Your Pet Questions Answered

It’s not easy to know how to help our animals, considering they can’t talk—and don’t always listen. We asked Katrina Warren, veterinarian and author of four books, our most nagging questions about how to keep our dogs and cats happy and healthy.

It’s not easy to know how to help our animals, considering they can’t talk—and don’t always listen. Here’s some help.

I love my dog, but he might not be the brightest, and I sometimes have trouble getting him to do what I need him to. Do you have any suggestions?

Just like a human’s, a dog’s intelligence can be increased through education and training, so invest time and communicate with him. Contrary to popular belief, you can teach an old dog new tricks, so if you have an older guy, it’s still worth the effort. But the earlier you start, the more likely you are to achieve results. Short bursts of regular training throughout your dog’s life are best. They can be brief and spontaneous—what’s important is the regularity. Run through simple commands before you give him his dinner, when he’ll be really keen to respond.

Can he learn actual words?

It’s possible for dogs to understand a range of vocabulary similar to that of a two-year-old child. Your dog may already understand and walk. Increase

treat his receptiveness with rewards. Dogs also respond to visual cues and can comprehend human visual communication, such as pointing. Dogs are one of the few animals that understand the gesture. Back up voice commands with hand signals, and your dog will respond enthusiastically.

Can you save our favorite armchair? No matter how many scratching posts we bring into the house, the cat won’t stop attacking it.

Scratching is an innate behavior cats use to remove the outer sheath of their claws, and they don’t realize that furnishings are inappropriate for this. Provide a post tall enough for the cat to extend upward at full length, and place it in front of the object you want to protect. Spend time teaching your cat to use it by playing games that encourage her to stretch out fully on the post.

We are looking for a new pet. Where do we start?

Buying pets online is risky because you have no idea about their upbringing or health. Consider adopting from a shelter, as you will be helping pets in need and they will be properly vet checked. If you go to a breeder, aim to see any animal in person and in the place they were born, preferably with their mothers. The premises should be clean and animals well cared for. Be prepared to wait and possibly travel to find the perfect companion.

How can we be sure the pet we pick will be the right fit?

Be realistic about how much time and space you have, how much exercise you can provide, and how much

A DOG’S INTELLIGENCE CAN BE INCREASED THROUGH TRAINING, SO INVEST THE TIME.

money you can spend on care and grooming, as well as how long the pet will be left alone each day. You need to spend plenty of time with your pet or he may become lonely or bored and develop problem behaviors such as chewing and barking. Energy level is also important: Some humans want a frisky dog to take jogging, while others want a lapdog to watch TV with. Take the time to find the right animal for your lifestyle.

We’ve settled into our apartment in the city, and we desperately want a furry friend to keep us company. Is a cat or a small dog the way to go?

Small size doesn’t necessarily mean great for an apartment. Some small dogs, such as terrier breeds, have endless energy and need room to run. Conversely, some large breeds, such as Great Danes, can be calm, require less exercise, and be well suited to a smaller space. If you have little or no outdoor space, consider whether you can satisfy a dog’s toileting and exercise requirements (all dogs require daily exercise). Whippets, bichons frises, poodles, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and Italian greyhounds are good choices for apartment dwellers. Cats may require little exercise, but activity levels vary with breed and maturity. Consider a Ragdoll, Birman, Devon rex, or Persian breed.

Our puppy has a bad habit of excitedly jumping up on guests as they walk in the door. It’s cute now, but how do we teach her to stop jumping before she’s an 80-pound Labrador?

The best strategy is to teach your dog that she’ll receive attention only when all four feet are on the ground. When she is about to jump up, turn your body away and ignore her. Reward calm behavior with treats. Start as early you can, as it’s easier to prevent this behavior than correct it.

Can we keep her from running to the door too?

Dogs quickly learn that the doorbell means visitors who bring excitement and attention. Train your canine pal to do something else when it rings—a process that requires patience, repetition, and lots of treats. Start by walking to the front door when no one is there and having your dog sit before you open it. Repeat several times over a few days, until she associates

the process with sitting (and treats!). Then arrange for someone to knock at the door to continue the process. Repeat until your dog realizes she’ll get treats, but only if she sits and doesn’t bark.

I’ve noticed my pet has been packing on a few extra pounds lately. How can I tell how much is too much?

Society is becoming increasingly overweight—and so are our pets. It’s estimated that more than half of all pets weigh too much, making them prone to a raft of health issues. Stand above your pet and look down. You should see a tapered waist between the hips and abdomen. Obese pets will have a drooping abdomen and noticeable hip and neck fat. You should be able to feel ribs but not see them. If there is a layer of padding over the ribs, your pet is overweight.

We already take walks, and they don’t seem to be helping.

A full checkup with your vet is required to rule out underlying medical issues and make a safe weight-loss plan. Many owners provide constant access to food, assuming the pet will regulate its own intake. This is especially true of cat owners. Don’t just guesstimate. Measure out portion sizes accurately.

