Training Maltese to Use Leash

Question

Hi,
How do I get my 4 month old Maltese Missy use to a dog leash? She wears a little harness which is ok, she likes that, but once I attach the leash she flips out! She thinks I'm playing tug-o-war with her. I want to get her use to a leash in case I need to use one on her. Please help!



Thanking you in advance!

Margie

Answer

Margie,
You should start by attaching the leash to her harness and letting her pull it around until she gets used to it. Reward her if she does not "flip out". Gradually pick up the end and call her to you. When she comes to you without objecting, reward her. This is a gradual process and should be approached with a great deal of patience.

Good luck,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cocker Spaniel Won't Stop Going in House

Question

Dear Vet.,
Please help us, we have a very sweet female cocker spaniel named Bailey. She is a year and half old and we can not get her to stop using the potty in the house. We have tried everything, including rewarding her when she poops or pees outside. We can have her outside and she will pee and then come into the house and pee again on the carpet. We love her to death and she is so sweet, we just don't know what to do... Please help!

Jeff and Cyndi

Answer

Dear Jeff and Cyndi,
Crate training seems to be the best way to housetrain a puppy. Keep her in the crate at all times when you cannot watch her. Take her outside immediately upon removing her from the crate. Stay with her until she does her business. If she does not, put her back in the crate until she is ready. If she goes outside, reward her with a food treat or a clicker, which seems to be even more effective than food treats. If this fails, you may need to consult a behavior therapist.

Good luck to you,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

14 Year Old Bichon Throwing Up Food

Question

My little lady (bichon) is about 14 + years old and has always had problems with digesting food. We have her on ID now and must place it in a blender and get it liquid so she won't throw it back up. Lately she does that anyway and has lost so much weight, she looks like a skeleton. Can you suggest anything we could add, any supplements that may bring her weight back?

Thanks,
Gloria

Answer

Gloria,
I am so sorry to hear about Lady. There are liquid, high caloric supplements that can be given to increase calorie intake. However, I would not do this until you speak with your veterinarian. Depending on her blood work results, one supplement may be more appropriate than another. The cause of the weight loss needs to be determined and addressed, if it has not already been.

Good luck to you,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Raw versus Cooked Dog Diet

Question

I am receiving a new puppy in a few weeks. He is currently being fed raw. I am trying to decide between doing both raw and cooking some. Pros and cons would be wonderful.

Thanks,
Nicki

Answer

Nicki,
I personally am not a fan of raw diets or of owners home-cooking, in general. The information that I receive from veterinarians around the country that work extensively with these patients indicate that they are not as healthy as dogs being fed a commercial diet. I cannot think of one single "pro". The "cons" include the fact that it is very difficult to correctly balance a diet of this nature, uncooked foods often contain parasites, which can be transmitted to humans, as well. It is very time-consuming for the owner and requires a great deal of research and diligence to formulate a correct diet.

Commercial dog food companies put years of research into their products and some are better than others, but in general, this is the healthier and much better overall choice to feed your pet.

Good luck to you,
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Therapy for Poodle with ACL Surgery

Question

My 18 month old standard poodle had ACL surgery 3 weeks ago. He had 6 laser treatments (two a week) for three weeks. Can you give me advice as to therapy that I could do to rehabilitate him faster.

My vet said he is extremely healthy and has great bones and hips, freak accident, but I want him to be well and continue his athletic lifestyle.

I am considering putting him on a raw meat and veggie diet, I am apprehensive about all the meds after reading about how dangerous they can be by holistic vets.

Please advise,
Thanks so much,
Gail

Answer

Gail,
I am sorry to hear that your dog had to have surgery at such a young age. Hopefully his recovery
will be speedy and uneventful. You might want to talk to your vet about a glucosamine supplement to help to decrease the amount of arthritis that could form in that knee. I would also continue to give the anti-inflammatories that your vet has prescribed, as directed. The most important consideration regarding his diet is that he not be allowed to gain excessive weight.

Swimming is a low-impact way to exercise your pooch, but I would not begin any form of exercise until you clear it with the doctor that performed the surgery!

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

Poodle Won't Stop Scratching Herself

Question

Hi Dr.,
My 2 1/2 poodle/toy American Eskimow will not quit scratching herself. She scratches until she bleeds. I have had a cone over her head for over a month and now she has learned how to scratch her head and other places on objects around the house/yard. I've tried the anti-itch sprays. It started with a bad flea infestation. She has always been on Frontline Plus; however, this year, it didn't work. Even though she no longer has fleas, she keeps all the areas all chewed up. She looks horrible. I think it is time for a vet visit.

Thanks, Dr.
Kathie

Answer

Kathie,
It sounds like your dog may be allergic to fleas and it is definitely time for a visit to the vet. If Frontline is not working, there are newer products out that will control the fleas better. Also your dog will probably need a steroid and possibly antibiotics to break the itch cycle.

Good luck to you both!
Sara F Jennen DVM

Maltese Puppy in Sugar Shock

Question

Dear Dr. Jennen,
My 10 week old maltese puppy went through "sugar shock" yesterday. (my vet didn't tell me I had to feed her more then 2 times a day). I called the emergency vet and they told me to do the corn syrup thing on her gums and roof of her mouth and to log into a terrific website, Sharminspoodles.com/TeacupCare/html....Well it was very imformative and helped me out extremely. She responded after 15 minutes after giving her the corn syrup and then she was able to eat. She was still out of it for the next 8 hrs and then POW she was back on her feet again! My question to you is do I continue the corn syrup and for how long. I do not want my puppy to go through that again.



Sincerely, 

Missy's Mom, Margie

Answer

Margie,
I am sorry that you went through such an awful experience with your new puppy. It would be much better to feed your puppy small meals throughout the day rather than giving her the syrup. If she shows signs of low blood sugar again, you should give her the syrup every 10 minutes or so until she responds.

Good luck to you!
Sara F. Jennen DVM