How do I crate train my dog? Answer Crate training is a great way to help your dog feel comfortable and secure while you are away and will protect your house from damage caused by anxious pups. When you are gone dogs can either sleep or get in trouble. If you limit their options by providing a site where all they can do is sleep, you will save your house and protect your pet from harm. Here are some ideas to help your dog make the adjustment to their crate: Get a crate of adequate size (large enough to allow your dog to stand and move comfortably) to accommodate your dog. Place a towel in the bottom of the crate to keep him warm. Give your dog appropriate toys (chew toys, kong, etc) to play with in the crate. Always feed your dog in his crate. At first, just get him used to going in the crate without closing the door or leaving him. Start by leaving him alone in the crate with the door closed for a few minutes and gradually build up to leaving him for several hours at a time. Don't make a big deal of coming home. Don't rush to let your dog out of the crate or he will look forward to the event too much. Let him out of the crate only after he has been quiet and calm for a few minutes. For more information about crate training, ask your veterinarian about AAHA's Crate Training behavior pamplet.
Housetraining a puppy
Question I am housetraining my puppy, and I have tried just about everything to get the smell out of the spots where she's had "accidents." What can I do? Answer This is a common problem for pet owners, and it can cause a lot of frustration. Urine smells can be very difficult to eliminate inside the house. To make things worse, dogs will tend to return to an area they've already soiled, so the smells in your house may be making housetraining even harder than it already is. The good news is, there are products that can help reduce dog odors, depending on what kind of surface you are dealing with. If you are trying to clean unsealed concrete floors, like those you might find in the garage or an unfinished basement, the urine may have seeped in and absorbed. You will need to clean with a disinfectant and allow the disinfectant to sit and seep into the floor. Once you've rinsed with water and allowed the floor to dry completely, you'll want to seal it so that liquids won't be absorbed in the future. Concrete sealant is widely available at hardware stores. Linoleum and sealed concrete floors can be cleaned with disinfectants that you can purchase from your veterinarian. Carpet can be a little more difficult–to remove the smell completely, you will probably have to pull up the carpet and replace the padding. You can then clean the carpet with an enzymatic cleaner, available from professional carpet cleaners. Once you've cleaned the odors out of your floor, your best option is prevention. You may want to consider crate training for your puppy. Crate training gives you control over where and when he is eliminating, and it often housetrains dogs quickly and effectively.
Is it okay for my dog to lick my son's face?
Answer: Yes, it probably is. The only disease that dogs and humans can pass back and forth through saliva is beta strep throat, which is relatively rare. You may want to take your pup to the veterinarian if strep throat has been passed among the members of your family, though. And if your son has a weakened immune system, you may want to be careful about exposing him to the normal bacteria that's present in the saliva of healthy dogs. Just a reminder--since you have a child in the house, you should be careful to make sure your dog doesn't become infected with worms. These parasites are not passed by saliva, but children can pick them up by playing on the ground and the floor. A good rule of thumb is, if children are in the house, have your dog dewormed regularly! And even if you don't have children at home, regular deworming will help your dog stay healthy and will help protect any children or adults who come to visit.
My dog's teeth chatter when he gets excited. Should I be worried?
Answer Teeth chattering isn't all that unusual in dogs. It's most likely just a nervous habit, particularly since your dog only does it when he's excited. You and your veterinarian should check his mouth for any signs of oral disease (swollen or bleeding gums, broken teeth, etc.), but if you don't see any signs of it, the teeth chattering shouldn't be a problem. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't happen more frequently or become more severe.
How do I crate train my dog?
Answer Crate training is a great way to help your dog feel comfortable and secure while you are away and will protect your house from damage caused by anxious pups. When you are gone dogs can either sleep or get in trouble. If you limit their options by providing a site where all they can do is sleep, you will save your house and protect your pet from harm. Here are some ideas to help your dog make the adjustment to their crate: Get a crate of adequate size (large enough to allow your dog to stand and move comfortably) to accommodate your dog. Place a towel in the bottom of the crate to keep him warm. Give your dog appropriate toys (chew toys, kong, etc) to play with in the crate. Always feed your dog in his crate. At first, just get him used to going in the crate without closing the door or leaving him. Start by leaving him alone in the crate with the door closed for a few minutes and gradually build up to leaving him for several hours at a time. Don't make a big deal of coming home. Don't rush to let your dog out of the crate or he will look forward to the event too much. Let him out of the crate only after he has been quiet and calm for a few minutes. For more information about crate training, ask your veterinarian about AAHA's Crate Training behavior pamplet.
