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When two canines in the same household have a dispute, owners are often quick to break them apart. The motivation to do so is instinctive. After all, fighting suggests injury and no owner wants to see their dogs hurt. Unfortunately, breaking them apart can cause more problems and inhibit their ability to completely resolve issues within the “pack.”

Below, we’ll explain a few of the most common reasons dogs fight amongst themselves. Once you understand the motivations behind their disputes, you’ll be better able to control the environment in a manner that doesn’t completely disrupt their interaction.

A Struggle For Status

Canines are pack animals and like all pack animals, there is a social structure within their group (even if that “group” only numbers two). The pooch at the top of that structure has the highest status until someone lower in the hierarchy challenges him. When challenged, the dominant canine will either concede his status or accept the challenge by fighting. This struggle for status within the hierarchy is common, especially if multiple dogs live under one roof and enjoy near equal positions within the “pack’s” internal structure.

Fighting is often triggered when a new pooch is introduced to the group. Even if he doesn’t intentionally challenge for dominance, he could still be seen as a threat. Another circumstance that can lead to a dispute is when a canine is brought back into the group after having spent a long period of time elsewhere. Positioning to regain status – or protect it – ensues.

When The Owner Shows Favoritism

Owners unwittingly exacerbate internal disputes when they intervene in the fighting. The reason is because that intervention is often perceived as favoritism to a lower-status canine. If a dispute takes place and the owner protects the dog with the lower rank from the higher ranked pooch, the intervention can imply an artificial social status. In doing so, it can impact the existing hierarchy leading to even more fighting when the owner is present.

Steps To Eliminate The Fighting

If you own dogs that fight with each other, it’s important that you carefully identify the dominant pooch. The reason is because you need to reinforce the existing social structure. Because access to food, water, and other resources is an important barometer of status with the pack hierarchy, give the dominant pooch first access. That will reduce challenges to authority. To accurately identify dominance, consider their age, dispositions, health, and interaction with each other.

If a dispute happens over access to food, toys, or other items, remove the lower status canine from the environment and give the higher ranked dog access. That sends a clear message that the existing hierarchy has your approval.

Canines fights mainly for the establishment or protection of their status within the group. Give them room to resolve matters quickly. If they cannot resolve them, support the existing structure.

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In the same way that millions of people cope with diabetes, so too, does the disease affect canines. Specifically, the disorder is called diabetes mellitus (DM). An insulin deficiency prevents your pooch’s body from metabolizing glucose effectively. There are two varieties of DM: Type I and Type II. The former is the most prevalent type (99% of dogs with DM suffer from this type) and occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. The latter occurs when insulin is manufactured but your pooch’s body isn’t able to use it properly.

In this article, we'll describe the warning signs that may suggest your canine has developed diabetes mellitus. As a potentionally fatal disorder, it is crucial to recognize is as soon as possible. We’ll also explain how the disease is diagnosed and treated as well as what you can do at home to help your dog manage the disorder.

Possible Warning Signs

The most common symptoms of DM include a marked increase in the amount of water your canine drinks and as a result, the frequency with which he urinates. You might also notice that he is losing weight even though he maintains a strong appetite. Other signs include a general apathy or decrease in physical activity and the sudden onset of blindness.

Treatment After Diagnosis

Once diabetes mellitus develops, your dog's overall condition can decrease rapidly. His body’s inability to process glucose effectively can lead to severe dehydration and other health issues. It is important that you have a veterinarian perform a full physical exam if you notice any of the warning signs described in the section above.

The veterinarian will ask you about your dog’s eating routine as well as his elimination activity. You'll also be asked to describe any changes in his weight and disposition. Then, a urine analysis is performed to identify possible infections and review glucose levels.

Once diabetes mellitus has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will teach you how to administer daily insulin injections for your pooch. They will help create a diet and exercise regimen that will help your dog maintain a healthy weight. During the first several weeks of treatment, the amount of insulin administered will likely change. Most veterinarians prefer to start cautiously with small doses and increase them gradually.

What You Can Do At Home

Providing care for your dog involves administering daily insulin shots (sometimes, twice daily) as well as any other medications that your veterinarian has recommended. You'll also need to be vigilant regarding your canine's eating and exercise routine in order to ensure he maintains a healthy weight level. Give your dog food right away if he starts to experience signs of an insulin overdose such as weakness or being disoriented.

As noted, diabetes mellitus can be potentially deadly. However, once it has been diagnosed, you can help your dog live a healthy, happy, and problem-free life.

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