Why Does My Herding Dog Nip People?

by Britt

Published: May 10th, 2024

Photo credit: Liudmila Bohush / Shutterstock.com

Does your playful pup turn into a little velociraptor anytime they are around guests or even family members (especially children)? It’s a common struggle with herding dogs, but it doesn’t have to continue frustrating you for the rest of their lives!

Herding dogs were bred with strong instincts to manage and control the movement of livestock. While that behavior is helpful when working in the fields, it can translate into unwanted nipping in everyday life.

In this article, we’ll explain why herding dogs nip and, more importantly, how to train them to show their affection in a more acceptable way.

What are the Personality Traits of a Herding Dog?

Before focusing on this specific problem behavior, let’s take a step back and start at the beginning. What is a herding dog, and what personality traits are they most known for?

Dogs classified in the Herding Group were bred specifically to gather, herd, and protect livestock. This means that they were bred with instincts that would help them perform their jobs safely and effectively.

Some of the more common herding breeds include:

These dogs are athletic and agile, allowing them to work with livestock on any terrain. They are also incredibly smart and can learn to follow even the most subtle hand movements. This means they are highly trainable but also have high exercise needs.

Why Does My Herding Dog Nip People?

Okay, these dogs are highly intelligent and full of energy – but how does that translate to nipping? If this is your first time living with a herding dog, you may be concerned that your dog has aggressive tendencies after seeing them nip at peoples’ ankles. You may be relieved to learn that this isn’t actually a sign of aggression.

When your herding dog nips at someone’s feet or heels, they are tapping into their natural instincts. They are attempting to herd that person, just as they would with livestock in the field. Understanding this can help you view their behavior in a different light.

The herding behavior is more likely to be triggered when someone mimics livestock in their eyes, running or playing around. Children are often on the receiving end for this reason, which can create a concerning situation.

What is the Difference Between a Bite and a Nip?

It is important to understand that there is a distinct difference between a bite and a nip. Recognizing this is essential for identifying whether you are dealing with natural herding behavior or a more serious situation.

A dog that is biting will grab onto their target with intention. If they make contact, they usually break the skin and draw blood. This can be made worse as they shake, tear, or tug. A bite is generally driven by either aggression or fear and is meant to inflict damage.

On the other hand (or paw), a nip is usually meant as more of a warning size. This could happen when a dog is nervous or fearful, telling someone to back off. It is also how herding dogs warn livestock to get moving.

Do Some Dogs Show Affection by Nipping?

Is nipping always a sign of fear or control? There are times when a dog could use their mouth as a way of communicating playfulness or affection. Known as “mouthing,” this is a type of play often seen in young puppies, but it doesn’t always end as a dog gets older. Many adult dogs still use play-biting to show the people in their lives that they trust and enjoy interacting with them.

However, even if your dog mouths to show affection, you don’t have to accept that as a regular behavior. Encouraging this type of play could be problematic, especially if you live in a house with smaller animals or young children.

Photo credit: Anna Nahabed / Shutterstock.com

How Do I Stop My Herding Dog from Nipping?

If herding behavior is causing trouble, don’t worry – there are ways you can address the nipping to create a happy house for everyone involved (including your guests).

Teach the “Place” Command

Have you already taught your dog the “place” command to prevent them from being too excitable when guests come through the front door or keep them from begging when you’re at the dinner table? This useful obedience command is also great for managing your dog’s herding behavior.

The “place” command instructs your dog to go to a set location, such as a bed or mat, and stay until they are released.

To teach this command, start by choosing a location. For our pup Lucifer, we use a blanket, as it is easy to bring with us when we travel. Using a treat, lure your dog to the designated spot and reward them when they place at least one paw onto the mat or bed. Repeat this, slowly increasing your expectations - one paw, two paws, four paws.

When they reliably place all our paws onto the mat each time, introduce the next stage and ask them to sit before rewarding them. After that, move on to asking them to lie down and then asking them to stay.

Make sure you are doing this slowly, taking baby steps. Ensure your dog is performing the current stage of the training reliably before moving to the next.

After you have gone through the complete behavior, meaning the “place” command tells them to go to their designated spot, lie down, and stay until released, you can start testing your pup by moving further away or adding distractions. This will reinforce what is expected of them, teaching them to obey the command regardless of what else may happen.

