Dogs love attention

If you and your dog share a bond that defies words, then you are likely to give your dog the much-deserved attention they crave. Dogs thrive off of praise, and the person who doles out the most to them just might be the one person in their life they choose to claim as their personal favorite. Like cats, dogs are opportunistic by nature, so if you’re the one to dole out those treats and fill that food bowl whenever their little heart desires then you might be the reason you’re their favorite person, too.

Repeat positive associations can help a dog choose their favorite person

Your dog’s mind is quite impressive, and some dog breeds are praised by many for their impressive smarts. Positive associations are a big thing for dogs, and when repeating positive behaviors transforms into daily habits, a dog will learn not only to trust this human, but also learn that these positive associations will want to keep them coming back for more. Dogs can quickly become fearful of negative experiences, and experiences are how they shape their personality and learn to trust others—both humans and animals alike. If you get your dog when they are a puppy, their mind is very impressionable, and they will likely imprint on the person whom they feel most connected to in those early life bonding experiences. 

Dogs are social creatures and can gravitate to the person who offers them this key element in their lives

Socialization is key for dogs and this is how they learn to develop bonds with other beings. If you are the one who is making a conscious effort to socialize the dog in your life, they will be quick to not only appreciate this but also to favor that specific person. The person who walks the dog or takes the dog to play at the dog park will fast become the dog’s favorite person because you are the one offering them the much-needed enrichment that they need. Enrichment and mental stimulation are huge for dogs, and dogs who do not receive this can suffer from boredom and loneliness. A dog that is lonely and bored can transform into a dog that displays naughty dog behaviors—but keep in mind, if they are not getting what they need from their humans this is at no fault of their own.

Dogs can choose their favorite person based on matching personalities

Your dog is smarter than you might realize. If you share your home with multiple dogs, it can be interesting to observe who each of your dogs gravitates towards in your home. Like humans, dogs have distinct personalities. And while breeds of dogs can share similar traits, no two canines are ever going to be truly identical. The little quirks our dogs display make our hearts happy. Dogs will often observe the humans in their lives and choose a person they feel most connected to based on their interactions with them. For example, if you have a tiny lap dog who loves to snuggle, they might be more drawn to the person in their home who likes to binge-watch television shows with cozy blankets on the couch. If you have a dog that’s on the hyper side, they could be more drawn to the active person in their home who takes them for hikes or long walks daily. Dogs form strong bonds with people in their homes, and shared experiences that make them feel connected to their humans is how many dogs choose their favorite person.

Signs you are your dog’s favorite person

Your dog doesn’t possess the ability to pen you a card professing their adoration for their BFF, but there are telltale signs you can spot. If you are your dog’s favorite person, here are the signs that will let you know you’re their chosen one:

• Your dog sleeps with you at night
• Your dog follows you to the bathroom
• Your dog is always near you whenever you’re at home
• Your dog gives you the butt wiggle when they see you
• Your dog makes eye contact with you

Frostbite is a type of skin trauma that occurs when a dog has been exposed to below-freezing temperatures for an extended period of time. When exposed to these temperatures, the smaller blood vessels in your dog’s extremities constrict in order to keep blood closer to the core of the body. By doing so, the warmth from within your dog’s body is less likely to dissipate.

If the restriction in blood flow to the extremities is prolonged, tissue damage can occur. The ears, nose, tail, and paws are all parts that make up your dog’s distal extremities. For male dogs, the penis and testicles may also be at risk. Dogs with health conditions that decrease blood flow such as diabetes and heart disease are more susceptible to frostbite. Senior dogs, very young puppies, and dogs with short or wet fur are also more susceptible to frostbite.

Symptoms of Frostbite in Dogs

The most obvious sign of frostbite is that the area of skin feels very cold to the touch. The skin can appear discolored like a blue or a black color, and areas like the ears and tail tip can feel brittle or dry. As blood flow returns to frostbitten areas, the skin may appear very red and inflamed. Blisters and necrotic skin can develop in extreme cases, and the skin can be painful when touched.  

Without treatment, frostbitten areas can continue to be a source of pain for your pup. Necrotic tissue can slough and fall off, and these areas can become infected. Frostbite is diagnosed when signs are consistent with a clinical history of prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures.

Treatment for Frostbite

If your dog has frostbite, make sure to contact your veterinarian right away so that they can examine the skin and determine if additional therapy is needed such as antibiotics and pain medications. Blood work can also be performed to look for signs of internal organ damage. When transport your dog to the vet’s office, you can wrap him in warm blankets and towels to bring his body temperature down. A good tip is to first put the towels in your dryer for a few minutes to warm them up.

If your dog is wet, carefully towel-dry him but do not rub the skin since it becomes red and painful as it thaws. You can use warm water bottles to help him if he has a low body temperature but avoid using electric blankets and heating pads because these can become too hot, burning the already traumatized skin. Blow dryers can also get too hot and should be avoided.

For minor frostbite patients, topical ointments can help with small areas. More generalized frostbite may require hospital care, warming devices, and injectable antibiotics and pain medications. For cases with severe frostbite and necrotic skin, surgical removal of the affected tissue is necessary. In some cases, this may mean amputation like if it happens at the tip of the tail.

When dogs go outside in the cold, sweaters and jackets can help keep their core body temperature maintained. For snowy or icy surfaces, dog booties or shoes can protect the paws. It is best to avoid staying outdoors for more than 20-30 minutes unless your dog is used to these kinds of ambient temperatures. If you normally keep your dog outdoors, make sure that he has a sufficiently warm shelter or keep him indoors when ambient temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frostbite is a painful medical condition that can be mitigated with early intervention and prevention. Be sure to pay attention to the temperatures outdoors, especially if your pup is going to be outside for more than thirty minutes at a time. If you suspect that your dog has frostbite, try to warm him up as best as you can and take him to his veterinarian right away.