Playful Pup Won't Stop Jumping Up

Apr 20 2008 Scott Miller

Pets Corner

Q My seven-month-old Rhodesian ridgeback keeps jumping up at people. How do I get him to stop?

A Dogs greet other dogs face to face, so want the same from their human pack and jump up to reach eye level. Prevention is the best cure. Keep him away from the door until visitors are settled and restrain him using his collar.

Cross your arms and ignore him when he jumps up. When he walks off, call him and tell him to sit before giving attention. Avoid physical or verbal punishment as it could be seen by your puppy as rough play. If jumping up continues to be a problem, see a specialist dog trainer.

Q My lop-eared rabbit's hocks - hind leg joints - are very raw and scabby. One vet said it was due to urine scalding, another thought carpets were irritatiing him and said to keep him outside in his hutch. I tried but he doesn't seem to be getting better. What do you think?

A Carpets or urine scalding can cause irritated and red hocks, so use lots of absorbent materials such as sawdust in his hutch and only let him hop on smooth floors indoors. I also advise applying arnica cream over the affected areas twice daily. This will soothe the hocks and promote healthy skin growth.

Q My dog has interdigital cysts. Antibiotics and garlic supplements have not helped. Any ideas?

A The condition may be caused by allergies, so consider testing at the vet. Interdigital cysts are red, painful nodules between the toes which make dogs bite their feet. They can be caused by mites and the yeast malassezia, so have skin scrapes taken. Cysts need to be treated with the antibiotic cephalexin, with ketoconazole or itraconazole if malassezia is present. Soak your dog's feet in warm water mixed with the antibiotic solution chlorhexidine daily and use socks to cover the lesions. Antihistamines can also help calm your dog's need to chew her feet.

Q My two-year-old cocker spaniel bitch constantly wakes me up during the night wanting to go to the toilet. Is there something wrong with her?

A Urinary infections are common in females so visit your vet. It may also be diabetes or kidney disease, which cause dogs to drink and urinate more. If these are ruled out it is a behavioural problem. Walk her before bed and don't allow her water more than one hour before retiring. Like humans, dogs can last overnight without drinking. Make her sleep in another room or spray her with water when she wakes you. Don't give in to demands for attention.