The Ultimate FAQ: 20+ Common Dog Questions Answered

The miracle of Lagotto Puppies nursing

As a dedicated breeder of the Lagotto Romagnolo, I’m passionate about helping dog lovers understand their pets better. This ultimate FAQ answers over 20 of the most commonly searched dog-related questions, providing concise and trustworthy information. Where relevant, I’ve included specific tips for the Lagotto Romagnolo, a charming, hypoallergenic breed known for its curly coat and truffle-hunting prowess. Whether you’re a new dog owner or considering a Lagotto Romagnolo, this guide will help you make informed decisions.

1. Why do dogs eat grass?

Dogs may eat grass to soothe an upset stomach, induce vomiting, or because they enjoy the taste or need extra fiber or nutrients. It’s generally safe unless the grass is treated with pesticides or chemicals. Excessive grass-eating or signs of illness warrant a vet visit.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their hunting instincts may lead them to explore plants, but grass-eating is normal unless excessive.

2. How long are dogs pregnant?

The gestation period for dogs typically ranges from 58 to 68 days, averaging around 63 days, depending on breed, litter size, and health.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their gestation period is 57–65 days, with an average of 63 days, consistent with most breeds.

3. Why do dogs lick?

Dogs lick to show affection, clean themselves or others, gather sensory information, or sometimes due to anxiety or compulsive behavior. It’s a natural way for them to communicate or self-soothe.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Known for their affectionate nature, Lagottos may lick frequently to bond with their owners.

4. Why do dogs eat poop?

Coprophagia, or eating poop, can stem from nutritional deficiencies, boredom, or learned behavior, especially in puppies. Training and a balanced diet can help curb this habit.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: No breed-specific tendencies, so general training and dietary management apply.

5. What fruits can dogs eat?

Safe fruits for dogs include apples (without seeds), bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, cucumbers, mango, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, and watermelon (without seeds). Remove pits, seeds, and cores, and feed in moderation as treats. Avoid toxic fruits like grapes, raisins, avocados, and cherries.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: These fruits are safe in moderation, complementing a balanced diet tailored to their needs.

6. Why is my dog’s nose dry?

A dog’s nose is naturally moist to aid scent detection, but it can be dry due to sleep, dehydration, or dry environments. Persistent dryness, cracking, or bleeding may indicate a health issue, so consult a vet.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their keen sense of smell relies on a moist nose, but occasional dryness is normal.

7. Why does my dog stare at me?

Dogs stare to seek attention, food, or exercise, to understand your emotions, or to express affection. It’s a form of communication or bonding, though persistent staring may indicate anxiety.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their intelligence and strong owner bond may lead to frequent staring as a way to connect.

8. What does a dog howling mean?

Howling is a communication method, often in response to sounds like sirens, to express loneliness, seek attention, or mark territory. Some breeds howl more than others.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their hunting heritage may make them more likely to howl to communicate, especially in active environments.

9. How can I stop my dog from barking?

Address excessive barking with training, identifying triggers (e.g., boredom, fear), providing ample exercise and mental stimulation, and using positive reinforcement to reward quiet behavior.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: They’re not typically excessive barkers, but sufficient exercise and mental engagement are key to preventing barking.

10. What vaccinations should my dog have?

Core vaccinations include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Non-core vaccines like bordetella or leptospirosis depend on lifestyle and location. Consult your vet for a tailored schedule.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Standard vaccinations apply, but ensure they’re current, especially for outdoor activities like truffle hunting.

11. Should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Yes, regular brushing prevents plaque, tartar, gum disease, and bad breath. Use dog-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush, aiming for daily or at least weekly brushing.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Standard dental care applies, unaffected by their curly coat.

12. How often should you bathe a dog?

Bathing frequency depends on breed, coat, and lifestyle. Most dogs need baths every few weeks, but over-bathing can strip natural oils.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their curly, water-resistant coat requires bathing only once a month to preserve natural oils and prevent skin dryness.

13. Why do dogs wag their tails?

Tail wagging communicates emotions—broad wags often indicate happiness, while stiff or high wags may signal fear or aggression. The speed and position convey different messages.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their expressive nature makes tail wagging a noticeable way to show emotions.

14. Why is chocolate bad for my dog?

Chocolate contains theobromine, toxic to dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures, or death. Keep chocolate inaccessible.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Like all dogs, they’re susceptible to theobromine toxicity.

