Cotonese

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: December 12th, 2018

About Cotonese

Height

8-12 inches

Weight

6-12 lbs

Lifespan

13-15 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Families with or without children, seniors, singles, people who live in an apartment

Temperament

Sweet, affectionate, lively, friendly, laid-back, eager to please, intelligent

Comparable Breeds

Maltese, Coton de Tulear

Cotonese Basics

With its adorable appearance and a friendly, loving personality, the Cotonese is one of the most popular designer dog breeds. This hybrid was developed by crossing two small breed dogs of similar traits, the lovely Maltese and the sweet Coton de Tulear. The combination of these two companion dogs resulted in a beautiful dog with a white curly coat and an amiable and adaptable temperament.

As these dogs are not overly active and have a petite frame, they are a great choice for people who live in an apartment. Similarly, the unique combination of their traits makes Cotonese a great choice for seniors, singles, and families with children alike. As long as your new designer dog is trained and socialized, it will be a perfect pet. Let’s find out what makes Cotonese so beloved in the world of canine hybrids!

Smart, friendly, and with a heart bigger than their petite body, the Cotonese is the perfect companion.

Origin

With most hybrid dog breeds, the most information you get is what breed their parents were. In most cases, the place and time when the breed was first created are both a big mystery. The Cotonese origin story is the same: there are no credible sources that could testify to the hybrid’s creation. Most likely, this designer dog shares the same origin story with most other crossbreed dogs, which means that the Cotonese came to be sometime in the last 20 years, on the territory of United States.

Even though there are Cotonese breeders that intentionally produce litters of puppies from the purebred parents, a lot of Cotonese puppies are a product of “accidents”. This is why you can often find a Maltese and Coton de Tulear mixes in shelters or rescues. With hybrids, it’s often the case of adopt, don’t shop- so make sure to check out your local shelter for these designer dogs before you go searching for a reputable breeder.

Pedigree

Although their origin as an official breed might be somewhat mysterious, there’s nothing puzzling about the ancestry of these loving pooches. A Cotonese puppy is the offspring of two purebred parents, a Maltese and a Coton de Tulear. These dogs are always first generation hybrids, which can lead to certain inconsistencies in appearance. Sometimes, the puppy can look or act more like one parent than the other, and there can be significant differences even across one litter. That’s one of the reasons why the American Kennel Club doesn’t officially recognize the Cotonese as an official breed, even though its parental breeds are very similar.

Naturally, without recognition from an official canine club, there won’t be any official pedigree papers to go with your Cotonese puppy. However, a pedigree is just a well-documented family tree, and you already know your new pet’s parents. Both the Maltese and the Coton de Tulear are popular breeds with stellar reputations as family pets and companions. It’s safe to assume their mixed breed baby has the same qualities!

Food/Diet

Providing a well-balanced, high-quality diet for your pet is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner. Luckily, it’s easy to find the food that’s best for a Cotonese. Most dog owners decide to feed their four-legged companion with commercial pet food, as it’s the most convenient way for your dog to get all the required nutrients. For a Cotonese, pick out premium dry food that’s suited for their size (small or toy breeds), age (puppy, adult, senior) and activity level (moderate).

Additionally, if you prefer to feed your pet raw diet or cook them meals at home, you can do so- but only as long as you consult with a veterinary nutritionist beforehand. Trying to figure out what micro and macronutrients your pet needs on your own is certain to lead to deficiencies and can seriously harm your pet’s health.

These lively designer dogs really spread positive energy all around with their playful behavior.

Training

To no one’s surprise, a Coton de Tulear and Maltese mix is one smart cookie. Of course, there are a lot of intelligent dog breeds that are stubborn or willful, which makes them a bit hard to train. Fortunately, the Cotonese doesn’t belong to this group. These pretty little pooches are fast learners, have a laid-back attitude and are more than eager to please their owner. This lovely combination of personality traits makes this designer dog breed a pleasure to train.

When it comes to training Cotonese, you should start with the basics, such as potty training and teaching your puppy how to walk on a leash. From there, you can advance to basic commands and even some cool tricks- this bright-minded hybrid will be up for it. Owing to their parental breeds, these dogs can sometimes be prone to separation anxiety if their devotion to owners evolves into excessive clinginess. To counteract this, either crate train your pet on time or dedicate time to teach them to feel safe and calm when you’re not around.

In addition to basic training, you should make sure your dog is fully socialized and knows how to behave around children and other pets. Cotonese might be friendly by nature, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t teach them manners!

