Dog Squatting All the Time and Having "Accidents"

Question:

Normally wonderfully at being housebroken, recently my Pomeranian/Yorkie mix has been having accidents several times a day. She walks around squatting most of the time - sometimes it appears as though she wants to pee and sometimes it appears as though she wants to poop. She will still give me the signal when she REALLY needs to go out and I take her and she will go potty, but the whole 15 minutes we are outside, she will be squatting.

I took her to the groomer and she said she had some matted hair around her "little girl" area and suggested I put some Neosporin on that. I have been trying to do that daily, but have been unable to do it every day. Can you give me an idea what may be the problem? I know I need to take her to the vet, but regretfully, I am having to wait until pay day.

- Terri

Answer:

Terri,
It sounds like your little girl may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). That is the most common reason for urinating small amounts often. It is probably not an emergency, but she may be uncomfortable until she receives treatment. Your veterinarian will most likely want to obtain a urine sample so that he or she can decide on an appropriate course of treatment. Untreated UTI's can often lead to bladder stones.

Best of luck to you and your little pup!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dog Goes Crazy When Not Crated

Question:

Well our dog is a big girl. 60lbs. As of her last visit. But my problem is she wants to growl at my daughter from time to time. My daughter is 35yrs. old and likes to play hard with my Penny, that is my (dog's) name. She is my baby, I have always had her around other people, and family. She is a great protector. But my daughter has always talked me in to krating her when others come into the house, I have had four dogs in my life and never have I did this.

I feel the way my daughter plays with my penny, and the putting her in the krate, is what is making her the way she is. She will go nuts when people come to the house now, and I must put her in this krate when they come. I beleave she will be ok with others if I just hold her till the visitors come, and then let her go, I had my son-in-law's niece come, I never put her away, and she was great with her, just wanted to play with her, and smell her a little. Can you tell me what i should do? I can not afford a trainer. I am on SSI. Please can you help me.. martha drisch.. sorry for my spelling I am dyslexic...

Answer:

Martha,
Your spelling is just fine! On the other hand, it sounds like your dog needs a little work!

You should start by walking her every day around your neighborhood. This establishes you as dominant and helps relieve some of her energy. Teaching her tricks (making her work for a reward) can also accomplish the same thing. As long as your dog is not biting other people, you can use behavior modification to gradually shape her behavior. You can start by having someone over, just one person at a time at first. Reward her if she does not "go nuts". If she starts the unwanted behavior, crate her immediately. Gradually work her up to more people, rewarding the good behavior and punishing the bad as SOON as it occurs.

Do not allow your daughter to play rough with her if this seems to make the aggressive behavior worse. It sounds like the behavior may be escalating and you need to get a handle on it ASAP! Any large pet store in your area, such as the one mentioned in your bio should have some fairly inexpensive group training classes that you could take her to that may solve the problem and keep someone from eventually getting hurt.

I wish you all the luck in your endeavors!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dog Peeing Anywhere In House

Question:

Our dog has been peeing anywhere he wants to in our house. Lifts his leg anywhere. We have tried letting him out every 30 minutes, and also having him wear a "Mark-Out" wrap. We are at wits end with trying to shampoo out stains, odor, and trying to re-train him. He howls when we leave, even if it's just to walk out the back door to talk to a neighbor! Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. He is a smart dog, learns tricks easily and is a lovable dog, and don't want to resort to putting him down!

- Nancy

Answer:

Nancy,
It sounds like your dog is suffering from separation anxiety and I am guessing the marking behavior occurs when you leave him alone. Separation anxiety is a very complicated condition, often requiring medication and behavior therapy combined. You will need to have the drugs prescribed by your veterinarian and he or she can help you formulate a behavior modification routine. A good start would be to confine him to a crate each and every time you leave the house.

Good luck with this very difficult problem!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dog Nips People Randomly

Question:

Two years ago my husband and I decided to keep our foster dog, Ellery (7 months). He proved to be a good companion for our rabbit and other rescue dog who has anxiety issues. About 6 months later Ellery began to randomly nip at people's fingers or legs, even puncturing a friend in the thigh after she'd been there for a half hour. Despite all this, he's great with kids and does not react when touched while eating.