15. Do dogs dream?

Yes, dogs dream during REM sleep, often showing twitching, eye movements, or sounds. Puppies and older dogs may dream more frequently.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: They likely dream about activities like truffle hunting or playtime.

16. Why do dogs have wet noses?

A wet nose enhances scent detection and regulates body temperature. It’s normal for noses to be wet, though occasional dryness isn’t a concern.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their exceptional sense of smell, used in truffle hunting, benefits from a moist nose.

17. Why do dogs have whiskers?

Whiskers are sensory hairs that help dogs navigate, detect environmental changes, and sense objects or prey, especially in low-light conditions.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Whiskers aid their truffle-hunting abilities, helping them navigate terrain.

18. Why do dogs chase their tails?

Tail chasing is often playful, especially in puppies, but in adults, it may indicate boredom, anxiety, or medical issues like fleas. Consult a vet if excessive.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their high energy may lead to tail chasing if not sufficiently stimulated.

19. Why do dogs bury their bones?

Burying is an instinct from wild ancestors who hid food for later. Domesticated dogs may bury treats or toys for similar reasons.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their hunting instincts may make burying more pronounced, especially with toys or treats.

20. Is sleeping with my dog a good idea?

Sleeping with your dog can foster bonding and comfort but may disrupt sleep or increase exposure to parasites. It’s a personal choice based on your dog’s health and behavior.

For Lagotto Romagnolo: Their affectionate nature makes them great bed companions, but ensure they’re clean and parasite-free.

Additional Common Questions

• How do you stop dogs from digging? Provide exercise, mental stimulation, a designated digging area, and supervise outdoor time to discourage unwanted digging.

• How do you introduce dogs to babies, cats, etc.? Use gradual introductions, supervision, positive reinforcement, and allow the dog to adjust at their own pace, ensuring a safe retreat space.

• Can I feed my dog human food? Safe human foods include carrots, green beans, and plain cooked chicken, but avoid toxic foods like onions, garlic, chocolate, and grapes. Research before sharing.

• What is the most popular dog breed? The Labrador Retriever is often the most popular breed globally, valued for its friendly and versatile nature (American Kennel Club).

• How long do dogs live? Lifespans vary by breed and size, typically 10–15 years for small breeds and 8–12 years for larger ones, with proper care extending life.

• What colors can dogs see? Dogs see mainly blues and yellows, with limited ability to distinguish red and green, due to their color receptors.

If you’re captivated by the Lagotto Romagnolo’s charm and intelligence, join our waitlist for upcoming litters by emailing nwlagotto@gmail.com. Our puppies are raised with care to become loving, well-socialized companions.

Comparison Table: Lagotto Romagnolo Care Considerations

Question	General Dog Answer	Lagotto Romagnolo Specific
Why do dogs eat grass?	Normal for stomach relief or nutrient craving; safe unless chemically treated.	Hunting instincts may increase plant exploration; monitor for excess.
How long are dogs pregnant?	58–68 days, average 63 days.	57–65 days, average 63 days.
Why do dogs lick?	Affection, grooming, sensory exploration, or stress relief.	Affectionate nature may lead to frequent licking for bonding.
Why do dogs eat poop?	Nutritional deficiencies, boredom, or learned behavior.	No breed-specific tendency; standard training applies.
What fruits can dogs eat?	Apples, bananas, blueberries, etc., in moderation; avoid toxic fruits.	Safe in moderation as treats, alongside a balanced diet.
Why is my dog’s nose dry?	Normal if occasional; persistent issues need vet attention.	Moist nose aids truffle hunting; occasional dryness is normal.
Why does my dog stare at me?	Seeking attention, understanding emotions, or bonding.	Intelligent and bonded, may stare to communicate or connect.
What does a dog howling mean?	Communication, loneliness, or territory marking.	Hunting heritage may increase howling in active settings.
How can I stop my dog from barking?	Training, exercise, and positive reinforcement.	Not excessive barkers; need ample stimulation to prevent boredom.
What vaccinations should my dog have?	Core: rabies, distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus; non-core vary by lifestyle.	Standard vaccines; consider non-core for outdoor activities like truffle hunting.
Should I brush my dog’s teeth?	Yes, prevents dental issues; use dog-specific products.	Standard dental care applies.
How often should you bathe a dog?	Varies by breed; avoid over-bathing to preserve oils.	Once a month to maintain coat’s natural oils and curl structure.