Most of us love when our dogs want to lie next to us and when they want our undivided attention. When you're cuddled up next to your pet it's sometimes easy to pick them up without even thinking about it. However, picking up your dog the wrong way can actually hurt your pup and if you hurt him both you and pooch will be upset. Here are three things your dog wants you and other people to know about picking them up!
Three Things Your Dog Wishes They Could Tell You About Picking Them Up Include:
My Limbs Are More Delicate Than You Think
Dog limbs are a wonder of form and function, meant to propel pups forward with speed and agility. They aren’t designed to support the entire weight of the dog when he's suspended in the air, however. The most common form of dangerous pet handling I see, particularly with young children, is when they lift a pet by the front limbs as if it were a doll. Adults tend to put their hands under the armpits of the dog and lift, as one would a human child. Both techniques are incorrect.When a dog is lifted by his front limbs, instead of properly supported by the chest and pelvis, it puts unnatural force on the elbows, shoulders, front toes and even spine as the pet dangles in the air. This can strain the muscles that support the front limbs and spine, tear ligaments, and potentially even dislocate a shoulder or elbow.
It Hurts, Even If You Think It Doesn’t
One of the greatest myths I hear dog owners repeating is, “If he isn’t yelping, he isn’t hurting.” Like people, some dogs are more dramatic than others and will waste no time letting you know if something bothers them. But other dogs are quite stoic and will tolerate discomfort to a much higher degree before protesting — assuming they protest at all.Clearly, yelping or growling are obvious signs of discomfort in a pet. But there are plenty more. All dog owners should know the basic signs of anxiety in a dog: avoidance, struggling, averting his gaze, licking his lips, “half-moon eye” or showing the whites of his eyes, and yawning are just a few.
Picking Me Up the Right Way Is Easy
If the dog is small (under 25 pounds), place your dominant arm under his chest, between the front limbs, while tucking his back end between that same arm and your torso. For medium-size dogs (between 25 and 40 pounds), place your dominant arm behind the dog’s back legs, and your non-dominant arm around his chest, in front of the limbs and stabilize the dog against your chest as you lift. This helps ensure the pet is properly supported and comfortable.All children should know some important safety tips:
Always, always ask permission before picking up a dog.
If a pet shows signs of discomfort or tries to get away, you must let him go.
If a pet appears injured, don’t pick him up — get an adult to help.
As you can see, if you pick your dog up the wrong way, it can cause them pain and potential problems. This is why it's so important need to always remember how delicate their legs are. You should also pay attention to signs of discomfort even if they aren't yelping.
Furthermore, you should also make sure that your dog's body is well supported before picking them up so that they will be nice and comfortable. Finally, if kids want to pick your dog up, it is important to make sure they ask you first and that if your dog seems uncomfortable to let him go gently.
To find out more things your dog wished people knew about picking them up, you can go to Vet Street.
