Pets

Question: I have a ten-year-old Maltese terrier. He is constantly licking things. He licks carpet, cement, clothes, blankets — everything. If he sits down next to me he will just start licking my clothes. Why does he do this? Rebecca Muir Answer: There could be a few possible causes for this behaviour so it’s probably […]

Question: I have two Maltese cross border collies who are five months old and they both suffer from travel sickness. They are not afraid of travelling, but if we go around too many corners, they’ll be sick after about 15-20 minutes. I’ve tried not feeding them before travelling but that didn’t work; they just threw […]

Question: Cat training tips Answer: Cats are quick learners. At feeding time, clap your hands or tap the food tin a certain way. Each time the cat hears your sound it will remember it and eventually the sound will be stored in the cat’s memory as meaning food. Watch your cat come running to that […]

Question: What’s the best way to clean up after cats? Answer: If your cat urinates on the carpet, don’t use any cleaning agents. The odour from these products can attract the cat back; it’s like waving a sign saying “wee here”. Use water or soda water instead and blot it up. Anika Currie

Question: My husband and I are planning on starting a family this year but worry our two-year-old Jack Russell cross, Jackie, might get jealous. She adores children but can get jealous when my attention is elsewhere. What can I do to make sure she is okay with a new addition to our family? Lisa Hunter […]

This purrsonality-plus puss is the pet for those who want an intense relationship with a character cat. No shrinking violet, the Siamese both demands and provides extremely stimulating companionship. Extraordinarily intelligent, inquisitive and resourceful, the Siamese usually insists on participating in all facets of your daily activities ? whether it be reading the newspaper with […]

Question: What’s the best way to clean my pet’s ears? Answer: You can easily clean your pet’s ears by wiping them with cotton wool and peroxide. It cleans away the gunk really easily and the peroxide dries quickly so it doesn’t annoy your pet for too long. Tash

Question: We’ve had our budgie for a few years now and he won’t stop screeching. It’s driving us all mad. We tried putting him into another room but it doesn’t help. What can we do? Eve Burrage, Perth, WA. Answer: You need to try and work out what the trigger for his screeching is. Does […]

Many owners believe that dog training is only for those who wish to compete in obedience trials. This is akin to believing that only children who grow up to be doctors and lawyers should attend primary school! Unlike “training” children, we are unable to sit down and explain to a dog why we wish for […]

Question: How do I keep my dog happy while I’m away? Answer: When leaving my dog to go to work, I throw a handful of pellets all around the backyard and also leave a chew for her to find. This keeps her busy for hours trying to find everything and she associates my leaving with […]

Question: My Staffy pup has started to lose her puppy teeth and the adult teeth are coming through. My concern is that her lower canines have come through and are not yet positioned correctly as the baby teeth were. Will this change as the adult teeth grow? Will they eventually position themselves correctly as she […]

Question: I have heard that when male dogs are de-sexed they have a lot of bloating around their lower stomach area. Is there any truth in this or is my dog just slightly overweight? Collette Answer: Dear Collette, It is a very common misunderstanding that de-sexing animals makes them fat. What actually happens is that […]

Question: Dear Julie, We have just moved into a flat with our six-month-old male cat Tiger and a new two-year-old male cat, Tally. Apart from the terrible cat litter smells in a flat, they are new to each other and have taken to sleeping all day and running amuck at night. They can’t go outside […]

Question: Dear Julie, My nine-month-old mini foxie trembles a lot, whether it is hot or cold. Is this normal? Annie Nunn Answer: Lots of little dogs will tremble and often it doesn’t have anything to do with temperature. Of course, these tiny tots don’t have a lot of fat to insulate their bodies, so they […]

Question: For a tasty, healthy change, why not try making your dog’s dinner from scratch instead of buying pre-made dog roll. Answer: Combine fresh meat, such as beef mince, with a handful of frozen mixed vegetables and pasta or rice. Add an egg to help maintain the shine on your dog’s coat, along with a […]

Question: All dogs love to be scratched, rubbed and tickled on the lower neck, around their chest area and between their shoulders blades on their backs. This is the only place that dogs are unable to reach to scratch themselves. Answer: You’ll find that after a few minutes of this sort of attention, most dogs […]

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 […]

Question: Fill ice cube trays with vegemite dissolved in hot water; let cool, and then freeze. Serve to your dog on hot, sunny days. Our dogs love them! Answer: Francine Webb, via e-mail.

