Google has made it easier than ever to find answers to questions you may never have thought of before. Chances are good that you as a dog owner have run across behaviors that you find odd and mystifying. In turn, you pull up Google and ask the question of “why does my dog do XYZ?” A majority of the answers you get are relevant to your query and are common questions about dogs that are easily answered.

These questions do help you understand dog behavior and help you with dog training problems, but the answers may not always be correct or relevant. When in doubt, call the veterinarian for answers to your questions and bring your dog to Blue Sky Veterinary Clinic for an exam to find out what’s really going on with your dog. Following are the 10 most searched dog questions according to Google.

1. Why do dogs howl?

Dogs howl to communicate with one another to show solidarity or to verbally mark a territory. Sometimes dogs howl in response to a siren or an alarm. It’s a primal instinct of theirs that surfaces now and again.

2. Why do dogs eat poop?

Dogs eat poop because of hunger, nutrient deficiency or boredom. Science doesn’t really know why dogs eat poop, but studies have found that dogs prefer fresh feces over old.

3. How do I trim my dog’s nails?

Gently press on your dog’s paw to get the nails to extend. Use safety clippers to trim back the nails a little at a time. Stop when you see a dark spot in the center of the nail. Give your dog a treat for good behavior.

4. How can I make my dog vomit?

Measure out 1 to 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide for every 10 pounds of body weight, then draw up into a turkey baster or syringe without a needle. Squirt the hydrogen peroxide towards the back of your dog’s throat.

5. How much Benadryl can I administer to my dog?

You can give your dog 1mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight every 8 hours. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian in Bend prior to giving your dog Benadryl to make sure it’s the right medication for the issue at hand.

6. How do I stop my dog from barking?

Perhaps one of the least desirable dog behaviors is incessant barking. Dogs bark for various reasons and you need to determine why your dog is barking in the first place. Dog training sessions may be necessary to get your dog to stop.

7. How long will my dog be in heat for?

Female dogs are in heat for about two weeks but may be fertile before their signs are obvious. Talk to the veterinarian in Bend about the benefits of spaying your dog.

8. What pain medication is safe for my dog?

You can give your dog 5-10mg of aspirin per pound of body weight. Call your veterinarian prior to giving your dog any over-the-counter medication

9. How can I get my dog to be free from fleas?

Fleas typically require a multi-pronged attack. Use flea treatments from the vet, bathe your dog frequently and use oral supplements to make your dog less tasty to fleas.

10. Why do dogs eat grass?

Dogs usually eat grass to settle an upset stomach, but their omnivorous nature means they’re capable of grazing on grass as a snack.