have preferences of their own. Some love to snooze and relax, and arent really fans of going outside and zooming about. Others, however, cant get enough of adventures in the great outdoors. Still, in general, all dogs require at least a small amount of daily outdoor exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. With that in mind, these are some main factors that could influence the amount of time your pet needs to spend outside of the house:BreedDifferent breeds have different energy levels and exercise requirements. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Labrador Retrievers may need more outdoor time compared to lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs or Basset Hounds. As you get to know your pet and the specifics of their breed, this too will become apparent. AgeAge plays a major role in dog energy levels. Puppies generally have more energy and may require several short play and exercise sessions throughout the day. Adult dogs on the other hand usually need at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise per day, depending on the breed and individual needs, whereas seniors usually dont have as much energy so one walk a day will do just fine for a pooch in his golden years.HealthDogs with certain health issues may have specific exercise restrictions. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate exercise plan for a dog with health concerns. Dont overdo it with your dog, if the vet prohibits it. The same goes for seniors, who cant really play all that much outside. SizeDog size is a big factor in determining energy levels and the need for outdoor fun. Smaller breeds may get sufficient exercise with a shorter walk or playtime, while larger breeds might need longer and more vigorous activities.Individual PreferencesSome dogs are more active and enjoy activities like fetching, running, or hiking, while others may be content with a shorter walk or playtime in the yard. On the other hand, some breeds, due to their inherent traits, might love relaxing outside, even when it's chilly. Others, though, will love the warmth and coziness found indoors.
Why Does My Dog Lay on My Clothes? Clean or Dirty
Whether its on top of your clean clothes or on the pile of dirty laundry youre about to toss in the machine, youve probably lost count of the times youve found your dog curled up on your clothes.
Its strange behavior for sure, but why does your dog sleep on your clothes and not his bed?
Dogs like to lay on clothes and not their own bed because their owners scent is comforting to them, they want your scent on their body, your clothes give them a feeling of safety, theyre marking territory, and they want to keep warm, to name a few reasons.
Read on as I take you through all the common reasons why your dog cant seem to keep off your clothes. And if this habit gets on your nerves, Ill share a few tips on how to curb it.
Why does my dog lay on my clothes to sleep?
Its been the norm for as long as you can remember: your dog sleeping on your clothes as though their bed doesnt exist.
Whats even more surprising is that dirt is a non-issue. They dont care whether the clothing in question is your gym wear sprayed with Eau de Sweat. If they see it, they will gladly lay on it.
Almost every dog owner will tell you their dog has an inseparable connection with their clothes some will even lick them.
So, if your canine pals habit of constantly laying on your clothes leaves you puzzled, youre not alone. Many dog parents see it happening and wonder why.
Seriously, whats up with our four-legged friends and their obsession with our clothes? Lets see:
1. Laying on clothes as youre the pack leader and they want to smell like you
Our furry friends have a pack mentality. They think that they and their human family make one happy pack.
In your dogs eyes, youre the pack leader since you always call the shots.
And because your furry friend knows they belong to your pack, they will want to have that pack scent on their body to maintain their identity as your pack member.
Your clothes are full of your natural body odor: what your dog considers the pack scent.
Remember, our furry friends sense of smell is out of this world. So even if theres perfume on your clothes, your dog will still sniff the real you (your natural odor as the pack leader). They will lay on your dirty clothes to soak in the pack scent.
2. Laying on your clothes to claim you, before any other pet does
Our canine pals can be quite territorial. They will pull the silliest stunts to make the world know you belong to them like laying on your clothes instead of their own bed.
Curling up on your clothes is your dogs clever way of spreading their unique dog scent on you.
They think that if you have their canine smell, other pets in your home will sniff this scent and know youre already taken.
Its their way of announcing to other dogs nearby that you two have a relationship going on.
Your dogs furry mind tells them that if you walk out of the house with that dog smell on your clothes, other dogs will know who you belong to.
3. Laying on your clothes to show love and affection
Your furry pal simply adores you and wants to be around anything that strongly smells like you and members of their human family.
Its likely that laying on your clothes makes them happy. They do it over and over again because nothing beats the feeling of snuggling with their favorite persons clothes even the dirty ones.
