Train your dog to walk calmly

I am the new owner of three cats. I have been told to put litter boxes in my house for the cats to defecate in. Should I just get just one large one?
No, this will create major problems. Cats are very fastidious about their litter boxes. If it is dirty or smells of other cats they will not use it. You need one for each cat. Space them out so that each cat knows where hers/his is.

We are vegetarian and are thinking of getting a cat. Can we keep her on vegetarian food?
I wish you could but cats are obligate carnivores — which means they have to eat meat to survive. They depend on taurine which is found only in animal tissue. However, taurine is sold by itself. If you give much less meat and add a pinch of taurine as well, this would help.

My mother takes our dog for a walk but she sometimes hurts herself because he runs fast and is usually uncontrollable
Hundreds of people hurt themselves because of pet related falls that come from a walk, either when the person trips over a dog or is pushed by one. It is important to train your dog to walk calmly and to respond to you when you say No or Stop. This is good for passersby as well. It doesn’t help for non-dog lovers to see a dog owner being bullied by her dog.

We de-tick our dog every day manually, but we keep finding ticks in her paws
They probably come into the paws after a walk. Check the dog as soon as a walk is over, remove the tick with tweezers and wash the foot.

My dog has round bald patches coming up on her underbelly. What is this?
This is a fungus called Ringworm. You can get it as well by touching your dog, so have it treated immediately.

What is the advantage of having a neutered male dog ?
He will not go crazy during the mating seasons. He is less likely to urinate on objects in the house or mark his territory. He will not exhibit aggressive behaviour and is less likely to get cancer.

My aunt has two pugs and keeps the food bowls in the house full at all times. Is this correct?
This is a very common mistake. Cats and dogs often eat more than they need and if food is readily available they will eat much more and get fat. Ask your aunt to give three small meals and clear the bowls away when they are empty. Fresh water should be provided all the time.
 

My dog has had puppies and I do not want my children anywhere near them. How long should I keep them away?
Dogs need human interaction during the first seven weeks of their lives if they are going to trust humans. So, as long as your children are not rough with the puppies, they can gently and respectfully handle them after a week or so.