Butternut blog

Dog sleeping on their back

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Sleep On Their Backs?

Dogs sleeping on their backs is usually indicates that they feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings as they slip off into dreamland.

Crisps for dogs

Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Crisps?

No, dogs should not eat crisps. They are unlikely to cause any harm but they are incredibly unhealthy and can pose a choking risk.

Rub the dog sticking tongue out

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Like Squeaky Toys?

One squeeze of their favourite toy and your dog is front and centre, ears pricked and ready to go. But, what is it about squeaky toys that sends dogs crazy?

Ruby the dog

Health

Can Dogs Get Pregnant When Not In Heat?

No, dogs cannot become pregnant when not in heat. The heat cycle is the only period during which a female dog becomes fertile and can conceive offspring.

Baloo the dog

Health

Can Dogs Get Chicken Pox?

It is incredibly unlikely that dogs would get chicken pox. The virus is adapted to infect humans, and it has limited potential to infect other species.

Malbec the dog

Health

Can Dogs Get Lyme Disease?

Yes, dogs can get Lyme disease from ticks. It is curable but you should seek help from a vet as soon as you suspect that your dog may have Lyme disease.

King Cavalier Charles Spaniel and toys

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Bury Things?

You've given your dog a treat but instead of eating it, they've buried it down the sofa, why? This is an instinctual behaviour in dogs that is perfectly normal.

Sweetcorn for dogs

Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Sweetcorn?

Yes, dogs can eat sweetcorn. It is best fed in fresh or frozen form. Dogs should not eat the corn cob as this can pose a serious choking hazard.

Stella the dog

Health

Can Dogs Get Norovirus?

Yes, dogs can get norovirus. However, it's extremely rare for transmission to happen from humans to dogs, and vice versa.

Pablo the dog

Health

Can Dogs Get Bird Flu?

Yes, dogs can get bird flu. There are things you can do to minimise their risk of contracting it. If you suspect that they've become infected, consult your vet.

Jack Russell being stroked

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Like Being Stroked?

Some dogs like being stroked and some do not. If your pooch revels in affection it is likely due to a desire for comfort, stress relief and connection.

Max the dog

Health

Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

Yes, dogs can get hiccups. Similarly to humans, they usually occur due to eating too quickly, excitement, stress or gastrointestinal issues.

Cucumber for dogs

Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber?

Yes, dogs can eat cucumber. It is a low calorie, nutritious snack that they can enjoy. It is also very hydrating and full of fibre.

Dates for dogs

Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Dates?

Yes, dogs can eat dates. They are rich in fibre and antioxidants. However, they should only be fed in very small quantities due to their high sugar content.

German Shepherd running

Breeds

Best Dog Breeds for Canicross

Canicross, a combination of "canine" and "cross country", is a great way for owners and dogs to bond. Some breeds are more well-suited to it than others.

Loki and Freyja the dogs

Health

Can Dogs Get Asthma?

Yes, dogs can get asthma. If you suspect that your dog is showing symptoms, you should consult your vet immediately. Do not give them a human inhaler.

Gracie the dog and her Butternut Box food

Health

Why Isn't My Dog Eating?

From stress and anxiety, to fussiness and health issues. There's various reasons why your dog may not be eating. It's important to find the cause quickly.

Tarka lying down

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Circle Before Lying Down?

Have you noticed that your dog likes to perform a strange circling ritual before they lie down? This is due to ingrained instincts to nest and mark territory.

Samson the dog sighing

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Sigh?

Dogs may sigh for a number of reasons but, unlike humans, it's not always bad. Often, dogs use sighing as a way to convey relaxation and contentment.

Timmy the dog tilting his head

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads?

Usually when dogs tilt their head it's their way of communicating with you and expressing curiosity, which explains why it happens when you say walkies.

Dog yawning

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Yawn?

Like us, dogs man yawn because they're tired. However, they may also yawn due to stress or as a means of expressing comfort and contentment.

Dogs and popcorn

Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?

No, dogs should not eat popcorn. It has little-to-no nutritional benefit and can cause throat irritation or, even worse, choking in dogs.

Susan the Chihuahua

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Shake?

Dogs may shake for a number of reasons. It's not always something be be worried about, they may just be nervous or excited.

Barley the dog

Behaviour & Training

Why Do Dogs Bark?

There are a number of reasons why dogs may bark, such as to gain attention, protect their territory or fear.

Rice for dogs

Nutrition

Can Dogs Eat Rice?

Yes, dogs can eat rice. However, it does not provide much nutritional benefit and if given to dogs, should be fed in small quantities.