Pets

Question: My three-year-old golden retriever insists on clawing at the carpet like a cat. We clip his nails each month yet he is unstoppable. Why does he do it? Colleen Answer: Whereas scratching is a normal behaviour for cats, it’s quite abnormal for dogs. I would say that, instead of scratching, he’s actually digging. And […]

Question: I taught my cat to come to a whistle by using it when I was giving him a cuddle and a feed. Now when I call him in for the night, nine times out of ten he arrives home. I have trained three cats the same way. Answer: Helen

Descended from the Lhasa Apsos of Tibet, which in turn were crossed with the Pekingese, the resultant Shih Tzus were often presented as tributes to the Emperor of China and lived a life of luxury in the Imperial palaces. The breeding of these lively little dogs was supervised by court eunuchs, who vied with each […]

By Dr Chris Brown The courage of a two-legged dog stuns veterinary science and helps inspire people. Meet Faith, a dog I came face-to-face with on a trip to the Midwest US state of Oklahoma. Faith is no ordinary dog. This Chow-Labrador cross has fascinated the world and become a celebrity. E-mails, websites, television shows […]

Question: My dog was attacked by my ex-boyfriend’s dog four months ago and needed stitches. He told me that he had taken the dog to the vet to have them removed, yet I just discovered that they are still in my little girl. Can they do any serious harm? Amanda Answer: Those stitches, like the […]

The Nine Network’s resident vet joins Woman’s Day to help solve your pet problems. What made you want to become a vet? When I was growing up, a vet was the last thing I was going to be. My dad’s a vet and I didn’t want to be seen as following in his footsteps. But […]

By Lucy Hine Nothing beats the feeling of coming home and being greeted by an excited pet. Instantly a lousy day at work can be transformed into an enjoyable evening. However, this is a pleasure unknown to some asthma and allergy suffers. Symptoms such as sneezing, itchy, red and watery eyes, rashes and wheezy breathing […]

Question: My 8-year-old Tortie appears to have developed bulimia over the past year. She guzzles down her food and usually looks at guzzling down my other cats’ food as well whenever she gets the opportunity. She is the only one that begs at our dinner table and is a real greedy-guts. Then she vomits a […]

Question: If you want your bunny to eat more hay I suggest a hay roll. Cut a paper towel roll, when empty, into quarters and stuff it with hay. Rabbits generally love to pull the hay out. It is also good if your bunny likes to wee in his/her hay. Answer: Lisa

Question: Recently one of my cockatiels died and the other one that was in the cage with him has turned very nasty ? like attacking people and flying at our head and body to attack. I thought they were both male birds, but maybe I was wrong. How can we get the bird to calm […]

Question: How far can a missing pet travel, or will they generally stay in the vicinity from where they escaped? I had an inside only Burmese cat, that escaped whilst on a breeding visit. I don’t know whether to keep to the same area or expand the search. I have covered all other options I […]

By Lucy Hine The Keeshond (Keeshonden, plural) is a handsome dog with an alert and intelligent fox-like appearance. Of Arctic origin, in the eighteenth century it was known as “dog of the people”. Around the time of the French Revolution, the Keeshond was seen as the symbol of the common and middle-class Dutchmen, who were […]

Question: I have a 7-year-old female Maltese Terrier that has a hard lump on the right top nipple. At first it was the size of a 5-cent piece, now it has grown to a 10-cent piece. She has not been de-sexed and the only other dogs she plays with are her mother and her sister […]

Question: You don’t have to buy toys for your cat to be happy. My cat loves the foil from the top of wine bottles, a cardboard box that has holes he can stick his paws out of, dry leaves, and alfoil rolled up into balls. Answer: Marisa

By Lucy Hine If you’re wondering how to lose those few extra kilos, grab your dog and a leash and get walking. Physical exercise is vital to the health and wellbeing of you and your dog. Exercising together not only develops the bond you have with your pet but also stimulates your mental health, concentration, […]

By Lucy Hine The Borzoi is an elegant dog that is also known as the Russian wolfhound. Bred for wolf hunting by the Russian aristocracy, its name comes from the Russian word “borzii” which means swift. The method of hunting the Russians used with the Borzoi was quite unique. Russian hunters rode on horses in […]