Ellery is now 3 years old and randomly nips at people, whether he knows them or not, whether their visit is just beginning, in the middle, or they are leaving. His behavior does not seem malicious, but a form of excitement. He has never nipped my husband or myself. We can't seem to identify a pattern and are looking for way, other than a cloth muzzle, to eliminate this behavior. Thank you.

- Eleni

Answer:

Eleni,
I am sorry to hear you are having problems with your dog. Unfortunately nipping/biting is an unacceptable behavior, especially if it is breaking the skin. I don't see where you have any choice but to keep him isolated or muzzled when guests are present. You could try small stints of exposing him to people and rewarding him for not becoming too excited.

It would probably be a good idea to enlist the help of a professional trainer to help you with this problem, because it could eventually cause liability issues.

Good Luck!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Can't Clip Basset Hound's Nails

Question:

When we try to clip our basset hound's nails he goes nuts. You touch his paws and he bites. What can we do to get him to calm down and let us cut his nails? Please, don't no what to do.

- Elizabeth

Answer:

Elizabeth,
The only way that I know of to desensitize a dog to a nail trim would be to gradually get him used to having his feet and nails touched by doing it in small amounts and giving him treats as long as he is not "going nuts" or biting. If he begins this behavior, you should stop immediately and isolate him. Some animals will never allow it and require a tranquilizer in order to get the job done. These can be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Good luck and be careful!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Approriate Age for Fixing Cat/Getting Shots

Question:

What is the appropriate age to spay/neuter your cats, and if you haven't gotten them shots, when is the perfect time to do that??

- Oliviya

Answer:

Oliviya,
Normally vaccines are begun around 8 weeks of age and boostered through 12-16 weeks and repeated yearly or less depending on the type of vaccine used and your veterinarian's protocol. Spaying should be done before the first heat cycle (usually around 8 or 9 months of age), for optimal future health. Both can be done at any time and are recommended as soon as possible in an older cat.

Thank you for your question,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat Too Hyper at Night

Question:

Hi, how can I get my cat to calm down at night cuz she gets really hyper so I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong?

- Melissa

Answer:

Melissa,
Cats are nocturnal creatures and naturally more active at night. You might try keeping her awake during the day, so that she sleeps more at night. Since she is not spayed, she may be in heat. If she is rolling around and yowling, this is likely her problem. The only "cure" for this is spaying, which should be done anyway, along with vaccinations, as part of an ordinary healthcare routine!

Good Luck,
Sara F Jennen DVM

Cats Vomiting When Eating Urinary Cat Food Formulas

Question:

My cats have urinary crystals. Are there other foods other than Iams L/pH and Eukanuba Ur for them to eat as they have periods of vomiting after eating the food?

thanks,
Betty

Answer:

Betty,
I am sorry that your cats are having problems with the food they are currently eating. There are multiple brands of cat food that lowers urniary pH and has certain minerals that are decreased to help alleviate urinary crystal formation, some are prescription and some are not. This forum does not recommend a specific brand of food. If you do a search on the internet for "urinary formula cat food" it will bring up several different brands and suggestions on where to purchase each one. Unfortunately, it may be trial and error to find one that they can all tolerate. These types of food do not normally cause vomiting, any more that any other food, so you might search for a different cause, such as hairballs, which is the most common cause of vomiting in cats.

Good luck!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat Losing Weight Even Thought He's Eating

Question:

Our cat is one of 2 cats, and 2 dogs. He was a bit of a puffy cat and very healthy. Of late, he has lost a lot of weight [bony], and will eat like a glutton. After this he will throw it up. I have been giving him small amounts more often which works. I also gave him a whey protein powder mixed with milk to help build him up again.