Weight

It’s not always that the appearance and the behavior of designer dog breeds can be accurately predicted, but the Cotonese is one of the exceptions. This hybrid pooch is the direct descendant of two very similar breeds, Coton de Tulear and Maltese, so there’s not much room for surprise when it comes to their looks. An adult Cotonese will be a small breed dog, weighing between 6 and 12 pounds. The differences in size will depend on the sex of the puppy (females are smaller) as well as their unique genetic makeup.

Temperament/Behavior

The Cotonese is as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside. And just one look at these gorgeous pooch speaks volumes! Owing to their mom and dad, Cotonese puppies turn out to be friendly, affectionate, cheerful pooches that are always a joy to be around. Unlike some small breed dogs, these hybrids are not too yappy or nippy. When socialized on time, they have a calm, easy-going nature that appeals to pet owners of all ages, from youngsters to seniors.

Although you might not have guessed it from the get-go, the Cotonese is an energetic and buoyant pooch. These lively designer dogs really spread positive energy all around with their playful behavior and extraverted attitude. Simply put, there isn’t a person who wouldn’t be smitten with the Cotonese once they get to know them!

This white fluffy pooch is also very big-hearted and cuddly, and won’t hesitate to shower you with love at all times. Unfortunately, this can also mean that your pet can become overly attached to you and be prone to anxiety when you’re not at home. For that reason, it’s important to train them on time or make sure to take your companion with you everywhere. They’ll certainly enjoy every moment spent by your side!

Common Health Problems

Mixed breed dogs often have a reputation of being healthier than their purebred fellows. While there is a grain of truth in this belief, as there is fewer hereditary illnesses in some hybrids, this is not a guarantee that every designer dog breed is healthy by default. In fact, a lot of designer dog breeds ended up with poorer health than the hybrid vigor belief suggests. The reason? Puppy mills and irresponsible breeders who don’t carefully select their breeding animals and don’t provide humane living conditions. However, if you happened to adopt a Cotonese or buy one from a reputable source, it’s highly likely you won’t have many hereditary diseases to worry about.

Owing to its parents, the Cotonese can be prone to a few congenital issues, such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), or hip dysplasia. Otherwise, there are not much health problems to worry about. You should pay attention to your pet’s oral hygiene, as all small breed dogs are prone to early tooth loss. Additionally, some white-coated dogs are known to be more prone to skin and food allergies, so it might be the same for your Cotonese puppy.

Life Expectancy

Cotonese, like most of the designer dogs, hasn’t been around as an official breed for long enough for his lifespan to be determined. Of course, you don’t have to be an expert to guesstimate how long this designer dog can live, with proper care and optimal living conditions. Looking at his parent’s life expectancy and this breed’s unique traits, it’s safe to assume that the Cotonese will live at least 13 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

These designer dogs might be petite, but they’re in no way lazy couch potatoes! The Cotonese is an energetic breed, and a very playful pooch at that, so they’ll need a fair amount of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Granted, it’s still not a lot of exercise when compared to large breed dogs. On average, a Cotonese will be perfectly content with 45 to 60 minutes of daily activity. This includes a few shorter walks, a game of fetch, or a visit to the dog park, where your pet can run around with this four-legged friends.

To boot, as intelligent dogs, these hybrids will benefit from having puzzle toys or interactive toys that would engage their mind, too.

As these dogs are not overly active and have a petite frame, they are a great choice for people who live in an apartment.

Recognized Clubs

The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize designer dog breeds in general, but there are many canine clubs and organizations that do. Those of them that recognize the Cotonese as an official breed include American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.

Coat

Both the Maltese and Coton de Tulear have light coats and fine, soft hair. Their offspring, the Cotonese, doesn’t stray far. His fur will resemble a mix between that of his parents. The coat is usually white, cream or biscuit. These puppies will have longer hair, curly and low-shedding. While there’s no denying that their coat is stunning, it will need some upkeep. Regular brushing, baths, and visits to the groomer’s salon will all be a part of your pooch’s beauty routine.

Puppies

Button-like noses, big, black, puppy eyes, paired with curly soft fur? It’s virtually impossible not to fall in love with the adorable Cotonese puppies. Of course, while it’s easy to see their charm appearance-wise, you should know that these designer dogs have a lot more to offer than their beauty. Smart, friendly, and with a heart bigger than their petite body, the Cotonese is the perfect companion.

