Sex, pugs, rock n’roll

Pups getting in way of passion

DOGS are bad for your love life - with a third of owners having less sex because they prefer snuggles with their pet.

And almost half admit to not sitting with their partner on the sofa because their pooch takes up too much room.

Couples’ counsellor Donna Pall, speaking on pet site rover.com, said: “Dogs can become a substitution for intimacy and frequently incite jealousy among couples.”

Many owners prefer to share their bed with their cosy pet, saying their gentle rhythmic breathing helps them drift off to sleep.

But in a new relationship, Donna points out that letting the dog in the bed communicates they are your primary focus, not your partner.

Owners do start out with good intentions and clear ground rules – but most end up breaking them, according to research by pet food brand Webbox.

And a fifth of couples row about who is responsible for their pet at home. The research also revealed that a quarter of new owners let their pet

OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 22 years of experience and is a freelancer working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page f acebook. c om/

Petplanuk. break the rules within a week of having them, with one in eight disregarding them on the very first day.

Women are more to blame, with blokes finding it easier to stick to the rules and be firm with their animals.

Camille Ashforth, from Webbox, said: “It’s clear for many that once their beloved pet steps through the door, most rules go out of the window.

“This can often cause frustration for family members and can lead to poor behaviour in your pets. Even though your pet is part of the family, ensuring boundaries is very important.”

Animal behaviourists advise that dogs and cats should have their own cosy beds in an area just for them.

They say it is important to provide fresh drinking water and long-lasting treats there so that pets associate this zone with pleasure.

Ms Ashforth adds: “Never send your pet to this space as a punishment when they misbehave, as this will just encourage negative connotations.

“If you can’t get your pet out of bed or off the sofa, try putting yummy treats on the floor next to their bed.” MY dog is a terrier and I heard they are more at risk of certain types of illness or diseases. What are these and what can I do to prevent them?

Frustration

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