I had given him some "hairball eliminator" in a tube thinking he had a hairball blockage or something of this sort. No spitting-up any hairballs. He did end up with diarrhea so I gave less. His stool is now normal again, but he is still thin. The last two weeks he has stopped using the litter box and is pooping wherever the mood arises. He did the same urinating. He has urinated in the box, but still poops anywhere.

When I took him to the box the other day he started to nibble at the cat litter, so I immediately took him away! What is going on with this old guy?? His name is "Dopey" and it is becoming quite appropriate. I am unsure what to do for him and as I live on a disability allowance... funds are very very limited. PLEASE HELP ME.

My appreciation,
Brenda

Answer:

Brenda,
I am so sorry to hear that your kitty is having problems. The age and signs are very suggestive of some sort of metabolic problem, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism. The weight loss sounds like you are dealing with something much worse than a behavior problem. In order to diagnose the condition and find a remedy, your veterinarian will probably have to run blood tests. I know that this can become quite expensive, but I know of no other way to diagnose a medical condition so that it can be treated.

Good luck to you and your kitty!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Tabby Keeps Urinating on Rug

Question:

My male Tabby cat never had accidents and now he has gotten so he urinates on the rug part of the time. He does not have a urinary infection -- had him checked -- and he knows he is not supposed to do it. What can I do as I don't want to have to get rid of him?

- Ruby

Answer:

Inappropriate urination is a very frustrating and common problem in cats. There is no simple solution. It is likely that something has changed in the environment, the type of litter, or something else in the household that is making him anxious. There are anti-anxiety drugs that may or may not help with this problem that your veterinarian can prescribe. You should ask your vet to run a complete blood panel to rule out metabolic problems like kidney disease or diabetes before starting any long-term medication.

Good luck to you!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Where to find a vet or clinic?

Question:

I would like to know of any clinics that are reasonable in the NYC area, pet health plan?

- Lillian

Answer:

Lillian,
I'm sorry, I am not familiar with any veterinary clinics in your area. Your best bet would probably be to ask neighbors and friends who they have had good experiences with. You could also try a social networking site, such as Facebook. Most veterinarians are listed on the Internet and have reviews written about them by their clients.

Good luck!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dog Is Always "Going" in the House

Question:

My dog Daisy is always going in the house. I can take her out and 30 mins later she may go in the house. I don't think she drinks a lot of water, but she does drink more than normal. Can her liver be causing this?

- Linda

Answer:

Linda,
Increased water consumption and urination can be a sign of a number of different metabolic problems, including diabetes, kidney, and even liver problems. If she is urinating that often she could have one of these problems, or something as simple as a urinary tract infection. You should have your veterinarian run a blood profile and urinalysis as soon ad possible, especially if this behavior is new.

Good luck,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat with Fluid Filled Ear

Question:

3 weeks ago my cat's ear was puffy on the inside of the ear lobe. The vet took 2 syringe full of fluid out. He called it a hematobia. He said it would probably came back which it did within a couple of days. He's OK but my question is what causes this and should the ear be lanced. I had a tomcat several years ago with the same thing and his ear was lanced and it didn't come back. Thank you.

- Regina

Answer:

Regina,
I am sorry your cat is having trouble with his ear. A hematoma is what results when the skin of the ear becomes detached from the underlying cartilage and some type of trauma, usually head shaking, causes the blood vessels in the ear to fill with blood. The most accepted treatment for this is surgery, in which a slit is made in the skin of the ear and stitches are placed to adhere the skin back to the cartilage. This usually provides for a more cosmetic repair than draining or lancing alone. Without placement of sutures, it is likely that the pocket will fill back up and result in a scarred ear flap that is unsightly, or worse, bends over and blocks the ear canal. Your veterinarian can assess the ear and make the best determination as to what steps should be taken next.

Good luck,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dog Wont's Stop Whining in Kennel at Night

Question:

My dog, Rosey, always scratches and whines in her kennel at night. It is keeping my family up and we would like to get some sleep! What could help her stop whining in her kennel?

