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Scott Landry | 7 years ago
Hi Pawbly, My Older (13) Cat Dora Has Been Working Her Tail. Not Sure How…

Hi Pawbly, my older (13) cat Dora has been working her tail. Not sure how it started. What should I do to help her out here?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello My Dear Friend!
    Well, I have to say that I don’t usually see a problem on the underside of the mid tail region. Typically tail issues occur at the base where fleas like to hang out. In these cases I ask clients to use a flea comb to look for evidence of fleas. The little black specks that resemble pepper, or a live flea in the comb is proof that fleas are present. Which is an easy fix these days with all of the safe efficacious products available.
    But, this is not your case.
    I would question a few things:
    1. Most likely a wound? Is she chewing/licking due to trauma here. This is most easily ruled out by an exam of the lesion. Is there any signs of a puncture? Scratch? Abrasion? Even if I cannot convince myself that I think it is a wound I will treat for the most likely scenario anyway by placing an e-collar and providing either a topical (probably the best choice here because the tail has poor blood supply and a systemic antibiotic may take a longer time to get there) and it looks like it is trying to heal already. I would use a topical antibiotic cream. As long as it is not ingested most of the human equivalents are fine. I would leave the collar on for at least a week. If the hair is growing back and the site is improving this treatment plan is proof of our suspicion.
    2. If the lesion persists I would consider ringworm a possibility. A blacklight might provide flourescense to confirm this. To diagnose it we do a DTM culture test. But, to be completely honest I start treating for it anyway with OTC miconazole cream. (Used for yeast infections in women).
    3. Neurological concerns are on the rule out list, BUT, I would expect to see other signs like ataxia, instability, hind limb weakness, involuntary urination or defecation, etc.
    A physical exam by your vet to include rectal palpation (check anal sacs just to make sure this is not the problem) and a fecal for parasites are all good places to start.
    Hope this helps,
    All my love to all of you guys,
    Krista

  2. Inside Sunrise

    I recommend seeking advice from a vet. This could be a symptom of a serious underlying problem.

  3. Anonymous

    I would worry about neurological issues causing pain. Please get her to the vet.

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Pawbly | 7 years ago
I Have A 1 Year Old Wolf-dog I Dont Kown How To Train It I Need…

i have a 1 year old wolf-dog i dont kown how to train it
i need help

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  1. Sarah

    Hi-
    not sure how you got your hands on this breed of dog, but as with all dogs, consistency and a solid pack are key. Please see a behaviorist/trainer and set up training appointment right away. It will benefit both of you and you canes the training and tips learned to suit you and you’ll both benefit from it. Since this dog is already a year old, you’ve missed peak socialization time with him. That is not to say that you still can’t socialize your dog, but you must make training a top priority. From what I’ve seen, this hybrid dog is very determined and needs lots of exercise. You need to take the time to establish a good pack order. Positive reinforcement is key, as well as establishing a solid routine that your dog can depend on. Walks are a fantastic way to get excercise in and establish good pack behavior at the same time. Training is a great way to mentally tire your dog, as well as walks (long walks) for getting him physically tired. A tired dog is a well behaved dog? Very best of luck to both of you. Hope you find some help in my advice.

  2. Anonymous

    IF this is a true wolf-dog, I strongly suggest returning it where you got it. Wolf dogs are NOT like normal dogs, and need special management…and most likely, a license to keep.

  3. Inside Sunrise

    True wolf dogs are not for the faint hearted, and need particular training. If you’re not specified with this please don’t put the work onto yourself, and find the dog another home.

  4. Lea Behncke

    I understand the allure of having a wolf-dog. They are gorgeous and fascinating animals. However, most wolf or wolf-hybrid caretakers do not recommend keeping them as pets. Despite being from the canine family, they have very different dispositions and most are still very wild and extremely wary of humans. They can also be very unpredictable. I would call the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Sanctuary in Divide, Colorado. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable, and if you have your heart set on keeping it they may be able to provide some training tips for you. They also rescue wolves and wolf-hybrid, so if you decide training isn’t feasible they would be able to offer you some resources to find a safe new home for them. If you do decide not to keep it, please do not let it loose or take it to a shelter. Most animal controls and shelters will euthanize them, and there are so few wolves left in the United States. I hope everything works out for you. Good luck!