Tail Chasing and Chewing
Question Our dog constantly chases his tail and then chews on it. What can we do? Answer Dogs chase their tails for several reasons. If your veterinarian examined your dog and didn't find any fleas or problems with your dog's anal glands, then you could be dealing with a behavior problem. It may have started when he was bored and now tail-chasing has become a habit. In some dogs, tail-chasing can be an obsessive-compulsive disorder. In others, it's a source of attention. Your veterinarian may be able to suggest a good animal behaviorist that can help diagnose and treat the problem. In the meantime, try not to react when he chases his tail. Laughing or scolding him are forms of attention and this could be what he wants. If there are any incidences that seem to trigger the behavior, try to get him into a down-stay before he can chase his tail. These suggestions may help, but some dogs, if they are causing harm to themselves, may need drug therapy in addition to behavior modification to solve the problem.
Tail Problems
Question Recently, my dog's been keeping his tail tucked under. It used to curl up. What's wrong? Answer There are a few reasons dogs will keep their tails tucked between their legs, but most commonly the behavior is a response to pain or discomfort. Many dogs are prone to back or hip pain, for example. Raising the tail can place pressure against these sore areas, so the dog keeps it tucked under. Dogs will also keep their tails tucked because of emotional distress. When they are depressed, frustrated, stressed, or afraid, they may tuck their tails to demonstrate their emotions. Stressful changes in a dog's home environment could cause these emotional responses. Talk to your veterinarian about the change in your dog's behavior. He or she can check for physical problems that may be causing your dog discomfort, as well as investigating emotional and other causes.
Why does my dog lick me?
My dog likes to lick me a lot, especially when I'm sitting on the couch watching TV or just after a shower. Sometimes it feels like he's giving me a bath. Why does he do this? Answer Dogs lick for a lot of reasons. Licking is a submissive social signal, first of all, allowing dogs to show deference to dominant "pack members." Puppies lick to solicit solid food from their mothers when they're weaned, so a young dog may lick to request its dinner. Some dogs lick as a substitute for puppy mouthing behavior. They've been trained not to put their teeth on people, so they lick to occupy their mouths. Licking may be a sign of affection, your dog's way of showing you that he's enjoying spending time cuddled on the couch with you. Or, he may just like the taste of your soap! Though it's usually harmless, licking can be a problem if carried to an extreme. Sometimes dogs can lick compulsively or as a response to stress or boredom. Obsessive dogs that lick themselves non-stop can lick their fur off and even injure their skin. This is a behavioral problem that may require veterinary intervention. If you're worried that your dog's licking is unusual, consult your veterinarian.