- Lexus

Answer:

Lexus,
The only way to remedy this problem is to ignore the behavior ENTIRELY. ANY response to the whining and scratching is considered to be positive reinforcement. You should put her kennel in an area that you cannot hear her and do not interact with her until the next morning. You might try a special toy, possibly one that is like a puzzle to distract her, or a chew stick, that is only given to her when she is in her kennel to alleviate her boredom. The most important thing is to not respond to the protesting, NO MATTER WHAT!

Good Luck,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Fat Cat Refuses to Eat Any Other Foods

Question:

My cat is overweight but will not eat any other make or flavor of food besides Sea Blend Whiskas. I have tried following vet instructions and she will either drive me crazy with her howling or starve before eating anything else. Any suggestions?

- Sharon

Answer:

Sharon,
Thank you for your question. You are dealing with a very tricky situation and although it is a very common suggestion from veterinarians or well-meaning friends to "let them starve, they will eventually eat it" this can be a very hazardous thing to do with an overweight cat. A fat cat that suddenly goes off his feed for any reason can develop a condition called "hepatic lipidosis" whereby the fat that is suddenly "lost" rapidly infiltrates the liver and can actually cause the liver to cease performing its very important functions, or "fail". This is one reason that gradual weight loss is very important in an overweight cat, especially one with arthritis.

A prescription diet for weight loss would be recommended. The customary high fiber, low fat diets may not be as palatable (tasty) as the high protein diets that are normally used for helping to correct diabetes. These high protein diets are more appropriate for cats, which are carnivorous by nature and usually very agreeable to the cat. The food should be 100% refundable as well, should your cat not eat it.

As with any diet change, it is very important to do it gradually in order to avoid upsetting the cat's stomach. The gradual change may help your cat accept the new food more readily.

Good luck with this very difficult endeavor,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cats with Black Eye Discharge

Question:

We have 5 male and 4 female cats. All are healthy and playful but have developed a black discharge from their eyes over the last year or so--what can this be? It doesn't seem to bother them as much as it does us.

- Terri

Answer:

Terri,
There could be a number of things that could be causing a dark ocular discharge. Most likely it is a part of the feline upper respiratory complex. It is most likely contagious, since all cats are showing signs. Your veterinarian may want to try a broad-spectrum ophthalmic ointment or do a culture and choose an appropriate antibiotic based upon the results.

I wish you luck with this problem,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat with Hard, Bulging Stomach

Question:

My cat's stomach is always so hard and bulging out makes her look like she is pregnant. She has a good appetite and drinks water everyday. When she has bowel movement it is hard can you tell me what possibly could be making her tummy bulge and feel so rock hard?

- Lisa

Answer:

Vickie,
It sounds like your cat may be constipated. This is usually due to ingesting hair from grooming. A simple fix may be to give hairball remedy, which is a mineral oil gel. If this does not help the situation you may need to take her to your veterinarian and have an x-ray taken to make sure there is no fluid or other problems in her abdomen.

Good Luck,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dachshund Barks only at Husband

Question:

My dachshund is very calm with woman and most men, but always is barking at my husband. I can do anything to this dog, from cutting his toe nails to putting on his hoody. But the dog just insists on barking at my husband. He will even go looking for my husband to "instigate" a show down. When I'm not home, the dog is pretty mellow with my husband, although he the dog does not seek out attention from him. If my husband offers the dog a treat the dog will take it ever so daintily, but then after he finishes will go right back and bark at my husband. Is there a trick to at least getting the dog to stop barking at my husband?? We have tried many different approaches and it might last for a day, but then it's back to non stop barking?

- Lisa

Answer:

Lisa,
Barking dogs can be very frustrating to deal with, especially if they are barking at their owner. Your husband can begin to establish dominance over your dog by taking him on daily leash walks. This will help put him in "calm-submissive" mode. If he is sitting in your lap when he does this barking, he might think that he "owns" you. When he begins this behavior you should immediately put him on the ground and ignore him. If this does not work, you should snap your fingers to distract him and interrupt the behavior and immediately put him in his kennel.