  5. Sarah

    Also, there is a wolf sanctuary in Letitz, PA. They have a few packs, but one is a pack of wolf hybrids. You may want to reach out to them for some help. They are extremely knowledgeable, and very wonderful people. Here is there website:
    https://wolfsanctuarypa.org/
    Good luck!!

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Pawbly | 7 years ago
My Dog Has Sore, Smelly Ears, They Are Very Dirty Inside (black) And Itchy And…

My dog has sore, smelly ears, they are very dirty inside (black) and itchy and they really bug him.
We took him to a vet and after spending over $600 they are still the same. The vet wasn’t even really sure what she could do for him and didn’t know what it was.
She put him on medications and told us to clean his ears regularly and gave us stuff for that. But the medications made him start acting weird and we were concerned about that. So I was looking for any ideas on how to help my boy, I’d say his ears are as bad as they’ve ever been and that is still with regular cleaning, any thing I can try to do for him, I am willing. Unfortunately we can’t really afford too much more of a vet bill so if theres anything I can do for him at home or without a vet would be better.. I was trying to do some research online but came across this site.. any ideas would be greatly appreciated??

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorry to hear that your dog is struggling and the vet hasn’t been able to provide relief. Here is the dilemma. Until you understand why they are so bad it is very diffilcult to resolve them. In some dogs it is anatomy, breed, allergies, disease, and/or infection, etc. at my clinic if I can’t resolve the issue within 2-3 trips I refer to a dermatologist. They are your best bet at identifying and treating the underlying cause so that the bad ears don’t return. I wish I could offer a silver bullet and magic answer. I wish you the best.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
My Dog ( 1 1/2 Year Old Small Mix Terrier) Is A Sweet Guy When…

my dog ( 1 1/2 year old small mix terrier) is a sweet guy when it comes to humans and dogs he is familiar with. sadly, he has picked up aggressive behaviors from my brothers large dogs. He will growl at people he is not familiar with on the street and when they enter the home. he will growl at outside noises and also at other unfamiliar dogs. he doesn’t bite people he just growls and when they try to pet him he runs away and gets shy. minutes will pass and he will warm up to people. he does fine at the dog park, when a dog approaches he smells the dog and runs away( which makes sense, he is a small dog) i’m more concerned when we go on walks. i’m looking for advice and tips i can do to help me and my dog work on his excessive growling. i would love to be able to go on a walk with him and be able to pass people without him growling and he can just keep walking.

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Jerome Bronzini | 8 years ago
Hi, I Just Noticed Yesterday My Pet Rabbit Has Two Tiny Patches Of Missing Fur…

Hi, I just noticed yesterday my pet rabbit has two tiny patches of missing fur on the front legs, at the same spot on each leg. However, his behaviour seems completely normal (eating, running, playing,pooping as normal), so wondering what could cause this. Thanks

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  1. Anonymous

    Overgrooming, which can be caused by stress or allergies or any one of a number of other issues, will cause bare patches. If it gets worse, I’d get him to the vet.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
Dog Stuck In Mud? Is It Possible For A Dog To Get Stuck In The Mud…

Dog stuck in mud?

Is it possible for a dog to get stuck in the mud and if so, what kind of mud would be most likely to get them stuck and how would they attempt to free themselves?

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  1. Sarah

    I suppose it is possible for anything to get stuck in the mud, given the right circumstances. I would make every attempt to help them get out. I’m hoping that by now, the dog is out, safe and dry. If that is the case, I would still keep a close eye on him and if I saw anything unusual I would call my vet to be safe, and see what she says. I hope your dog is ok.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
My Dog Hasn’t Ate All Day. She Is Lethargic, Whimpering, Tremors. All She Wants To…

