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| Stay PetPop Healthy with our Pet Experts. |
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| They are here to help you with any health related questions you have for your pet, and will gladly answer them in a timely manner. |
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| Their answers will be featured here in PetPop Healthy section every week, so check in to read what they have to say. |
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| Questions & Answers |
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A: It sounds like Rufus is still learning to adjust to having to share your attention. I would recommend continuing to find some one-on-one time with him, but then also include time with both pets. It may take a while, but soon Rufus will begin to love his brother just as much as you do.
Date: May 15 2009
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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
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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
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A: Tina will be ok - there isn't much to do. Just let her know how long she'll be at the vets and that she'll be coming back home. Usually after the spaying they don't act much different - so unless there is some complication, you can expect her to be her usual self post surgery.
Christine Agro
Date: May 08 2009
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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
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A: This could possibly be a hairball. However, I would continue to monitor his behavior. If he does not want to eat or drink or his behavior changes (such as hiding, meowing more frequently), he could be ill. I would recommend a trip to the veterinarian if he does not return to normal activity soon.
Date: Apr 19 2009
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A: I would definitely recommend a trip to the vet, especially since this condition has been going on for some time now. It is possible that she is trying to expel a hairball or could have developed some type of allergy to an inhalant or even her food. There is also the chance that she may have a foreign body lodged in her throat or nasal passages. Hopefully, a thorough examination from your veterinarian can quickly determine the cause.
Date: Apr 19 2009
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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
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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
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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
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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
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A: Hi there-
You can feed a dog turkey or chicken as long as it, like all other foods, is given in moderation and as long as your individual dog does not have an allergy or other health issues that warrants concern. In which case, chat with your vet.
Some of the foods you should not feed your dog are:
Chocolate, coffee, grapes, raisins, onions.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Mar 06 2009
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A: Hi there-
It isn't likely your dog is barking at nothing. Most dogs have a far superior sense of hearing and smell than we do so odds are he/she is sensing a change in the environment that you aren't picking up. This could be a person or animal passing by, a siren sounding far away, or...a leaf blowing in the wind! :)
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Mar 06 2009
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A: Hi there-
As with people, every dog's teeth build up tartar at a slightly different rate. In general, it is wise to clean them at home at least once a week using a toothbrush or finger attachment rubber 'brush' and pet safe toothpaste.
In regards to a thorough cleaning with tartar removal at the vet, the frequency of need is likely to be greatly reduced if you do good teeth maintenance at home...just like us. Chat with you rvet to see if your dog needs a cleaning at the moment.
Woofs,
Andrea Arden, CPDT
www.AndreaArden.com
Date: Mar 06 2009
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A: Cats have a very good memory. It is very possible that the necessary medical treatment the kitty needed earlier in life may have left her feeling less than positive towards all caregivers. Although going to the vet was in her best interest, she may have viewed this as a very unpleasant and scary experience.
My best advice is to continue to give her time, space and positive reinforcement that she likes, whether it be a tasty treat (in moderation!), favorite toy, or just calm petting. She may never be comfortable around strangers, but should desensitize to her owners over time. Best of luck!
Date: Jan 15 2009
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 Questions & Answers |
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| Meet the experts: |
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Christie Shaver, is a licensed pet nutrition expert and is the founder of The Healthy Pet Gourmet visit her at www.thpg.com
Below is the story of Christie’s journey in becoming a successful pet healer:
When my dog, Goldie, became ill at 11, I knew that if I didn’t act quickly, my vet planned to euthanize him. He was very sick, but I couldn’t let him go. I knew it wasn’t his time. For the next 4 days I wouldn’t leave his side – I massaged and hugged him, kissed ...
read more ››
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Andrea Arden has written five books including Dog Friendly Dog Training (IDG, 2000), Train Your Dog the Lazy Way (Macmillan, 1999), and The Little Book of Dog Tricks (IDG, 2002).
She has also been the behavior columnist for Dog Fancy and The New York Dog magazines as well as a contributing writer for the AKC Gazette, and numerous other publications.
Andrea was the on air trainer for The Pet Department, FX’s Emmy award winning daily show and has appeared ...
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Christine works with all animals. Her role is to act as a voice and advocate for your animal and provide support and guidance for you. Christine combines her clairvoyance and her natural healing background to address all aspects of your animal’s health, wellness and Spiritual needs. She offers insight into diet/nutrition, health, wellness, emotional support, behavioral needs and Spiritual growth.
Christine is the pioneer of the Conscious Animal Connection and during readings, she ...
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Brent Hinton
PetFirst Healthcare
Co-Founder and CEO
Brent Hinton's mission as co-founder and chief executive officer of
PetFirst Healthcare is to help pet owners have access to the healthcare
their pets need by simplifying the pet insurance process.
For 17 years, Hinton served as an executive for various non-profit
organizations. He also is an expert in animal adoption and welfare,
having served as director of the Kentucky Humane Society for eight
years.
Hinton's ...
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A cat therapist forever, Carole Wilbourn is The Cat Therapist. She’s published 6 books on cat psychotherapy and logged more than 100,000 miles making house calls to patients throughout the world. She’s been hailed as “the founding mother of cat psychology”, she co-founded The Cat Practice, the first veterinary hospital in New York City exclusively devoted to cat care in 1973.
Over the years, Carole has consulted with veterinarians to devise treatment programs for cats with psychological ...
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Born in Buenos Aires, Jorge Bendersky became interested in the sport of dog breeding and showing at a very early age. Growing up on his family's hacienda in Argentina, he inherited the tradition of caring for the animals on the ranch. Jorge also learned to manage all the myriad aspects of ranch life including its facilities and employees. Later in life, he took on the duty of managing his family's boutique hotels across Argentina. His experience with the family business gives Jorge the ability ...
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After a successful career as a Speech and Language Pathologist, Marcello Forte followed his dream to help New York City's homeless animals. For the past seven years as Executive Director of Animal Haven, Marcello has played a significant part in helping solve the city's pet overpopulation problem.
Marcello's vision has taken Animal Haven from a small Queens-based shelter to an organization that includes a upstate sanctuary, mobile adoption program and innovative adoption center ...
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After pursuing a career in the equine industry, Rachel Farris joined the PetRelocation.com team in early 2006. PetRelocation.com is one of the most experienced, respected & technologically-advanced pet relocation companies in the world, specializing in door-to-door domestic and international pet relocations worldwide. Farris has coordinated hundreds of relocations for pets big and small – gerbils from Zurich to New York, fourteen horses from California to Honduras, and one very large collection ...
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