Another thing that may help is to have your husband be the only one to feed and water him. If he is being babied by you at all, you need to stop immediately and "treat him like a dog". Dogs are pack animals and respect the hierarchy. If he sees you as Alpha and himself as the next in line, this needs to be remedied as soon as possible. Do not let him on the furniture or in the bed until this behavior is resolved. If he knows tricks, your husband can put him through the motions daily. If he does not, he can begin to teach him tricks to help him establish dominance. The dog should not be rewarded at all for this behavior, mainly including attention from you. If he becomes anxious or dominant at any point, he should be isolated immediately.

I know how frustrating behavior problems can be, but I encourage you to be persistent and "think like a dog". If you do not back down to him, he will learn his place in the hierarchy and hopefully become a more pleasant member of your household.

Good luck!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat Licking Paws Raw

Question:

I believe my cat is licking her paws raw. I have been nursing one front paw off and on for a year with neosporin, goes away and comes back again, a large sore and she leaves several blood spots on my comforter at the end of the bed. I noticed her other front paw looks like it has sores, but small ones. Does she have a problem? She is a licker, herself quite often, and she likes to lick my hands when in front of her.

Thanks,
Donna

Answer:

Donna,
If he is declawed, one possibility may be that he is having complications from the procedure, even if it was years ago. It the procedure was performed improperly, it is possible that a small piece of bone was left behind in each toe that is acting like a foreign body and irritating him. Your veterinarian should be able to diagnose this with x-rays. If tissue adhesive was used to close the wounds and too much was applied, it is possible that there are pieces inside the skin (glue foreign bodies) that are trying to work their way out. It may be necessary for your veterinarian to anesthetize him and explore or biopsy the area to diagnose the problem.

If he is not declawed, biopsy may be necessary to find the cause. Even if he is declawed it could be something totally unrelated to the procedure. However, it would be highly unlikely that he is licking his feet to the point of creating sores unless there is an underlying health issue.

Good luck to you!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat Losing Weight and Thowing Up

Question:

My cat, Zoey, has been losing weight and throwing up at least three times a week. I feed him the same food as always dry food and moist food, he has water available anytime he needs a drink. He has also been sleeping a lot more. What could be causing this? I have wormed him and given him hairball stuff but it does not seem to help.

- Andrea

Answer:

Andrea,
Vomiting is a very common problem in cats, unfortunately. It is also the #1 sign of heartworm disease in cats. There are myriad other problems that could be causing his vomiting, such as hyperthyroidism or even the possibility that he has developed an allergy to the food he has been eating. You should take him to your veterinarian to have a good physical exam performed and possibly bloodwork, including a heartworm test.

Good luck and I hope it is nothing serious!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Male Cat Chewing Whiskers Off Female Cat

Question:

My kitties, Whiskers and Mitzi, love each other. They play together, sleep together and also apart. They are compatible in all ways. However, Whiskers (the male) apparently thinks that Mitzi is not clean enough so he grooms her, but he chews her whiskers off. He holds her down and licks her face and then he chews off her whiskers. She takes it until she has had enough and then she wiggles and takes off. He isn't hurting her. She looks silly with short and uneven whiskers. Is this normal? Should I be concerned?

- Sherry

Answer:

Sherry,
It sounds like you are very lucky to have two such very sweet kitties that play together so well! It is very common for one cat to groom another. It is less common for them to do it to the point that they are causing damage to the other cat. It is possible that he was weaned too early and this contributes to the reasons that he does this. It does not sound like this should be a major problem for either one of them!

Thank you for your question,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat Thowing Up and Losing Weight

Question:

My cat Zoey has been losing weight and throwing up at least three times a week. I feed him the same food as always dry food and moist food he has water available anytime he needs a drink. He has also been sleeping a lot more. What could be causing this I have wormed him and give him hairball stuff but it does not seem to help.

- Andrea

Answer:

Andrea,
There are any number of things that can cause vomiting and weight loss in a cat, including parasites (intestinal or heartworms), hairballs/constipation, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or other metabolic problem. The fact that he is lethargic (sleeping a lot) makes it more worrisome. I would ask your vetenarian to do a complete physical exam and possibly bloodwork and/or x-rays ASAP!

