Advice for Pregnant Dogs About to Have Puppies

Question:  Hi, I am tired of carrying these puppies in my belly, I do not have much energy, when will my puppies be born?
Signed Expectant Mom

Dear Expectant

Hopefully your owner has kept track of when you were bred and knows your due date. Dogs are pregnant for 57 to 65 days, with puppies often being born around 63 days along. If your owner did not know when you were bred they may have taken you to a vet to get a better idea of when your pups will be born. Your owner should have started to feed you puppy food around day 45 and prepared a whelping room with whelping box for you long before your due date.

To know more about when your pups are due your owner might be taking your temperature on a regular basis. They should know your normal temperature, which is often 100 to 102.5 F or 38 to 39 C. When your temperature drops to 97-99 F or 36 to 37 C it means your pups should be born within 24 hours.

Pregnant dogs often not feel like eating on the day the pups are going to be born, or maybe even the day before, and you will probably start to be drawn to the whelping box where you may have a “nesting” behavior, circling and preparing the area. 

Your owner should be keeping a close eye on you, possibly even take time off work around your due date. Your owner should not let you go more than three days past your due date without calling your veterinarian, and should keep your vet's phone number handy at all times.

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Question:  Hello, I am a very pregnant dog, at first I did not know what was going on, today I think is the day I am going to have my pups, what can I expect?
Signed Too Excited to Give Birth

Dear Excited

Labor in dogs is a three stage process. In the first stage your temperature drops (as mentioned above) you will probably be restless and may even vomit. 

In the second stage you may shiver or pant. You will feel contractions and may think you need to go outside to go to the bathroom.

Your “water” will break and your contractions will be stronger. Within a short time your pups will be born, one at a time. Your owner should not help but should supervise (sometimes people want to help but pull at the wrong time). Pups are normally presented with one paw just ahead of the other (to keep the shoulders narrow) and the head resting on top. Sometimes they are presented backwards, with the two hind paws. This is okay, but any other delivery presentation is a problem.

Your owner should have your veterinarian's phone number handy in case of whelping problems but in most cases birthing of pups goes smoothly.

Pups are usually born within 2 hours of each other. If your owner knows how many pups you are expecting (an earlier vet exam would have determined this) and more than four hours pass without other pups born and you are expecting more – they need to call the veterinarian. If a dog is having contractions and trying to push a puppy out, for more than 2 hours, with no puppy being born, your owner needs to call the vet immediately.

After the pups are born their placentas will come out, this is actually your “third stage” but sometimes placentas come out between pups. Some dogs will eat their placentas but owners should try to count to make sure all came out.

Hopefully all things will go well for you and your pups.

Help for Dogs with Training Problems

Question:  I am a border collie, my owner is mad at me, he calls me stupid, and is threatening to get rid of me unless I learn what ever it is he is trying to teach me, however I really do not know what he wants from me.  I like it here and do not want to go to the animal shelter or a strange home, can you help me to learn?
Signed, Confused and Stupid

Dear Confused
As you are a border collie you are very intelligent.  Border collies are one of the easiest dogs to train IF the owner is consistent.  Sadly a lot of people only think they know how to train a dog and make many mistakes, often sending conflicting messages to their dog.

In other words it is probably your owners fault that you cannot learn what ever it is he is trying to train you to do.  Your owner would benefit from taking you to proper obedience lessons where your owner will learn how to train you correctly - and should practice at home too.  Consistency is the key, and your owner should try to find an obedience school that focuses on positive reinforcement (often known as clicker training).  I am sure you will learn all kinds of things in no time - and your owner will learn some things too!

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Question:  I keep running away from home.  I just do not understand where my boundaries are and where I am suppose to be and where I cannot go?  How can I learn my yard boundaries?
Signed, Runner

Dear Runner
Some dog breeds just love to run and explore and have a hard time knowing their limits.  A fenced yard is best, or even a dog run, but if your owner has neither they might want to look into getting you an in-ground fence system.  Some owners chain their dogs but this is never a good idea (read here to learn why) and is actually not allowed in some cities.

There are many good in-ground systems for keeping dogs like you in their yards.  One is the Innotek SD 2000 Basic In-ground Pet Fence.  This system can work for yards up to 5 acres in space (which will require one system and 3 boundary kits), but one system is enough for up to half an acre of space. This system is available from Pet-Super-Store. Have your owner click above to get deals and discounts.

This system is good but with all in-ground fencing systems (also known as invisible fences) training is also important.