Question: Is there treatment available for arthritis in dogs? I suspect my pug Judy has arthritis — she is often licking her leg and paw. She also finds it hard to get up stairs and walk properly when she has gotten out of bed. Joanne, via e-mail. Answer: Arthritis is a very common problem indeed […]

Question: Freeze your dog’s favorite meat and give it to them for lunch on a hot day. They will love this cold “bone” and the entire thing is edible so they won’t leave any lying around when they’re finished. Answer: Amanda, via e-mail.

Question: All dogs love to be scratched, rubbed, etc, on their lower neck, around their chest area, between their two shoulders. This is the only place that they are unable to reach by themselves. You’ll find most will start to doze and will love you forever. Answer: Kellie Taylor, via e-mail.

Question: Hello, We have just purchased a puppy who has just met his new one-year-old sister. They continue to fight and the puppy has become aggressive. How can we stop them fighting and stop the new puppy becoming so aggressive? Thank you, Laura, via e-mail. Answer: This is a very common scenario when puppies first […]

Question: Never, never call your dog and then reprimand him when he comes. He will associate punishment with the command to come to you and will hesitate to obey or refuse completely. Answer: Even if he doesn’t come immediately, reward him with lots of praise when he does come. Eventually, he will learn that this […]

Question: My maremma has a really thick, long coat and I feel so sorry for her in the heat. Is it possible to clip her? I was told it should not be done. Marlene, via e-mail. Answer: I get questions like this all the time from people who have been scared off clipping their pets […]

Question: If you have a dog that loves jumping up and grabbing your clothes off the line (sometimes ruining them), fill some balloons with water and attach them at different lengths to your line. After a few faces full of water your dog will realise that it just isn’t fun anymore. Answer: Carol Matthews, via […]

Unfortunately, there are a lot of pets in this country whose futures aren’t very bright. Thirty-eight percent of dogs and nearly 60 percent of cats that the RSPCA received in 2002-2003 were euthanised because suitable homes could not be found. According to Say No To Animals in Pet Shops Incorporated, an estimated 130,000 dogs and […]

Question: If your dog is off the lead and won’t come back when you call, kneel down, then call. It lowers your dominance to theirs. Answer: Taz, via e-mail.

Question: My two-year-old desexed cat has to move house with us soon. Can you tell me what I can and should do to make this time less traumatic for him/us? I have heard a lot of old wives’ tales about things to do — cut his whiskers, put butter on his feet, etc. Karen, via […]

Question: I have a male Retriever who just loves water so much he tries to fit in his drinking bowl! So I bought a kids’ plastic clam and filled it up with water — cleaning it and replacing the water every day or two. Not only can Merlin drink from it, but he splashes around […]

Question: I have a Galah who was given to me when his previous owners were not able to look after him anymore. He was somehow traumatised in his past and now will only hang onto the side of his cage and pull out all his feathers. Is there a way that I can prevent him […]

Question: My four-year-old female cat has badly broken her front leg (both bones). She has had a splint on for 12 weeks now and vets say leg is starting to mend slowly. What is the success rate for cats with this awful problem? Suzie Morrison, via e-mail. Answer: This really depends on the type of […]

Question: Mix equal parts Dettol and baby oil with a dash of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on dogs during the day to keep flies at bay. Answer: Judi, via e-mail.

Question: Does your dog or cat dislike their food if it’s cold from the fridge? Well, just heat the food in their dish (non-metal) in the microwave for 10 seconds on high and then serve it to them. It works for my fussy dog. Try it! Answer: Laurinda, via e-mail.

Question: I have a one-year-old cat that I love very much but she bites me all the time, and other people. She will be lying next to you and then decide to just bite, and this really hurts. She is also very timid of noises and new people. I have had her since she was […]

Question: Dear Dr Julie, Last week my little golden retriever had his hind leg amputated due to cancer. I was wondering if you had any special tips for an expedited recovery and any advice on possible prosthetic attachments for my dog. Thank you very much, Selina, via e-mail Answer: Oh, your poor little man. The […]

Question: If you have a big dog such as a rottweiler, instead of bathing them in water, just put a generous amount of bicarb soda all over them. Leave for a few minutes and then brush off. Your dog will be shiny and smelling clean! Answer: Jan Forde-Kelly, via e-mail.

Question: I previously shared a house with one other female and my cat. Everything was going fine and my cat was behaving normally, until my flatmate moved out and I had a male move in. Now my cat follows him around, always wanting to sit on his lap (he never does this with me) and […]

Question: Just one can of sardines a week can make a huge difference to a puppy’s appearance and irritated skin. They’ll shine for longer and be a happy puppy! This also works well as a reward for good behavior. Answer: Daina, via e-mail.