Question: I have a six-year-old Doberman who likes to chase the car tyres whenever we drive out. We have tried everything. Can you help us please? — Sam Answer: Tyre chasing is quite a common hobby of active dogs, particularly those of a territorial nature. The movement sets off some sort of predatory behaviour inside […]

Question: Cats are natural carnivores and most of our pet cats just love a good munch on something meaty! Some butchers have the odd chicken neck floating around, this does sound gross but your cat will love you! (Make sure to serve outside to minimise mess.) Answer: Grace

Question: Our dog Jazz is a two-and-a-half-year-old Weimeraner x who we picked up from the pound two years ago. She had been mistreated for the first three months of her life then lived at the pound for the next two months before we adopted her. She’s a lovely dog, however, she is constantly edgy and […]

Question: While brushing my Chihuahua recently I noticed lots of little flecks of dandruff-like dry skin on him. Is there such a thing as anti-dandruff shampoo for pets? Or could this possibly be a skin condition? ? Emily Answer: Dry flaky skin is common in pets and could be a sign of several skin conditions, […]

By Lucy Hine The Australian silky terrier is a versatile little dog which is adored by people all over the world. Extremely loyal, affectionate and gentle, the silky terrier is a perfect family dog that learns quickly and is willing to please, making it an easy dog to train and a great companion. The silky […]

Coming up to summer it is important to keep your dog cool. A great way to do that and keep them entertained at the same time is with frozen bone treats. All you have to do is get some smaller sized bones from your butcher, place them in a plastic cup, add a few dog […]

The best thing I have ever done for my kitten is to buy a ball of wool and create little balls she can bat around, play with and chase. I add in a long hanging piece which I can swing around for her to leap at. They’re so much fun. My three-year-old and five-year-old cats […]

Question: I have a six-month-old labrador who is really naughty. He pulls the washing off the line consistently. I have tried every punishment, and praise when he doesn’t do it, yet he still does it. The dog has lots of toys and is well exercised. I am running out of ideas. Krystal Answer: Labradors are […]

Question: My boyfriend and I live in an average-sized two bedroom flat. We have recently adopted a kitten (she’s roughly three months old) and are worried that she gets bored when we’re not around. She has heaps of toys and things to play with but seems to mainly sleep when we’re not around and goes […]

Question: My miniature shelty has a really bad flea allergy. Other vets said he might be allergic to a number of things. It’s got to the stage were he’s ripping his hair out near his backside. I bath him every two days but there are still lumps and he’s constantly scratching and also has anxiety […]

Question: Our golden retriever pup kept chewing everything well past her first birthday. She even destroyed the carpet in the lounge room. We sought the advice of a dog behaviourist and his first response was to check her mouth. Sure enough, she was having a lot of trouble cutting wisdom teeth. Answer: Just like some […]

Question: I live in a small apartment and I travel with work — up to four days a week. Is there a pet suitable for me? Kate Heyman Answer: This is a difficult one because most pets want love and attention which means a commitment to being around. However, they are adaptable and will get […]

Question: Please advise how we can control our cat fighting with the neighbour’s cat. He has been neutered about two months ago but still goes over to the neighbour’s house from time to time to “pick a fight”. We keep him indoors at night and do not want to keep him indoors all the time. […]

Question: My eight-year-old Maltese terrier barely eats a thing when either my Mum or I aren’t at home. He is a very slow eater anyway and won’t eat outdoors, so when Mum is out for the night — especially if she’s away for longer — it worries me that he won’t eat enough. Nicole Answer: […]

Question: Our little Bassett hound is four months old and tends to wake up every morning around 5.30am barking. The only way to stop him barking is to get up and “entertain” him. The neighbours get upset with us when we just let him bark. Is there any quick way we can teach him to […]

If you have a hound like mine, who loves to chew everything and likes chillies and the bitter sprays, try Dencorub or similar — they hate the smell and won’t go near it! It has saved me from replacing the dog door for the third time —and this is a dog who gets every toy/bone/ball […]