As they’re generally friendly, have moderate exercise needs and tend to be very adaptable, these designer dogs are a great match for almost any pet owner. From seniors and singles to big families and beginner dog owners, the Cotonese can be just the dog you need.

Photo credit: Lunja/Shutterstock; David Clarine/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Pet parents adore their four-legged companions so much that they choose to sleep with them at night. Research shows that more than half of pet owners sleep with their pets. Most pet owners consider their pets part of the family, so it is no surprise that they will go out of their way to ensure their furry companions’ comfort. However, with an increasing focus on our sleep health, pet parents are starting to wonder about the potential disadvantages of sleeping with pets. In fact, sharing a bed with a pet is the subject of controversy among pet parents.Various studies suggest that there are many benefits to sleeping with pets. And experts tend to agree. According to Audrey Wells, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, a pet can provide an emotional connection and reduce anxiety and stress levels, therefore promoting sleep. “Some people may consider their pets an added layer of security, dependable to alert them to unexpected noises or lights.”Another benefit of sleeping with your pet is that they can keep you nice and warm during the night. People who get chilled easily might enjoy cuddling with a furry companion during frigid winter nights.“Pets are sensitive to routine, and they can help enforce a regular bedtime and better sleep quality for their owner,” explained Dr. Wells. “Similarly, pets can signal wake-up time in the morning and even prompt some time outside for a walk and daylight exposure.”If you enjoy sleeping with your pet and find it beneficial for your sleep, the science agrees with you. According to Amanda Farah, National Training and Behavioral Coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society, studies have found that some people sleep more soundly when their dog is sleeping next to them. “If you and your dog both sleep well together, you’ll enjoy the health benefits that come with a good night’s sleep, such as improved mental clarity, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system,” explained Farah.According to Teddy Cralle, Ms, RN, certified clinical sleep educator, some people sleep better when their pet is in the bed, but some don’t. If there’s a chance that you won't get a good night’s rest while sleeping with your pet you shouldn't sleep with them in the first place. For example, if you’re a light sleeper and your dog likes to change positions during the night, sleeping with your pooch may wake you more often, resulting in low-quality sleep. Also, some pups like to claim the entire bed for themselves, leading to a sleepless night and a backache. “Sacrificing your sleep means sacrificing your health, well-being, and quality of life - and that is not a sacrifice to make,” Cralle added.Sharing a bed with a pet may not be the best idea if you’re an asthma or allergy sufferer. Although some dog breeds shed less than others, no dog is truly hypoallergenic because it’s their dander and not hair that triggers an allergic reaction. Zoonotic diseases are another downside of sleeping with pets. Research has confirmed that sharing a bed with a pet can increase the exposure rate to pathogens that might be present. Although no one wants to think about it, pets can bring unwanted guests to your bed. Fleas and ticks are the most active during the warmer months, but the truth is they can infest your pet all year long. If the downsides of sleeping with your pet have made you reconsider your sleeping arrangement don’t fret - you can still have your pooch close by while you sleep. A crate or a cozy dog bed next to your bed will help everyone get a good night’s rest. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Cat Fanciers’ Association Reveals the Top 15 Pedigreed Cat Breeds

