“From one dog to another!”
Roberto answers your furry friend’s questions! Or click here to ask a question!
Dear Roberto,
I did not mind riding in the family motorhome in past years. Now I am nervous and anxious when we are on the road. I just want to crawl into a tight, dark space and shake. Mom is upset…why the change? — Picmee in Cave Creek
Dear Picmee in Cave Creek,
The first thing you should do is to tell your mom that this is not uncommon in some dogs as they age. Don’t get too worried. Sometimes, Mom’s worrying and travel preparations can make you even more nervous which will amplify the anxieties once on the road.
Second, the changes you are experiencing could be due to a number of things including a current medical condition. Changes in certain medical conditions could indicate there is something that needs to be addressed inside of you. I’d visit your doctor to make sure that you are healthy before traveling.
Third, if you are healthy, then you could be one of the dogs who just have a change in the way their brain sees things. Brain changes can cause anxieties and confusion which can lead to the way you act while traveling. There are some therapies and sometimes helpful medications or supplements that can be used to help. Again, your doctor can help you with these things too.
Finally, if all else fails, even though a family vacation is the goal, staying at home with a pet sitter may keep you more comfortable and less stressed. Pet’s are like people, sometimes we find the best vacations are ones that take place at home.
Dear Roberto,
My dad wants to feed me the “BARF” diet. It not only sounds gross but is it good for me?–Hungry in Happy Jack, AZ
Dear Hungry in Happy Jack,
I do not recommend that you eat the BARF diet! (Bones And Raw Food diet) You are likely to not get the proper amounts of nutrients you need to stay healthy. Uncooked meat (may) contain high levels of bacteria such as salmonella. While you may not get sick from eating the uncooked meat, you will be contaminating your dad’s house and yard with salmonella. Not only can this bacteria cause you to get sick with vomiting and diarrhea, it can also affect your dad and any children that hang out at your house. I would recommend that your dad feed you Science Diet. Have him call one of our highly trained team members for advice on proper nutrition.
Dear Roberto,
Fireworks really, really scare me, can you give my owner some tips on how to make me feel better this 4th of July? –Scared in Scottsdale, AZ
Dear Scared in Scottsdale,
It is important that your owner keep you inside where it is quiet and safe! A kennel is usually best. Sometimes, a pet will require a mild sedative to help them relax through the festivities. Have your owner call your favorite doctor to get advice on over the counter products, like the D.A.P. collar or a prescription to keep you feeling comfy this 4th of July!
Dear Roberto,
“Sometimes I sit and scoot on the floor and it makes my Mom really angry. She thinks I have worms. What do you think?” signed “Scooting in Sonora”
Dear Scooting in Sonora,
It sounds like you’re pretty uncomfortable! If I were you, I’d have your mom take you to the veterinarian’s office so they can examine and express your anal glands. These are small glands located on your bum that sometimes get too full and cause significant discomfort. These same glands can also get infected and hurt a lot worse! If you can get these glands emptied before they get infected, you’ll be a much happier puppy! Your mom and dad will be happy too because you won’t be scooting across the floor anymore.
Dear Roberto,
“My owner says my breath smells really, really gross but she is afraid to have my teeth cleaned, what can I do?” signed “I miss kissing my Mom”
Dear I Miss Kissing my Mom,
It sure is embarrassing having bad breath. It’s important your mom and dad take you to the veterinarian to have you examined. Bad breath could be caused by several issues. Sometimes when an organ such as the kidneys aren’t working properly, it gives us bad breath. We could also have something stuck in our teeth that causes the bad odor. The most common reason for bad breath is dental disease. Your veterinarian can examine your mouth, check your blood work, and remove all of the tartar and plaque from your teeth. You’ll feel much better after getting your teeth cleaned and best of all, you can kiss your mom again!