Puppies and Chewing
Question How do I stop my puppy from chewing on everything? Answer Chewing is always a difficult problem with puppies, and it's one that needs to be resolved for your pet to be a part of your household. The good news is that most dogs do grow out of their chewing behavior as they get older. The bad news is that they can do quite a lot of damage before they do. There are ways to train your puppy to direct his very normal chewing energy at the right kind of objects, but like any other training, they take patience and persistence. The first thing you can do to stop your puppy from chewing on your furniture, wallet, remote control, and everything else in sight is not giving him the opportunity. This means you may want to confine him when you're not around, in a crate, kennel, run, or puppy-safe room. Crate-training is the most feasible option for many people, and it can keep your puppy feeling safe and secure when you're away. Whatever space you chose, fill it with safe and appropriate chew toys, as well as lots of comfortable bedding. As your pup spends a lot of time chewing on these toys, he'll start to learn what objects are "his" for gnawing and which are not. When you are around, watch him like a hawk. When you see him grabbing onto your leather loafers or a chair leg, distract him with some other, more attractive option. When he takes the rawhide chew or nylon bone or whatever "good" toy you want him to chew, give him lots of praise and petting. The idea here is not to punish your dog for the "bad" chewing, but to encourage him for the good behavior. By the same token, whenever you see him chewing away on one of his toys, give him lots of "good boys" and other positive attention. Pretty soon he'll get the idea that the toys are what you want him to use. You may have to switch his toys around to keep him interested--a rubber ball may do the trick one day, while the next day nothing will do but a sock tied up in a knot. Some household materials can make very good chew toys, but make sure that they can't be chewed into bits and swallowed. An excellent option that will keep almost any dog's attention is the hollow rubber balls sold at pet stores. You can fill them with food or your dog's favorite treat, and he will spend hours gnawing at it, trying to get the goodies out. Also, if he tends to chew on a surface that is color safe and won't be damaged (like your fingers), you can coat the surface in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. The smell and taste will make the object much less tempting. Finally, and most importantly, don't give up on your puppy. It can be hard to retrain an instinctive behavior like chewing, but it's well worth it to have a happy, well-adjusted dog. If your dog seems to resist all efforts to retrain him, consult your veterinarian. He or she can refer you to a behavior specialist or even discuss anti-anxiety medication.
How do I keep my dog from rolling in stinky things?
Answer First, you should congratulate yourself on having a very normal, well-adjusted pooch. For some reason, things like dead animals, manure, and garbage are magnets to dogs, and there is nothing in the world they'd rather smell like. Some people theorize that dogs' instinct tells them that the terrible smells will cover up their scent and make it easier for them to sneak up on prey. Maybe so, or maybe they just like to smell awful! Regardless of why they do it, the best way for you to stop your doggy from diving into the garbage pile is never giving him the chance. Keep him fenced in your yard, pick up any manure in the area, and keep the garbage in trash cans that won't pop open if he knocks them over. Keep him on a leash when you go on walks, and keep a sharp eye out for any smelly things that may strike his fancy. Working on the "come" command may help as well. Practice it over and over again in your yard, and give her a reward every time she comes. Repeat it until she comes consistently, so that the next time you see her start rolling, you can call her back. And, of course, you should invest in some very good doggie shampoo. Just in case.
Panic Attacks
Question What can I do about my dog's "panic attacks?" Answer The first question you need to answer is whether your dog has any physical problems. She could be having mild seizures, muscle cramps, or stomach or intestinal pains. Your veterinarian can investigate with a physical exam, blood test, and urinalysis. If she checks out physically, you should look at whether she is receiving any reward for her "scaredy-cat" behavior. When she has an "attack," do you pet her, cuddle her, and talk soothingly to her? Though it seems like the right thing to do, you're actually praising her behavior and teaching her that being afraid will bring her love and affection. Instead, when she behaves this way, make sure she's in a safe place and can't hurt herself, then ignore her. When she calms down and comes back out, give her lots of praise and affection. Do this for several months consistently. If you still see no change in her behavior, you may want to consult with a behavior specialist.
Depressed Pups
Question One of my dogs died, and now the other one is depressed and won't eat. Should I get a new puppy to keep him company? Answer First off, you should make sure your dog's lack of eating isn't related to (or causing) a serious physical problem. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian for an examination and some bloodwork, to rule out any other potential causes of your dog's anorexia. You should only get a puppy if you want a puppy. Your bereaved dog may very well not like the noise and chaos that a new puppy will bring to the household. If you want to adopt a new dog, you might want to consider getting an older, adult animal. A quieter, more mature companion might be more reassuring to your dog. But remember, regardless of the new dog's age, it won't be an instant replacement for your pet's lost companion. In fact, for some dogs, a stranger in the house will only make the situation worse. Your dog may or may not adjust to and bond to a new friend; it depends on his personality. Whether or not you get a new companion for your dog, he's probably going to need some time to adjust to life without his old friend. You can help him by keeping as many things the same as possible. Give him routine walks and feedings and keep his old, familiar toys and blankets around. And be sure to give him a little extra attention and love. If he's still not eating, you can get him started by tempting him with some extra-yummy canned food or treats, but don't let him eat them for too long. If days go by and he continues to resist even the tempting treats, it's time to enlist your veterinarian's help.