The world’s largest registry of purebred cats, the Cat Fanciers’ Association has revealed the top 15 most popular pedigreed cat breeds, based on registration data collected in 2023. Can you guess which felines made the cut?No list of the most popular cat breeds would be complete without the Bengal cat. Starting this list at number 15 is the Bengal. Originating in the United States, the Bengal cat is a hybrid created by crossing an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat. Best known for their wild appearance and leopard-like coat, Bengals are playful and affectionate cats that make excellent companions for families with children.Coming in at number 14 is the Oriental Shorthair cat. Officially recognized by the CFA in 1977, the Oriental is a medium-sized cat with a long, elegant body, large ears, and almond-shaped eyes. Curious, intelligent, and friendly Orientals are a great choice for families looking for an affectionate, devoted, and friendly feline companion.At number 13 is the Norwegian forest cat. Large in size, the Norwegian forest cat has a robust body, long legs, and a thick, fluffy coat that keeps it warm in the cold weather. This smart, independent, and friendly cat is a great pick for busy people.The Russian blue cat takes the 12th place. The short, plush coat that varies in color from light silver to darker slate gray, and expressive green eyes are this breed’s signature traits. Russian blue cats are intelligent and active by nature and require mental and physical stimulation to thrive.Next on the list, at number 11 is the American shorthair cat. Known for its rounded and thick appearance, the American shorthair was recognized in 1906. This easygoing and friendly cat makes a loving companion for families looking for a low-maintenance cat.The hairless Sphynx takes the 10th place. Originating in Canada, this breed is best known for its lack of fur. Highly energetic, playful, and affectionate Sphynx gets along well with children and other pets and even makes a great therapy cat.At number 9 is the Siberian cat. Large in size and slow to mature, the Siberian cat can weigh up to 15 pounds and has a thick triple coat. Their dog-like personality and intelligent nature make them a great choice for people looking for an affectionate and playful furry companion. The Scottish fold takes the 8th place. Medium in size, the Scottish fold has a round head, round eyes, and small folded ears. Their sweet nature and cute looks make them a popular choice among cat fanciers.In 7th place is the Abyssinian cat, famous for its distinctive thicked tabby coat. Thanks to their playful, active, and intelligent natures, Abyssinians make great family pets.The British shorthair comes in 6th place. Described as the teddy bear of cat breeds both in looks and personality, the British shorthair is suited to just about any type of household. This time the Devon Rex takes the 5th place. Best known for its pixie-like appearance, the Devon Rex has an oddly shaped head, large eyes, and a wavy coat. The mischievous, playful, and loving Devon Rex makes a great pet for people looking for a cuddly and companionable cat.In the 4th place is the Exotic Shorthair cat. Developed as the shorthaired version of the Persian cat, the Exotic Shorthair has a round appearance and a charming personality. Next up, in the 3td place, is the Persian cat. Best known for its long coat, and round, flat face, the Persian cat has been one of the most popular cat breeds worldwide for many years. Their sweet-tempered, gentle, and adaptable nature makes them a great pet for people of all ages.In 2nd place is the Maine Coon. Known as the gentle giant, the Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cats. Its massive size and friendly nature make it a great choice for people looking for a large, playful feline.And the 1st place goes to the Ragdoll cat. Large in size, the Ragdoll has a semi-long silky coat, tufted ears, blue eyes, and a bushy tail. Affectionate, docile, and friendly Ragdolls are ultimate lap cats and fantastic family pets.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

42% of Pet Parents Feel Caring for Pets is More Stressful Than Kids!

Pets can be an incredible addition to any family, but they can also come with a bit of stress. In fact, a recent study revealed that nearly half of pet parents shared that caring for their pet was more stressful than caring for their partner or even their children! What is it about our pets that worries us the most? That was the goal of the recent survey conducted by OnePoll and ElleVet Sciences. They polled 2000 pet owners, asking them questions about their relationships, their pets, and the stress that they experience in their role. The answers revealed that the top three sources of stress in most people’s lives include their finances (54%), their job or career (49%), and their ability to care for their pets (42%). The survey went on to discuss reasons for being stressed about our pets, and there was one concern that the majority of respondents shared – as pet parents, we worry about our ability to provide the care our pets will need in their senior years. As our pets get older, their needs often change. We can see this in the way they act and the activities they engage in. A once hyperactive, high-energy dog may start to slow down and sleep more. A dog that easily jumped onto the couch most of their lives now requires stairs or a ramp to get up for cuddle time. Not all changes that come with aging are inherently bad, but 68% of parents say watching their pet age and suffer would be more hurtful to them than losing their job (61%) or breaking up with their partner (61%). “Supporting your pet through all stages of life can minimize their stress, allowing you to create more happy memories together,” shared Amanda Howland, co-founder and CCO of ElleVet Sciences. “As your pet gets older, it’s important to be proactive in identifying the signs of aging, such as difficulty moving, trouble sleeping, and social isolation. It’s all about more time, and more quality time with your pet, and for them, aging and stress are intertwined so taking care of discomfort-related aging and cognitive decline can reduce their stress significantly.” The concern shared by the survey respondents (and other pet parents nationwide) clearly illustrates how important our pets are in our lives. While 73% of those surveyed described their pet as their “protector,” they serve many other vital roles in our lives – our best friends, sounding boards, cheerleaders, motivators, and companions. Your senior pet may require some changes around the home. Throw rugs can be used to provide traction on slippery floors. Safety gates are key for blocking off unsafe areas like staircases that could lead to injury. Caring for our senior pets may be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to repay our pets for everything they have given us throughout their lives. Even just setting aside time in your schedule each day for a walk around the block followed by a short cuddle on the couch can positively impact their lives, reducing stress and promoting better health. “Just like us, pets’ needs can change as they age, so their daily routines, diet, and exercise may need to be adjusted to improve their quality of life, as well as adding high-quality supplements,” Howland explained. “Small adjustments can ensure your pet’s golden years are less stressful for both themselves and their human companion.”

