Ask the Experts

Want to know more about pet care, animal behavior or veterinary care? KHS can help you! This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and a KHS expert will offer their advice.

TOPICS:
Excited Canine Greetings
Nail Trimming
Dog Eating Habits
Introducing Dog to New Baby
Addressing Litter box Issues
Holiday Pet Boarding
Thanksgiving Tips
Holiday Pet Care Tips
Why to Spay/Neuter
Pets as Gifts?
Behavior Training for Puppies
Introducing Swimming to Your Dog
Approaching an Unfamiliar Dog
Pet Dental Care

Excited Canine Greetings

Question:
I have a one-year-old pointer mix who I adopted from the Kentucky Humane Society when she was eight weeks old. She gets really excited whenever anyone arrives home, which is a good thing, but she gets "emotional." She yelps, whines, licks and sometimes urinates. Is this normal, healthy dog behavior?   - Misty F.

Answer from a KHS Behavior Manager:
It is a normal behavior for canines to get excited when you come home, but you can also do some things to help keep it under control. First of all, don't make a big fuss when you come home - the more excited you are, the more excited your dog will be. Keep exits and entries low-key. You may even want to consider taking her straight outside when someone comes in the house, so she can burn off some of the excited energy and also eliminate while she's out there.

One great option is to give your dog something else to do instead of going bonkers when you come in the door. Sit, stay and even tricks will work, as long as she knows them well. Keep some treats in your car or near the door, and as soon as you come in, grab the treats and put her through her paces. She'll be much happier with something constructive to do, and if she's performing the requested behaviors, she can't also be jumping, groveling and whining. Everyone wins!

The excited urination is very common in young dogs, and many outgrow that behavior; however, I would also recommend a vet check to rule out a bladder infection or another medical issue. If it is truly behavioral, the best thing to do is ignore it - coddling will reinforce the behavior, and punishment will only make her do it more in an effort to appease you.

Learn more about KHS behavior training by calling (502) 253-2883.

Nail Trimming

Question:
My dog has black nails that grow very long.  I usually take him to a pro for clipping because they bleed when I do it at home. Can you help or advise me in any way?   - Teresa W.

Answer from the KHS Pet Resorts Director:
We don't recommend clipping your pet's nails at home if it's causing them to bleed. Take your dog (or cat) to a reputable professional groomer -- such as at the KHS Eastpoint Pet Resort or Fern Creek Pet Resort (link to pet resorts page) -- for a "show trim," so you can learn to clip them properly at home and prevent any bleeding.

However, it's also important to know that black nails are tough and can be difficult to trim. So, it would be best to have a professional groomer trim your dog's nails for awhile so the process becomes a more positive experience for your dog and retrains him (so he doesn't associate the trimming with pain). We recommend taking him to a groomer at least once a month. Long walks on concrete can also help slow re-growth.

Learn more about the Kentucky Humane Society's pet resorts, including grooming.
 

Dog Eating Habits

Question:
Our black lab graduated from your "Manners for Life" (link to behavior page) class almost one year ago, which was the most wonderful thing for the dog and us! But, he literally inhales his kibbles without chewing at all and sometimes ends up vomiting afterwards. How can we get our dog to chew his food? - The Williams family

Answer from the KHS Behavior Training department:
There are a couple of things that you can try to slow down a frantic eater. First, try portioning out his food at mealtime and only feed him small cupfuls at a time. You also can try wetting his food with some water (or broth) and letting it get mushy. This will force your dog to chew and eat slower, as well as allow the food to digest better.

Another option is the Buster Cube, a hard plastic cube with a hole on one side. You just insert kibbles or small treats into the cube, and the matrix inside will randomly drop out the food pieces as your dog pushes it around, allowing him only a few kibbles at a time. You may need to roll it around at first, so your dog understands how it works, but once he figures out the cube, your canine companion will love it! You can even feed an entire meal from the Buster Cube.

You also could consider purchasing a special type of bowl called the Brake-fast. It's a plastic bowl with bumpers on the bottom that dog has to eat around. This will help prevent him from grabbing a large mouthful of food at once.

Learn more about KHS behavior training by calling (502) 253-2883.

Introducing Dog to New Baby

Question:
My husband and I are expecting our first child in May. We have a two-year-old Dalmatian mix who's our "baby," so I'm a little concerned that she'll be jealous when the baby comes. How can I introduce her to our new baby? - The DeWitt family

Answer from the KHS Behavior Training department:
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in someone's life! But in the hustle and bustle of getting ready for their newest family member, people may forget to include their dog in the preparation process.

Foremost, you'll want to start desensitizing your dog. Get her used to the idea of having someone new in the house and sharing her affection. Take your dog for walks with the stroller, play records with baby noises like crying, setup the baby swing and even carry around a doll. All of this will allow your dog to become acquainted with the new "things." Also, go ahead and establish any new "house" rules before the baby arrives. For example, if you deem the nursery as off-limits, then begin teaching your dog that now.

