Q: I have a dog and he got shocked by the electric fence is he okay?

A: Hi there-
I would suggest you contact your veterinarian asap to ensure your dog is alright.
Electric dog fences may cause more harm than good. If the warning sensor is ignored the dog will receive an electric shock. The degree of pain varies on the setting and the individual dogs tolerance. This pain can not only cause fear and stress, but redirected aggression. After seeing your veterinarian you might consider a safer alternative such as a fence and supervised play time in the yard.
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: May 27 2010

Q: Hi, I was wondering about the complications with a Chihuahua and a Mini-Pincher breeding. Problem is that my 5 month old minipin puppy somehow managed to mount my tiny chihuahua female who is now a year and half years of age but also really small for her kind, only about 1.8KG in weight and really small. Well to get back to the point, they got stuck together in their "accidental sex" which tells me that she's gonna be pregnant almost for sure and that is what pretty much scares me. Where Im from (Iceland) there is no real experience for this kind of breeding so I ask for your expert, professional advice and your opinion regarding weather we should let this pregnancy go all the way or should we abort this right away? I ask you cause I really dont trust the advice we get from local veterinarians here not only because of the lack of experience of this kind of breeding but also due to some hard prejudice against non professional breeders like our selfs. Thank you in advanceKristrun J. Alfonsd.?

A: Hi-
There are a number of issues with this situation. Firstly, very small dogs often have complications with breeding, so your veterinarian may need to perform a cesarean in order for the birth to happen. This is potentially risky for the dog and costly. Also, spaying and neutering your pets is wise in regards to their overall, long-term health and well being. So, I would suggest talking to your vet about this in the hopes that the female is not actually pregnant and this can be done asap.
Date: Mar 28 2010

Q: Hi Andrea! were thinking about what dog to get we already have a german shepherd and a Rottweiler!We have a farm with cows,other horses,pigs,sheep,goats etc.What kind of dog should we get please awnser?

A: Hi there-
Hmmm...this is a tough question because there are so many amazing types of dogs both purebred and mixes. Of course, it is most important to focus on the temperament of the dog. That is, a dog who would have the character or personality best suited to living with other dogs and all the other animals you mentioned. While a herding type dog (like a German Shepherd Dog) could do very well in this environment (for which they were bred), some herding dogs need extra help to control their herding instincts. If I were in your situation (by the way, it sounds amazing, so I am a bit jealous!) I would probably head to the local shelter and start checking out dogs. Spending some time with the dogs you are drawn to over the course of a week or so is a good way to better predict if it is a good match. Also, petfinder.com is an amazing site (I am addicted). If you are interested in a specific purebred you can also find rescue groups for those dogs. Maybe look into an Australian Shepherd or Aussie mix?
Woofs!
Andrea
Date: Oct 30 2009

Q: i have a 4 week old kitten that i have been bottle feeding the powder formula i bought for her at the pet store for about 5 days. yesterday she started having diaheria really bad. it is not as bad today. i was wondering if it could be because her teeth are starting to come in, if not what could it be from and how do i stop it?

A: Hi there-
When a kitten as young as 4 weeks old has diarrhea it is vital to get to the veterinarian asap. At such a young age and body weight diarrhea can cause severe dehydration. Plus, of course, you want to find out the cause. Let us know how she is doing after you go to see your vet.
Best,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Oct 27 2009

Q: what does it mean when your female cat goes into heat?

A: This means your cat is in oestrus and is ready to breed.
The signs are very obvious and include becoming exceptionally affectionate, rubbing against you, the furniture and basically everything with her hind quarters, consistent vocalization (a way of essentially calling out to males), spending a good bit of time with her head down and hind quarters in the air, and in most cases spraying their scent all over your home.
Unspayed cats may go into oestrus every 3-4 weeks!

For this fact, and considering the severe pet overpopulation problem we have, and since spaying will help your cat live a longer, healthier life, I would suggest contacting your veterinarian asap to find out when is the soonest she can be spayed. They will probably suggest waiting until this cycle is over, but get it done as soon after as they recommend.
Best!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jul 24 2009

Q: my cocker spaniel follows me all over if i get up and go to the bath room she is at my feet, if i got to the kitchen shes at my feet what could be her problem why is she always at my feet as if she's my shadow?