The Season of Giving Begins With A Leap

We're excited to announce a special initiative in celebration of the season of thankfulness and November's Senior Pet Adoption Month. Starting today, Leap Years is offering a free bottle of its daily chewable supplement to anyone who adopts a senior dog (over 5 years old) from a shelter or rescue. All you need is proof of adoption, and while supplies last, your senior pup can start benefiting from Leap Years' formula that has already changed the lives of dogs across the country.

A Former Elvis Impersonator Adopts Elvis, the Dog Who No One Wanted

Elvis, the only dog who didn’t get adopted at Anti Cruelty’s Fall in Love adoption event, finally found a forever home with an owner who used to work as an Elvis Presley impersonator. A three-year-old pit bull terrier mix was the only pooch out of 22 dogs and 39 cats who didn’t find a forever home at the November 11 adoption event. After the event, Elvis had to be sent back to his kennel which served as his home for around four months.Shortly after the event, the shelter took to social media to ask for help finding this handsome boy a forever home. The post that has gone viral said: “Elvis is the only dog that didn’t find a home during our Fall in Love adoption event. He met a lot of potential adopters but sadly did not get adopted. Help us find Elvis a family to love!”In the post, the shelter described Elvis as a “three-year-old meatball” with “the silliest personality.”“His giant smile lights up every room he enters. Elvis is a snuggler, so he hopes you’re okay giving up your personal space.”Elvis arrived at the shelter as an injured stray dog. Since the pooch didn’t put weight on his hind leg, the shelter took X-rays which showed a fractured pelvis. Although the fracture healed completely during his stay at the shelter, Elvis might be prone to arthritis in the future. A few days later this handsome boy found his forever home! And this is where things get really interesting. The couple who adopted the cute pup has a special connection to him - one of them used to be an Elvis Presley impersonator.Loren Agron, one of the pup’s new dads, worked as an Elvis-impersonating waiter at Ed Debevic’s, a 1950s-themed diner where staff entertained customers with choreographed dance routines. Agron dressed up as Elvis Presley and called himself Elvis Parsley.“I wore a black cowboy shirt and quintessential giant Elvis sunglasses, I had long sideburns and my hair was all pumped up and slicked back,” Agron told The Washington Post.“Elvis has always been a big part of my life because I’ve always loved music from that era,” he added.First, Agron went to the shelter to meet Elvis alone, and then he came back with his partner, Drew Wilhelm. “While we were sitting in the waiting room to meet him, I felt like a father waiting for his newborn son to arrive,” said Wilhelm. “As soon as I saw him, I knew that was our dog,” he added. “He couldn’t stop jumping on us, he was so excited we were there to see him.”The couple adopted Elvis that day and took him to his forever home.  “Elvis has left the building,” the shelter wrote alongside a photo of the happy family. “His adopters have been waiting for the right time to welcome a dog into their family, and once they saw Elvis on the news, they couldn’t deny that it was fate.”The couple plans to keep the handsome pup’s legendary name and smitten with their new four-legged companion. “The couple is head over heels in love with their new family member and already has a dog bed and tons of toys waiting for him at his forever home,” the shelter wrote in a post. “Loren is a dedicated ACS supporter and has hosted many of the ACS’s fundraising events at Chicago’s fabulous drag queen, Debbie Fox. We couldn’t be happier for Elvis who finally got his happily ever after!”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Are You A Hugger? Some Dogs Prefer You Back Off!

When it comes to snuggling your pet, the language of love can differ.