The Korat is one of the oldest known domestic cat breeds in the world and in its homeland of Thailand this beautiful cat has long been treasured as a bearer of good luck. In Thailand the Korat is also known as the SiSawat and they were formerly only given as gifts to people deemed worthy […]

Question: Last December my son adopted a three-year-old Staffy-cross. Sam is a very active dog who loves walks and fetching. The problem is his paws are extremely sensitive and Sam quite often gets blisters and cuts. Most of the time we resist his compulsion to fetch, which reduces most of the cuts, but just a […]

Question: When a dog is bitten by a flea it’s very annoying for them and their owner. But I’ve discovered that if you rub a little olive oil with your finger on the affected area, the bite is eased and the dog stops scratching. Answer: Adriana, via e-mail.

Many of us love summer and look forward to those warm, long days. But spare a thought for your pet who might not enjoy the warmer weather as much as you do. Pet owners have to take special care in summer months that their pets are comfortable in the high temperatures. Your pet needs to […]

Question: My female blue heeler pup is 15 weeks old and still not toilet trained — is this too soon? We are trying very hard to teach her. Judy Pittard, via e-mail. Answer: Not at all! It may take a little while to toilet train but starting a consistent routine as soon as you get […]

Question: I have two indoor cats (aged four and 10) which hate dogs, but I really want to get a dog that can also come inside. Is there any way I can get my cats to be friends with a dog? Julie, via e-mail. Answer: If your cats have never been exposed to dogs before, […]

Question: When leaving your house, always give your dog a pat and say goodbye. If you get your dog used to this and let them know that you are leaving they are less likely to get annoyed and curious about why they are locked outside. Answer: Matt Linney, via e-mail.

Question: Dear Julie, My corgi is 7kg overweight. Could you prescribe a diet for her to lose weight? John Gardner, via e-mail. Answer: Dear John, I’d be interested in whether you are comparing your corgi’s weight to an average chart weight, or whether someone has told you this. Either way, you are definitely on the […]

Question: After an encounter with a cane toad one of my dogs was frothing at the mouth. I sat him down, poured three big handfuls of salt down his throat and gave him water to drink after hosing his mouth out to wash away the toad poison (point the hose towards the dog’s nose from […]

Question: We have a large, black cat who is usually very outgoing. Recently he has become afraid of everything, even the fridge door! He runs away and hides in any dark space. What is wrong with him? Kitty, via e-mail. Answer: Dear Kitty, If your “spooked-out puss” goes outside, maybe a new cat on the […]

Question: I have a Staffy who is a six-month-old female. What is the right age for her to be desexed? Rose, via e-mail. Answer: Dear Rose, If you’ve made the decision that you don’t want to breed your dog, then you can have her done any time now. She will have to stay in hospital, […]

A Dalmatian dog is instantly recognisable, thanks to its distinctive spotted coat. These handsome dogs sport spots everywhere – even inside their mouth and on the bottom of their paws! The Dalmatian was used as a carriage dog in 19th century England because the breed had a special affinity with horses and could keep up […]

Most cat owners will have had the “interesting” experience of taking their cat on a car trip. Many cats don’t like travelling at all but sometimes it has to be done, whether it be a trip to the vet or moving house. There are few things you can do to make a car trip with […]

The Hungarian vizsla is an athletic dog whose sleek appearance and distinctive gold coat makes them stand out in a crowd. Definitely a dog that likes to feel part of the family, the vizsla is known for its sensitive, loving personality. A breed originating in, you guessed it, Hungary, the vizsla was a sporting companion […]

Question: To keep your kitten passive when trimming its claws, put a clothes peg on the loose skin at the back of its neck. Answer: This makes the kitten feel as if its mummy is gripping it. Kerri Hudson, via e-mail.

Question: I have a beautiful one-year-old English chinchilla who is constantly scratching, mainly on my couch (which he is ripping into threads), but also on the carpet. He does have a scratching pole and lots of toys to play with, but he prefers the furniture. I have tried a number of different products on the […]

Question: Never know if your cat has swallowed their tablet? Answer: Once the tablet has been given to them, wait until they lick their lips and the tablet is gone – until then, they will spit it out! Leigha, via e-mail.