Advice For Dogs About Toys and Natural Foods

Question: I am an active dog, I love to carry things around, play fetch, and play tug of war, but my owner is having a hard time finding a good toy that I would like, what can you recommend?
Signed Rolly the Dog

Dear Rolly

Rope toys are very popular for dogs who love to carry toys around or play tug of war, and they work okay for playing fetch but an even better toy for this is the Shifting Gears 2 Ball Toss & Tug Toy. This toy is environmentally friendly too. The Shifting Gears 2 Ball Toss & Tug Toy is made from reclaimed and repurposed materials such as tennis balls and climbing rope, keeping those things out of the landfill. These fantastic dog toys are made in the USA.  Click on the picture to learn more (or have your owner do so).

This toy is a better dog toy than a standard rope toy or tennis ball. By having a ball at each end it works well as a tug toy but is great as a fetch toy when your owner throws it. This dog toy has my full recommendation and is available from Only Natural Pet Store. I am sure you can convince your owner to spend more than $69.00 so they qualify for free shipping on most items.

Question: I am a easy going dog but my owner is all uptight about things being natural, I am really not sure why she cares so much, but it is annoying she changed my dog food to natural food and changed my treats to natural treats. Some of these are more expensive than the food and treats I was on, so is it worth it?

Signed Naturalized Dog

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Dear Naturalized Dog

Your owner is very right to be concerned about buying natural dog food and natural dog treats. Some of the chemicals and chemical preservatives used in low priced food and treats are not really good for you. In some cases these chemicals, such as BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin (which is in by-products) have been linked to health concerns including cancer. I realize you are an easy going dog but is that worth the risk?

Some of the low priced dog foods are low priced because they lack quality ingredients. Also your owner may find that you have to eat a lot of the low priced dog food just to stay feeling full, but with a better dog food you will eat less, poop less, and hopefully have fewer health problems. I would certainly have to say that switching to all natural dog food and natural dog treats (or holistic products) is most certainly worth it, in fact it may even cost less in the long run!

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Advice for Pets at Halloween

Question:  Help, I am normally a sweet natured dog, I know it is late in October and this happens every year.  My owners dress themselves up in costumes and try to dress me up too.  They seem to like it, I do not.  What can I do to prevent this yearly torture?
Signed Dog in Disguise

Dear Dog in Disguise
The end of October brings a holiday called Halloween.  Many people enjoy dressing in costumes and some dogs are okay with this too, but some dogs do not like it.  The costume is not designed to hurt or frighten you, and should allow for proper movement and vision.  If wearing a costume scares you then your owner should not dress you up, or should practice a few days ahead of time, and offer you treats as they train you to accept the costume.

One thing pet owners need to realize this that not only can it be frightening for a pet to wear a costume but when out it is hard for other dogs to "read" the body language of a dog in costume, so owners who dress their dog up need to be aware of this even if a dog is comfortable wearing a costume.

photo source

Question:  Hello, I am one very unhappy cat.  Every year at this time my owners keep me inside, I normally go out when I want.  How can I get them to let me out?
Signed Blackie the Cat

Dear Blackie the Cat
Your owners are probably just trying to keep you safe for a few weeks as pranksters have been known to take cats at Halloween time.  Sometimes the people just want a black cat to use for their party, other times they may play cruel pranks on the cat.  Black cats in particular are at risk, but all pets are vulnerable to pranks.

Also Halloween night itself can be very frightening for a cat that is outside, there are children running around, and lots of noises including fireworks.  You might be scared and run and hide.  You will be safer indoors for a while, many people will actually put their cat in the basement or bathroom the night of Halloween to prevent it from running out the door.

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Question:  Hello I am a small dog, every year my owners take me Trick or Treating, but they never share the chocolate and candy.  I think this is unfair.  What can I do to get my fair share of the candy?
Signed Treats

Dear Treats
I know it seems unfair to do all that work and get none of the candy.  However some things that people can eat can be deadly for you.  It is just not worth the risk of letting you have even a small piece of chocolate.  The other candy could cause you to have diarrhea or tummy cramps so they are not good for you either, some have sweeteners that are toxic to you.  Hopefully one of the houses you visit this year will give out dog treats, or your owner will have some at home to give you afterwards.

Happy Halloween!

Advice for Dogs with Vestibular Disease

Question:  Hello I am an older poodle, I was recently diagnosed with vestibular diesease.  I noticed I was not feeling well, I thought I must have eaten something bad, I was dizzy as heck.  I started falling over and couldn't seem to focus my eyes on things, I felt really sick.  My owner took me to the vet who diagnosed me with Vestibular disease, what does this mean?