Also, your innately curious dog likes to sniff the interesting smells on your dirty clothes.
They love knowing what their human best friend has been up to, and laying on your dirty laundry presents the perfect opportunity to know you more.
4. Laying on clothes makes them feel safe
Whenever your dog lays down on your clothes, they normally feel secure. This is why kennels recommend you give an item of your clothing to them when your dog stays overnight.
Your scent reminds them of your presence, and so they get to let their guard down and snuggle peacefully. In other words, your pile of clothes is the safest bed your furry friend knows.
They have nothing to worry about because curling up on your laundry makes them feel as though youre close by.
5. Laying on your clothes if their bed feels a bit off
Lets face it, our four-legged friends can be hard to please sometimes. Have you ever noticed how they scratch their bed to make it comfortable before lying down fussy, springs to mind!
You may have spent good money getting them the coziest bed ever (and in the right shape and size). But if it doesnt feel as snuggly as your clothes, they will spend less time in it, and more on your clothes.
6. Laying on your clothes because they miss you
If youve been gone away for a while, your dog will curl up on your clothes to cope with your absence. This is especially true if your furry friend struggles with separation anxiety.
Anytime you go away, snuggling with your clothes may be the only thing that helps them de-stress. They probably feel like they are cuddling with you, which keeps them at ease as they wait for your return.
7. Laying on your soft clothes for a comfy nap
Are there certain clothes you consider your favorites because of their soft texture? Well, your furry friend isnt any different they love the soft stuff too!
Curling up on some of your soft clothes probably feels like heaven. Your dog just cant get enough of how comfy it feels.
8. Laying on your clothes to keep warm
When its chilly, theres no way youll convince your dog that tucking in your pile of clothes wont warm them up.
Your laundry is simply the perfect heat source, not even your stylish radiator comes close.
9. Laying on your clothes for the love of attention
Your furry friend has studied you long enough to know that you usually react when you find them on your clothes.
Whether you simply stare at them, laugh, or try to get them out of your laundry basket any reaction from you means youve noticed them. So, mission accomplished!
When your bored dog wants you to engage them, they know the easiest trick to pull: head over to your laundry and lay there.
How to get your dog to stop lying on your clothes
Like every other dog, your dog has the purest intentions curling up on your clothes. Its not a malicious move.
But as cute as it may seem, it can be annoying if your dog is dirty but proceeds to sleep on your clean clothes. Or worse, if they are the hairy type and leaves fur on your garments.
Luckily, there are easy solutions to resolve this:
- Make your laundry isnt accessible. If they are always on top of the clothes in your laundry basket, consider buying a basket with a lid. If they like chilling in your laundry area, always keep the door closed.
- Make their bed comfy by placing a warm, soft blanket. You can add something you no longer wear, like an old t-shirt. This will help your friend spend more time curling up with their blanket or your t-shirt and keep off your clothes.
- Avoid leaving your clothes in places where your furry friend likes to hang out. Like on your bed or the couch. Always lock up your clean laundry in the closet.
- Discourage the behavior and redirect their attention. Whenever you see them on top of your clothes, issue a cue like leave it as you call them to you. Toss a toy far away from the laundry so they can get busy playing with it.
Over time, they will learn that your clothes are out of bounds.
FAQs
Why does my dog like my dirty laundry?
There are many reasons why: They want to smell like you since youre their pack leader, they adore you and love being close to your scent, want to grab your attention, your dirty laundry is their source of warmth, and they feel secure resting on your dirty clothes.
Why do dogs rub their body on your clothes?
As stated earlier, this tactic is a dogs way of claiming you. Theyre simply spreading their unique dog smell on you so other pets can sniff it and know who you belong to.
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How to Clean a Dogs Ears
As dog owners, we know that keeping our dogs ears clean is an important part of their everyday care. But cleaning your dogs ears can challenging if your dog isnt conditioned to accept regular ear cleaning, or we dont feel comfortable cleaning our dogs ears.
Some dogs naturally have healthy, clean ears and may almost never need to have their ears cleaned, while other dogs require regular ear cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt that can lead to earinfections. Dog breeds with long ears,such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, are among those with the highest risk of getting ear infections, but all breeds and dogs can develop them.