Question: My Irish setter pup, 12 months, loves eating charcoal. She just eats straight from the cold fireplace as much as she can. Part of her daily diet is eating grass. Can charcoal cause any problems or is this a natural thing for dogs to do? I’ve never seen any other of our dogs do […]

Question: I have recently bought a cockatiel and although she was hand raised, when you put your hand down for her to hop up onto, she usually bites you. Is there anything I can do to stop this habit? Nadine, via e-mail. Answer: Nadine, Your little feathered friend may have previously been frightened or handled […]

Question: From an early age, expose your puppy to having their mouths and feet handled. Always use words of encouragement when handling these areas — perhaps even use a common word so they associate the word with the action. Answer: When we want to look at our dog’s teeth we take her by the muzzle […]

Question: Does your cat have bad breath? Answer: I have found that letting your cat or kitten nibble a few sprigs of parsley helps with their halitosis. Vicki, via email.

Question: My six-month-old kitten Lucy absolutely refuses to wear a collar. Every time we put one on her, she goes absolutely mental, running around and acting bananas. I’ve not been brave enough to let her outside yet, as I don’t want to let her out without a collar. I’m also not sure how to go […]

Question: If your dog keeps stealing the kids’ food while they’re eating, leave out a sandwich laced with a bit of curry. The dog won’t get hurt, but will learn that human food isn’t nice. Answer: It worked wonders on my golden retriever and it is nice to be able to enjoy meals without her […]

Question: Little over a month ago, my dog of 16 years was put down due to suspected liver cancer. It is the first pet that I can remember leaving us. Although time heals all pain and I am getting over it quickly, it still hurts me to think she won’t be sleeping on the beanbag […]

Are you wondering what to do about your pet fish when you go away on holiday? If you’re only going to be away from home a few days, don’t worry about having someone feed your fish. Healthy fish can easily go a week without food. You can buy fish feeders, which gradually dissolve to release […]

Question: What goes in must come out, right? No one knows this better than a dog owner whose pet lives in a restricted space. But feeding your dog a home-cooked dinner instead of tinned food can reduce doggy-do by up to 40 percent! Answer: To prepare, cook 500g of beef mince in a cup of […]

Question: Hello Dr Julie, We purchased a beautiful Maltese Cross-King Charles Cavalier called Charlie in February this year. Up until three months ago he was very placid and friendly. Now he goes for visitors to our home. I have tried removing him, telling him “NO”, and even giving visitors treats to give him but nothing […]

The romantically named lovebird is native to the African continent and its surrounding islands. Members of the parrot family, lovebirds became popular in the late nineteenth century when they were imported into England and continental Europe. There are nine basic types of lovebirds, and a rainbow of different coloured feather combinations can be found within […]

Question: Look after your dog’s health and your own — give your dog its own seat belt restraint. There are some that fit like a sling and others that clip a harness to the seatbelt clip. Answer: Save a life — a dog’s life, or your own. If you are in an accident, 35kg of […]

Question: I was wondering if ferrets are ticklish? Our ferret, Jessie, opens her mouth and wobbles her head when we tickle her on the ribs and under the arms. Or are we just annoying her? Kelly, Raymond Terrace NSW Answer: Ferrets are quite tactile animals so I can imagine they might well be ticklish — […]

Question: After neighbours complained, we have been trying to keep our 14-year-old Burmese cat inside at night. He has everything he needs but he still miaows all night until we let him out at 5am. Is he too old to change his ways? Julie, Pelican Waters, Qld Answer: Cats are by nature more active at […]

Question: Socialise your dog off the lead as much as possible. This is getting easier and easier, with more safe, off-lead parks being made available. Answer: Dogs can’t interact with each other the way they like to when they’re on a lead and even really placid dogs can get over-excited if they can’t engage with […]

Question: I have a five-year-old cat and a boyfriend who is allergic to cats. He itches, has trouble breathing and can’t stay over because I share my bed with my cat. Please help – giving up either is not an option. Frustrated, Waramanga ACT Answer: If you want your man to stay over, you will […]

Question: Be positive! Try not to use your dog’s name in a negative way – such as when you’re reprimanding or warning your dog. Answer: You want your dog to feel it’s a good thing when you call his or her name – not a cause to be frightened or hesitant. Jeff, via email.

