Culture

Subtle Signs Your Dog Is Depressed

Published

8 months ago

September 2, 2023

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Just like their human counterparts, dogs can get down in the dumps for a variety of reasons. But detecting depression in a pet isn’t always easy. Does a longer than usual nap or increased appetite mean your animal friend needs professional help? What about other changes in behavior? There are subtle signs your dog is depressed.

INSIDER talked with dog behaviorist Nick Jones, MA, about what causes depression in dogs and how you can spot it. Changes in routine spark many depressed episodes, whether that be time spent in a kennel, a new home, or the death of a caregiver. According to Jones, other changes in a dog’s routine can also lead to a state of feeling unsettled. “These might include a change in the owners’ working routine or new and quite different rules being put in place,” he says.

Change in appetite

If your dog is eating less or more, this could be a sign of increased stress levels.

“Dogs can be like people – some will eat less when under stress and some will eat more. Some dogs are so food driven that you may not see a change in its appetite,” Jones explained.

Licking

Much like humans will fidget with objects when they’re stressed out, dogs may lick themselves a ton. Jones says excessive licking can be a sign of anxiety or stress, as dogs will often use licking as a soothing technique. If you’re certain your dog is licking its paws for some other reason than it has something stuck in its paw, you might want to consult a vet.

Lethargy

If your dog is no longer psyched about going for walks, play dates or chasing after a toy, it may be depressed. Says Jones, “A dog that is reluctant to leave the home could indicate that all is not well either on a physical or emotional level. One would normally expect a dog to be less enthusiastic when in a depressed state.”

Change in sleep patterns

“If the dog is in a stressed state and displaying signs of anxiety such as whining or howling in the owner’s absence say, then the dog will often not sleep during that period,” said Jones.

On the flip side, if a dog is getting too much sleep, it could also mean that your pooch is sad. Just like humans, sometimes when a dog isn’t feeling life, they just want to pull the covers over their head and sleep their days away. “I have seen some dogs that are mourning for the loss of a loved one be quite subdued and sleep more than would be expected,” Jones said.

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Change in behavior

If you notice your dog is acting strange, perhaps behaving oddly or picking up bad habits all of the sudden, it may be a sign of depression.

“It is possible that a dog may develop new and unwanted behavior routines such as pacing, circling, or obsessive behaviors such as shadow or light chasing,” Jones told INSIDER. A sad dog may also disregard previously learned (preferred) behavioral patters.

Jones says whatever the unusual behavior your dog is expressing, the best thing you can do is comfort them, make sure their needs are met, and create a schedule. “Maintaining a leadership-based style with the dog regardless of recent changes can help a great deal in my experience, as a routine provides emotional security.”

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Bloody Maria

The Best Simple Tequila Cocktails

Published

3 hours ago

May 5, 2024

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Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, weekends, long lunches and just to enjoy while hanging out…tequila will treat you right!

Tequila is very popular for good reason…good tequila can treat you right. 2021 was its year when it passed whiskey as the second most popular liquor. It only stands behind vodka. Celebrity tequila’s have been a huge help with George Clooney selling his Casamigos brand for $1 billion.

If you are thinking about staying in swimsuit shape, tequila is your friend – chilled and straight up is great. At 97 calories a shot, its is one of the best to drink. And it has 0g of carbs, 0g of fat per serving, and 0g of saturated fat.

So to celebrate its success, here are the best simple tequila cocktails. And for your information, all tequila is mezcal. The term mezcal refers to spirits made from the agave plant, while tequila refers to a specific type of mezcal that can only be made from blue Weber agave in five Mexican states. Reposado tequila stays in the barrel for a duration of 2 months to a year, depending on the flavor profile a distiller is looking to achieve.

Margarita — Photo by Flickr user slgckgc

Paloma

This is a classic simple cocktail to make you happy. The oragin is a bit murky but is generally credited to Javier Delgado Corona, owner of the oldest bar in Jalisco – La Capilla. More importantly – you will be just thankful for this drink and it its refreshing feeling.

Ingredients

2 ounces tequila
2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, plus wedges for garnish
2 ounces sparkling water
½ ounce lime juice
¼ ounce agave nectar or simple syrup, or to taste
Coarse sea salt, for the rim of the glasses
Ice

Create

Salt the rim of the glass by rubbing a grapefruit wedge around the edge and dipping it onto a small plate of salt.
Mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, sparkling water, lime juice, and agave nectar into the glass. Fill the remainder of the glass with ice. Adjust sweetness to taste. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

Mexican Mule

The Moscow Mule is a go to for some…but what about a warmer more flavorful replacement?

