Nervous Pup Is A Real Scaredy Cat

Jul 6 2008 Scott Miller

Pets Corner

Q My 11-month-old bearded collie is a real scaredy cat. He is fearful on walks and is terrified of other dogs, loud noise, even the ironing board. As time goes on he develops more fears. Please help.

A One of the biggest mistakes owners make is to coddle a dog when it is nervous. This only confirms he has something to be scared of. Your pup should be exposed to different environments and things to grow out of this fearful stage. An animal behaviourist can help train him and you on how to be a calm, confident owner before this becomes a life-long problem.

Q My 12-year-old weimeraner's back legs keep giving way underneath him. I've been giving him glucosamine sulphate but he doesn't seem to be getting any better. What else can I try?

A Osteoarthritis is common in older, large breeds, with painful knee and hip joints, weakness and loss of muscle strength. Supplements such as glucosamine will help improve the structure of his joints by regrowing the cartilage, the shockabsorbing surfaces. It takes four to six weeks before you see any improvement. Ask your vet about anti-inflammatory pain relief. They will help him to walk more comfortably and build up his leg muscles.

Q My cat is constantly harassed by magpies when she goes outside. How can I ward off these feathered fiends?

A It may just be a seasonal problem while the magpies are nesting. A scarecrow would ward off the birds but if getting one is too extreme, tie ribbons attached to fluttering pieces of paper around the garden on fences and trees. This will help keep the magpies at bay.

Q Can you help me confirm whether my dog is a cocker or springer spaniel? Her Kennel Club certificate reads cocker but my vet disagrees.

A I'm sure you love her regardless of her pedigree. Looking at the picture you sent me, she looks most like an American cocker spaniel. She is a little too short to be a springer.

Q My 15-year-old Westie has tumours at her rear end but is still lively and eats well. Would surgery be too risky at her age?

A It's hard to say without seeing the tumours and knowing how they are affecting your dog. Anaesthetics in older pets are always more risky, so have a pre-anaesthetic blood test first to see if she can cope with the op. This will also detect liver or kidney disease. If the tumours are not bothering your little dog and she can still toilet normally, waiting is probably best for the time being.

Q The owner of a 12-year-old springer spaniel wrote to you because the dog drank a lot. My springer did this, so I followed your advice and took him to the vet. Tests found a tumour which was immediately removed. He is now on the road to recovery.

A It is so good to hear a success story. I'm glad my advice helped but a full consultation with your own vet is always wise.