From Woofs to Words: Pet Translation Device Is Just Around the Corner

What would be the first thing you’d ask your dog if they could talk instead of barking? If dogs talked you could learn how much your pooch loves you, or maybe you’d be more interested to know why Fido peed on the carpet, again.Unfortunately, this level of conversation is unlikely to happen any time soon. But recent advances in artificial intelligence and speech and translation technology may bring us one step closer to conversing with our pets.Thanks to AI, scientists are figuring out how to translate animals’ facial expressions and vocalizations into a language understandable to people. In recent years, scientists have been using AI systems to analyze a sheep’s face to determine whether an animal is in pain, and another one is being used to listen to the communication calls of marmoset monkeys.Dr. Con Slobodchikoff, an animal behaviorist and professor of biology at Northern Arizona University is an expert on animal communication. Slobodchikoff has spent 30 years trying to better understand the calls of prairie dogs. Together with a computer scientist colleague, he developed an algorithm that translates the vocalizations of prairie dogs into English. “I thought, if we can do this with prairie dogs, we can certainly do it with dogs and cats,” said Slobodchikoff according to NBC News. Slobodchikoff imagined a cell phone app or device that you could point to a dog to record a video and audio of a dog’s behavior and then upload it for an AI system to analyze. “The AI would translate this for you into English, or any other language,” explained Slobodchikoff. The translation, Slobodchikoff said, could be something like ‘I’m hungry’ or ‘I need to go outside to pee’ or ‘I want to go for a walk.’To teach an AI algorithm about the nuances of canine communication, Slobodchikoff collected thousands of videos of dogs showing various types of body movements and different types of barks. For this to work, Slobodchikoff has to explain to the AI algorithm what each bark and tail wag means. This means that, at this stage, scientists must provide explanations of canine body language and vocalization, which gives room to individual interpretation. However, Slobodchikoff strives to include the growing scientific research that uses data gained from actual experiments rather than guesswork to interpret the true meaning of canine behavior.Being able to understand what dogs are saying would help owners forge stronger bonds with their pets, but also much more. It would make caring for dogs much easier and also help save lives. According to ASPCA, around 920,000 cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the U.S. alone - in many cases, because of misunderstood behavioral problems. For example, a dog that exhibits aggressive behavior might simply be afraid or anxious, and if there was a device to help us understand its fears, it might be possible to help that dog and save its life. “You could use that information and instead of backing a dog into a corner, give the dog more space,” said Slobodchikoff.Keeping track of the advances made in this field, an Amazon-sponsored report on future trends predicted that we’ll have commercial pet translators in the next 10 years. Even if pet translators become a reality, it’s unlikely that we’ll be able to have a real conversation with our pets. But, with the help of this new technology, owners would be able to understand how their dogs feel, including if they are in pain or sick, and what makes them happy or sad.Although more research is needed, we are one step closer to translating barks.

What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't?

It’s no secret dogs are nosy – especially when they suspect food is involved. They’ll have no problem jumping on the counter, digging through trash, or “sneakily” stealing stuff off your coffee table if given a chance. Not only that this type of behavior can be really irritating for the owner, but it is also downright dangerous. Dogs can easily swallow something that could cause serious health issues – a tiny object that can cause choking, a hazardous chemical, or some human food that is poisonous to them. In either of these cases, the owner should be prepared and alert as acting quickly is crucial when your pet eats something that they shouldn’t have. But what exactly do you need to do if this happens? What is the course of action to help a dog who ingested something they simply should not? Let’s go over it.What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't: Step By Step ExplainedIf your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, it's important to act quickly. Every second counts in this case so don’t panic even if that’s your first instinct. Going into panic mode never helps and can only make things worse. Instead, try to assess the situation and figure out what has been ingested so you can act accordingly. Here are some general guidelines to follow, but keep in mind that you should always consult with your veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific situation.It is imperative to stay calm. It's understandable to feel scared and panicked, but it's crucial to stay composed. Panicking can make it difficult to think clearly and take appropriate action. Take a deep breath, strengthen your resolve and act.Always try to identify the substance or item ingested, if it’s possible to do so very quickly. This information can be helpful for your veterinarian to provide accurate advice. Do you notice any small objects missing? Any open containers or something similar? Quickly try to find the clues.It goes without saying that it is always crucial to call your veterinarian immediately. Provide them with details about what your dog ingested, the amount, and any symptoms your dog is experiencing. After all, they are professionals who know how to deal with these situations in an efficient manner and will give you the guidelines suited to your situation.Keep in mind not to induce vomiting. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous in some situations and should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. Certain substances or items can cause more harm if brought back up. Unless instructed otherwise, don’t do it.Disperse with the panic and fears, and follow the advice of your veterinarian to the letter. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions based on the substance ingested. Follow their advice carefully, whether it involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or other measures.It is important to monitor your dog and their behavior. Keep a close eye on them for any changes in behavior, signs of distress, or dangerous symptoms. Be prepared to provide this information to your veterinarian. Sometimes, nothing will show at first, but could later on. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend immediate action, such as going to an emergency veterinary clinic. Follow their advice promptly, or if you see that your dog is in danger, do so as fast as possible.

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