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Welcome to Petplan’s blog, a space where you can read up on the latest pet-news, find out interesting facts and tips about keeping your pets happy and healthy, and share your views on hot topics.

One-minute guide to... Separation anxiety

One-minute guide to... Separation anxiety
Posted on by Petplan

Many people are now returning to work after time at home over the festive period - but dog owners could find that their pet finds the long periods alone traumatic, resulting in problematic behaviour that needs to be tackled. Inga MacKellar explains all. From the Petpeople magazine archive

What is separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety is commonly seen in dogs, which are social animals. When left alone, some dogs can become destructive, poo indoors, excessively salivate, pant and pace, or bark and howl. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as boredom, a lack of house training or because they have been stimulated or frightened by something outside. However, it can be due to anxiety at being separated from their owner.

Why does it occur?
It occurs with dogs that are used to having human company and can't cope with the solitude and separation if left alone. It can affect any breed and at any age, but typically occurs in dogs that are over-attached to the owner, often following them around the house - even to the bathroom. Rescue dogs can be susceptible to this problem as new owners often take a couple of weeks off work to help the dog settle in. The owners spend all their time giving the dog lots of attention and then, suddenly, the situation and routines are totally changed when the owners return to work and the dog can't cope. Even dogs that have been owned from a puppy can develop separation problems, particularly if they are owned by and spend all their time with one person.

Things to try
Many people mistakenly think that getting another dog will help, but it rarely does, as the problem is due to the owner/dog relationship. To prevent serious separation problems developing, dogs need to be trained to get them used to being periodically separated from their owner while he or she is at home. Dog gates are useful, as they enable the dog to be physically separated from, but still see, the owner. Over time, the room door can be gradually closed so that the dog gets used to being separated from its owner behind a solid door. Leaving a radio/TV on or a recording of the owner's voice may also help. There are also a number of 'calming' products available, such as Adaptil, Zylkene and Serene-Um. If the dog has soiled indoors or been destructive when left alone, it must never be told off as this may increase its anxiety.

If it gets very serious:
Some dogs can become so distressed that they may cause damage to themselves, or to doors and window frames, as they try to follow their owner out of the house. In this case, veterinary advice should be sought for a referral to a qualified behaviourist. In some instances, drug treatments may be necessary.

Does your cat need more litter trays?

Does your cat need more litter trays?
Posted on by Petplan

Q: I have three cats and they have one litter tray between them, but my vet has said that I should have more trays. Why is this?

A: When cats defecate outdoors, they normally urinate and excrete in separate locations. I usually recommend one tray per cat, plus one extra. Not providing enough trays can lead to house-soiling problems. However, some cats are happy to share litter facilities. You need to provide whatever suits your cats best and consider your circumstances, such as whether the cats also have the opportunity to 'go' outdoors.

Inga MacKellar, animal behaviourist

Controlling your dog's barking

Controlling your dog's barking
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog behaviour barking

Q: My dog loves people, but she constantly barks at the postman and delivery people. Why might she be doing this?

A: This is quite a common problem with dogs. As dogs are pack animals, they have a very strong sense of territory. The most common reason why dogs bark at people who come near their territory is to make them go away. And, in most cases, the people do go away, for example the postman or newspaper boy or girl, therefore the dog believes that this is due to their barking. This perceived success increases the dog's confidence to bark at the next potential intruder and so the barking escalates. If this pattern of behaviour is allowed to continue over a period of time, it can become an automatic reaction.

Inga MacKellar, animal behaviourist

Neutering your pedigree cat - when's the right time?

Neutering your pedigree cat - when's the right time?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cat neutering spaying castration

Q: We recently bought a male British Shorthair cat. We've always had our kittens spayed or neutered by around six months old, but we've been told that pedigree cats need to develop all their pedigree characteristics first. Is this true?

A: Breeders will have all sorts of advice when it comes to treating their kittens, but one thing that obviously goes against 'breeding' is to neuter. Your British Shorthair should reach maturity by six months and will continue to grow even if you castrate him at that time. In my opinion, the benefits of neutering outweigh any potential concerns and male cats of around that age can begin to stray, fight and scent mark - not attributes that many owners will desire for a house cat. Take your British Shorthair to the vet at six months and decide together what is best for him.

Scott Miller, vet

Moving house - helping your pet to cope

Moving house - helping your pet to cope
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: cat behaviour moving house

Q: I've had my two nine-year-old feral cats since they were kittens. I've downsized from a house with eight acres of land, where the cats hunted mice. Since I moved, the male cat has turned on me. How can I master him?

A: Your cats have moved from a property where it sounds as if they lived a semi-feral existence to a much more restricted environment. They were used to hunting and I suspect the male cat is displaying predatory aggression towards you. Ensure he has lots of toys available upon which he can focus this behaviour. Have wine corks strategically located and in your pockets so that, should you think he is about to run at you, you can quickly roll a cork on the ground for him to chase instead of leaping at you. Don't underestimate the injuries a cat can inflict and seek professional help if this behaviour continues.

Inga MacKellar, animal behaviourist

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