Checking the health of your dogs ears is something you should do on a regular basis as part of basic grooming. Your dog might enjoy having their ears rubbed when they are healthy, but if your dog pulls away from having their ears touched, then their ears may be sensitive or sore. Gently handling your dogs ears is a simple way to check in on their condition every day.
How to Tell When a Dogs Ears Need Cleaning
Before you break out the dog ear cleaner, check to make sure your dog actually needs to have their ears cleaned. Over-cleaning your dogs ears can lead to infection and irritation, so familiarize yourself with what a healthy, clean ear looks like (pink, odorless, and not dirty or inflamed) and smells like (not yeasty or stinky), and clean it with a cleanser only when you notice a change.
Some dogs require infrequent ear cleanings, while others, such as those predisposed to ear infections or dogs who spend a lot of time in the water, may need ear cleanings more often. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends that a dogs ear canals be kept dry and well ventilated by using topical astringents for dogs that swim frequently, and by preventing water from entering the ear canals during bathing.
If you notice a mild odor or see that your dog is shaking their head more than usual, its probably time for an ear cleaning. If your dogs ear looks red and inflamed, smells yeasty, or they appear to be in pain, contact your veterinarian. These symptoms could indicate an ear infection, fleas, or ear mites, or allergies, and require medical attention. Cleaning an already infected ear often causes more harm than good.
Ear-Cleaning Supplies
You only need a few supplies to successfully and safely clean your dogs ears: a cotton ball or gauze, dog ear-cleaning solution, and a clean, dry towel. Avoid using cotton-tipped swabs or anything with a pointed tip. These tools can push dirt and debris deeper into your dogs ear canal, cause infections, and can even create trauma to the inner structures of the ear itself.
A note to the wise: Ear cleaning, while simple, can be messy. You may want to clean your dogs ears in a bathroom or a room that is easy to clean in case your dog shakes their head vigorously during the process.
Dog Ear-Cleaning Solutions
The internet is full of homemade ear-cleaning solutions for dogs. However, veterinary dog ear cleaning solutions are the safest choice. Some homemade ear-cleaning solutions contain harmful or irritating ingredients. Others simply dont do a good job.
Most veterinary offices carry ear cleaner for dogs, and you can ask your veterinarian for recommendations on the best ear cleaning products for your dog, as some solutions may be more beneficial for your pups specific needs than others.
How to Clean Dog Ears in Three Easy Steps
- Assemble your supplies so everything is at hand and nearby your and your dog. Try to clean your dogs ears when your dog is calm, as this will help make the process easier. Dont be afraid to use treats to make it a positive experience for your pet.
- Squeeze a veterinary ear-cleaning solution to fill your dogs ear canal and massage gently at the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. You will hear a squishing sound as the product works to dislodge and dissolve any debris and buildup. Dont let the tip of the applicator touch your dogs ear, as this can contaminate the solution with bacteria.
- Let your dog shake their head. This is where the towel comes in you can use it to protect yourself from spray and wipe down their face if the solution drips out of their ears. Once your dog has finished shaking, take the cotton ball or gauze and gently wipe out the ear canal, going no deeper than the depth of one knuckle. If your dog appears to be in pain during the ear cleaning process, stop and consult your veterinarian.
Should You Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Dog Ears?
No. Dont use hydrogen peroxide on your dogs ears. This common household product can actually cause irritation to healthy skin cells. Ears contain very sensitive tissue, and extended use of hydrogen peroxide could eventually lead to damage of the ear itself. Stick to veterinary-formulated ear cleaners.
How to Clean Dog Ears: A Summary
Now that you know how to clean dog ears, here are the basics one more time:
- Know what a healthy, clean ear looks and smells like
- Check your dogs ears regularly for signs cleaning is needed
- Cleaning ears too often can cause excessive irritation
- Use a veterinary ear-cleaning solution formulated for dogs
- Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an ear infection
Taking care of your dogs ears helps prevent painful ear infections. Regular ear examinations will also catch any other problems, such as ear mites, before they get worse, and will help condition your dog to tolerate (and eventually enjoy) ear handling.
