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Q: My year-old
Dachshund mix picks up her right front leg a lot. When I walk her in the
mornings, or when she's in the yard chasing, she's fine. But during the
day she limps. The vet took X-rays, which didn't show anything. Any thoughts?
-- D.M., Phoenix, Ariz. Answer
Q: I've been
feeding my year-old basenji a steady diet of chicken, rice and vegetables.
There's absolutely no question in my mind that it's healthier than commercial
food with preservatives. I prepare the food twice weekly and warm up meals
in the microwave. Is the microwaving dangerous to the dog? -- S.R., Delray
Beach, Fla. Answer
Q: My 5-year-old
Maltese has been chewing continuously at her paws for the past year. Our
vet suggested she had allergies and recommended an over-the-counter antihistamine.
But he didn't offer a brand name or dosage. What's wrong, and will an
antihistamine help? -- M.L., Cyberspace Answer
Q: I adopted
a greyhound named Alvin at the end of September. Judy, our bichon frise,
was shocked to meet Alvin. The first few weeks were pretty tense. Now,
Judy goes about her usual business, and Alvin doesn't pay much attention
to her, with one exception: When people enter or leave our home, Judy
gets excited, frantic and barky. To Alvin, this behavior is stimulating.
He'll run over, put his paws on her and pounce. Do you think Alvin might
harm Judy? -- A.T., Fairless Hills, Penn. Answer
Q: My 3-month-old
weimaraner is out of control. I believe she's teething, so her biting
is not malicious. We discourage her by saying "no" and pushing her away,
then we put a chew toy in her mouth. But nothing seems to work. She's
a high-energy dog and she's driving us crazy! What do we do? -- S.H.,
Cyberspace Answer
Q: Spike, our
5-year-old Chihuahua, was perfectly potty trained but now he goes into
the bathroom and lifts his leg while my husband is in there. He only does
this with my husband, not with anyone else. Is he seeking my husband's
approval? -- C.B., Pahrump, Nev. Answer
Q: Our neutered
2-year-old Pekingese still gets sexually aroused and we don't know why.
There's Sparky standing in the center of the living room. He's observably
excited. There's no female dog, no one else in the room; he looks really
confused. On occasion, we've spotted him humping a beach ball. I don't
want our grandchildren to see this. We never had this problem with our
female dogs. What's going on? -- V.N., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Answer
Q: My husband
found a wonderful gift on the side of the road, a husky mix we named Helen.
She appears generally happy despite the fact she's blind. We are Helen's
seeing-eye people. Any recommendations on training? We have a 4-year-old
daughter; is there any reason for concern? -- P.S., Richland, N.J. Answer
Q: Precious,
my toy poodle, is constantly constipated. His poop is black most of the
time. I worry that he may be bleeding but my vet says 'no.' Precious also
trembles, his tail hidden between his legs, then follows me around the
house. How can I help him? -- B.L., Las Vegas, Nev. Answer
Q: Should dogs
drink from the toilet? One dog I know has epilepsy, and I don't think
it should drink from the toilet. The owner says animals drink and eat
disgusting things outdoors anyway, and it's a way to make water always
available. I cringe every time I hear that toilet water is the only water
offered. Should I? -- E.W., Indianapolis, Ind. Answer
Q: Can you tell
us about Cesky terriers, and where we can learn more about this impressive
and little-known breed? -- D.S., St. Charles, Ill. Answer
Q: How can I
housebreak our shih tzu puppy? -- J.R., Cyberspace Answer
Q: Our 1-1/2-year-old
dog, which we just got from a shelter, resists going outside to relieve
herself. This behavior seems to worsen when we try penal-type discipline.
What's the best way to housebreak? -- J.R., Northfield, N.J. Answer
Q: My dog farts
non-stop. Is it safe to give her Gas-X or Beano? Please answer ASAP; my
house smells! -- T.C., Lake Marcy, Fla. Answer
Q: Our Australian
shepherd makes high-pitched sounds when we go for rides in the car, even
though the windows are closed. He normally obeys commands, but we can't
stop this behavior. Is there any hope of our dog just sitting peacefully
in the car? Also, our Aussie gets us up at 8 a.m. on the dot. Does he
have a built-in clock? -- B.V., Danville, Ind. Answer
Q: We're the
new owners of a year-old Chesapeake bay retriever. This dog is incredibly
insecure and has a hard time being left alone. How can we put him at ease?
