Pets Corner: Lhasa Apso Pup Is Taking The Pee

Sep 14 2008 Scott Miller

Q What is the best way to toilet train my 16-week-old Lhasa apso? We take him out during the day but he comes in to the house to go to the toilet.

A Puppies less than six months old will often have accidents in your home as the outside world is scary for them. Walking them outdoors at least once an hour, after waking up and after meals is a sure formula for toilet training success. Try taking a tissue scented with his urine outside and let your puppy smell it as this may stimulate him to go outside. Give him lots of attention or a treat if he does.

Only tell him off for going indoors if you catch him in the act. A sharp 'No' then taking him to the training pads is a good way to show him where you'd like him to go.

Q My English bull terrier has small black dots on her skin that turn to spots, crust up and fall off. She is itchy and scratches a lot. The skin on her belly has started to go black and flaky. My vet's tablets haven't cleared it up. Help.

A The darkening of the skin, called hyperpigmentation, occurs with chronic itching which stimulates the overproduction of melanin. It is likely your dog has a food allergy or is allergic to things she has contact with every day, such as grass. Return to your vet to discuss diagnosing this condition (usually requiring blood testing) to find the best way to manage it as it is likely to be a lifelong problem.

Q My 12-year-old cat is very aggressive and cannot be touched without him biting and scratching. Can you help?

A After 10 years of ownership, if your cat isn't friendly now, he may never be. Wear gardening gloves when you stroke him so he can't bite you. He may learn that being stroked is quite pleasurable.

Discuss it with your vet as there are medical options for a disgruntled feline, including the use of diffusers to keep your moggy feeling fine.

Q There are four cats straying into my house and garden, one of which has got so cocky he comes indoors and eats my cat's food. How can I stop them without trapping my moggy in?

A You could try a magnetic collar which allows only your cat in. But I'd be more proactive by improving your fencing and growing sharp-leafed plants around your garden borders. Or buy a water pistol which always works as a good deterrent.

Q My three-year-old dwarf lop house rabbit has started weeing on the carpet even though he is litter trained and has access to his hutch. Why?

A Have him checked by a vet to ensure he doesn't have a urinary infection or disorder. If he gets the all-clear, start from scratch with house training by confining him to one room where he hasn't urinated before. Put his usual toys and hutch in there too. Once he has proven himself, slowly try him out in the rest of the house.

Q How can I get rid of my Labrador's strong smell?

A It could be an overgrowth of a yeast on the skin called malassezia, which causes a musty smell. To control it, bathe regularly with a shampoo called Malaseb.