Signed, Wobbles and Falls Down

Answer:  Dear Wobbles,

It is good that you have been diagnosed.  Vestibular disease looks a lot like a stroke in dogs, but is sometimes less serious, both problems are more common in older dogs than younger ones.  Vestibular disease is basically a problem with your inner ear and the nerves that run to the brain.  This causes dizziness and other symptoms, such as falling over, poor balance, and so forth, you may even find you are holding your head at a tilt.  When a dog feels dizzy they often do not want to eat, and may vomit.

Your vet might give you medication to help with the nausea.  They might be able to treat the problem causing your inner ear to be such a trouble maker for you, this could be an infection, or other cause.  Sometimes vestibular disease starts all on its own and goes away on its own, but this could take weeks or months.

I know that as a human, or dog, being dizzy is no fun.  You need to take it easy, go for short walks in safe places.  Do not go up or down stairs without help.  Try to stay calm, and relaxed and hopefully you will be feeling better soon.

Vestibular disease is not deadly, but it is very stressful, and difficult to experience, you may have some long term side effects (such as a permanent head tilt) even after you are well.

Dog owners can read more about Vestibular Disease to learn how to help their dogs, and what to expect.

Advice for Pets who are Attracted to their Relatives Sexually

Question:  I am a young male dog. I was raised with my mother but all my brothers and sisters have gone on to find new homes. Well lately I have been kinda feeling interested in my mom in what is called a sexual way. My owners are horrified at my attempts to mate with my mother, but I cannot help it. Am I wrong to feel this way about my mother? What can I do?

Signed Hot Dog

Dear Hot Dog,

Your sexual feelings are normal, and are caused by your hormones. Normally a male dog would have been taken away from its mother so it would have these feelings, but not towards its parent. Sex is what makes puppies and when related dogs breed there is a chance the puppies will have deformities. Some deformities you can see, such as eyes spaced too close or too far apart, but some deformities you cannot see, such as a small heart.

Your owner should not be upset, they can either have your mom spayed, or have you neutered, or both.

Question: 

I am a young male cat, my sisters and I grew up together as kittens. The problem is those girls are now teasing me to mate with them. They have a smell that I cannot resist, they meow a lot, and rub against me. As I get older I find their actions more attractive. I totally want to have sex with my sisters. My owner thinks this is wrong, and has thrown water on us and even kicked us. I need to know if this feeling is wrong why does it feel so right?
Signed Tom

Dear Tom

Your owner should not punish you for a natural behavior, instead they should neuter you, and spay your sisters, so this behavior is prevented. You will also be happier if you are neutered, and they will be happier if spayed because for them the feeling of being in heat can be annoying. It will eventually be impossible to ignore your feelings of sexual attraction to your sisters unless your owner gets you, and/or them fixed.

Hope that helps!



photo source

Note to Pet Owners: Some pet breeders do allow related cats, and dogs, to breed, this is called inbreeding, but there are risks of deformities. Some of the deformities from inbreeding are listed below:

Facial deformities, eyes too close together, too far apart. Large heads, cleft palate. Under bite, over bite.

Ears that are not placed correctly.

Tails that are too short, crocked, or kinked.

Heart defects, liver defects.

Weaker immune system.

Smaller size (inbreeding is often used to create stunted pets marketed as “teacup pets”).

Shorter lifespans.

How to Find Low Cost Spay and Neuter Options for Your Pets

Advice for Pets Eating Other Pet's Food

Question:  Hi, I am a Guinea Pig, my owner also has a rabbit and ran out of my food recently.  They have been giving me the rabbit food, which tastes okay, but I just do not seem to feel as good lately.  I am wondering if this is because of the food?

Signed GP the GP


Dear GP

You are quite right to guess this is food related.  Guinea pigs require food that has Vitamin C added.  If your owner is feeding you rabbit food they should give you another source of vitamin C to make up for the fact that rabbit food does not contain vitamin C. 

Vitamin C deficiency in Guinea Pigs will cause weight loss, fur loss, and sometimes a discharge from the nose.  You will not feel as healthy over all, and may have trouble breathing, or be sore all over (you may even yelp when your owner picks you up).

If you get this sick your owner needs to take you to a veterinarian for help. 



photo source - a healthy looking Guinea pig

Question:  I am a cat.  I live with a dog, and normally I do not mind the dog one bit, but lately he is eating my food.  I find this infuriating - he drools!  I often find my bowl empty as the dog has eaten all my food, and although there is some dog food in his bowl it really does not interest me.  How can I get the dog to stop eating my food?

Signed Kitty


Dear Kitty

I am sure the dog eating your cat food is annoying, but cat food is also bad for dogs so the dog should not be eating it.  Cats are true carnivores, your cat food contains more meaty ingredients which is why the dog is so attracted to your cat food.  Cat food has more protein and more fat than dog food, and could give the dog diarrhea. 

