Q: My pet keeps licking and itching between the chest and stomach area. Is there any reason behind this? Please advice.
– Leeza Malhotra, Jalandhar
Dr KG Umesh: Licking and itching these areas could be result of allergies including dry skin, frequent bath, contact allergy or atopy, parasites or yeast infections. Itching can also be secondary to many underlying causes. I suggest you to consult your vet to find the underlying cause. Make sure that you are feeding a balanced pet food with adequate zinc, fatty acids and proteins. You may use moisturising shampoos like oat meal, etc.
Q: How often should we bathe our Dachshund?
– MRM Nair, Trivandrum
Dr KG Umesh: Generally, it is recommended to bath pets when the coat is soiled or for medical reasons. You may bathe once in two weeks using vet recommended shampoos. Consider using dry shampoos in winter or cold seasons.
Q: My Pomeranian named Pari is 13 years old. When she stands up, her hind limbs shiver. Also, she doesn’t want to walk too much and prefers to sit. What could be the reason of all these?
– Mohita Jain, New Delhi
Dr KG Umesh: Weakness in hind limbs in a senior dog could be due to age-related changes including joint problems or backbone/spine problems. Anaemia or other hidden systemic illness can also cause weakness in hind legs. Please take her to your vet for complete examination. If all is fine, your vet may suggest proven supplements to strengthen joints.
Q: My two female dogs, Helen & Rani, always fight each other seriously. Rani attacks Helen thus Helen is afraid of Rani. They both are two years old. Please advice a solution in this. – Sumitha PV, Thrissur
Dr KG Umesh: Aggression happens between two dogs despite similar age and raised together. Some causes include change in relationship when they become mature, anxiety due to change in home settings or improper communications in one of the dogs or simply may be due to fight over access to food or resting territory or family members, etc. Separation anxiety or pet parent’s attentions, treats or high arousal situations can also trigger this behaviour. Dominance or high ranking theory has been debated in social behaviour of dogs.
First step is to start separating the two dogs when they are unsupervised and apply head collars and muzzles to prevent injury. Restrain pets with leash in your presence and take care while breaking up fight. You may distract them using loud noise, water, etc. Avoid situations that initiate or trigger aggression. For example, feed them separately and gradually bring bowls closer over a period of time.You may take leadership role by controlling all interactions and access. You can train them separately to your commands like sit, stay and down. As the conflict starts declining over a period of time, allow them to walk or feed together under your supervision. I suggest you also to seek professional trainer’s help as well as vet’s suggestions for behavioural medications.
Q: How do I train my one-year-old Labrador to behave well and not to steal food from plates?
– Jarmanjeet Kaur, Patiala
Dr KG Umesh: Labradors are greedy eaters and they take every opportunity to eat or steal food if not well trained. They may do it for variety of reasons such as boredom, lack of attention or separation anxiety, to name a few. Make sure you follow discipline in feeding number of meals/treats and timings. Engage him with plenty of exercise, toys and play. Take him out for regular walks and train him using commands like ‘leave it’ that may work in some cases. Make sure that you reward immediately for his good behaviour following the command. Take all preventive measures by keeping away any food accessible to him. Some pet parents use lemon or pineapple juice to make food distasteful—give it a try!