Good luck to you and your kitty!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Lethargic Guinea Pig

Question:

I notice that our guinea pig(s) are being very lethargic since the weather has turn cold. Could they be going through a hibernation phase?

- Mary

Answer:

Mary,
No, guinea pigs do not hibernate in the winter . You should take him to your veterinarian and have a good exam done.

I hope everything turns out well!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Chihuahua with Gas

Question:

I give my 3 year old chihuahua the papaya for gas. He can be pretty nasty at times bless his heart. My question is how much do I give him? I've been giving him only one a day.

- Carol

Answer:

Carol,

Chihuahuas are not usually a "gassy" breed! It is probably the food you are feeding him. Cheap dog food is full of by-products and other things that can be harmful to his health! I recommend that you increase the quality of his diet and that should solve the problem. The money you will save on supplements should more than offset any expense you might incur by feeding him a healthy diet!

Make sure that you transition him slowly to the new food to avoid diarrhea and even more gas!!

Good luck!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dachshund Losing Hair but Not Scratching

Question:

My dachshund is losing hair from the base of her tail straight up her spine. She does not scratch or itch her back unless she is playing class clown, rolling around on the floor until she has her foam bed on her back then she goes to sleep.

Peanut's mom,
Lola

Answer:

Lola,
There are any number of things that will make a dog lose hair. The fact that she is not itchy rules some of them out. Hair loss without itching could indicate Demodex mange or an endocrine problem, among other things. Your veterinarian can test for these with a possible skin scrape and/or bloodwork.

Good luck to you!
Sara F.. Jennen DVM

Chihuahua with Tear Stains and Itchy Bald Spot

Question:

My long hair chihuahua has developed terrible tear stains over the last couple months. This has ever been a problem before. Is it just because of age that he is now developing this? What can I use on his face to clean them off and prevent them? I usually use the grooming wet wipes on his face but they are not working on the tear stains. And he has also developed terrible dry skin, he is constantly itching and has started to develop a bald spot on his back side. I'm sure its not mange because he itches at the same spot and no where else. I'm also sure because I had a cat that had this same problem but the vet never told us what to do for it. What can I use on him to help this so that he's not itching all the time?

- Jessica

Answers:

Jessica,
I am sorry that you are having problems with your little chihuahua. Tear stains are very common in dogs and can be a hard problem to solve. I would have your veterinarian look at him to rule out an eye infection.

If he is chewing on his rear end, he is most likely allergic to fleas. This is generally the easiest allergy to deal with because the fleas can be controlled. It is also confusing to owners because they will usually not see any fleas, just the resulting allergic reaction. The reaction to the flea saliva can be so severe that they will immediately go after the flea and eat it and then chew a "hotspot" in a matter of an hour or so. He needs to be on a high quality senior diet, preferably labeled for skin problems with extra fatty acids.

Good luck to you and your Pooch!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Yorkie Scratching After Bath

Question:

I was wondering why suddenly my yorkie started scratching really hard after I give him a bath? I don't know if I rinse to much or the shampoo is bad, or if it's our water. We have well water. He is clean as a whistle, no fleas etc. He isn't losing large amts of hair... so i really don't understand. Could it be a vitamin thing?

Thank you for your time,
Debra

Answers:

Debra,
Yorkies do tend to have sensitive skin. You did not mention what type of shampoo you are using, but if this consistently occurs after a bath and he does not have any other skin problems it is likely that he is sensitive to the type of shampoo you are using. I would try a soapless or other hypoallergenic shampoo. The best ones should be available from your veterinarian and I would expect to pay more for them, just as you would if you required a special shampoo.

Good luck!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Poodle Won't Drink Out of Bowl

Question:

The last few months my poodle Adam will not drink water out of a bowl. We have tried all kinds of plates and etc. and none works. He want to splash out the water and drink from the floor. This leaves a mess on our floors. Can you help us with this problems?

