Our bed is pet pooch’s refuge
Our vet offers his advice
QWe have a big problem with our seven-year-old cockapoo. On Bonfire Night we let him sleep on our bed, as he was very frightened of the loud bangs. Since then, he won’t settle in his own bed in the kitchen, howling for hours until we let him back in our room. We are two sleep-disturbed OAPs... please help.
AEvery time you let him back you are reinforcing the problem. It was initially caused by fireworks and has now likely become a case of separation anxiety. The quickest solution, although initially more expensive, is to follow a programme set up by a qualified canine behaviourist with additional help from your vet.
I can suggest possible strategies you can try in the meantime. Your dog always slept in the kitchen, so getting him to return should be possible by making the area comfy and safe.
I recommend a new ultracomfortable dog bed that wraps around him, making him feel secure. Put this in the kitchen and encourage him to rest here during the day after walks or meal times.
Some owners find that dog crates are helpful. It can be somewhere the dog can retire to and you can encourage him there with treats, dog chews or toys.
Once he has got used to his new bed, try leaving him for a minute and praising him if he doesn’t kick up a fuss. Gradually increase the time you leave him, always praising him when he stays quiet. From then on make your bedroom unavailable at all times.
QWe have just had our three-month-old female kitten vaccinated and our vet has booked her in to be spayed in four weeks. A friend said we should wait until she is older, and another friend wants kittens from her. What is the best option?
AThe best advice is the advice that your vet has already given. There is no evidence that neutering cats at four months is in any way harmful.
Traditionally, cats were often neutered at six months, but there was no scientific evidence for this.
In fact, kittens, especially in feral colonies, are often spayed as early as seven weeks with no documented long-term harm.
Female kittens are sexually mature from around four months and some will start “calling” to attract unneutered males soon after this.
Apart from the nuisance this causes, such as males fighting and premature pregnancy, the noise can be substantial.
I was once called at 3am by an owner who was convinced her six-month-old cat was having a heart attack.
The cat was rolling about and crying out, seemingly in agony. She wasn’t – she was just in season.
The operation involves removing the ovaries and uterus, either by a midline incision or along the flank.
Apart from the importance of population control there are permanent health benefits, such as virtually no risk of mammary cancer or womb infection.
There are far too many unwanted kittens and it would be better for your other friend to visit a local rescue centre.
David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth hospital for animals Email questions to him at pamperedpets@reachplc.com