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Iams' Dr. Amy Dicke Answers Pet Health Questions

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

"I had the opportunity to submit questions about my dog's health to Iam's Dr. Amy Dicke and here are her responses. I hope these answer any questions you might have had about your own dog's health"

My 1 year old Yorkie suffers from separation anxiety-he got it from the previous owners. What happens when I go out even for an hour is he gets into things he's not suppose to. We've closed all the doors and doggy proofed as much as we can but he always finds something to get into. What can we do- we are thinking of having to crate him.  We walk him 3 times a day, he sleeps with us and gets a lot of attention but hates being left alone.

Dogs are social animals and enjoy being with their humans, so it is not too surprising that some dogs become anxious when separated from their owner. However, severe anxiety is an abnormal behavior and can lead to destructive actions and sometimes self-inflicted harm. Changing the behavior can be challenging and requires patience and dedication. Part of the cure is to give your Yorkie confidence to act independent from you. The following may be helpful:
·         Have your pet take breaks at different times of the day and different places in the home where they are separated (from you) while you are in the house. Sleeping in the bed should cease as that is another act that drives dependence on you.
·         When leaving give your dog a chew toy or treat to achieve a positive association with goodbye.
·         Let your dog listen to music or other familiar background noise to calm and distract.
·         Do not give into your dog’s whimpering. Be firm when saying goodbye and when you return do not acknowledge the whimpering. Wait until your pet has calmed down and then reward him.
·         Crating your dog in a roomy area may help him feel safe and secure during the day. Start him off slowly in the crate and then increase the time as he gets more comfortable.

If the undesirable behavior continues consider enlisting the help of a behaviorial specialist.



 I found one flea on my dog after I had seen him scratching.  He still scratches around his neck but I have not seen any more fleas. I flea bathed him too. He has no dry skin.  Why is he always scratching?

Your dog might be itchy due to allergies. We aren’t the only ones affected by allergies. Like you, your dog can suffer from allergic reactions to any number of things — pollen, grasses, food ingredients, and fleas. In fact some flea allergic dogs can scratch for up to a month after being bitten by a flea. Allergies should be diagnosed and treated by your veterinarian. Visit iams.ca for common signs and symptoms related to dog allergies.


DISCLAIMER:  The information provided is for informational and educational purposes only.  This information should not be substituted for the guidance and advice of your veterinarian or animal behavior professional. For nutritional information please visit www.iams.ca or contact the Iams Consumer Care Nutrition Specialists toll free at 1-800-675-3849.

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