In practice, use the “place” command anytime you see a situation that could trigger herding behavior or if you see your dog becoming overstimulated around family, friends, or other guests.

Counterconditioning for a New Response

With counterconditioning, many dogs can be taught to respond to a situation differently. Anytime you see your dog getting overexcited or showing that they may be about to start herding, offer a high-value treat. This will take time and consistency.

Eventually, your dog will start associating their trigger with you having that treat, choosing to turn to you instead of giving into the temptation to herd.

When you are confident that your dog’s emotional response has been rewired, you can start to phase out the treat. Try skipping the treat and instead praising your dog verbally and with affection every third time. Then, every other time.

However, even with plenty of work training and counterconditioning, you are still responsible for setting your dog up for success. Avoid putting them into high-risk situations. For example, if you know that children will be running around and playing in your main living area, consider putting your dog away in a safe space like a bedroom where they can relax.

Consider Muzzle Training

While I would love to say that you should never put your dog into a risky situation, there may be times when it’s unavoidable. This is where a muzzle can be a very valuable tool.

Muzzles have been given an unwarranted bad reputation. People often see a muzzle and assume it is a punishment or a sign of an overly aggressive or dangerous dog. However, with proper conditioning, a muzzle can open doors for your dog and offer both freedom and safety.

First, ensure you select a muzzle that fits your dog correctly. It should not restrict your dog from panting, or it could put them at risk of overheating. On the other end of the spectrum, a muzzle that is too large may be easier for your dog to slip out of, making it ineffective.

Introduce the muzzle slowly before it is ever needed. Muzzle conditioning involves creating a positive association with the tool, using treats and praise, and removing any anxiety that wearing it could trigger. In time, most dogs will realize that wearing a muzzle is no more stressful than wearing a collar.

5 Ways to Keep a Herding Dog Busy

One important consideration when raising a happy, healthy herding dog is finding ways for them to channel their energy and drive in a positive way. This means finding opportunities for both physical and mental enrichment. Here are a few of my pup Lucifer’s favorites to help you start planning:

Walk, Run, Hike, or Bike

Of course, the most obvious solution to burning excess energy is to take your dog out for a walk, run, hike, or bike. Whether you’re hitting the local trails or walking around the block, give your pup a chance to sniff. Not only will they have fun exploring their surroundings, but that “sniff time” adds a mental enrichment component to your outing, wearing them out even more.

Introduce Your Dog to a Herding Ball

A great way to let your dog tap into their herding instincts without encouraging them to chase your other pets or nip at your guests is to introduce them to a herding ball. This oversized ball is too large or heavy to be picked up and carried around. Instead, to move the ball around your yard, the dog will have to nose at it, nip it, and push it as if they are herding it.

You can purchase specialty herding balls with a protective cover like the Race & Herd Complete Herding Ball Set or a durable hard plastic ball like the Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball.

Use a Flirt Pole

This fun exercise tool is a great way to keep your herding dog active and strengthen your relationship by playing together. It features a long handle attached to a lure or toy to entice your dog. When you move the flirt pole around, the lure will move, dance, and fly through the air, teasing your dog and triggering their natural desire to hunt and catch it.

The Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 is a durable option that can stand up to a lot of play, which is essential. After all, your dog isn’t going to take it easy on that lure!

Bond Over Training Sessions

Training is always a great way to challenge your dog’s mind. From basic obedience training to more elaborate tricks and challenges, training sessions are a bonding experience. Not only do they work your dog’s mind, burning energy and wearing them out, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to work on raising a well-behaved, respectful housemate.

I started working on basic obedience with Lucifer as a young puppy, but it was clear that his clever little mind would need more. He picked up on everything so quickly. After mastering the basics, we moved on to tricks like picking up his toys, identifying different toys by name, and other cute options. I also introduced him to talking buttons, challenging him to communicate with me in a more advanced way.

Turn Mealtime into a Game

Rather than just feeding your dog in a standard bowl, why not incorporate a mental enrichment element by challenging them to work for their food?

Snuffle mats are flat mats that feature strips of felt or material, pickets, folds, and other places where your dog’s food can be hidden. When feeding in a snuffle mat, your dog must tap into their foraging instincts, sniffing out and locating their meal.

