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More commonly seen in young, often female dogs, they roll onto their sides, may raise one rear leg, and dribble. You, the pet parent, are the Grand Poobah for your dog. Excitement/submissive urine soiling occurs only when you make your grand entrance.
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Question: A therapy dog has a developed a phobia of his owner’s vehicle. Maybe something traumatic happened at the groomer, since that’s when it started. It’s a 2 year old collie named “Laddie”, related to the movie dog(s) Lassie. I thought of feeding him in the vehicle for a week or two, tossing hot dogs inside, using a ramp with a line of hot dogs. I’m pretty sure forcing him into the vehicle is a bad idea. Dr. Nichol: Wow – related to Lassie? I’m star struck just answering your question. You have the basics but you’ll need to slow this down, way down. Refusal to get into a car can result from a crash, hard braking, or a sudden swerve that thrashes a pet. Fear of a destination like a groomer or veterinary clinic can also do it. Laddie can overcome his dread if he is slowly and methodically desensitized.…
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Training gives pets purpose and it’s good for our bond with them. This Asian elephant is happy to work and earn interactions and food rewards. It was great fun to be up close for this performance but I’ll stick with teaching skills to my own dog. His food is cheaper and the clean-up is a bit less labor intensive.
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Egg shortages, bird flu, cat flu, sick people – OMG! We have a serious problem with no end in sight. Here’s an update. Just 12 cats in the US tested positive for avian influenza (H5N1) in 2023. There were 49 last year and 13 already last month. Some of these were barn cats, many more lived in cities and suburbs; a few had never been outside. Bird flu strikes cats fast with lethargy, poor appetite, coughing, sneezing, eye and nose discharges, and in the worst cases, loss of balance, walking in circles, and even seizures. It’s been fatal in 71% of documented feline cases. Avian influenza started in birds and spreads widely among them. Cats catch it by direct contact with birds, including those they kill, infected cattle, and exposure to nasal fluids. The virus has also been found in some raw diets; Northwest Naturals and Monarch Raw Pet Food…
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My dog “Mick” loves to play fetch with a ball but then he holds onto it. I’ve tried pulling it loose so I could kick it for him again. Rather than tug-of-war, I squat and hold a tasty treat at his nostril and then put it near his mouth. When he releases the ball to take the snack I “capture” the behavior by saying, “Give”. He now earns the food by taking the treat when hearing the “Give” command. We love playing together. There’s something in this game for each of us.
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Adopting a puppy is good fun until the chewing starts. You have to take action. So what do you do? You’ll teach good behavior using innate canine learning principles. Share with your friends. Dogs of all ages can learn to earn.
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Question: My white long hair Chihuahua has body odor. We’ve always had to groom her often but after only 3 or 4 days her odor is pretty awful. She loves to snuggle and that becomes uncomfortable in a short time. We love her but can’t stand her odor. Dr. Nichol: I get it. The affection you share with your little girl is good for both of you. It not only feels great, it serves important physiologic functions. Gentle physical contact triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” A lot goes on in the brain, considered the most complex organ in the body. A hug between friends or coworkers triggers oxytocin release, giving us a feel-good response. This excellent hormone, which is actually based on reproduction, promotes a sense of safety and reduces inflammation throughout the body. You and your Chihuahua have been missing this “enhanced social bonding.”…
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Question: My son has a boxer, 4 years old, who is barking constantly since they moved into a new home. Already received one citation from Animal Control. They need to stop the barking! They both work and have to leave the dogs every day. Dr. Nichol- Barking is actually a normal part of canine communication but this fellow is way too talkative, indicating a quality of life problem. Frustration with a fence that prevents social interaction with other dogs is a common reason but so is anxiety from crowding in a small yard, driving a good dog #%&*@ crazy! Moving to a new house was another stress. Physical pain could be another factor. This isn’t about boredom. These nonhuman creatures have a strong requirement for interaction with others of their ilk, off-territory is best. Your son’s boxer needs canine activities. He has to do dog stuff; he won’t jump rope,…
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Cats are so sweet and cuddly. But they can damage you with their sharp teeth and claws. Don’t get angry – get cat smart.
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