Pets

Question: Dear Julie, My cute little puppy Bailee is about eight months old. However, when she wakes up in the morning, she seems to have the bones of an eight-year-old dog. Is it normal for her to be stiff or is there a bigger problem? Shannon. Answer: Although many animals need to stretch a bit […]

Question: Dear Julie, My German shorthaired pointer has been very depressed since I had to put her playmate to sleep (due to injury). How can I help her adjust to being by herself? Naomi. Answer: Your poor little pointer is suffering separation anxiety being apart from her poochy partner. The best thing you can do […]

Question: Cats’ teeth and gums are very important; if a cat has an inflamed gum or toothache it will not eat until the pain stops. The best form of food for healthy teeth and gums are chicken wings or chicken wing tips — uncooked. Cooked chicken is a huge no no for cats. The bones […]

Question: Dear Julie, Four months ago I adopted a cat from the RSPCA. They estimated her age at 4.5 years old. I am having issues with her responding to affection. She dislikes being patted, held or encouraged to play. Instead she is reclusive, avoiding human contact where possible. Could you suggest some trust-building techniques? Eve. […]

Question: I would like to know if cats can get AIDS? I have a female cat — is there any way she contracted it from other cats? We have some strays hanging around sometimes and while she is inside at night she spends most of her time outside through the day. Nicole, via e-mail. Answer: […]

The Boston Terrier is a very popular breed in the United States, which is fitting since they are one of the few dog breeds that America can claim as their own. This intelligent, handsome little dog has its origins in — you guessed it — Boston, where it was originally developed as a cross between […]

Question: If you have dog hair all over your furniture, buy a roll of contact. Peel off backing paper and stick to lounge, then pull off. It’s heaps more effective than the vacuum. Answer: Joh, via e-mail.

Question: How can we stop our four-year-old female golden retriever from “mounting” people when they come over? We have had her desexed but this has done little to solve the problem. Help! Deb, via e-mail. Answer: Usually mounting behaviour is not sexual but dominant in nature, especially in a desexed female dog. She is trying […]

Question: Hi Dr Julie, It’s my cat’s 10th birthday soon. I remember you mentioning a DVD called “A Walk on the Wild Side”. Can you please tell me where I can buy this as my cat loved the preview we saw and would like to see the full movie. Thanking you in advance! Chelsi, via […]

Question: I have a cat and a dog, and the dog always chases the cat. We’ve heard all these things about the cat “taking a swipe at the dog,” but our cat seems to be too afraid to do anything. My mom wants to give the cat to her friend because she (the cat) is […]