Furthermore, if you haven't already, consider enrolling your dog in positive reinforcement basic obedience training. This will help ensure that your dog is well behaved and has a strong foundation for socialization, such as when your little one begins to crawl.

Addressing Litter box Issues 

Question:
Our seven-year-old cat recently stopped using his litter box, and goes to the bathroom right outside of it. What do you think caused this, and what can we do?
- Botworth family from Louisville, Ky.

Answer from KHS Behavior Training Department:
There could be one or more contributing factors as to why your beloved cat has stopped using the litter box, so you’ll need to investigate. First, consult your veterinarian since it could be a medical problem, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Cats can associate UTI pains with the litter box and begin to avoid it. Thus, it’s very important to address any medical concerns and treat infections.

Always make sure to clean the litter box daily. Cats like a clean bathroom area and may not use the litter box if it's too smelly or dirty. If your cat is not using the litter box at all, consider switching to a new cat litter.

All litter boxes should be 1.5 times the length of your cat. If there is more than one cat in the household, you need a litter box for each cat. Make sure to place them in easily accessible areas and place one litter box on each level of your home.

View more tips about solving litter box problems from the Humane Society of the United States.

Holiday Pet Boarding

QUESTION:
We're planning a trip out of town for Thanksgiving weekend and need to board our one-year-old dog, Nikki. We've never boarded before, so what do we need to do? - Talbott family

ANSWER:
First, don't wait until the last minute to book your pet's stay. Visit the facility of your choice -- such as the Kentucky Humane Society's Eastpoint Pet Resort or Fern Creek Pet Resort -- so you can choose the right boarding options for your pet. But, do keep in mind that most boarding facilities book up quickly for the holidays, so make your reservation early.   

View boarding tips to make your pet's stay more comfortable and enjoyable. 

Thanksgiving Tips for Furry Friends

QUESTION:
We're having a big Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Our dog and cat are super friendly, but is there anything we should keep in mind since we're having so many people over? - Johnston family


ANSWER:
Thanksgiving brings family and friends together for feasts and celebrations. But, here are some tips to make sure that pets have a safe and healthy holiday.

First, limit stress for your pets (especially easily frightened ones) by placing them in a calm, quiet room that's away from all of the holiday activity. It's also a good idea to take your dog for a walk prior to guests’ arrival, as to avoid accidents and high energy during the party.

Table scraps should be a no-no, as they can cause digestive issues and obesity. It's best to keep your pets on their regular diet regimes, and possibly place them away from the dinning room during mealtime. You also want to caution guests from giving your pets any "special treats." After dinner, make sure to secure your trash and place it out of reach of your pets.

View tips on making your pet's Thanksgiving safe and enjoyable.

Holiday Pet Care Tips

QUESTION:
We have a lot going on this holiday season. Do you have any pet care tips so our cat doesn't get into things? - Patton family

ANSWER:
There are ways to deck the halls and keep your pets safe! First, it's always important to make sure that your pet is microchipped and/or wears an ID collar at all times (even if he only lives indoors). This way, if your beloved pet does become lost for some reason, it will be easier to reunite you with your companion animal.

If you have guests over to celebrate this season, it's best to keep your pets in a quiet, relaxing environment. This will help avoid stress and attempted escapes outside as guests arrive to your home.

Place all holiday decorations out of reach of your pets. Christmas lights, tinsel and electrical cords can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Holiday plants, such as holly, mistletoe or poinsettias, can be deadly if ingested.

View holiday tips on how to make the season safe and enjoyable for your furry family members.

Why to Spay/Neuter

QUESTION:
I found a stray dog, and, since I can't find his owners, I'm keeping him....but he's not neutered. I'm on a tight budget right now, so I wasn't sure what to do. Any suggestions? Emily M.

ANSWER:
There are so many reasons to spay and neuter your pets! An altered pet leads a longer, healthier life, with reduced risks for contracting certain diseases and developing cancer. In fact, an altered dog or cat can live up to 2-5 years longer. Plus, they are less likely to mark territory, vent sexual frustration and show signs of aggression.

By spaying and neutering, you not only help your pet, but also help prevent thousands of dogs and cats from suffering in the future. For the love of your pet, and the pets in our community, please have the companion animals in your home spayed or neutered.

The Kentucky Humane Society's S.N.I.P. Clinic offers low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter services for the public. Surgery prices range from $35 to $65, and you also can get low-cost vaccinations at the time of surgery. Financial aid is also available if needed. To schedule a spay/neuter surgery, call (502) 636-FIX1 [3491].

Learn why it's important to spay and neuter your pets, and find out more about the Kentucky Humane Society's the S.N.I.P. Clinic.

Pets as Gifts?

QUESTION:
I really want to get a puppy for my girlfriend for Valentine's Day. Is this a good idea? - Steve K.

ANSWER:
Many people envision putting a big, red bow on the newly adopted pet and surprising your true love...ready for them to shriek in joy, cuddle with their new furry friend and live happily ever after. But, what happens once the novelty wears off? What if they didn't want that particular breed, or a cat instead of a dog? What if they aren't ready to take on the financial responsibility of a new pet?