How do I stop my dog from pulling on the leash ?
Answer It is pretty common for dogs to yank on their leashes when they're walked--they're out in the big, exciting world, after all, and they want to see and smell everything they can. It can become quite a problem, though, particularly if you're walking a dog that weighs almost as much as you do. It can be hard on your dog, too--she's putting a lot of pressure on her neck and her trachea (windpipe) by pulling against her collar. A Gentle Leader may be the simplest solution to this problem. Gentle Leaders hook onto a leash just like collars, but instead of wrapping around the dog's neck, they attach with one nylon strap above her muzzle and one behind her ears. They look something like muzzles, but they don't keep dogs' mouths from opening unless the person holding the leash applies pressure. When your dog is wearing a Gentle Leader and tugs against her leash, the force turns her head back toward you. Tugging harder will only make her turn her head more sharply; she'll learn pretty quickly that it won't get her anywhere. You can find Gentle Leaders at almost any pet store. Another option that works well with smaller dogs is taking away all the positive reinforcement they get from pulling on the leash. Your dog is tugging on the leash because she wants to go faster, so whenever she tugs, you can stop in your tracks and refuse to move. When she calms down and stops pulling, you can start walking again. If you're patient and do this consistently, your dog can learn that the only way she's going to get to walk around and sniff all the wonderful things she wants to sniff is by walking calmly and politely beside you.
Excessive Drooling
Question How can I stop my dog from drooling so much? Answer Though it may not be the most attractive thing your dog does, a little drooling is perfectly healthy and there's no need to stop it. Dogs drool for a lot of reasons, including nervousness, excitement, and the anticipation of mealtime. Certain breeds, like St. Bernards and Newfoundlands, are naturally more prone to drooling than others. To save your carpet and furniture from your drooly dog, you can wipe his mouth periodically. Chew toys may also encourage your dog to work his mouth and swallow more, or they can at least concentrate the drool on a couple of objects instead of allowing it to spread. If you're worried that your dog's salivation is excessive, you can take him to your veterinarian for an examination. Some health problems can cause drooling, including nausea, anxiety, and painful teeth; your veterinarian can rule these out.
How can I help my dog get along with family/friends?
Question My dog gets along great with everybody except my brother, who's never mistreated her. What's wrong? Answer Just like with people, dog behavior doesn't always have a logical explanation. Dogs can sometimes simply dislike a person for no apparent reason. Maybe your brother has a deep voice that makes your pup nervous; maybe he has the scent of another animal on his clothes. Most likely, you'll never know what it is about him that sets your dog on edge. But don't lose hope; you can make your dog happier to see your brother by making sure his visits are associated with something pleasant. First off, you can ask your brother not to stand directly over your dog in a dominant position; this can be threatening to some dogs. Ask him to approach her from a sitting or kneeling position. Supply your brother with a special treat that your dog particularly loves, and have no one but him give her that treat. He shouldn't make a fuss over giving her the treats; the commotion might make her more nervous around him. Instead, he can just place the treats in front of her whenever she is calm and behaving well. Once she comes to associate him with getting an extra yummy treat, he can start giving her simple commands and giving her the treats as rewards. Over time, she should come to accept him. Who knows? She may even start to like him.
My dog suddenly doesn't want to lie down.
Answer Any time you see a sudden change in your pet's behavior, you should take him to your veterinarian. A behavioral change like this can be caused by something as simple as arthritis; aching joints may make it painful for your dog to lie on the floor. With an older dog, cognitive dysfunction could cause him to forget how to lie down. Dangerous lung problems could be making it difficult for him to breathe lying down. There are also serious, but less likely, neurological conditions that could cause this problem as well. Your veterinarian can help you understand what caused the sudden change and how best to treat it.