What about treats?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeding your pets whenever they beg. However, all those snacks add up. Some dog breeds are hardwired to constantly sniff out, and often steal, food. A strict diet can be helpful for these breeds.

Any other weight-loss tips?

Provide things for cats to climb, as well as scratching posts and interactive

toys. Spend time playing with your cat, encouraging him to chase toys to get him moving. With a dog, remember how linked her health is with your own. Numerous studies have found that dogs act almost as personal trainers, motivating owners to get up and go. Daily walks of 30 minutes or more can produce positive mental and social health benefits for all parties; the activity is good for cardiovascular health, bone density, and joint health in canines and humans (and is great fun as well).

Our pet has never been around a newborn. How do we prepare our fur baby for a baby baby around the house?

Make any changes to your pet’s routine well in advance. For example, if it won’t be fed in the kitchen or allowed in certain rooms or on furniture, start training months beforehand. Play crying baby sounds at a low level to help it become accustomed. Practice walking a dog with an empty stroller. Allow all pets to smell baby items such as diaper creams and wipes in advance.

When the baby arrives, have someone else hold your little one for the initial greeting. It’s fine for pets to be curious; if they ignore the baby, that’s fine too. The goal is for your pet to associate the newcomer with positive experiences, so give lots of praise and pats for calm behavior.

Is there anything we can do to keep kids from accidentally provoking our dog?

Children need to know the difference between an animal and a toy—dogs aren’t toys and shouldn’t be played with roughly. When supervision isn’t

possible, kids and dogs should be separated. Children should also know when touching the dog isn’t allowed, such as when he is sleeping, eating, or chewing a bone.

We want to become a two-pet household but are worried about a cat and dog getting along. Can we make sure they become friends and not foes?

Ideally, you should acquire your dog and cat together and when they’re both young. This helps them get used to each other at a time when both can establish regular routines that include socializing with each other. If that’s not possible, research suggests that you’re more likely to be successful introducing a dog to a cat household rather than the other way around. Introduce the new pet gradually and keep it behind a closed door at first. The animals will discover each other via smell and hearing and when introduced face-to-face will already feel familiar. Provide the cat with a place to escape and feel safe. Cats like to be elevated, so a perch is ideal.

When introducing a cat and a dog, people usually worry that the cat will be most at risk. However, you also need to watch out for the dog. Cats often try to establish that they are the boss, sometimes by swiping or scratching before running away. Prevent the dog from chasing the cat right from the start, as it can quickly become a habit.

My cat’s attitude has really taken a turn for the worse lately, and I’m not sure why.

There are many reasons why some cats are cranky; their temperament may have been influenced by their upbringing or they may simply have been born that way. However, even the sweetest cats can suddenly become bad-tempered. The problem can generally be solved if you look for the underlying issues. Pain can cause cats to behave differently, and it’s easy to mistake a problem as behavioral when it’s actually medical, so head to your veterinarian for a full checkup. Watch for changes in eating, drinking, or litter box habits, as well as hiding and an unwillingness to be touched. Many health problems can be readily treated to ease pain and its symptoms. Cats are creatures of habit, so moving, the arrival of a new baby or pet, or any other change in routine may cause changes in behavior. Keep your cat’s

environment as calm as possible and make sure she feels safe. Sometimes confining a cat to a single room with a litter box, bedding, and home comforts can help it settle.

How can I help my pets live better as they age?

Elderly dogs are less able to cope with extreme temperatures. Keep them cool on hot days and away from drafts on cold ones. Place pieces of carpet or bedding where your dog rests to help him rise from slippery floors. Help cats with grooming, particularly beneath their tails and around hind legs. Grooming remains important for dogs and is an opportunity to check for lumps, fleas, ticks, or pressure sores. Make sure to check claws, which may not wear down sufficiently with reduced activity.

I’m having trouble getting my pet to eat as she gets older. How do I keep her from losing too much weight?

It’s not unusual for pets to gain or lose weight as they age. However, dry kibble can be hard for older pets to chew. If your pet is having difficulty, switch to a softer food or moisten kibble with water or broth.

How can I tell which behavior changes are due to age and which are serious health problems?

Pets inevitably slow down as they age, but some changes can be the result of underlying issues, and regular veterinary checks are essential. Watch for excessive thirst or urination and difficulty getting up, climbing stairs, or getting into the car. Also, the appearance of lumps, bad breath, bleeding gums, diarrhea or vomiting, and changes in sleep patterns may be reasons for concern. Pets can suffer from dementia-like illnesses as they age— they may appear confused, forget basics such as toilet training, or start to bark or howl—but always discuss behavior changes with your vet.

MAKE SURE TO CHECK CLAWS, WHICH MAY NOT WEAR DOWN WITH REDUCED ACTIVITY.