-- D.K., Indianapolis, Ind. Answer
Q: Our 8-year-old
Bichon frise has developed an ``attitude.'' When I leave the house, she'll
go into either my bedroom or the living room and make a deposit or urinate
on the floor. When I'm gone for long periods, I lock her in the laundry
room and she sleeps. She only makes the messes when I go on short trips,
even if my children are home and even with the company of our other dog.
Why?-- N.M., Scottsdale, Ariz. Answer
Q: I'm 9 years
old and my sister and I would like to buy a dog for my dad. But he's allergic.
Can you suggest a dog that won't shed, is good with children and won't
be grumpy when it gets older? -- S.B., Carmel, Ind. Answer
Q: I think it's
about time my parents get me a dog. I'm 10 years old, but I have allergies.
What do you think? -- Oak Park, Mich. Answer
Q: My Australian
cattle dog-mix appears obsessed with his male anatomy. Otherwise, he's
an active 4-1/2-year-old dog. He frequently "checks" to make sure his
member is there, and stares down there. He'll growl and wag his tail as
he checks himself out. Is it time for therapy? - J.P., San Carlos, Calif.
Answer
Q: My 6-month-old
shih tzu is too playful. He jumps on anyone that comes into our home.
I've tried to teach "sit/stay" but he only wants to play. I can't even
hold him in my lap; he goes crazy. Also, he leaks when he gets excited.
Can you help? -- L.T., Cyberspace Answer
Q: The more disgusting
it is, the more my retriever-mix, B.J., wants to roll in it; we're talking
horse droppings, dead fish, even pig poop. Why does he do this? -- C.C.,
Louisville, Ky. Answer
Q: Why in the world
would an intelligent dog, our daughter's border collie named Toby, eat
cat poop? -- R.K., Orlando, Fla. Answer
Q: In our nearly
50 years of marriage, we've owned three dogs, all terrier types, but none
of them ever watched TV. Our neighbor's West Highland terrier gets so
excited seeing horses on the screen that he runs behind the set to find
them. Have our dogs had attention deficit disorder? -- M.J., Lake Bluff,
Ill. Answer
Q: I'm interested
in learning more about canine Frisbee. Where can I participate in my area?
Are there any books or videos than can help us? -- C.K., Atlanta, Ga.
Answer
Q: I think there's
an elephant living in the neighborhood. Every time we go out in our yard,
there's a huge pile. Why do dog owners sneak in under the cover of darkness
and allow their pets to mess in our yard? We like dogs; we've had dogs
much our lives. But we never allowed them to roam into the neighbors'
yards. We're really at the point of giving up our home. Any ideas? --
J.S., Louisville, Ky. Answer
Q: My daughter's
Labrador retriever is terrified of stairs. As a puppy, she had a bad experience
with stairs. We've tried to entice her with fish and meat at the bottom
of the stairs but to no avail. She's too heavy to carry. Can you help
us? -- E.O., Palmyra, Penn. Answer
Q: My son's 6-month-old
terrier mix pees when she's petted. It's very frustrating because it occurs
on our living room rug. Will this tendency disappear as she matures? Is
there something we can do? -- P.S., Cyberspace Answer
Q: Our 6-year-old
pit bull mix has lived indoors all his life. We're at a crossroads in
our life and can no longer keep him indoors. We're going to either make
him live in the back yard or give him to another family member out of
state. Any advice on helping our dog adjust to life outside? We love him
like a son. -- T.B., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Answer
Q: In his old
age (15), our dog has suddenly developed some troubling habits. He's been
snacking out of the cat's litter box, urinating in the cat box and lifting
his leg on the living room sofa. We're reluctant to punish him for his
occasional lapses, but what should be do? -- M.W., Scottsdale, Ariz. Answer
Q: My Chihuahua
is afraid of everything. But he's very playful and lovable when you pick
him up. What do I do to give him some courage? -- R.F., Davie, Fla. Answer
Q: Our dog will
not eat, not even treats without me coddling or petting her and telling
her "It's OK, we love you." And she won't eat for anyone but me. Her other
strange habit is to run out of the room whenever either my husband or
I raise our voice. She's also afraid of the freezer door. The dog is shepherd/husky
mix we got as a stray when she was six months old. Otherwise, she's the
most affable dog. Any advice? -- S.M., Cyberspace Answer
Q: My 4-year-old
German shepherd dog hates rain. When it rains, she goes on the rug in
the room next to the doggy door. I’ve tried going out in the rain with
her but she refuses to accommodate. I’ve tried tying her next to her messes,
but that doesn’t help. Any ideas? -- S.B., Cyberspace Answer
Q: My dog is crazy,
so every now and again I offer a sip of wine to calm him down. It works.