Another great way to step up your dog’s mealtime is to feed them in a food puzzle. These are toys that require problem-solving to get to their food. They feature hidden doors, slides, spinners, flaps, and other fun elements. These can also be used easily between meals by placing a treat somewhere in the puzzle for your dog to find. They come in a variety of skill levels, from beginner to advanced. We recently introduced the Brightkins Brain Teaser Treat Puzzle in our house and love that it combines different elements in one puzzle.

Finally, there are interactive food and treat toys. These include toys that your dog has to move around until the food falls out and toys like the West Paw Zogoflex Toppl that can be filled and frozen before being given to your dog.

Final Thoughts: Keeping a Herding Dog from Nipping

If you share your heart and home with a herding dog, you know that their herding instincts can play an important role in their everyday lives. This isn’t a reflection of how you raised your pup or a failure to train them appropriately – it’s their natural drive.

Luckily, this behavior can be managed by training your dog to act appropriately around others and providing them with a positive outlet for their behavior.

Life with a herding dog is never boring (trust me, I know), but their love and loyalty will brighten even the darkest days.

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Ghosts of Dead Pets May Help Owners Deal With Grief, Study Finds

Descriptions of paranormal encounters with the ghosts of deceased loved ones can be found in many human cultures. According to a YouGov survey, two in five Americans believe ghosts are real, while one in five report they’ve actually seen a ghost. In most cases, these paranormal experiences involve a deceased family member. But what about paranormal encounters with deceased pets? After all, most American paw parents consider their cats and dogs members of the family.Jennifer Golbeck, a computer science professor at the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, recently conducted the very first systemic study of the supernatural experiences of grieving pet owners. The results of the study were published in the journal Anthrozoos.Golbeck ran the study using social media, posting a question on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter): “If you have lost a dog, have you had an experience like seeing their ghost, receiving a sign, did they communicate with you?” Then, she developed a coding system to categorize the answers.Golbeck received 544 responses, which she organized into two large categories - physical experiences (hearing, seeing, and touching the ghost of the dog) and interpreted experiences (receiving visits from the deceased dog in dreams, seeing signs in nature, and attributing feelings and phenomena to the spirit of the dog). A total of 315 owners experienced sensory encounters involving their dogs' ghost. The owners felt their dog’s touch, heard ghostly sounds, and saw their deceased pet. The most common sensory experience (37% of cases) involved hearing the dog, like a bark or the sound of nails clicking on the floor. Almost half (44.4%) of the physical experiences happened at night, and 45 owners reported that they’ve felt their dog lying in the bed next to them. According to Golbeck, 264 owners experienced interpreted interactions with the ghost of their dog. These included dreams in which the dog appeared, ghostly activities, such as objects moving, and signs in nature, which owners interpreted as messages from the deceased pet. Golbeck also asked the owners to describe their feelings about their supernatural experiences. The majority of respondents (74.6%) reported positive feelings, such as a sense of comfort, protection, reassurance, and even a gift. Only in a few cases (9%) owners reported feelings that fell into the mixed/sad category, including bittersweet, spooky, and heartbroken. The remaining pet owners (16%) viewed the paranormal encounters as messages from the deceased pet. According to Golbeck, these findings are significant because “psychology largely categorizes externalized continuing bonds - particularly seeing ghosts - as negative and even maladaptive.”On the other hand, the majority of pet parents participating in this study considered their supernatural experiences comforting rather than distressing. “This suggests there is something different going on in the grieving process for dog guardians that makes supernatural encounters operate differently than they do in more typical human mourning,” Golbeck wrote in the study.The study’s author also noted that there are only a few socially accepted rituals around pet animal deaths and no recognized mourning period. Often, pet owners' grief is downplayed, which creates an experience of disenfranchised grief where the owner is denied the grieving process. Golbeck also added that ghosts typically have a bad reputation, and are considered scary or a sign of guilt. However, she argues that seeing the ghosts of dead pets can be psychologically healthy, as they are displays of continuing bonds. “A seemingly magical visit from a ghost of a beloved lost dog offers a feeling of the mystical, the special, and a signifier of the importance of the relationship,” said Golbeck. “Such experiences would reasonably be seen as validating and comforting in the face of the invalidation of disenfranchised grief.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can A Dog Be Autistic?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects humans and can be manifested in a variety of ways, most of which are related to challenges with social skills, communication, and interaction with the world itself. While the many sides of the autism spectrum are well understood and documented, there’s a lot that remains a mystery, such as the question if autism is specific to humans – or more precisely: can a dog be autistic?Canine autism is still not officially recognized in veterinary medicine in the same way it is in humans, however, there are some behaviors in dogs that can resemble traits associated with autism in humans, leading some pet owners and veterinarians to use the term "autistic" in order to describe them more specifically. Here is all that you need to know about this complex topic.Can a Dog Be Autistic?Some dogs may exhibit behaviors that are similar to those seen in autistic individuals. For example, some dogs may exhibit repetitive behaviors. This might include excessive licking, tail chasing, pawing, or pacing. In fact, they get so repetitive that it quickly becomes abnormal. Besides all this, some “autistic” dogs can have difficulties with social interactions. In these cases, they might be less responsive to social cues, avoid eye contact, or prefer being alone. Similarly, some dogs can have overwhelming sensitivity to various stimuli. This means that certain dogs might be overly sensitive to sounds, lights, or touch – things that seem ordinary in most cases. These behaviors could be due to various factors, including genetic predispositions, developmental issues, or environmental influences. Some dogs may also be affected by canine-compulsive disorder (CCD). Similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in humans, dogs with CCD engage in repetitive behaviors that are difficult to interrupt. This can contribute to autistic behaviors. The same goes for dogs with sensory processing disorders. In such cases, they might have abnormal sensory processing, making them overly reactive or unresponsive to certain stimuli. Ultimately, though not well-defined, certain neurodevelopmental issues could lead to behaviors reminiscent of autism. Either way, in the case that your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. Working with a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist can help you address problematic behaviors and deal with them efficiently. After all, autistic dogs can be as happy and normal as all other pets. Providing mental and physical stimulation through toys,  puzzles, and regular exercise is very important, however, as it ensures that they remain happy and active. 

