Q–My 6-month-old Shih Tzu is too playful. He jumps on anyone who comes into our home. I’ve tried to teach him to sit and stay, but he will not calm down. He won’t even let me hold him in my lap. He leaks when he gets very excited. Can you help?
–L.T., Cyberspace.
A–Although your dog may calm down as he matures, the jumping will not diminish unless you do something about it. Too many people assume somehow these sorts of bad habits will disappear by themselves as a dog ages. In fact, they become more established. You are doing the right thing to intercede now.
“Realize your pup is a little play machine. In general, encourage play you like by joining in. Discourage activity you don’t like by walking away,” Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinary behaviorist from Berkeley, Calif., says.
Early obedience training is required to open a dialogue with your pet. It is the only way the dog will understand what it means when you say “sit.” Begin by teaching the dog the command “sit” without distractions, adding minimal distractions to train him. A successful “sit” after the doorbell rings is a grand-champion graduate degree. First, however, the pup must attend kindergarten.
Once your dog understands “sit,” Dunbar says to play the 100-sits game. Host a party for 20 people. Have each guest enter five times, and each time tell your dog to sit. Although he may take all five tries to get it right with the first guest, by his 100th shot, he’ll get the idea. You can offer treats at the beginning to help position the dog. As the game continues, be sure the dog doesn’t get attention from the entering guests unless he sits. When your guests enter the room advise them not to raise the pitch of their voices. This creates over-excitement, and with that comes your dog’s leakage problem.
Additionally, a jolt of confidence probably will decrease your dog’s submissive wetting, and this is another reason to take an obedience class. If you holler at your dog for the piddling, the problem will worsen.
Q–In recent years, our 11-year-old cat’s occasional problem of missing the litter box has worsened. She mostly goes on towels, clothing and other cloth objects. Could there be a connection with the fact that she was just diagnosed as hyperthyroid? Just a few months ago, we added a kitten, but I doubt that has anything to do with the problem. We keep the litter boxes fresh. Do you have any insights?
–Tempe, Ariz.
A–Urinary tract disease is among the medical problems that can cause your cat to miss the box. It is possible, although unlikely, that hyperthyroidism plays a role, according to Dr. Philip Shanker of Campbell, Calif.
With the limited information given here, it is impossible to pinpoint the reason for your cat’s long-term elimination problem. In addition to a possible medical explanation, your kitty may have a substrate, or texture, preference. Try placing a towel on which your cat has relieved herself inside the litter box, then slowly add litter to the box. As for litter, try Yesterday’s News, made of recycled newspaper, or an unscented clay litter. There are also new chemical-free wood chip litters, such as Luv My Kitty. After about three days, remove the soiled towel and add another smaller towel. Eventually, you can forget the towel in the litter box. Offer two options: one covered litter box, the other uncovered.
Shanker, past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, points out that hyperthyroidism requires treatment. You have three options:
1. Medication. Some cats cannot tolerate Tapazole, the medicine, and patients must be monitored frequently. This is the least expensive option, but it only controls the disease. It is not a cure.
2. Surgery. In the hands of a trusted surgeon, this does work. Most hyperthyroid cats are elderly, however, and have other medical conditions that pose potential risks. The cost is approximately $600 to $800.
3. Radioisotope. Radioactive iodine knocks out excess production in the thyroid gland, curing hyperthyroidism. However, it may recur in about 5 to 15 percent of cats. This treatment is offered only by veterinary schools. The cat must be kept quarantined at the facility for several days. The cost ranges from $600 to $1,200.
Q–My Australian cattle dog-mix is an active 4 1/2-year-old. It appears, however, that he has become obsessed with his male anatomy. He frequently checks and stares at himself down there. He growls and wags his tail as he does this. Is it time for therapy?
–San Carlos, Calif
A–No, it’s time to see the vet, according to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the behavior clinic at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Mass. Dogs can get balanoposthitis, a low-grade, bacterial infection of the penis. The infection is irritating, hence the growling. One symptom is an occasional discharge of a yellowish or clear/yellowish fluid. Your vet will offer an antibiotic.
Dodman says some dogs have been known to compulsively chase their tails or lick at their paws. He knows of only one case on the books, however, of a dog fixated on his penis. It turns out that particular dog’s behavior was caused by pain of an unknown origin. Be aware, however, dogs do masturbate. Neutering may help reduce your dog’s interest in himself.
Dodman points out that it is possible you or your family unknowingly encourages your pet’s behavior. Perhaps your pooch randomly stared at himself, causing people in the room to laugh. Your dog is smarter than you think. Whenever he wants your attention, he just stares in that direction.
Q–My 9-year-old male neutered Birman cat gets dark secretions around his eyes and nose. My vet says I can wipe it with a saline solution, but I’m afraid the solution will burn the cat. Do you have any other ideas or ways to stop this from happening?
–Kissimmee, Fla.
A–Dr. Drew Weigner, a feline specialist from Atlanta, explains that some cats–especially those with short noses–are not able to drain their tears properly. Weigner says a saline solution should not cause irritation, but if you are worried, use cotton balls and warm water. You also can buy an over-the-counter product made for this purpose. Just be sure there’s no hydrogen peroxide, bleach or alcohol in the product because these can cause burning. Keeping the lonely teardrops wiped is more than simply cosmetics. It is possible for an area where tears build up to become infected.
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Steve Dale welcomes letters. He cannot reply individually but will answer those of general interest in this column. You may write to him in care of the Chicago Tribune, Home section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611. Or send e-mail to TribHome@aol.com. If the problem is urgent, consult a veterinarian immediately.