Is wine dangerous for dogs? -- T.L., San Jose, Calif. Answer
Q: My wacky husband
takes our dog to the local bar once every week or two, and they share
a cold one. I don’t want my dog getting a beer belly. Should I be worried?
-- C.M., Appleton, Wis. Answer
Q:
My daughter’s dog stinks. It’s a basset hound with a smell like a skunk,
but there are no skunks around here. Her vet said this is normal for a
basset. I don’t think so. What do you think? -- C.M., Hayward, Calif.
Answer
Q:
How can I teach my two dogs to give me a more obvious signal, like barking,
so I’d know they have to go out? And if I could teach them this, how would
I know they weren’t barking at a squirrel? One dog is an American foxhound
I’ve had for 15 months, and the other is a Dalmatian/pit bull mix I got
six months ago. Both are from the city pound. Both dogs have had some
recent accidents, especially when it rains; they won’t linger in the rain,
come back inside and have an accident. What can I do? -- H.H., Cyberspace
Answer
Q:
Our dog howls in his sleep. Is he having those male dreams? The dog is
neutered. -- L.P., West Bloomfield, Mich. Answer
Q:
I have a tougher time choosing food for my dog than I do shopping for
our family. We were using a food recommended by our vet, but the Consumer
Reports story on pet foods didn’t rank that kind of food highly. Before
that, I was using a food my neighbor recommended but my dog didn’t do
well on it. I look at labels and I don’t know what I’m reading. How does
one decide on a pet food? -- R.F., Phoenix, Ariz. Answer
Q:
I’m at our wits end. Our 1-1/2-year- old Doberman has begun losing her
urine around the house. This problem begun after she was spayed. She was
tested for a bladder infection, diabetes, etc., and we don’t know what
to do. I’m certain it’s not a housebreaking problem. What’s going on ?
– T.L., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Answer
Q:
My spayed female basset hound is confused, and so am I. Why is she mounting
my neutered male beagle? Is she confused about her sexuality? Should I
worry? -- M.D., Cyberspace Answer
Q:
In doing a routine check-up on our Great Pyrenees puppy, the vet found
he has pulmonic stenosis. The vet suggested we give up the dog. Instead,
we’re going to Michigan State University to get a second opinion. If Malik
does have pulmonic stenosis, should we return him to the breeder? -- H.D,
Richland, Mich. Answer
Q:
I adopted our second English cocker spaniel named Jesse. He’s very sweet
and loving, but he carries things in his mouth he shouldn’t, mostly my
underwear. He’ll chew on pillows, too, and jump to get things; he once
scarfed down brownies, Saran Wrap and all. He loves to chew. What can
I do? -- J.R., Cape May, N.J. Answer
Q:
Gunner, our yellow Labrador retriever, spends a lot of time outdoors in
his canine castle, an insulated two-room dog house. He’s housebroken and
he does like coming indoors. But whenever he first goes into the house,
he gets so excited he spins in circles with his helicopter tail sending
things flying. We’re dizzy watching him. How can we save the items on
the coffee table? -- B.R., Clintonville, Wis. Answer
Q:
I have a charming 6-month-old shih tzu. When I take her out, she’s interested
in picking up guys and other dogs -- she’s very friendly -- but when someone
comes to the door, she barks and barks, even if I say "No barking!"