How Do I Keep My Pet Comfortable During a Power Outage?

Power outages can be stressful for everyone, but have you ever considered what this experience may feel like for your pet? Imagine witnessing the lights flicker and then go out, leaving you in darkness while unable to understand why it happened.While we can’t sit down and have a conversation, explaining what they are experiencing, there are steps we can take to keep them comfortable.This article will explore some easy strategies to keep your pet safe during a power outage, including reducing stress levels and keeping your pet cool (or warm) until the power returns. Plus, I’ll give you a list of must-have supplies to ensure you’re prepared for the next power outage.Let’s get started…Do Pets Get Scared When the Power Goes Out?Whether your dog or cat will be scared or anxious during a power outage will depend mainly on their personality. Some pets will find the experience frightening, while others will carry on their day as if nothing has changed. The best way to predict how your pet will respond is by observing how they act in other new situations.There are a few potential triggers for stress and anxiety that you may want to take into consideration:Alarm systems, smoke detectors, and other similar items in the home may beep to alert you that the power has gone outA power surge could cause a “pop” or “boom” sound if it impacts electronics in the homeThe loss of a comforting white noise, like a fan, can increase stress in some petsPower outages often coincide with storms, which can be a source of stress and anxiety for some petsStress or anxiety felt by human family members as a response to the power outage can influence the stress levels of our pets