Biting and Scratching Puppies
Question My puppy likes to bite me when we play. How can I teach him to play without biting or scratching? Answer You can work at solving your puppy's biting problem by doing several things simultaneously. First, you need to divert your pet's play activities away from your body. You can do this by encouraging fetch games and discouraging wrestling or tug-of-war games. Second, you can remove any positive reinforcement when biting occurs. This means that you walk away and ignore your puppy for five minutes each time it performs a behavior that you don't find acceptable. You're not even allowed to talk to the dog during this time. Third, you provide a negative reinforcement for the objectionable behavior. You can do this by painting your skin with vinegar in the vulnerable places you know the puppy will bite. You can also make a shaker can from an empty pop can containing a dozen pennies that you shake vigorously when the biting occurs. Then you can also use a firm and loud "NO!" Finally, you can offer positive reinforcement and praise when the dog plays nice. The most important point is that everyone in the family has the same game plan and follows through consistently.
Why does my dog scoot his rear end on the ground?
Question Why does my dog scoot his rear end along the ground? Answer This is not an uncommon problem. It probably means that your dog has full or infected anal glands. These glands help dogs to mark their territory through scent. They usually empty themselves every time a dog defecates. They can become clogged, however, and unable to empty, and sometimes infection can develop. When this happens, your dog feels a constant, itchy pressure. It can be very uncomfortable. To get your dog relief, make an appointment with your veterinarian. She can empty (or "express") the glands, a messy and extremely smelly job, but one that will make your pooch feel much better. If the glands are infected, she can clean them and prescribe an antibiotic. If your dog has a chronic, recurring problem with infected anal glands, they can be surgically removed. For more information, talk to your veterinarian.
How can I stop my dog from burying his toys in the yard?
Answer It's perfectly normal for dogs to bury their "treasure." This can include everything from bones to rawhides, new chew toys, treats, and tennis balls. They usually do go back and dig up their private stash, but it may be months later, and you're probably tired of buying new chew toys!You can avoid the problem by making sure your dog's toys and treats always stay inside. Only give him toys when you're in the house, and make sure he doesn't smuggle any in his mouth when you take him outside. Some determined pooches will carry on their digging behavior inside, "burying" toys and bones under pillows and behind the couch, where you can find and reuse them.
How can I stop my puppy from eating everything in sight when we're outside?
AnswerYou're facing a pretty common problem. Puppies use their mouths the way children use their hands - to pick things up, feel textures, and generally understand their world. So on a walk, puppies may try to eat sticks, pebbles, bugs, grass, and even the occasional snake or frog. While swallowing a mouthful of grass or dirt every once in a while won't hurt Fluffy, foreign objects like rocks, sharp twigs, or rotten food could do some damage. At least for a while, you'll need to keep a close eye on her whenever she's outside and reprimand her when she picks up something inappropriate. If she's not trained enough yet to heel or pay attention to you when she's outside, you may want to try taking her to puppy school, where she can learn to follow basic commands. One of the most important commands for her to learn will be "drop it," which will teach her to immediately spit out whatever is in her mouth. Your veterinarian will be able to help you find a good puppy school. The Companion Animal Behavior Program at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is currently conducting a study of grass and plant eating behavior in dogs (and cats). Many theories as to why dogs eat plants have been proposed. However, this is the first scientific study to investigate this common behavior. By taking a 20 minute, on-line survey, you can help us learn more about our canine companions!
Aggressive Dogs
Question My dog is very aggressive - what can I do? Answer Aggressive dogs can cause serious injury and even death. In addition to the tragedy sometimes caused by canine attacks, owners can be subject to civil and criminal liability for their pet's behavior. If your dog shows signs of aggression such as growling, snarling or snapping, call your veterinarian immediately for a behavior evaluation and counseling to help you train your dog. Most behavior problems can be successfully treated with a strict training regimen. In addition to your veterinarian's advice, follow these tips to reduce aggression in your dog: Socialize your dog so she feels at ease around people and other animals. Don't put your dog in situations where she may feel threatened or teased. Obey leash laws - don't let your dog roam free. Train your dog to obey basic commands such as "stay," "sit" and "come."
Why doesn’t my dog bark as much as other dogs?
