Pets Q&A with Dr Chris
Got a question about your furry friend? Our favourite vet tackles some of your most common pet dilemmas
HOW TO BE TICK SAFE Q My nine-month-old puppy, Pepe, loves to run into the bushes when we’re out walking. But I’m worried about ticks – how can I protect him? Kate, Cronulla, NSW
Every paralysis tick that hops onto a pet has lived a large portion of its life on another animal – often bandicoots and other natives such as echidnas and wallabies. Ticks aren’t great travellers, so you can significantly reduce the chances of Pepe picking up a paralysis tick by avoiding areas of coastal bushland where these animals live, especially from September to March when tick season’s at its worst. It’s simple: if you don’t enter the ticks’ backyard, the chances of your pet getting bitten are much smaller. If you live in a tick-prone area, perform a daily search using your fingertips. Feel all over your pet’s body, paying extra attention to the head, neck, ears and front legs, where 80 per cent of ticks are found. And consider using a quality tick preventative – these treatments have changed recently, so ask your vet for a recommendation.
LEADING A CAT TO WATER Q My 17-year-old cat Isis has kidney failure so she has to keep up her fluid intake. To encourage her to drink more, I bought a fancy pet water fountain – but she won’t go near it! Any tips to get her drinking from the fountain? Chanel, Hillsdale, NSW
You’ve certainly got the right idea: anyone who’s ever seen a cat near a tap knows they seem to prefer running water to still. But there’s something equally important for a cat when deciding whether to drink water – freshness. Water more than a few hours old becomes “stale” to their highly discerning tastebuds. So if you want Isis to start slurping I’d be changing the water regularly and also ensuring the fountain stays clean. Always having water close by is crucial for older cats. If the fountain is too far away, they simply won’t push those arthritic legs to go and find it.
ATTENTION-SEEKING PUP Q Why does our Labrador, Cleo, dig up the garden when she’s been for two big walks and the family is home with her all day? She also tries to eat the spare TV in our garage! Annie, Mosman, NSW
While digging and destruction can be a sign of separation anxiety, my feeling is that, if you’re already home, this behaviour is how Cleo is ensuring all your attention is on her. Even if you’re yelling at her for being bad, she feels like she’s won. The best solution? Exercise and plenty of time-occupying toys that feature hidden food rewards to keep her focus on something other than destruction. And finally, as hard as it is, don’t give her attention when she’s being naughty – just ignore her and walk away.
SMALL-DOG SYNDROME Q I’d like to know why my tiny Pomeranian is so moody and has so much attitude, yet if I put him with another Pomeranian he just runs away like a scared little fur ball! Emilia, Docklands, Vic
Your dog has all the classic hallmarks of what’s colloquially referred to as “small-dog syndrome”! It’s essentially fear-based barking and anxiety caused by his awareness of his miniature size. His belief is that if he bluffs every big (or small) dog into thinking he’s mean and menacing, then he’ll keep himself (and you) safe. The reality check is when he actually comes face to face with another dog. Then his insecurities will cause him to run as fast as those little legs will take him!