Guide Dog Trigger Retires After Fathering Over 300 Puppies

A nine-year-old golden retriever, nicknamed The Dogfather, is going to a well-earned retirement after fathering a grand total of 323 puppies. Trigger has spent his years being the star stud dog of Guide Dogs. This charity organization specializes in breeding and training guide dogs for people with visual impairment in the United Kingdom. Since the beginning of his stud career in December 2016, Trigger has fathered 39 litters, including a record-breaking litter with 16 puppies in 2021. According to Guide Dogs, 294 of Trigger’s puppies have been bred by the charity itself, and an additional 29 puppies by other assistance dog charities and guide dog schools, bringing his grand total to 323 puppies.The Dogfather’s final litter consisted of six puppies, including five daughters named Rita, Jenny, Hermione, Indy, and Sandy, and a son, named Billy. The last of Trigger's offspring are eight weeks old and about to start their guide dog training and will be living with volunteer puppy raisers for the next year. “Trigger’s legacy can be seen in the independence and confidence his progeny has brought to the lives of blind and partially sighted people all over Britain,” shared Guide Dogs in a news release. The Dogfather’s puppies have been affectionately nicknamed Triglets by guide dog owners and volunteers. These pups have been guiding visually impaired and partially sighted individuals across the United Kingdom, including London, Cardiff, Glasgow, and even the Isle of Wright. Two of Trigger’s litters have been bred abroad at guide dog organizations in France and the Netherlands, creating guide dog partnerships in both countries. “Trigger’s wonderful, gentle nature and excellent health have made him the perfect asset to our breeding program. We can’t overstate the impact that Trigger has in helping us to provide so many guide dogs for people with sight loss,” said Janine Dixon, Head of Breeding Operations at Guide Dogs. Dixon added the charity hopes that Billy, Trigger’s son, will continue his father’s legacy by joining the breeding program in a few years.“In the meantime, nine of his daughters, as well, as his half-French son Pierre, are helping us to bring forward a new generation of dogs with Trigger’s fantastic genes,” shared Guide Dogs.When it comes to Trigger’s future, he will spend his well-earned retirement in Branbury with his Breeding Dog Volunteer Sarah Bryne, who has been looking after him for the past seven years and will now officially adopt him. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Does My Cat Need a Litter Box When Travelling?

Traveling with your best furry friend by your side can be an exciting adventure. It’s a great opportunity to make lifelong memories while strengthening that special bond. However, some questions about their essential needs will naturally arise as you start planning…One of the biggest concerns for cat owners is whether or not to bring a litter box. It’s a valid question!This article will explore the pros and cons of traveling with a litter box. I’ll also discuss the different litter box types available and which may be best suited for different forms of travel, including road trips, camping, hotel stays, and more.Ensure a smooth journey for both you and your cat by checking out these tips and recommendations:Do Cats Need a Litter Box When Traveling?Whether or not your cat will need a litter box during your travels will depend on the style of travel you plan. Setting your cat up comfortably in your vehicle for a long road trip makes it much easier to provide access to a litter box during travel than flying with a cat.You must also consider the length of your travels, where you will stay overnight, and other factors related to your vacation plans. While your cat can take a flight safely without access to a box (assuming they have been given a chance to do their business before boarding the plane and after you have landed), the same can’t be said for an overnight stay at a pet-friendly hotel.Let’s break it all down a little further…How Do You Travel with a Cat Without a Litter Box?Some travel plans simply can’t accommodate the use of a litter box. The most common example of this is flying with a cat. However, litter boxes are also off the table when taking your cat on other forms of public transit, like a bus or train.If you know your cat will be without their litter box for an extended period, allow them to “do their business” right before your travels begin. Many airports have dog bathroom stations, where you could also go to let your cat relieve themselves. Alternatively, you may choose to let them have their last bathroom break before leaving your cat to enter the airport.One way to handle this is to bring a disposable litter box with a small amount of litter when you leave the house. Alternatively, if your cat is a frequent traveler, you may be able to train them to do their business on a puppy pee pad. This is easier to bring along in these situations and easier to dispose of when they are finished.It is also recommended to not feed your cat at least six hours before any travel where a litter box won’t be available. This allows any food in their system to hopefully pass, reducing the risk they will need to go and, in turn, preventing accidents. Although, I still recommend lining their carrier with a pee pad as an extra layer of protection.How Long Can Cats Go Without a Litter Box?Will your cat be without a litter box for a while during travel? Don’t fret! While you shouldn’t encourage your cat to “hold it” on a regular basis, cats have been known to go 24-48 hours safely without going to the bathroom. This is, of course, the extreme. However, it does mean that a 6-hour flight isn’t a significant concern.Of course, every cat is different. Some cats will be able to wait this time without a problem. Others, however, may need to go to the bathroom more frequently. This is especially important to note if you have a kitten, a senior cat, or a cat with a medical condition that could impact their bathroom needs.What is the Best Type of Litter Box for Your Cat-Friendly Travels?There are several different types of cat litter boxes to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s look at the options available and which may be the best choice for your next vacation (and why):Standard Plastic Litter BoxesIf you are traveling in an RV or travel trailer, you may be able to bring your cat’s usual litter box. Some common places to place a box include inside a floor-level cupboard, under a bench seat, or in the shower area when the shower isn’t in use.The biggest benefit of bringing your cat’s litter box from home is familiarity. Your cat knows that box, and it already has their scent. While the box's location is obviously going to change, having so many familiar elements may make it easier for your cat to adjust, reducing the risk of accidents.Cloth Travel Litter BoxesThese travel litter boxes are constructed from a durable material with a leak-proof lining, creating a lighter-weight solution for travel. I recommend choosing a cloth box with a lid. This allows you to seal off the box, keeping the litter (and odor) contained and allowing you to make a litter box accessible when needed without having to empty and refill it each time. Cloth boxes also usually have some form of carrying handle.The HiCaptain Portable Travel Litter Box is an excellent example of a standard cloth travel box. However, if your cat is used to a covered box at home, you may want to splurge on the Petsfit Upgrade Travel Portable Cat Litter Box.Nylon Travel Litter BoxA favorite of mine for travel due to how small it folds up, the OutdoorBengal Travel Litter Box for Cats is a portable and fully collapsible litter box option that folds up smaller than any other box on this list. We often use this box when backpacking or backcountry camping, where we are extremely limited on space for our gear.When your cat needs to use the box, snap the four corners together, and this flat piece of material transforms into a square box. It is constructed with a waterproof Oxford liner that can be easily wiped clean with a disinfectant wipe for quick and effective cleaning.

