DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz OVER the past four months our 8-year-old miniature schnauzer, Rosco, has refused to climb our wooden stairs inside the house. We have tried to tempt him up with treats but end up carrying him. How can we get his confidence back?

It being a recent problem I think you are most likely making the right assumption that he has lost confidence on the stairs because he has fallen at some stage. As you are able to lift him without pain I think it is most likely a behavioural change rather than a problem with a sore back. Make sure his nails are trimmed short. Cover the stairs with carpet to make his footing more secure. Start an intensive training once you have attached the carpet. Use his favourite treat and get Rosco up two steps. Praise him greatly then carry him the rest of the way. Increase by an extra step at a time until he can make it all the way to the top.

I am about to take a contract to work in Cairns, Australia. My wife insists our 17-year-old cat has to come with us. The cat is still in good shape and eats well, but recently I have noticed she is drinking more. Would she be okay to travel?

It is reasonably straight forward to take a cat from New Zealand to Australia provided the cat has only lived here. Your cat will need to be microchipped for identification and have a health check and treatment for fleas and worms within five days of your flight. The biggest concern would be that a vet, who is licensed to inspect cats for export to Australia, must sign a certificate saying your pet is fit to travel. You mention she is drinking more so you need to have a full check done including blood and urine tests. If there is a major health problem then it would be safer for her to stay in New Zealand.