Pets

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 […]