DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz WHENEVER I dispose of my out-of-date milk by pouring it over the roots of shrubs my 12-year-old cat laps it up before it is all absorbed by the soil. I know milk is bad for cats so should I stop her?

The reason why veterinarians advise people against feeding cow’s milk to cats is that it can cause an upset stomach and diarrhoea. This is because cow’s milk has a higher level of the sugar lactose in it in comparison to cat milk. As cats get older they have less of the enzyme needed to digest the lactose, allowing it to remain in the intestines absorbing water leading often to diarrhoea. If your cat is unaffected by her milk intake you could give her a small amount in a dish once a week without harm. Another alternative is to feed her some of the kitten milk available in pet shops. Milk is not needed by cats when on a balanced diet.

Our 15-week-old golden labrador puppy is generally well behaved, especially when being minded by my husband or myself, but he tends to bite our 10-year-old son excessively especially his cloths to his great distress. How can we stop this behaviour?

It is normal for puppies to use biting as part of their play. Generally it gets less as they age but often interactions with humans seem to be an invitation to bite. Try daily short periods of training with your puppy and encourage him to only bite toys such as a rope and not let him play bite your hand. Use time out if he gets too excited and praise good behaviour. Initially supervise when your son is with him. Take your puppy out on a lead to toilet, with your son alongside, and gradually let your son do more alone with the puppy. Allow your son to give all his meals and carry treats to reward good behaviour.