What Do I Do if My Cat Ingests Marijuana?

We’ve all seen the funny social media videos of pets “greening out” after ingesting some weed, but can marijuana be dangerous for your cat? While it’s typically not fatal, marijuana toxicity can create a stressful situation for both you and your feline friend. In some cases, it can also have severe consequences. This guide will share the essential information you need to know about cats and marijuana, including the common symptoms of marijuana toxicity in cats, understanding the potential risks, and, most importantly, knowing what steps to take if your cat has ingested something they shouldn’t. Plus, we’ll discuss cat-friendly CBD products and share tips for calming your cat safely and effectively. Let’s get started… Is Marijuana Bad for Cats? With the growing number of states legalizing marijuana, this is a question that we have been hearing more frequently. Is marijuana toxic for cats? Should you be concerned if you accidentally leave something out and your cat now appears to be high? The short answer is yes! Cats are particularly sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that is responsible for the psychoactive effects (the relaxed, euphoric feeling that you experience). Plus, their small size means it takes significantly less to affect them. In most cases, if caught and addressed quickly, your cat will fully recover from marijuana toxicity. However, it can lead to long-term and even life-threatening complications. How Are Cats Exposed to Marijuana? In nearly all cases of marijuana toxicity, the affected cat wasn’t given marijuana to ingest. Instead, they get into something they shouldn’t, leading to trouble. There are several ways your cat may be exposed. If you or your friends/family smoke, ensure your cat is safely contained in another room. Even inhaling the second-hand smoke can have serious consequences. You can reduce the risk even further by placing a rolled towel along the bottom of the door to your cat’s safe room to block any smoke from entering. If you smoke outdoors, check first to ensure all windows are closed. Keep all marijuana and edibles up and out of your cat’s reach. Cats are curious creatures prone to nibbling on things they discover around the house. This includes live plants, dried weed products, marijuana-infused products, and even discarded joints. Signs of Marijuana Ingestion in Cats Most cases of marijuana toxicity aren’t identified because you see your cat nibbling on the offending product. Instead, it often starts with noticing that your cat is acting “off” and discovering the cause of trouble after a careful investigation. As cat parents, we should familiarize ourselves with the most common signs and symptoms. Knowing what to look for will allow us to identify and address the problem sooner. This includes: Drooling VomitingDilated pupils Extreme sleepiness or excitement Agitation, anxiety, or depressionExcessive vocalizationLoss of coordination or balanceLow blood pressure Slow heart rateLow body temperature TwitchingSeizures or comaSome cats will simply act "off." You know your cat better than anyone. Trust your gut, even if you can't pinpoint the exact signs or symptoms.

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