I have found the best way to maintain my dog’s coat so that it is healthy and shiny is to give her a couple of eggs with a splash of olive oil once a week. It works really well — even for a 14-year-old corgie. Keryn

Question: My 17-year-old son has bought, with our permission, a Staffy puppy. But boy are we getting some negative comments. She is now 10 weeks old and a fully-fledged part of our family, but why this reaction from people — are there any grounds for it? Karen Answer: Unfortunately Staffies (Staffordshire bull terriers) do suffer […]

Question: Just today I have noticed a build-up on my three-year-old cat’s back teeth. I removed it with minimal ease. How often should cats have their teeth cleaned? Jo Answer: Most pets have some tartar build-up by the time they reach three years. It occurs on all surfaces of all teeth (including under the gum […]

Question: We have two cats, Khloee, two years, and Kahlua, nine weeks. Khloee was recently stolen and dumped far from home and I believe they mistreated her as well. She was terrified of all humans when I got her back. We have recently got another kitten for Khloee to play with but she hasn’t really […]

Question: We have a big, hairy breed of dog who is really feeling the heat of summer. We give him plenty to drink and he has lots of cool, shady spots to sit in during the day. He doesn’t like the water and won’t lie on a wet towel. How can we help him beat […]

By Lucy Hine Grooming your pet can certainly be a drama, particularly if your cat or dog wasn’t trained or handled very often when they were younger. Understanding your pet’s needs regarding hygiene and cleanliness is the first step to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy. Cat owners often watch with wonder at how […]

By Lucy Hine An aquarium is a soothing and relaxing way to calm stress levels after a busy day at work. Purchasing an aquarium makes sense, as fish and aquatic life are known for their therapeutic qualities and are one of the most popular pets purchased in Australian households. Aquariums range from basic fish bowls […]

Question: Ever since I have had my lab de-sexed she doesn’t like men. The vet that de-sexed her was a male and since then, when a male comes up to pat her she gets very scared and barks. She is not like this with women. Is there anything I can do? Jessica Answer: She may […]

Question: My sister recently bought an adorable fluffy white Poodle Maltese cross puppy. However, within about four weeks of having her, the poor little thing got two ticks and was terribly ill and nearly died. Now my sister is too paranoid to take her out and won’t let her anywhere near any grass when she […]

Question: My dog has just turned one year old and she has a barking problem. We have tried all sorts of discipline and she still doesn’t learn. She is a very yappy dog, which obviously gets annoying very quickly. What strategies could we use to stop our dog barking? Amy Answer: Firstly you need to […]

Question: My eight-month-old Labrador is frightened of the vacuum cleaner and the lawn mower. I have tried giving her treats while the noise is occurring but it has not helped. Strangely, she is fine with other loud noises such as thunder and trucks. She is a guide dog puppy and I am concerned that these […]

Question: I am a 70-year-old lady living alone and am considering buying a female Dogue de Bordeaux for company and security. Would appreciate your comments. Leigh Wilson Answer: The Dogue De Bordeaux, also known as a French Mastiff, has been used over the centuries as a guard and hunting dog, so they do indeed make […]

Question: I was wondering what we could do with our 10-month-old puppy. She is a border collie named Misty and whenever light comes into the house or there are shadows on the ground from lights, she tries to dig the light up. We have tried distractions but she goes back to the same thing. Our […]

Question: What is the lifespan of mice? Danuta Elliott Answer: Poor little mice don’t grace this earth for very long. The lifespan of the average pet mouse is 18 months to two years, but they occasionally live up to three or four years. While some people shriek at the sight of them or think they […]

A little grated cheese sprinkled on top of their food will encourage fussy cats to eat. Works for my fussy Ragdoll! Lynette Harper

By Lucy Hine The beautiful Persian is a quiet, gentle and sweet-natured cat that is well-behaved. Most think this is a cat that only enjoys a life of luxury, but the truth is this breed is happy to be anywhere where it’s loved and cared for. The Persian’s soft and luxurious fur comes in a […]