My dog hasn’t ate all day. She is lethargic, whimpering, tremors. All she wants to do is lay down. What can possibly be wrong with her?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It sounds like your dog is not feeling well. She needs to see a veterinarian to tell you what may be wrong. Please go as quickly as possible. It may be any of the following pain, infection, disease, toxin, etc etc. I hope she is ok.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
My Dog Just Bit Our Neighbor Out Of Nowhere?!? We Recently (2 Weeks Ago Today…

My dog just bit our neighbor out of nowhere?!? We recently (2 weeks ago today) brought home a 2 year old great dane/lab/retriever mix. We’ve been doing out “trial” run as we call it to see if he’s our perfect fit. Well so far it’s been amazing. We keep saying he’s a turn key dog, perfect. Until today. Our neighbor, whom he’s never met, walked over to us and the dog, who was on the chain lunged and bit her. Out of nowhere. She had and ready let him sniff, do his thing, pet him, he was andlreadyll good, then BAM! Luckily he didn’t puncture the skin and she was understanding when we apologized multiple times, but my husband is irritate. He has zero tolerance for this. He wants him gone. I’m wondering if maybe it was just andlreadyll glitch persay? I random act of over excitement? Does anyone have any ideas? He’s never done it to anyone we’ve had over or taken him to see. I understand my husbands concern as there are people that walk around here, kids, smaller animals, and he doesn’t want them hurt seeing as how this happened with him on a leash. Any ideas?

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  1. Sarah

    There are many factors that can lead up to this type of situation. Have you discussed this with your vet? Have you spoken to your trainer about it or a behaviorist? I’m not sure of your daily routine with your dog as far as walks and training, but those are absolutely KEY in keeping your pack order straight. I would start out talking with my vet and a trainer and take things from there. There is no such thing as a perfec pet. They all require time, work, lots of love and patience. No matter how docile they seem to be, anything with teeth can and will bite, unless properly trained and exercised and knows that they are a part of the pack. Best of luck! Keep us posted.

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Debbie Molnar | 8 years ago
I Have A 14 Year Old Cat Who Is A Seasonal Vomiter. She Rarely…

I have a 14 year old cat who is a seasonal vomiter. She rarely has an issue October – April, but the vomiting becomes frequent May – September. I held off on her topical flea treatment this year thinking that may be the cause but the vomiting started in May as usual. She vomits food, grass, and fur; there can be as many as 9 events per month. This is the 3rd year in a row this has happened. What could be the cause?

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  3. Laura

    I would worry that something else is wrong. Could this be allergies? Could she be getting into something outside? Have you considered keeping her inside due to her age? You *may* be able to better contain her vomiting if you can control the environment more closely.

  4. Debbie Molnar Post author

    I hadn’t thought about allergies, are there any common outdoor cat allergies I should watch out for? When she’s outside she’s always on a leash so I can kind of control her, but every once in awhile she’ll get her mouth on some grass. I don’t use pesticides and none of my neighbors within a half mile of my house use lawn pesticides. The cyclical nature of the vomiting is what confuses me. She’s at her worst May and July, but ok June and August. You’d think she would be exposed to the same things all 4 months.

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Judy Kuehn | 8 years ago
We Use An Invisable Fence As My Dog Is A Jumper. She Hurt…

We use an invisable fence as my dog is a jumper. She hurt her foot leaving the house yesterday and is now terrified to leave the house. We think she associated the pain with the fence even though she was no where near the fence
Any suggestions?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    As with any fear associated behavior it is best to start slow and gentle and begin to gradually reassure them that things are ok. In some cases I use treats, a short lead or even a dog bed to place a good reward with conditioning out a fearful reaction. Things like placing her in a crate she is comfortable in to relax her near the threshold and then walking slowly outside and giving her treats as you go or as she approaches you. Often you will find there is a specific point that they won’t advance past. This is the time to sit, be calm and gentle and reassure her that things are ok. Never do anything too fast, and don’t force her. You have to be calm and gentle so she learns trust. Don’t yell and never hit even if you are frustrated. I also think that electronic fences are not ideal for the reasons you have learned. Try leash walking and building trust and then start conditioning her out of her fears. Try also looking at Victoria Stilwells stuff. She’s great! Google search her name for lots more training info.