A: Dogs are such social creatures...it is part of why they make such wonderful companions for us. However, some dogs may become overly clingy (we sometimes call this a velcro dog!) due to not being taught how to cope with time alone. Help her learn this skill by feeding her exclusively from food stuffable toys like the Twist n' Treat toy, molecuball or tricky treat ball so she can focus on this sort of 'hunting for her food' when you have her resting for short periods in her crate and not shadowing you! :)
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 30 2009

Q: heres what i do, i take my dog outside const. she uses it out there i praise her. but she still pottys in the house and i know she knows shes doing wrong b/c when she sees that i see her she looks at me like uhh oh and then runs when she uses it house i tell her no abbie bad abbie we dont potty in the house plz help?

A: Hi there-
Abbie may be running to hide because she has learned that she may be punished for going potty in the house. This is not necessarily the same as her knowingly making a mistake. It sounds like you simply need to be a better doggie time manager so you set her up for success rather than letting her have too much freedom too soon (i.e. before she is housetrained) and make predictable mistakes. The more times she goes potty in the wrong spot the more likely that is to become a strong habit. So, for the next couple of months, keep her on leash and either hold it, tie it to a stable object right near you or step on it and give her some healthy chew toys. This way she is not able to run about and make mistakes and you can more accurately predict when to take her out to go in the right spot and be rewarded for it.
When you can't watch her, let her rest for short periods in her crate (again with chew toys to keep her busy).
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 30 2009

Q: Hello Andrea ! week ago My beagle Snoopy started to sneeze now he sneeze's all the time why dose he Sneeze?

A: Hi there-
This could be a sign of kennel cough and you should contact your vet asap for an appointment.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 23 2009

Q: This topic is a little embarrassing but what can be done to control major gas in an 11 year old Yorkie? I only get dry dog food twice a week and the rest of the time I have home cooked food like chicken, carrots, and english peas. I also get those Hollywood Stars Liver Treats every day. Oh the dry food I eat on the weekends is made with chicken cause any beef product makes me more gassy. My vet told mommy NO BEEF or high fat foods. Just use the leaner meets like fish and chicken.I was getting an herbal suppliment for this called stomach comfort which has licorice root in it but this past year they started putting xylitol in it and mommy stopped giving it to me since it can drop a dogs blood sugar level dangerously low. Would licorice root by itself help as long as it does not have xylitol in it? Sometimes I make a sound when I do the stinkies other time they are the SBD type but when I make a sound it scares me and I jump and try to run away from it.?

A: Hi there-
Firstly, there is nothing to be embarrassed about...stinkies happen! :)
Some dogs are more gassy than others...just like people! :)
However, diet can certainly play a part. I would suggest making some adjustments to the diet to see if it helps. Maybe switch out the carrots and peas for something else. You might also consult with your vet and see if yogurt (with acidophilus) might help with digestion.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 23 2009

Q: My question is about doggy dementia. This is something new that mommy has never heard of till now. How common is it and is there anything that can be done to slow the process? Mommy says I get confused a lot more now like going into another room instead of my room that I share with mommy. I have also started going to the front door when mommy and granny say outside and sometimes the kitchen door that goes to the garage. The only times I go out these doors is with a leash on the rest of the time I go out the back door. I have started growling and barking at granny now when she comes to the gate at the door to my room. It gets really bad if I have been asleep or if she makes a noise and I can not see it was her. I even forget how to get off the bed sometimes and mommy has to help me to find my steps so I do not get hurt. I do need to mention that I have had cateracts for a little over two years now but they have not progressed a lot yet. If mommy turns on a lamp on the side of the bed where my steps are I do fine or if it is dark in the room. The time I have trouble is when ther is a shadow then I can ot tell hot to go up the steps without help. How much is due to the cateracts and how much is due to doggy dementia? How common is doggy dementia in other breeds?