Question: I am really interested in getting a Pomeranian; however, I have been told they are a ‘yappy’ dog. Is this so and is it possible to train and change this characteristic? Julie Answer: Pomeranians, like a lot of toy breeds, are famous for being yappy. They certainly are quite brave and protective little dogs […]

If you want to give your dog a yummy, healthy treat without the risk of your dog choking, try fresh raw chicken necks! It may sound horrible but they are very cheap, easy to find (at any butcher or supermarket) and due to the soft cartilage are very difficult to choke on. Plus, they help […]

Question: I have a one-year-old cat who will eat anything, even pumpkin skin. We have got her on a strict diet of low calorie biscuits from my vet, but nothing fills her up. She is hungry 24 hours a day and will devour anything she can find. She has been tested for diabetes and thyroid […]

We have found that our small dog is much better when travelling if she has a light meal three to four hours before we leave and then a gingernut biscuit once in the car. The ginger in a biscuit is obviously enough to settle a wee dog’s tummy. Lesley Burns

Question: I have a four-year-old German Shepherd and every time she hears someone bouncing a ball she freaks out; she tries to find places to hide just to get away from the noise. Why is this? Vanessa Thornton Answer: Your poor little pooch obviously has a bit of a ball (or general noise) phobia. Maybe […]

By Lucy Hine There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your dog running in the opposite direction when they’re called. Not having the “come here” command under wraps is not only frustrating but dangerous too. A dog who has been taught to come on command makes walking easier and more enjoyable and gives you the confidence […]

Question: My dog Elly-May is a miniature poodle and has lived with us ever since she was a puppy. Whenever we take her to see other dogs she snaps at them when they come close to her. She is five years old now and I was wondering is there any way we can get her […]

Chuckie, our shih tzu/border collie cross (yes, it is possible) has many anxiety problems and had a couple of biting incidents. After contacting a behaviouralist, Chuckie was placed on anxiety medication, which continued for approximately 10 months. It helped a lot, together with some heavy retraining, but we decided that it was time to come […]

By Lucy Hine A quick learner, eager to please, gentle and non-aggressive ? the Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and a great family pet. The Labrador is a well-adjusted and adaptable dog that can just as easily be the devoted companion of an elderly person as a children’s […]

Question: How do I stop my cockatiel from biting me or anyone that comes near him? He is eight months old and beautiful. Mary Nelson Answer: Biting birds are certainly not unusual. They usually do it if they feel a little frightened or out of control. They also do it for play reasons, so it […]

Question: My cat has been losing hair from her stomach and thighs. The hair loss started 16 months ago when my son was born and is steadily getting worse. I assume she is stressed. How do I calm her and stop her over-grooming? Suzanne Casson Answer: I think you are right on the money thinking […]

Question: My male tabby is constantly fighting with his sister (also a tabby). I got them at the same time and they’ve never had a problem until about six months ago when I moved house. They are both 18 months old. The vet has tried hormone injections but it made no difference. He also attacks […]

Question: My husband and I are moving from our house with a backyard into a city apartment soon and want to know whether our small silky terrier cross will be able to be litter trained? Brandie Foote Answer: There are a few ideas that can help your doggy with your downsizing. Litter training is definitely […]

Question: I have had my cat for the past 16 years after finding her abandoned at the local video store. I’ve noticed she is now blind. How will this affect her in her daily life? Could you also tell me what the average lifespan is for cats? Michelle Answer: There are many reasons cats go […]

Question: Cats can learn to walk with one bell so that it doesn’t make any noise. Put two bells on their collar, plus a small mirror to catch light to warn the birds and lizards your cat might be hunting. Answer: Karleigh Fox

Question: My dog barks at everyone (especially other dogs) walking or riding past my car. While I don’t mind it, I am expecting my first child in 13 weeks time and want to still be able to take my dog everywhere with me. But he won’t be able to come if he keeps up this […]

Question: I have a two-year-old British Bulldog cross Red Heeler who watches TV 24/7. She just sits in front of the TV and watches — she even has favourite ads. Is it normal for a dog to watch TV? Rebekah Answer: The colour and movement of TV is very eye-catching to dogs and cats. To […]