Additionally cat food is more expensive than dog food so if the dog is eating it they are costing your owner more money.

Cats should definately not eat dogs food.  Dog food does not have enough meat protein in it for cats, and more importantly it does not have taurine.  Taurine deficiency will show with problems such as poor vision, heart problems, poor growth (if you are a kitten), reproductive problems, poor skin and coat, and dental problems.

Your owner should find a place higher up to put your cat food so the dog cannot get at it. 

Read also, Should Cats and Dogs Eat Each Others Food?

Advice for Dogs who are Itchy

Question:  I am a dog and my paws are itchy like they are on fire. I spend most of my time biting my paws, they are so sore all the time and sort of tingle. I cannot stop myself from itching by biting my toes, even though my owner has put yucky tasting stuff on my paws. What is wrong with my paws.

Signed, Sad Feet

Dear Sad Feet

Very likely, unless you hurt them from walking on something bad such as lawn chemicals, the problem with your feet is actually a sign of a food allergy. Many dog owners only treat the symptoms of food allergies, which are often called “Hot Spots ”, or try to stop the dog from itching. A better idea would be to stop the problem itself.

Your owner could take you to a veterinarian for a proper allergy test but that can be expensive so they are better off to look for common allergy causing ingredients in your dog food, and dog treats. The most common allergy causing ingredients in dog food are beef, pork, soy, wheat, and corn. As well owners need to know that mystery ingredients, such as “meat meal” and “animal fat” could be anything and also should be avoided in dogs who are showing signs of food allergies.

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Question:  I am a pit bull terrier dog, and I am itchy all over, I have no idea why, I did not roll in anything, I don't think I have fleas, but my skin kinda does not look as good as it should.

Signed, Scratchy

Dear Scratchy

Thanks for mentioning the type of dog you are, because some dogs are more prone to skin problems that are less common in other breeds and pit bull dogs are one of those who often have skin problems. Your owner should check for fleas even if you think you do not have them, as well mites are another concern and would cause hair loss as you mentioned. They should check the food ingredients, as mentioned for the dog in the question above, as these can make some dogs itchy all over, or break out in hives. Soy in particular seems to be an ingredient that Pit Bull Terriers are extra sensitive to.

You might have dry skin, or problems with seasonal allergies, even bug bites, such as from mosquitoes, seem to be more of a problem for dogs of your type.

Your owner can try bathing you in an oatmeal shampoo that is made for dogs with itchy skin. They should also look at the ingredients in your food as Pit Bull type dogs tend to be more prone to problems related to certain ingredients (soy, wheat, corn, beef, or pork), and make sure your bedding is washed without the use of strong detergents.

Your owner should have a veterinarian examine you to determine exactly what is causing you the problems.

Question:  Hello there, I am a Shih Tzu dog and my ears are driving me crazy. I scratch my ears and shake them, but nothing seems to help. What can I do to stop my ears from itching?
Signed, Itchy Ears

Dear Itchy Ears

There are many reasons why a dog's ears can be itching. Ear mites do occur in dogs, but not as often as in cats, and these could cause your ears to be itchy and irritated. Bacteria or yeast infections are common ear problems in dogs, particularly in dogs with floppy ears, and often your ears might smell bad if you have one of these problems. Sometimes these problems start when water gets in your ears and they are not dried properly. As with both other dogs, itchy ears, and infectins can be a problem related to dog food ingredients too.

Your owner should consider what could be causing the problem and take you to a veterinarian for a proper check up to see what the matter is. Your owner should be very careful about cleaning your ears themselves because they could make things worse if they push anything too deep into your ear.

photo source

Further Reading for Dog Owners

Why is My Dog Itchy?

Facts on Dog Food Ingredients and Allergies

What is a Pit Bull Dog?

Help for Pets in Animal Shelters

Question:  Help, I am an adult cat and have been at the animal shelter for two months hoping to get adopted.  I came here with kittens, they all have found homes, which of course makes me happy.  I have heard that people do not often adopt adult cats, like myself, what can I do to get a good home?
Signed, Is one-year-old too old?

Dear One
Sadly many adopters think that year old cats are too old to adopt.  Personally I would rather adopt an adult cat, and actually have done so.  Adult cats do not use their claws as much, and are better behaved, plus adult cats are often better with young children than are silly kittens.  I am very hopeful that you will find a loving person to adopt you and take you into their heart, and home. 

