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Dogs shake for a variety of reasons, some of which indicate a physical or emotional state of being, and some of which indicate a veterinary emergency. Shaking or shivering should not be confused with seizures, which are sudden neurological events that cause involuntary muscle movements and may result in your dog becoming unresponsive.

Sand impaction is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog ingests too much sand, often accidentally, while playing on the beach. Activities like digging in the sand or repeatedly picking up sandy balls or toys can lead to a sausage-shaped intestinal blockage, as shown in the circled area of the X-ray below.

If there has been one winner during the pandemic, it has been our dogs. Pups across America have been enjoying the constant company of their favorite people — and the extra attention that comes with it. But as workers start returning to the office, some dogs may struggle to adjust to the new routine. Here are 10 ways to help ease the transition. Practice Separation Leave your dog home alone for short periods at first and gradually increase the time you’re away. Establish Your New Routine If your morning walk will move from 9am to 7am when you return to the office, shift the schedule now, so the change will feel less abrupt when it occurs. Increase Your Pup’s Exercise Take your dog for a long walk each morning before you leave, so your pup will spend more time sleeping and less time stressing. Encourage Independence Set up a comfortable space where your dog can go for some quiet and relaxing time alone. Rethink Your Exit Strategy Give your dog a treat or a favorite toy when you leave to create a positive association with your departure. Muffle Outside Noise If your dog is easily startled by outside sounds, soothing music or a white noise machine may help. Change of Scenery Hire a trusted dog walker to come for a midday visit or look into sending your pup to daycare. Reward Calm Behavior Don’t fuss over your pup when you get home. You want to convey that it was “no big deal” that you were away. Give your dog attention when he’s calm. Spy on Your Dog If you’re concerned that your dog may be having trouble adjusting, set up a pet-cam so you can see what your pup is doing while you’re out. Don’t Wait to Get Help If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety (e.g. excessive barking, urinating or defecating indoors, destructive chewing), enlist the help of a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a trainer licensed as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or in another positive reinforcement training method.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Transmission of the bacteria can take between 24 to 48 hours after the tick attaches. Lyme disease can result in damage to the joints, kidneys, and nervous system. Lyme disease does not pose a significant threat to cats. The two species typically responsible for transmitting Lyme disease in North America are Ixodes scapularis (eastern black-legged tick) and Ixodes pacificus (western black-legged tick), also known as deer ticks. These ticks have three life stages (larvae, nymphs, adults). Each stage must feed on the blood of a warm-blooded animal in order to survive. If blood is infected with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, the tick can spread the infection to the next animal it bites. As Lyme disease requires a tick bite to transmit the infection, people or pets diagnosed with Lyme disease cannot directly infect one another.

Your dog can get parasites from many different sources, including contact with infected dogs or from a contaminated environment.