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  • Do Dogs and Cats Have a Paw Preference | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Just like humans can be right-handed or left-handed, dogs and cats can also show preferences for using one paw over the other! This fascinating behavior is called “laterality,” and it’s more common in our furry friends than many realize.

    Paw Preferences in Dogs

    Research shows that many dogs do favor one paw over the other when performing certain tasks. You might notice this when your dog:

    • Gives you their paw on command
    • Reaches for treats or toys
    • Steps down from stairs or ledges
    • Tries to hold down a chew toy

    Paw Preferences in Cats

    Cats also demonstrate paw preferences, especially when doing activities that require skill and precision. You can often observe this when they’re:

    • Reaching for food or treats
    • Playing with small toys
    • Stepping down stairs
    • Batting at moving objects

    Research suggests that female cats tend to be right-pawed, while male cats often lean toward being left-pawed. However, not every cat shows a clear preference.

    How to Tell Your Furry Companion’s Paw Preference

    Want to figure out if your dog or cat has a dominant paw? Here are some simple ways to observe:

    Watch their first move: Notice which paw they use first when reaching for something or stepping down from a height.

    Treat test: Hold a treat slightly out of reach and see which paw they use to try to get it.

    Toy play: Watch which paw they use when batting at toys or trying to hold something down.

    Stair stepping: Observe which paw they lead with when going down steps.

    Keep in mind that you’ll need to watch for patterns over time, as dog and cats might switch paws depending on their position or the specific task.

    What This Means for Dog and Cat Parents

    Understanding your animal’s paw preference is mostly just fun information, but it can help you better understand your furry friend’s natural behaviors and preferences. It’s another way that dogs and cats show us how similar they can be to humans in unexpected ways.

    Remember, this is general information about normal animal behavior. If you notice any unusual movements, coordination problems, or if your furry companion seems to avoid using one paw, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian for a professional evaluation to make sure everything is healthy and normal.


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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  • Dogs and Cats and Daylight Saving | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Twice a year, we adjust our clocks for daylight saving time. While we humans might feel a bit groggy for a few days, you might wonder if this time change affects your furry family members too. The answer is yes – dogs and cats can be impacted by daylight saving time changes.

    How Dogs and Cats Experience Time Changes

    Unlike humans who rely heavily on clocks, dogs and cats are guided by natural light patterns and established routines. Your furry companions have internal body clocks, called circadian rhythms, just like we do. These biological clocks help regulate sleep, appetite, and other important body functions.

    When we “spring forward” or “fall back,” we’re suddenly asking our dogs and cats to eat, sleep, and go outside at different times according to their internal clocks. This can create confusion and temporary stress for many animals.

    Common Signs Your Furry Friend Is Affected

    You might notice several changes in your dog or cat during the week following a time change:

    • Difficulty settling down at their usual bedtime
    • Waking up earlier or later than normal
    • Changes in appetite or eating schedule
    • Increased restlessness or anxiety
    • Accidents in the house from dogs who normally hold it well
    • More demanding behavior around meal times

    These signs are completely normal and usually temporary. Most dogs and cats adjust within three to seven days.

    Tips to Help Your Furry Companion Adjust

    The good news is that there are simple ways to make this transition easier for your furry friends:

    Gradual Schedule Changes: A few days before the time change, slowly shift your furry companion’s routine by 15-minute increments. This helps them adjust more naturally.

    Stick to Routines: Keep meal times, walks, and bedtime as consistent as possible. Routine provides comfort during periods of change.

    Use Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds during daylight hours. Natural light helps reset your furry friend’s internal clock.

    Stay Patient: Remember that temporary behavioral changes are normal. Avoid punishment for accidents or unusual behavior during this adjustment period.

    Maintain Exercise: Regular physical activity helps regulate sleep patterns and reduces anxiety.

    When to Contact Your Veterinarian

    While most dogs and cats adjust quickly, some may struggle more than others. Senior dogs and cats or those with existing health conditions might take longer to adapt. If your furry friend shows signs of distress lasting more than a week, or if you notice significant changes in eating, drinking, or bathroom habits, contact your veterinarian.

    Your vet can provide personalized advice and rule out any underlying health issues that might be making the adjustment more difficult.

    Remember, patience and consistency are key to helping your beloved furry companions deal with these biannual time changes successfully.


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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