Thanks,
Janet

Answer:

Janet,
It sounds like you are having a frustrating time with your little poodle! The only possible solution that I can think of to this problem, since you have tried all different kinds of bowls and such, is to try a water bottle like the ones used for rabbits or guinea pigs or that type of caged animal. You should be able to rig it up somehow and coax him to lick the ball to get the water out. Another possibility is a water fountain made especially for pets to drink out of.

Good luck to you with this problem!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dog Recovered from Heartworms but Now Losing Balance

Question:

Our female mixed breed dog was treated for heartworms in July. Came through it OK. Acted like a young dog running around and playing. On heartguard preventive for 5 months but started falling over when excited.

Since I dont know the breed that my dog is, wondering if preventive heartguard damaged our pet. What can we do to keep her from losing balance and falling over when she gets excited or starts to run? If we keep her on a leash so she cannot run around she doesn't have the problem. Vet put her on propanol (beta blocker 10mg twice a day) doesn't seems to help with the balance and racing of heart but does help with the coughing and fluid. What are your suggestions? Hard to believe she was fine after treatment of heartworms and now she is having a problem. When she loses balance it takes about 6 secs for her to recover.

- Dianne

Answer:

Dianne,
It sounds like you are describing syncopal episodes, which are secondary to heart disease. It is possible that because of heart disease she is not getting enough blood to her brain when she gets excited and this causes her to "pass out." Your veterinarian needs to be the one to make this diagnosis, but in light of the history it is very likely that your dog is in congestive heart failure as a result of the damage the heartworms did to her heart while they were there, NOT from Heartgard. There are medications available to decrease the fluid and help her heart pump better and help prolong her life.

Good luck to you and KEEP HER ON HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE!!!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat with Hair Clumps in Fur

Question:

My cat has a lot of hair nodes, it's like a bump on his back. How can I remove the old hair? Can I give him a bath to remove?

Answer:

It sounds like you are referring to mats, or clumps of hair. The only way to remove these is to cut or shave them out. If they are not bad, you may be able to brush them out with a stiff wire (slicker) brush. Bathing usually causes them to tighten up or get worse. But you should be able to prevent them from recurring with daily brushing.

Good luck to you and your kitty,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Dog Losing Weight and Has Lost Bladder Control

Question:

Mercy (10 year old, unspayed pit bull/boxer mix) has suddenly lost a lot of weight where her ribs are showing, she drinks water constantly and has lost total control of her bladder. Her urine is clear, no color in it whatsoever. What might be the cause and what can be done to help her?

- Sandy

Answer:

Sandy,
The two most common problems that I would suspect with the symptoms you are describing would be diabetes and kidney disease. Both of these problems can have dire consequences if they are not diagnosed and treated.

Since your dog is not spayed, uterine infection (pyometra), which is also very common in older intact female dogs must be placed on the list. This can also be fatal if left untreated. Many people do not realize how important is is to spay or neuter their pet, regardless of whether it will ever be purposely bred or not!

You should take your dog to the vet immediately to have diagnostic testing so that your veterinarian can determine what is wrong and formulate a treatment plan!

I hope everything turns out well for her,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Remedy for a Dog with Allergies and Seizures?

Question:

My Scottish Terrier is prone to seizures & has allergic dermatitis. What natural remedy can i use for her constant itching & scratching? I have used everything from shots every month to oatmeal baths every week. I will not use any more chemicals on her due to her recent dx of seizures.

- Cee

Answer:

Cee,
Allergic dermatitis can be a very frustrating problem, for the pet, as well as their owners. As far as natural remedies go fatty acid supplements can be very effective in breaking the itch cycle. You did not mention what diet your dog is on, so I am unable to comment on whether there are sufficient fatty acids being fed. There are prescription diets available from your veterinarian for dogs with allergies. A good, high quality diet is instrumental in treating these patients.