Answer Some dogs just don't need to talk as much as others. As long as your dog barks normally when he does bark, you probably don't have a problem. If he tries to bark and it doesn't sound right (weak, raspy or harsh), then you should have your veterinarian look at his throat and vocal cords.
Separation Anxiety
Question At what point should a veterinarian recommend medication for separation anxiety?I have three dogs, and one of them has destroyed over $2,000 in property. The other two are fine. Answer There are volumes of information on separation anxiety. Even "experts" do not agree on causes and treatments. This is probably because the abnormal behavior is considered one problem when actually there are probably many causes. The fact that your other two dogs are normal, and one pet is doing the damage seems to indicate that she is the one with the problem. However, that does not mean that your actions haven't or don't inadvertently encourage it. All dogs have different personalities and do not end up exactly the same just because they have the same owner, just like children with the same parents. Your specific question is regarding anxiety relieving medications. Antidepressants, anxiety relieving, or mood altering drugs are seldom the definitive treatment for behavioral problems. Most of the time they are used as part of an overall behavioral modification program. Separation anxiety is a problem that is commonly treated with medications at least on a temporary basis.
My dog constantly chews on her feet and hind legs. What can I do?
Answer Chewing on the feet and hind legs is a classic sign of allergies in dogs, much like itchy eyes and a runny nose in humans. Dogs have the same allergy-sensitive cells people have in their eyes and nose, but they are located in dogs' skin and ears. Therefore, dogs with allergies show signs of itchy feet, itchy skin, and ear infections. Finding out what your dog is allergic to can sometimes be challenging. Dogs can be allergic to all kinds of things in their environments or diets. The most common allergy dogs experience is a reaction to flea bites, called flea allergy dermatitis. Even if your dog is protected against flea by a collar or treatment, one flea can secrete enough saliva in a bite to cause itching and discomfort. Dogs can also be allergic to ingredients in their food or the shampoo they're bathed with. They can even have reactions to some of the same things that cause human hayfever: pollen, dust, mold, and grasses. Your veterinarian can help you determine which of these allergies is bothering your dog. If it is a food allergy, you may be able to simply change your dog's diet. Other allergies can be treated with an antihistamine or steroid prescription. Consult your veterinarian about the best way to make your dog more comfortable.
Will my puppy outgrow her nervousness?
Question My four-month-old puppy seems to be very nervous all the time. She urinates when she is scared or excited. Will she outgrow this and what can I do to help correct this behavior? Answer Puppies go through a four-month anxiety period, during which they are scared of many things that didn’t used to bother them. Working though this period and continuing to socialize them is a must. Be careful that you aren’t encouraging anxious behavior by trying to calm her down when she seems scared. If you pet her and try to calm her, you are praising the behavior, and behavior that is rewarded is repeated so you may be making the problem worse. If she submissively urinates, don’t punish her for it, because that could also make the problem worse. Puppies urinate and show their belly to tell you that you are the boss. Getting angry and punishing them only makes them try to tell you that you are the boss more. Instead, ignore the behavior. When you get home, take your dog outside before greeting her. Greet her only after she has relieved herself outside. Also, try not to bend directly over her. This is a dominant posture and submissive puppies will try to appease you by urinating. If your puppy continues to have behavioral problems, your veterinarian may be able to suggest training classes in your area or a veterinary behaviorist that can help you. Visit the Healthypet Find a Hospital section to find an AAHA-accredited hospital near you. This question was answered by Dr. Jennifer Zablotny of Remrock Farms Veterinary Services in Michigan.
Growling and Snapping
Question Sometimes my puppy growls and snaps at me when I am petting him. He has shown no other signs of aggression. Is this something that I should be concerned about or is this just his way of warning me that he wants to be left alone? Answer The growling and snapping are signs that your puppy thinks he is number one in your household. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for a good trainer or behaviorist in your area to consult with and correct this problem. The growling and snapping will only escalate as your puppy ages. Always remember that a growl is a bite about to happen. For more information, see the Frequently Asked Question Aggressive Dogs. This question was answered by Dr. Paul West, hospital director of West’s Animal Clinic, Ltd. in Norfolk, Virginia.
