Vet’s Views
Dr Kaushlendra Kumar
The doctor has been practising in Lucknow for the past 20 years in canine and other pet animal medicine and surgery
Q: Whenever we leave our dog alone at home, he dirties the place, though he is house-trained. In the next couple of days, he also keeps snapping at us. It is only after two to three days that he gets back to being his normal happy self. He is a two-year-old GSD. Why does he show such symptoms? Richa Sharma
This activity of making the house dirty when a pet is left alone is a symptom of a behavioural disorder. Pets undergo lots of behavioural changes when left alone. Anxiety and weird activity shown by your pet are a temporary thing. When you return home, it is better to give him the best food or a treat. Giving a good walk just before you leave him may give some level of relief to your pet. The biting habit is also the same. Some mind-calming tablets are available that you can provide a few hours before you leave him.
Q: I have a 5-month-old Lhasa Apso male. After relieving himself, the pup suddenly starts running around and acts crazy. He even picks up his toy on the way. We do not understand this behaviour. Please advise. Raj K Singh
Crazy jumping and running are out of excitement and anxiety. The problem is that we do not provide optimum exercise to our pets, and they try to play a lot when shown affection. Simply giving good exercise and balanced food will make your pet smart in behaviour.
Q: My dog keeps chewing his feet. What could be the reason? Please advise. Niti Singh
Chewing of feet can be caused by a number of factors. Loneliness, some kind of infection (bacterial or fungal) and also allergic reactions due to unknown reasons may cause this. Loneliness can be managed by giving him love and playing with him. Infection of any kind can be diagnosed by your vet only. Local application of soothing agents and balanced food can help overcome the problem.
Q: I have adopted a 6-month-old black Labrador female. How much exercise does my pet need to maintain a healthy weight? Vividha Mishra
Giving exercise to your Labrador pet is an excellent idea. But, start with a little walk initially of 500m to 1000m only. As his age advances and joints become developed, you can start giving good exercise along with a 2km walk. Walking with balanced food really complements health improvement. Do see that exercise and food are mainly balanced.
Q: I wish to acquire a Pitbull but have been advised against it. Are all Pitbulls actually dangerous? Sayyada Sheikh
Pitbulls are, by nature, a very robust kind of breed with lots of attitude. If hurt, they can show their arrogance. But, grooming of pets properly matters a lot. A lot depends on how you keep your pet, how much time and exercise you give him and how you and your family behave. A Pitbull is intelligent and obeys orders. Just maintain his value.
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