Key things you need to know about what your pooch is thinking

CLEVELAND - Do you know what your pooch is thinking when you're getting ready to leave for work and little Fido goes and hides under the couch... every day?

Or you see a dog with a wagging tail and you want to pet it, but it snaps at you?
Or your older dog gets stuck in the corner of your home and looks lost?

What does all this mean? What is your dog thinking?

Behavioral Medicine Veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth Feltes, said these different behaviors mean something -- and it is serious stuff. Just like people, dogs have emotions, too. And just like people, dogs can get medical conditions, too.

So what's with hiding under the couch? Dr. Feltes said that's just one sign of separation anxiety. What about a friendly wagging tail? Doesn't that mean they want you around? Dr. Feltes said, not necessarily. In fact, you better be very careful because a dog that isn't moving, but still wagging its tail is showing signs of being very uncomfortable. That can mean it may snap or bite.

When you see older dogs wandering around or going into corners of your home looking confused, Dr. Feltes said that's actually a sign of Alzheimer's. Dr. Feltes said just like the human brain can develop Alzheimer's, a dog's brain can, too. The older they get, the worse it can get.

Each of these conditions, among others, can be treated with either behavioral help or medications. If you'd like more information from Dr. Elizabeth Feltes and her behavioral clinic, just go here: http://www.thebehaviorclinic.com