Why does my older dog pee on the floor?
Question I have an eight-year-old female cocker spaniel who is a wonderful dog, except that she has trouble controlling her bladder. When we leave, she pees on the floor, as if to punish us for leaving her. She is housebroken and even comes to us to let us know that she needs to go out when we are home. However, she still pees on the floor when we are gone. Do you have any advice? Answer First, take your dog to your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam, including blood and urine testing to make sure that she does not have a kidney or bladder problem. Your veterinarian may even want to do an ultrasound of your dog’s bladder to rule out a tumor. If the tests do not reveal any problems, then I would be concerned that she may be developing incontinence. Incontinence in older female dogs is not an unexpected problem and medication may help prevent her from “leaking.” If she is suffering from incontinence, being left alone may cause her stress and make the problem worse. If incontinence is ruled out and all laboratory tests are within normal range, then I would suspect that she is suffering from mild separation anxiety and medication may help. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate medication to treat anxiety and a recommendation for a veterinary behaviorist. Medication and behavior modification together may help resolve the problem. This question was answered by Dr. Peg Rucker, hospital director of Southwest Virginia Veterinary Services in Lebanon, Vigrinia.
Why does my dog eat paper?
Question Why does my five-year-old Chihuahua eat paper? She particularly likes tissues and paper towels that she finds in trash cans throughout the house and she seems to have trouble making bowel movements after eating paper. Answer Quite simply, your dog likes paper! She doesn’t have a “cause and effect mode” to connect eating paper with a stomach ache and/or constipation, so it may be difficult to train her to stop eating paper products. Consequently, it is up to you to keep trash out of her reach. Reprimand her when you catch her eating paper with a strong “no” or “drop it” and provide more diversionary tasks for her, such as walks, play time and pet-safe toys, to keep her occupied. This question was answered by Dr. Lauren Keating, owner of Natural Bridge Hospital for Animals in Natural Bridge Station, Virginia.
How do I stop my dog from getting into the kitty litter box?
Question My dog has recently started eating poop from my cat’s litter box. How do I break this nasty habit? Answer I’m sorry to hear about your dog's bad habit and I think you do have some options. Here are a few to consider: Ask your veterinarian for a product that you can mix with your cat’s food to impart a very foul and bitter taste to your cat’s feces that may deter your dog from “snacking.” Feeding this product to your cat for three to four days in a row may help break your dog's bad habit, and it is safe for your cat to eat. Put the litter box in a room that is only accessible to your cat. Or place the litter box up on a platform that prevents your dog's access, such as a table or other high spot in your house. A covered litter box may help to dissuade your dog from getting into it. Consider an investment in a citronella collar for your dog. This is a very humane training device that can be controlled remotely by you and can, with proper guidance, be used to train your dog away from the box. Citronella collars work by spraying your dog's face with a non-irritating, but distasteful, spray at your control. They are available at many pet stores or can be ordered by your veterinarian. This question was answered by Dr. Peg Rucker, hospital director of Southwest Virginia Veterinary Services in Lebanon, Vigrinia .
Dog FAQs
Behavior Housetraining a puppy Is it okay for my dog to lick my son's face? My dog's teeth chatter when he gets excited. Should I be worried? How do I crate train my dog? Tail Chasing and Chewing Tail Problems Why does my dog lick me? Puppies and Chewing How do I keep my dog from rolling in stinky things? Panic Attacks Depressed Pups How do I stop my dog from pulling on the leash ? Excessive Drooling How can I help my dog get along with family/friends? My dog suddenly doesn't want to lie down. Biting and Scratching Puppies Why does my dog scoot his rear end on the ground? How can I stop my dog from burying his toys in the yard? How can I stop my puppy from eating everything in sight when we're outside? Aggressive Dogs Why doesn’t my dog bark as much as other dogs? Separation Anxiety My dog constantly chews on her feet and hind legs. What can I do? Will my puppy outgrow her nervousness? Growling and Snapping Why does my older dog pee on the floor? Why does my dog eat paper? How do I stop my dog from getting into the kitty litter box?

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