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Question:  I am a dog in a shelter wanting to get adopted, I try my best to make sure people notice me, I jump up at the cage door and bark, but they just keep walking past and I do not get adopted.  What else can I do?
Signed, Am I Invisible

Dear Invisible
You are anything but invisible, in fact your problem is most likely the fact that you are doing too much to get noticed and it scares the potential adopters away.  Barking is normal for dogs in shelters, they are bored and surrounded by other dogs.  I suggest you try sitting nice at the door, and not barking, this is what people want.  As a dog, it is tough for you to understand that, which is why some shelters employ dog trainers, or have volunteers spend time with the dogs, teaching them good manners.  Hopefully somebody can focus your energy correctly, and a potential owner will realize that with a little time they can keep you so happy you no longer bark or jump up!

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Question:  What the heck is going on here.  One day I was at home, not a care in the world, the next day my owner stuffed me in the car - drove me to an animal shelter, and left me behind.  I gather I am "up for adoption" but have no clue what that means, can you help?
Signed, Confused

Dear Confused
All I can tell you is that for some reason your owner decided they no longer wanted you, or had a reason they could not keep you.  They did the right thing by taking you to an animal shelter - some owners just let their pet run loose which is cruel, and often illegal. 

Being "up for adotion" means that you are ready for a new home.  People can look at you and hopefully one will decide that you are the right pet for them.  They will fill out an adoption questionnaire and if the shelter determines they are a good owner, and are allowed pets, then you will go home with them. 

looking smug in his home

Further Reading

Life and Death of a Mother Cat in an Animal Shelter

Advantages of Adopting an Adult Cat

Why Dogs Bark

Why Animal Shelters have More Cats than Dogs

Reasons Why People Abandon Pets and Animal Shelters

Petfinder.com - a Resource for People in Canada, USA, and Mexico to find pets - and livestock - for adoption

Advice for Dogs who have House Training Problems

Question:  Woof, I am a cute 4 month old Shih Tzu pup who cannot be housebroken. My owner lets me out several times a day, and always gives me treats when they bring me in, why am I not house trained yet? Please help me I do not want to be a bad dog.

Signed, Frustrated Pup

Dear Frustrated Pup

Your owner is to blame, they are not house training you correctly, and some puppies, such as Shih Tzus need extra training. Your owner needs to go out with you every time they put you outside to pee and poo. Your owner needs to reward you immediately after you do your thing outside. By waiting until you come in they have only trained you to come inside, not to do your business outside.  Crate training might be a good idea for your owner to consider.

Question:  Hello, I am a Yorkshire Terrier dog and I am so confused at what I am suppose to be doing. My owner has pads in the house for me to pee and poop on, and sometimes take me outside to use the yard, but sometimes they get mad at me for peeing and pooping inside on other things, why is this?

Signed, Confused

Dear Confused

Your owner's house training method is sending mixed messages. The pee pads are generally a bad idea since they tell dogs that it's okay to pee and poop on carpets, towels, and other things, but the owners expect you to only use the pads, or go outside.  Some dogs simply play with the pads and tear them to shreds!  The pads are okay to use if you are in an apartment up high, and cannot get out to a yard. 

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Question:  Hi there, I am a very attentive Border Collie puppy, I am very smart, and really want to please my owner, but feel hurt by my owner who hits me every time I mess in the house, what can I do to stop this?

Signed Hurt

Dear Hurt

Border Collies are smart for sure, and quick to learn. Your owner may not realize it but they are rewarding you for messing in the house. Dogs love attention, especially smart dogs. Hitting, yelling, and so forth are, in an odd way, a reward to the dog, plus when it happens after the fact the dog may not even associate it with messing in the house. This is another house training owner error because you should always be watched when indoors - dogs who are supervised, and taken out immediately when they start giving signs (sniffing, circling) do not mess in the house!

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Question:  Hello, I am a handsome one year old Pit Bull terrier mix, and for some reason I pee on everything. My owner is not at all happy about this, I was fully house trained until recently, but not I cannot seem to stop the need to urinate on everything, inside, and out.

Signed, Messy

Dear Messy

If you are a male dog, and are not neutered, this is probably because of your hormones. This is common as male dogs mature and can start feeling the urge to leave their scent everywhere they go. Another concern might be a health issue. This would be if you are female, or are a neutered male dog, or even an intact male dog. If you have a bladder infection, or other urinary tract problem, you would feel the need to urinate quite often.  Your owner should take a urine sample to the veterinarian to check for urinary tract infections or problems.

©Brenda Nelson

Further Reading for Dog Owners

How to House Train a Puppy

Why Pee Pee Pads may be a Bad Idea

What is a Pit Bull Terrier Dog?

Coprophagia - Dogs who Eat Poop