That's why we strongly urge you to consider giving a KHS gift certificate instead. This will allow your loved one to select their own pet, find the one that they "click" with, when they're ready to adopt. You can even create a cute gift basket, packaging the certificate with a stuffed animal or putting the certificate inside a starter kit that includes a food bowl, toys, etc. And, when your significant other is ready to pick out their new best friend, you can even come along to the KHS adoption site and help out.

Learn more about giving pets as gifts. 

Behavior Training for Puppies

QUESTION:
How old does my puppy have to be to enroll in a class? Is it safe for my puppy to come to class before vaccinations are completed? – Jason P.

ANSWER:
We accept puppies as young as eight weeks into out Positively Puppies class. From birth to six months, puppies go through a critical socialization period, during which they learn what is safe and what is unsafe. This is an important time for your puppy to be exposed to as many new things as possible in a rewarding manner, so that they don’t become fearful later in life. By enrolling in a puppy class, your pup will get valuable experience with other people and other dogs, helping to prevent fearful behaviors from developing.

While puppies that haven’t completed vaccinations are at a slightly greater risk of contracting an infectious disease, most trainers feel that it is worth the risk to socialize your puppy as early as possible. Your dog is much more likely to develop behavior problems later in life due to a lack of socialization then they are to contract an illness from attending a puppy class with other healthy, vaccinated puppies.

We require all owners of puppies who attend our classes to show proof that their puppy has begun a standard course of vaccinations.

If you are still concerned about exposing your pup to other dogs at a young age, read a statement from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Introducing Swimming to Your Dog

QUESTION:
I want to be able to enjoy the outdoors with my dog but this time of year is just so hot. Do you have any suggestions? – Jessica D.

ANSWER:
Summertime means fun in the sun – and the pool. Why not let your pooch cool off with a swim? Not all dogs like water, but if yours does, here are some tips for keeping your pup safe and happy.

Start out slow. Show your dog that being in water is fun and not something to be feared. Never make your dog get into a pool or other body of water if he doesn't want to.

Safety first. If your dog can't paddle on his own, help him out by supporting his midsection and hindquarters. Also consider purchasing a canine life jacket. Never allow your dog to swim alone.

We have a swimmer! Now what? If your dog likes to swim far out into the water, use a long lead so you can bring him back in. This is especially good for dogs who are swimming in bodies of water with a strong tide or current. Always be aware of the water conditions before your dog jumps in.

Fresh and clean. After swimming, rinse off your dog with clean water. To avoid ear infections, be sure to clean and dry your dog's ears.

Approaching an Unfamiliar Dog

QUESTION:
I love taking my dog and kids to the park. Whenever the kids see another dog, they always want to pet it. Is this OK? – Brandon L.

ANSWER:
Here are some tips to keep in mind whenever greeting an unfamiliar dog:

• Always ask to pet a dog (even if you're an adult!). Don't assume dogs are friendly.
• Approach the dog slowly and turn sideways (head-on greetings can be threatening). Crouch down if it's a small dog.
• Don't loom, lean or reach over the dog. This can be scary and threatening for him.
• Allow the dog to approach you, and let him sniff your hand first.
• Don't pet the dog on the head. Scratch under his chin or around his neck instead.
• Never hug an unfamiliar dog. Many dog bites to the face happen this way (even with familiar dogs).
• Pay attention to body language. If the dog seems uncomfortable (excessive panting, wide eyes, ears back, licking lips, yawning, backing or looking away, dilated pupils, etc.), back away and leave him alone.
• Children should ALWAYS be supervised with dogs, even family dogs, and taught proper interaction.

Pet Dental Care 

QUESTION:
How important is it to brush my cat's teeth? How do I go about doing so?  - Sarah B. of Clarksville, IN

ANSWER:
It is very important to brush your cat's or dog's teeth. Pets can suffer from the same dental problems as humans, but often times our pets do not receive regular checkups and cleanings like we do. Not only can dental problems be painful, but they can also have negative effects on an pet's life. In fact, dental disease is the most common disease of cats and dogs. Plaque builds up every day and can cause tartar, gingivitis and receeding gums, so it's important to include daily tooth brushing in your pet's routine. You can find toothbrushes appropriately sized for your cat or dog at any pet store, as well as special toothpaste that's safe for animals.

To brush your pet's teeth, begin by offering a taste of the toothpaste. Next time, offer the toothpaste, then run your finger along the upper gums. Repeat the process with the toothbrush. It should take no more than 30 seconds to brush your pet's teeth. Even if you aren't able to brush the entire mouth at first, that's OK. You are still making significant efforts to improve your pet's dental health.

In addition to regular brushing at home, be sure to give your cat crunchy treats to get the teeth working and increase saliva flow, which will help keep teeth and gums healthy. For dogs, provide appropriate chew toys that encourage chewing to help reduce plaque buildup.

Learn more about keeping your pet's teeth clean and healthy, as well as tips on brushing your pet's teeth.