In some cases the root of the problem may be an allergy to a specific ingredient found in the food that she has been eating. Seizures have been linked to food allergies as well. There are prescription diets available for dogs that have been diagnosed with a food allergy. Allergies in dogs, just like in humans, are not curable, but there are options other than monthly steroid injections.

Good luck!
Sara F. Jennen

Lhasa Poo with Allergies Pulling Out Hair

Question:

My lhasa poo has had allergies for about 2 years now... was on nutro lamb and rice then their senior stuff, cookies and tartar control. She has lost some teeth. We don't seem to be winning, she is pulling her long fur out in spots, bare, now both front legs and chest, was her back up against the neck that she could reach. Any ideas how to 'cure' her please, we are old and disabled and it's hard on us watching her pull her fur out like that all over the floor. Thanks for any help, can't afford to make her food, it's supposed to be way to expensive for us on our low income, can't stand her in this 'pain' of never sitting still anymore.

thanks,
Angeline

Answer:

I know how miserable it can be for an itchy dog and how painful it can be to watch them be uncomfortable Unfortunately there is no cure for allergies. It is about finding the best way to control them. It does sound like a food allergy, especially if it is non-seasonal. Your best bet at this point would probably be a prescription dog food that has very limited ingredients because non-prescription diets can have things hidden in the ingredient list that she could be allergic to. You could try a 50:50 pinto bean and yam diet. If the itching continues after several weeks on this diet, it most likely is not a food allergy. If the itching stops, you can gradually add ingredients back to her diet to see what she can tolerate.

Good luck!
Sara F Jennen DVM

Dog Rescued from Puppy Mill

Question:

Recently rescued from a puppy mill. Five years as a breeding dog. She is a very sweet, smart, gentle dog. We are foster "parenting" until she is ready for adoption. Unfortunately, she is terrified of humans. I work with her daily and am making some progress in getting her to relax around us. Do you have any suggestions on how to work with/train what is essentially a "feral" dog?

Thank you.

Answer:

It sounds like you are doing the right things if you are making headway with her. All you can do is give her treats and try to help her trust you. Unfortunately if she was not socialized as a puppy she may never make anyone a good pet. I would not consider the Shiba Inu a very trusting breed, as a general rule. It is possible that you could work with her extensively and she will begin to trust you and then the new owners will have to start all over. It may prove to be a difficult task to find someone willing to take the project on when they could possibly save a dog that has not been neglected for 5 years and doesn't already have socialization issues from being euthanized at a shelter. I applaud your efforts because this can be a very difficult breed to work with.

Good luck to you!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Housebroken Dog Still Lifts Leg at Son's House

Question:

Fred, the dog, is housebroken. Has been housebroken forever. But, a few times when we have gone to my son's house, he has lifted his leg, once on furniture and once on the floor. My son has animals; dog, cats, fish, tortoises, frogs, and probably other things. So, why would Fred, the dog, lift his leg there, but would never dream of doing it at home?

Thanks,
Janet

Answer:

He is probably trying to express dominance over your son's animals. This sounds like marking behavior, which is a separate issue from house-training. It is unusual since he is fixed, but it is still possible. I am guessing that he does not lift his leg when he urinates at home. If he does, it is possible that he was neutered too late in life.

Good luck to you,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat Chewing on Electrical Cords

Question:

My cat has a thing for chewing on thick electrical cords like cable cords or any of that thickness. Is there anything safe that I could rub on them that would keep her from wanting to chew on them? I've tried various spray repelent products but has not helped. I'm so afraid that some day she will get to one that has become unhidden or she has found a way to get to & will end in tragedy.
- Vicky

Answer:

As you know, chewing electrical cords can be very dangerous! You could trying spraying the area with Feliway, a feline hormone product which can sometimes deter a cat from going to a certain area. If you can catch her in the act, a good spray with a water bottle or a loud blast from an air horn might help. There is a product called a scat mat that delivers a mild electrical current that is aversive to the cat. There are all manner of products available to protect cords from damage. It will probably be a matter of trial and error. I wish you luck!

Sincerely,
Sara F Jennen DVM