Question: My nine-year-old female terrier cross refuses her own food and is always stealing the cat’s food. Is it okay for her to be eating like this? Sarah, via e-mail. Answer: This is not an unusual problem – a lot of little dogs love cat food, particularly the fishy ones. It won’t do her any […]

Question: My 11-year-old dog has cataracts in her eyes. Is it possible for them to be removed by a vet? Emma. Answer: Cataracts (stiffened opacities in the lens of the eye) are a very common problem in ageing dogs. They can cause visual disturbances and pain if there is associated glaucoma, and can even lead […]

Question: I’m writing to you about my four cute mice. I have one that is extremely overweight. She refuses to do any exercise but loves her food. What can I do about it? Amanda, via e-mail. Answer: What you may need to do is supervise her feeding or separate her only at mealtimes, because she […]

Question: My dog, who is usually bright and chirpy, seems to be down in the dumps with a dry nose and runny eyes. Could this be a doggy flu? And can I give her human painkillers? Mary, Richmond, Vic. Answer: Yes, your pooch may have picked up a bug and be under the weather because […]

Nurturing that brilliant display in your garden and coaxing that indoor plant back to life…You may spend hours caring for your plants, and the last thing you want is your pet destroying the fruits of your labour. But it’s equally important to think about the damage your plants can do to your pet. Many outdoor […]

Training a budgerigar isn’t difficult – it just requires patience and a calm manner. At first, only one person should train your budgie. This person should be alone with the budgie to avoid stressing the bird and each training session should last from 10 to 20 minutes. Begin by slowly placing your hand in the […]

Bringing a puppy into your life is exciting, but be prepared to have that adorable wrecking machine let loose in your house. Before bringing your puppy home for the first time, it’s a good idea to puppy-proof your house and garden. Just like a home needs to be baby-proofed before a little bundle of human […]

It’s natural for dogs to bark, just as it is for birds to sing. But if your dog barks all the time it can drive you – and your neighbours – ‘barking’ mad! Having a dog is a bonus for home security, but dogs that bark constantly are not effective watchdogs because everyone just ignores […]

The temperature’s dropping, the leaves are falling, you have an extra blanket on the bed and the winter woollies out of mothballs. The humans in your house may be all set for winter but what about your pets? It’s important that your pet has somewhere warm to sleep in winter, free of draughts and protected […]

Everybody knows that cats purr when they’re content, but what about the other ways they communicate their feline feelings to us? Ever seen your cat rub its cheek on a sofa, a chair, a wall – even you? The cat is marking its territory and connecting to its network by leaving its scent. When you […]

Ever used up a whole roll of film taking photos of your pet, only to end up with a series of furry blurs when you get the photos back? Here’s a few tips for taking the perfect photo of your favourite animal friend. Happy snapping. Try to use a high-speed film and a fast shutter […]

Question: If you add vinegar or lemon juice to the rinse water when you bath your pet, it will wash away strong odours and cut soap film. Answer: Similarly, adding baking soda to the rinse water will make your pet’s coat soft and shiny, as well as free of odours.

Question: If your cat won’t swallow liquid medicine, there is a solution! Answer: Spill the medicine on your cat’s coat – your cat will lick their fur clean and have the medicine in spite of themselves.

Question: Cats love munching on grass for fun, and to aid their digestion. However there are a few types of plants and grasses they really love, which give them a natural high. Answer: A chemical called nepetalactone is released when plants such as catnip are eaten or rubbed, which stimulates most of our moggies. They […]

Question: Did you know dogs have 42 teeth in total while cats only have 30? The long canines are for holding and tearing meat, while the premolars and molars at the back of the mouth dice the food up into bite-size pieces for swallowing. Answer: The tiny incisors at the front don’t do much for […]

Question: If your puppy suffers from carsickness, take them on car journeys on an empty stomach. Answer: Take regular, brief trips to get your puppy used to travelling in a car – many pooches outgrow carsickness when they become used to car trips.

Question: Try putting a rubber mat at the bottom of the tub when you wash your pet. This will give them a more secure footing and they will feel safer and more relaxed. Answer: Also, place a tea strainer in the plughole to keep your pet’s hair from clogging up pipes.

These gorgeous wiry redheads are certainly not shrinking violets. Irish Terriers are confident, brave dogs, skilled at guarding and hunting, and they have a sensitive, affectionate side as well. Not a very common breed in Australia, Irish Terriers are definitely underrated as a fun-loving family dog. Irish Terriers are known as daredevils because of their […]

The Ragdoll cat has a tendency to go limp when picked up, hence the breed’s unusual name. This relatively new breed originated in America in the 1960s and today’s Ragdolls have inherited more than their fair share of gentle characteristics. Ragdolls can be very dog-like, following their owners around the house like a lovesick puppy. […]