Question: I am looking after my parents’ Maltese terrier for the next three months. Last night was the first night I had him and when it was time to put him into his basket he cried continuously. What can I do so this does not occur and my neighbours don’t complain? I know it will […]

Question: My dog is sneezing a great deal and has a very sniffly nose. Is it cold or hay fever, and what can I do to ease his misery? He is approximately nine-years-old. Elizabeth Answer: It could be either, and he probably needs to be seen by a vet if he is off-colour at all. […]

Question: To avoid bacteria infections in dogs’ paws during rainy days, dry them off when they come back indoors. Answer: Julie Schofield

Question: We seem to have a never-ending flea problem and it’s costing an arm and a leg! Is there anything we can do in one big bang that will help bring the problem under control? Peta Salmon Answer: Fleas can be very difficult to eradicate, as you have found out. I’m sure you have used […]

Question: To avoid bunny boredom, hide some food around his or her quarters. Carrots, parsnips etc, hidden in places where your bunny will find them (with a little effort on their part) will keep them occupied and an interested rabbit is a happy rabbit! Answer: Hayley

Question: We have a nine-year-old female Jack Russell terrier who is terrified of loud noises, especially thunderstorms. How can we let her know it’s okay? Concerned, Wellington NSW. Answer: Noise phobias are a very common problem in dogs. It’s very frightening for them and what they’re experiencing is essentially a panic attack. Often they’ll hurt […]

By Lucy Hine Fleas are a common parasite which most pet owners are no doubt very familiar with. The flea may seem like just a small nuisance, but it is responsible for a lot of skin disorders on dogs and cats. Flea bites make your pet uncomfortable and extremely itchy! Because of their minuscule size, […]

You may not realise it, but your goldfish has a rather exotic past. Perhaps bought as a simple pet or just something to look at, your goldfish was actually the first species of fish prized for its decorative looks. As early as 970 AD, a red coloured goldfish known as the carp was developed in […]

Question: My 11-year-old Maltese has cancer on her inner back leg. It is starting to get quite large — it’s the size of a tennis ball and now is developing blisters. Is there anything we can do to make this less irritating for her? I am really worried. The blisters are starting to burst. The […]

Question: I have two miniature poodles that are one to two kilos over the recommended 10kg weight for their breed. How much food should I be giving them? I like to give them dry and tinned food daily, with raw bones once a week. The suggested amounts on the commercial food packets differ with each […]

Question: I have just adopted a nine-month-old Westie and we also have a two-year-old Maltese female. The Westie has just been desexed but will not stop mounting our female dog. How do I stop this as it’s really upsetting our little bitch? Jenny Answer: The first thing to note here is this is not a […]

Question: What do I do when my dog has skin problems? Answer: To soothe skin allergies in dogs, take some tea tree oil (about a tablespoon), add it to one bucket of warm water and bath the dog with the oil and warm water. Repeat in a week and the results are outstanding. Emily Hobden

Question: I am confused about what’s best to feed my miniature poodle. Which is best: raw meat with vegetables or cooked meat with vegetables? Marinette Schemali Answer: Making a homemade diet for pets isn’t as simple as it sounds. You need to be sure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals and enough protein […]

Question: My puppy likes to suck my thumb, sometimes up to six times a day. Is this normal? She seems to get great satisfaction from it. Should I stop her from doing this? I should tell you I’ve had her since she was a day old. Pauline Foster Answer: It sounds like your little puppy […]

Question: My dog (my first) turns three soon. What’s the difference between dog and human years? Carolyn Answer: The old saying is that there are about seven dog years to one human year – which means she’d be celebrating her 21st! This is simplistic, but is roughly correct. Dogs grow and change more rapidly than […]

Question: My dog Ted will not go into his kennel. I have bought a wooden one and a plastic one and he doesn’t like either. He has his special pillow/blanket in both, but this doesn’t help as he keeps pulling them out. He has no shelter outside except for these kennels, so when it rains […]

Question: After training dogs and horses for 25 years, it seems to me the most common complaint is dogs pulling against the lead. If you don’t want your dog to pull, then don’t you pull! It’s as easy as that. A dog cannot pull against resistance that isn’t there! Short, firm tugs are a far […]