A: Hi there-
You didn't mention how old your pup is. But, senility can certainly be part of the aging process of dogs and much of what you describe fits the description. A great diet, appropriate exercise and mental stimulation (playing games that help stimulate your dog mentally) are vital to helping your dog move into his/her elder years with as much vitality as possible.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 23 2009

Q: I do not know how to word this so hope it doesnt sound to retarded. Well i was wondering if a dog could have a mental illness? I understand some dogs contanly chase theit tail and things like that but how about personality as in my term "dumb ness" I have a one year old chihuahua male name paco who constantly runs into walls shakes his head and does it again.. he also gets on the bed with a chew toy plays with it and falls of the bed shakes his head and does this again sometimes up to 3 times. Also his ears are still floppy and he is a chi so his ears should be up by now? He has a lazy eye as well. He is oh so cute while doing these things and his little look is priceless but was honestly wondering if he could be "slow". I am not trying to be funny its a honest question just didnt know how to ask... thanks...?

A: Hi there-
Dogs can suffer from neurological impairments which may cause behaviors such as disorientation, imbalance, etc. From what you are describing I would strongly suggest you have your vet do a thorough evaluation.
In regards to your dog having floppy ears, even if a breed standard states the dog should have an up, alert ear set that doesn't mean all dogs within the breed will look the same. If your dog has already lost all of his baby teeth and the adult teeth are fully grown in then odds are his ear set will remain what is is now since the cartilage has probably already hardened in place.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 15 2009

Q: Hi Andrea,My dog Misty and I were on a walk and She started barking at nothing!Why?Then she ran and wanted me to pick her up so I did but I did not know what she was barking at!So Please tell me why?

A: Hi there-
I don't think I could accurately tell you what caused this behavior since I wasn't there to see what happened. However, I will say that dogs often see and hear things that we might not notice, and of course often have reactions that differ greatly from what ours might be. For example, a dog might panic when a garbage truck or motorcycle goes by whereas most people are used to these vehicles and hardly bat an eye when they pass.
I would suggest for the next few weeks, at least, to err on the side of caution in case this happens again and starts to become a habit (i.e. fear on the street). So, get yourself a treat pouch you can hook onto your pants and fill it with some of your dog's favorite treats chopped into tiny pieces. When walking her stop every 5-10 feet and offer her a tiny treat. This way you are helping to create a positive association between being on the street and getting great yummies. If she does have another episode where she seems to panic, try not to pick her up, instead drop a little handle of the treats on the ground and hopefully she will be interested enough to focus on that rather than whatever scared her.
You might also consider trying something called DAP which is a synthetic pheromone which mimics the natural pheromone a mother dog releases to calm herself and her pups.
Hope this helps!
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Jun 15 2009

Q: i have a maltese puppy, i don't know how old he is, does anybody know how i can find out? PS his little testies haven't dropped, maybe that will help with my question...?

A: Hi there-
One of the best ways to gauge a pup's age is by looking at their teeth. While all dogs mature at a slightly different rate, generally if they have a full set of baby teeth they are probably under 3 months old. If the pup has all adult teeth and is a purebred Maltese, odds are he is over 6 months old.
In regards to the descended testicles, at birth, the testicles are in his abdomen. They descend as he matures (in part, due to the need for sperm devlopment which can not occur inside the body where it is too warm). This is usually by 6-10 weeks old. However, some dogs' testicles do not descend (either one or both). This is a genetic disorder and is called cyrptorchidism.
If you purchased your pup from a breeder they should have records to show the date of birth. If you adopted your pup from a shelter, I would suggest asking your vet to estimate the age on your next visit.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: May 26 2009

Q: Hello Andrea I need to know how much I should feed a 9 week old Bernese mountain dog!?

A: Hi there-
The amount of food you should feed depends greatly on the type you choose. That is, each has a different list of ingredients, protein and fat levels, etc.
I would suggest chatting with your vet and letting them know the type of food you have chosen so they can look at the list of ingredients, etc. with you and give you an idea of what is appropriate.
Do keep in mind that with a large breed suggest as the Bernese who (unfortunately) is prone to joint issues it is wise not to over feed. This is especially true during puppyhood and adolescent when your dog's bones are still developing.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: May 09 2009

Q: Hi My dog Rufus has bin acting weird! I brought home another puppy and ever since he has bin acting like I don't love him and more but I tell him how much I do How to I fix it!?

