Hello,
My dog is 14 and is developing some very bad habits - he eats dirt when he goes outside and seems to enjoy it. Do you think that he is lacking some mineral or such thing in his diet? He usually has biscuits in the morning and at night he will have either dog roll, home cooked dog stew, or a tin of fish (mackerel in natural oil).
He has always loved his food and still does, and is always ready to eat anything left by my other dog. He is not fat, but could not be called thin either. I do control his food strictly or he would put on weight very quickly and become unhealthy. He has a lovely shiny coat and other than a bit of arthritis in his legs seems perfectly healthy.
Should I get him some vitamin supplements or perhaps mineral supplements - or is eating dirt a natural habit that some dogs develop? Can anyone help please, should I worry, or ignore it? - Susie, Ashburton
I have had the same problem and as yet no solution, so I will put this one in the public arena - has anyone had success in reversing this habit? However, I have watched my dog and it may not be so much eating soil as eating grass roots. If anyone has information, please write or email and tell us about it. - Ed
Hello,
Can readers tell me what methods they have had most success with in keeping fleas away? There are so many preparations on the market at the moment, products to bath the dog in, products to spray on, products to dab on, collars that kill fleas, flea combs and brushes, what is the best method from the point of view of the dog's health? - Heath, Drury
This is a tricky question because although I personally use the flea comb and fingernail as a more natural method of control, it would not work for a lot of people and a chemical control is perhaps healthier than fur full of fleas.
I am convinced that if you have the time to flea comb every day and get any fleas before they have time to lay eggs or do much biting then that is the easiest and healthiest method of control and your dog will love it (like a daily massage).
However, if you are a busy working person and the alternative is owning a mobile flea circus, then please use one of the many preparations. Readers will have their own favourites and only testing will tell. I always think it is best to use the rule "if it is not safe on human skin then it certainly isn't safe on dog skin". - Ed
Hello,
Can you tell me if it is best to start training my puppy as soon as I take possession, or is it best to leave training until about three months old?
I have heard conflicting stories about this, and some people even say that it is best to take possession of your pup at the earliest possible moment to take advantage of the high learning capability of pups between six weeks and 12 weeks old, but are they capable of being trained at only a few weeks old?
Some help please if anyone knows or has some experience with early puppy training. - Melanie, Glasgow
Our dog trainer is of the modern school that says earliest is best. But that does not mean you put a puppy into full-time training sessions. For a new puppy 'training' means puppy play sessions with other puppies - they teach the pups to socialise well with all kinds of other pups and owners - as well as handling the pup as much as possible - handle paws and claws, ears, gently wipe eyes, open mouths and touch teeth, and give them a gentle brush all over with a soft brush. It is all to make the pup familiar and totally relaxed with being handled by vets, showring judges, visiting friends, neighbours' kids, etc.
Puppyhood is when you shape your adult dog so if you want nail clipping, washing, ear cleaning, tooth cleaning etc to be easy tasks when your dog is older, start the groundwork and socialisation now. Read what you can about training and later follow the method you choose consistently. Once weekly is not enough. - Ed
Hello,
What food is best for my dog - tinned, dog roll, dog biscuits, or home made? The huge list of ready-prepared foods is completely confusing when trying to decide. - Mike, Tasmania
First, don't believe dog food manufacturers who tell you that you must stick to one brand that suits your dog. How would you feel if you were fed the same thing for every meal?
Decide whether you want to feed a natural diet and if you don't know much about foods and nutrition visit the library or search the subject online and you will find endless options. If possible a natural diet is always best, but if you study the ingredients of prepared foods and 'read between the lines' you will be able to make the best choice for your dog's health. - Ed
Hello,
I have a samoyed and an Alaskan malamute and am wanting to contact other dog lovers in the south Auckland area, email doglover@orcon.net.nz or website http://malamute.orcon.net.nz. - Warwick, Auckland
LETTERS are invited from readers on any canine subject. If we do not know the answer to any queries we will endeavour to find out the answer for you from someone who is a professional in the given field. Letters do not necessarily express the opinion or conviction of the publisher or editor, and no responsibility will be taken for any opinions expressed in letters. All letters must be signed with the writer's own name. Any letters received without signatures will not be published. Letters up to 200 words are ideal, although longer letters will also be considered, but may be abridged if space is short.