I’m even afraid she’ll bite me. What should I teach her? I am age 86.
-- J.G., San Francisco, Calif. Answer
Q:
Our 6-year-old toy poodle is a nervous wreck. He’s afraid of all sorts
of noises. Every time the TV goes on or someone rattles papers, he runs
into my lap and sits there shaking. I’ve tried to comfort him but that
doesn’t help. In fact, his fears worsen as he gets older. How can I help
him? -- Z.A., Emmalena, Ky. Answer
Q:
I recently adopted a stray dog from the pound. Mary is sweet and wonderful
but the people at the shelter told me she has Elmore’s Disease. They told
me not to worry, however, since Elmore’s Disease isn’t deadly. But I remain
concerned. Should I be? – J.R., Plantation, Fla. Answer
Q:
My 12-year-old Sheltie has arthritis. She’s on a regimen of aspirin and
Glucosamine/Chondroitin which seems to help somewhat. I’ve heard about
Rimadyl. What is it and could that help? --J.K., Oakland, Calif. Answer
Q:
My fiance and his 6-year-old male cat (he’s a Leo) have moved in. I have
a 4-year-old German shepherd (he’s also a Leo). Both animals are wonderful,
although spoiled. Neither had experience with the other species. The cat
walks around hissing, and the dog is goofy, just wanting to play. What’s
your advice? -- J.S., Detroit, Mich. Answer
Q:
My dog has been urinating blood. I’ve seen three vets and none has been
able to help. Can you give me advice? -- M.B., Hollywood, Fla. Answer
Q:
We will soon be acquiring a second dog. The problem is, our 6-year-old
Dalmatian is currently fed in the evening. The few times other dogs have
been around, he s been fiercely protective of his food. How will our new
dog and the Dalmatian get along at mealtime? -- K.P., Las Vegas, Nev.
Answer
Q:
My sister has two very cute cocker spaniels, which she regards as her
third and fourth children. She also has two young sons. She often ascribes
human characteristics to the dogs. My sister insists that one day when
Max was scolded, he cried real tears. I believe her when she tells me
that dogs can have their feelings hurt, but I’m not sure about those real
tears. Can you tell me if my sister owes me an apology, or if I owe her
a box of tissues for the dogs? -- A.M., Churchill, Penn. Answer
Q:
Our 5-year-old wolf/husky mix was diagnosed with cancer in a paw 1-1/2-years
ago. Now, she’s frantically eating dirt, usually in the same areas. Any
ideas? – R.C., Randolph, Vt. Answer
Q:
Barley, our 2-year-old Labrador retriever, has hot spots on his face.
To prevent scratching, we’ve used an umbrella guard. Our vet has also
provided ointments. We think the problem is due to an allergy, and we
think it’s hereditary since Barley’s mother had hot spots on her face.
What causes the spots? And how can we help Barley? -- S.F., Cyberspace
Answer
Q:
What dog breed starred in the 1996 movie "The Truth About Cats And
Dogs"? Where can I find a local breeder? -- T.B., Atlanta, Ga. Answer
Q:
Why do I need to test my dog annually for heartworm? Isn’t this merely
a way for vets to make an extra buck? And isn’t there a new easy treatment
available should my dog get heartworm? – L.P., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Answer
Q:
I recently adopted Oscar the Chihuahua from the Florida Humane Society.
He’s a wonderful dog, except he eats the cat’s food. Will this hurt him?