Ingredients

1 ½ oz. Tequila Silver or Reposado
1 lime wedge
1 wedge pineapple
4 oz. ginger beer

Create

Combine the lime wedge and pineapple (if using) in the bottom of a chilled glass or moscow mule mug
Muddle the lime with the pineapple
Add tequila and stir
Add ice and top with the ginger beer

Bloody Maria

While it is credited to have been created as a Bloody Mary alternative, it truly appeared on the scene in the 1940s. Bartender Fernand Petiot is credited with

Ingredients

Tequila Reposado or White
Mexican hot sauce
Celery salt
Black pepper
Tomato juice
Lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce
Horseradish
Celery salt
Black pepper

Create

Chill the tomato juice/mix and tequila first
Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker without ice
Strain and if time, chill. Straining removes the chunks of horseradish from the drink
Rim the glass and garnish
Serve over ice with the garnishes of your choice.

Tequila Sunrise

Big on college campuses and creating all sorts of boozy adventures – the Tequila Sunrise is delight to the taste buds.

Ingredients

2 oz. Tequila
1 oz. Orange Juice
.5 oz. Lemon Juice
.5 oz. Grenadine
Garnish with a cherry

Create

Combine tequila and juices in a shaker
Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into a glass
Add grenadine then garnish

May you enjoy these the best simple tequila cocktails morning, noon and night!

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Cannabis

Off To The Horse Races With Cannabis

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

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House racing is highly popular sports with over 45,000 races run in the US and Canada last year. The Kentucky Derby is the pinnacle of horse racing in North America, but most major metro hubs have some type of opportunity. Globally it is a $400 billion industry with tens of millions of people watching. But are they off to the horse races with cannabis?

The biggest horse racing party is the Kentucky Derby and the Infield (the area inside the track) is a huge one with beer trucks, Mardi Gras bead shenanigans, and maybe a little whiff of weed. While Churchill Downs, where the race is run, bans all smoking, vapes, gummies and more make the way in. The same is true across the realm. But what about those in the race?

The signature beverage of the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep

Horse racing is an intense activity for the animal, and increasingly, horse owners are adapting human products (either medical marijuana or hemp) for their athletes. Recovery, hydration, inflammation and pain management are all benefits for the horse if done with the correct dosage. Additionally, it is seen as a potential for calming a horse.

Like the human mass market, CBD is leading the way. But the efficacy and safety of some products is questionable, due to very little research and supervision. Until the passage of the 2018 Farm Act, it was illegal to possess or conduct research on hemp as well as marijuana. Like the NFL, owners should be aware CBD and THC cannot be used in when competing, and if CBD shows up on a drug test that horse may be disqualified.

With rescheduling, there should be more research done regarding CBD and THC’s benefits to animals, especially pets and horses. Before administering CBD to horses, horse owners should first consult with a veterinarian.

Additionally, jockeys are banned from using cannabis while racing. This falls inline with the current global sports guidelines. CBD has been used in helping with recovery, but it can not be used prior to the race, especially if you are looking at winning.

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Cannabis

The Best Tips To Up Your Intimacy Game While High

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2024

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The Karma Sutra is the original how-to on how enjoy your sex life. Written in the 3rd century, it has been a North Star and guide to intimacy for ages. The Indian book has been a best seller and the suggestions have been incorporated in a variety of ways across the centuries and globe. I demonstrates cannabis has been used 3000 years to stimulate and enhance the sexual experience. The Indians stepped it up a notch in the 7th century and added cannabis to emerging tantric sex practices. Taking a page from it, here are the best tips to up your intimacy game while high.

Consume in a way you know

If you’re trying out the combination of marijuana and sex for the first time, try using a method that you’re well acquainted. This will help avoid some of the factors out of your control. If you like to plan ahead, try experimenting with different strains and consumption methods before the night of, just so you can have a handle on your high and can eliminate negative side effects. And remember, a bout of giggles can be used as a quick break before the next round of action.

Orgasms — Photo by sirawit99/Getty Images

Take strains into account

Do research and get to know different kinds of marijuana, since these can affect your body and performance in different ways. While some strains enhance physical sensations others leave you with a more cerebral high, something that can get frustrating when trying to have a special sexual experience. While people react differently to different strains of marijuana, sativas are a good starting point, since they tend to improve your mood and increase your sensitivity.

Go slow, finish bigger

You don’t want to be too high, so be cautious and consume slowly, making the process of getting high as gradual and sensual as possible as possible. Let touch be the guide for when cannabis hits. Add a bit more if you need to increase your high than to realize that you’re too high and that you’ll be having trouble keeping your eyes open.

Use lube

Lube is always a great idea. It makes things move better and adds a subtle layer of extra feeling. Odd fact, THC tends to make you have a bit of dry mouth and slows your body’s production of liquids. So little lube can translate to pleasurable sex. Keep your lube nearby and stay hydrated.

Play with new sensations

Test out new toys or sensations, taking advantage of your body’s newly acquired sensitivities. Again, it’s important to take it slow in order to avoid getting overwhelmed, steering clear of scenarios that are too intense. Go crazy with an ice cube, some lube or whatever else that sounds like a good time.

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