A: Hi there-
Just as it might take you some time to adjust if a family member brought a new person in to live in your home, your dog may need a little time to get used to another dog in his home. The good news is that since you should already be using management to set your puppy up for success (that is, preventing hosuetraining mistakes, chewing inappropriate items, etc.) those same time management tools (listed below) will allow Rufus the ability to have some down time and some alone time with you.
Most dogs are very adaptable. Assuming Rufus was well socialized as a pup and enjoys the company of other dogs, odds are he will learn to see this new pup as a valuable canine companion. With that said, I still suggest to people with a multi dog household that they should make a concerted effort to find a bit of time each day to spend with each dog separately.
As for management tools for your pup, I suggest:
1. Keeping him on a leash at all times when youa re there to supervise to prevent him/her from running about and making mistakes. You can hold the leash, step on it or tether it to something stable.
2. Feed your pup out of food stuffable chew toys as a way to give him/her the chance to burn off mental and physical energy and to keep the pup happily occupied when you want to do other things (such as play with Rufus!).
3. Teach the pup to spend short bits of time resting quietly in a crate (you can feed the pup meals from the above mentioned toys in the crate so the pup learns to associate being in there with something good...meal times!).
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: May 08 2009

Q: How much do you have to feed a dog between 15-20 lbs.?

A: Hi there-
This really depends on the food you are feeding as every type has a different list of ingredients, protein and fat levels, etc.
Generally, you want to feed to a moderate weight. That means, depending on the dogs general physical structure, you should be able to gently rub your hands down each side of him and feel a rib or two and also from the profile see a slight tuck up in the belly.
If this isn't the case, chat with your vet about whether or not your dog is in good weight condition.
How much food you give each day might vary slightly in order to achieve that nice, moderate weight. Especially if your dog's exercise routine varies. For example, if it is a very hot week or two and you aren't taking your dog out for typical walks then you might slightly decrease the food. On the other hand, if you and your pup are having an especially active few weeks of lots of walks, play sessions, etc. you might slightly increase it.
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: May 08 2009

Q: Recently my cat seems to be cleaning her face but instead she is gagging. I checked in her mouth to see if there in anything in the but I couldn't find anything. This has been taking place for approx. 1 month. Do you think maybe something is in her throat?

A: Hi there-
Hairballs are quite common and are usually caused by when a cat licks themselves to clean and thereby swallows some shedded fur which may mat up and remain undigested in the stomach. This can irritate the esophagus and stomach lining and may result in gagging and/or vomiting. Sometimes this results in a mass of undigested food and/or haird coming up.
Talk to your veterinarian who may suggest using a small amount of petroleum jelly in the cat's mouth which will then be swallowed and hopefully help the hairball pass. But, it would be wise to chat with your veterinarian to confirm this is what they think it is (see they can see your cat in person) and if not hopefully diagnose it otherwise.
Best!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Apr 17 2009

Q: My dog Tiffany has cancer we got her some stuff to help but what will happen?

A: I am so sorry to hear this. However, there are so many types of cancer and stages of each that it really is best for you to discuss this in depth with your veterinarian who should be able to go over the treatment options and prognosis.
Best,
Andrea Arden
Date: Apr 17 2009

Q: My cat Rupert woke up this morning and he didn't seem to be feeling very good. He kinda gagged when he ate and he seems nauseated. Could it be a hairball?

A: Hi there-
It definitely could be a hairball. However, it would be wise to contact your veterinary to make sure it isn't something else such as an internal parasite, upper respiratory infection, etc.
Best,
Andrea Arden
Date: Apr 17 2009

Q: How often do you have to wlak your dog?

A: This varies greatly on the dog's age, health and energy level. For example, a high energy 6 month old dog in great health might need a minimum of 5 walks a day of no less than 15-30 minutes each, whereas a 7 year old, low energy dog who suffers from arthritis might do better with 5 walks of only 5-10 minutes each.
But, as a general rule I think you should be sure to get your dog out for potty breaks on a schedule that looks something like this:
Early morning walk (around 7-8am)
Lunch walk (around 12-1pm)
Late afternoon walk (around 4-5pm)
Evening walk (around 9-10pm)

But, of course, I am sure your dog would appreciate as many opportunities to eliminate as possible and as many opportunities to spend time with you as possible. :)
Woofs!
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Apr 17 2009