-- M.M., Cyberspace Answer
Q:
Our sweet purebred smooth collie smells like the sheep she was bred to
tend. Joy has been checked out, and there’s no anal sac problem, and her
teeth and ears are in good shape. We bathe her every three weeks or so,
which helps temporarily. Would a tar shampoo or a special veterinary shampoo
product help Joy’s seborrhea? Is this a problem that appears in many smooth
collies? -- A.F., Phoenix, Ariz. Answer
Q:
Whenever my phone rings my dog barks. This is so annoying. What can I
do? -- L.H., Chicago, Ill. Answer
Q:
Callie, my 7-year-old Lhaso apso, has a dental problem. His teeth are
cleaned annually. I brush his teeth four or five time weekly. My vet told
me to supplement dental care with rawhide. There are so many rawhides
and chews that claim to help to clean teeth. Are they all effective? Is
there a rawhide specifically made for dental care? -- T. P., Indianapolis,
Ind. Answer
Q:
I see people jogging with their dogs on the sidewalk. I’ve heard running
long distances with dogs isn’t healthy. Can you clarify this? — R.S.,
Evanston, Ill. Answer
Q:
I’ve used flea collars forever, and our new vet is telling us not to buy
them. She blames the flea collars for any fleas we’ve had over the years.
I say, "We live in the South," we’re bound to have an occasional
problem. If we do have fleas, we use a fogger. I’m afraid she wants to
sell us a product just so she can make a buck. Should I be looking for
a new vet? — D.C., Spartanburg, S.C. Answer
Q:
We’re proud parents of a 5- or 6-year-old shepherd mix from a nearby shelter.
Scooter is a great dog but he doesn’t like to be left alone. Any ideas?
— D.C., Orlando, Fla. Answer
Q:
My 3-1/2-year-old chow/boxer mix has been on Rimadyl (cq) for six months.
He has arthritis, and as a pain medication, this drug works OK. However,
I’m concerned about long-term usage. Should I periodically stop and then
re-start the medication? I’m also concerned about the expense; I currently
pay $68 for 100 tablets. Will the price go down? Will a generic soon be
available? — S.P., Portland, Ore. Answer
Q:
Ever since my 2-year-old miniature dachshund was jumped by a German shepherd,
he’s been aggressive around large dogs. He’s friendly with small dogs
and most medium-sized dogs. I’m worried that one day a large dog won’t
tolerate that aggression. How can I keep my dog calmer on our walks? —
A.L., Boca Raton, Fla. Answer
Q:
We're worried about our house. Our dogs are a sloppy drinkers, dripping
water all over. Then, there are the accidents in one room of the house.
If we don't block off that room, the dogs have accidents in there. What
can we do? — M.R., Lima, Ohio. Answer
Q: We want to get
a small dog. We’re wondering if it’s possible to train a dog to relieve
itself on a pee pad. Then, eventually, can we remove the pad and teach
the dog to go to the door and tell us it has to go out? Where
can I find an adult small dog? Can you train an adult dog to go indoors
on a pee pad? — J.K., Schaumburg, Ill. Answer
Q:
Over the years, your advice has been helpful. Maybe you can help us with
the terrible news about our dog's hemangioma (cq). He had a very large
tumor removed from one leg, and he already has two more developing on
the other hind leg. We've been told our golden/Labrador retriever mix
doesn't have much time. Is there any treatment available to prolong life?
How can we make our dog more comfortable? — S.S., Sunrise, Fla. Answer
Q:
My 6-month-old shih tzu won’t let me talk on the phone. Whenever I begin
a conversation, Rocky gnaws at my pants. I realize I need to say "no"
but it’s hard to do that when I’m talking. How do I teach Rocky to stop
biting at my pants? — L.S., Boynton Beach, Fla. Answer
Q:
Can you tell me about the American bulldog? — T.S., Cyberspace Answer
Q:
We found a Jack Russell terrier abandoned on the road, and he's been a
great pet. There's only one problem: He won’t use the back yard to do
his "business." He’ll only go if we drive him at 6 a.m. to a
field. Any suggestions? — L.H., Royal Oak, Mich. Answer
Q:
This past Christmas, I purchased a puppy for my parents. Although they
adore the dog, they insist on feeding him pasta with tomato sauce instead
of regular dog food. I don't think this is healthy but they won't take
my word for it. What do you think? — T.I., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Answer
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