A skittish dog does not equal a ghost

MY PET WORLD

Q: When we moved into our house, it seemed as though Max, our 9-year old German Shepherd mix, became more skittish. We’ve lived here over a year, and last week Max began to hesitate at the same spot going up, at the very last step from the top. He looks around, as if he’s looking for something. Clearly, because of Max, we’ve learned there’s a ghost at the top of our stairway. Who do we call? — V. S., Las Vegas City, NV

A: Really? Is this just a setup for me to promote the upcoming “Ghostbusters” movie?

I am far more inclined to believe that your dog may have slipped, particularly since Max is an older dog possibly with some arthritis.

Another possibility is that Max was once spooked as he happened to reach the top of the stairs, maybe by a loud noise.

If you think Max is seriously bothered, give him a reason to love that last step by randomly leaving surprise treats at that last step for Max to find.

Q: Our 18-year-old cat, Serena, offers sad meows. She bellows these sad sounds just before lying down. Two years ago, her sister, Venus died, and that’s when the long meows began. My heart breaks. Could she still be mourning? What can I do to help? — G.G., Macon, GA

A: It’s unlikely Serena continues to mourn two years later, though, we really don’t know how long a cat can grieve. We don’t know why some cats attached to siblings or other household cats mourn, while others demonstrate no apparent sorrow.

Do visit your veterinarian. An older cat meowing may be in pain. Or your cat may be anticipating pain that may occur when lying down. Arthritis is common in older cats. The loud meowing could also be a result of hearing loss.

Loud vocalizing in an older cat could also be a sign of feline cognitive dysfunction or “kitty Alzheimer’s.” To confirm a diagnosis, ask your veterinarian.