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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.

Ticks have left my dog with lumps

Ticks have left my dog with lumps
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog ticks lumps

Q: Our nine-month-old Cockapoo has had a number of ticks that have been removed but have left him with lumps. As one is close to the eye, we took him to the vet.

He was given a course of antibiotics and we were told that they would go away in time. This was a month ago and they haven’t altered in size. What should we do?

A: Let your vet have another look, as they really should have reduced by now. It seems that your tick-removing technique might need a little tweaking, as you may be leaving the head in, which causes infection and can lead to swelling.

Even when removed properly, tick bites can cause inflammation and small lumps, so in the long term, the use of a topical product to repel ticks from biting your dog in the first place is the best bet.

Why dogs pee in other people’s houses

Why dogs pee in other people’s houses
Posted on by Petplan

Q: We have a new rescue Jack Russell Terrier who won’t stop peeing in other people’s houses. He is a lovely dog – but will wee at least once everywhere we go! It’s really embarrassing. Please help!

A: Your dog is marking territory with his scent, a problem in male dogs who may not have had the best upbringing or been well house-trained. Patience and training will go some way towards helping with this problem, but I would strongly suggest having him castrated if he is not already.

This will help reduce the level of the male hormone testosterone, which plays a role in encouraging your new dog to cock his leg on new surroundings.

 

Stop your dog making a splash

Stop your dog making a splash
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog behaviour water activity

Q: I have a one-year-old Labrador and, when we let her out in the garden, she often makes a beeline for the stream, which runs into a pond. How can we stop her doing this?

A: Labradors are a gundog breed and normally love water, so your bitch is displaying natural behaviour. It sounds as if she has made a habit of running straight to the stream and pond because it’s fun.

When trying to change any behaviour, think about what your pet enjoys doing the most. Does she enjoy chasing after balls?

Most Labradors also love their food! I’d recommend that when you let her out into the garden, you take a little time to interact with her.

You could throw a ball for her in the opposite direction to the stream, or play some search games with her by hiding treats around the garden for her to find. If she gets focused on these activities, this should help stop her making a beeline for the stream.

 

Why does my dog dislike the car?

Why does my dog dislike the car?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog behaviour car

Q: My dog hates getting into the car but is OK once we are driving. Why is this?

A: I would check with your vet in case he has some movement problems and it is painful for him to jump into the car. Even young dogs can have hip problems.

Sometimes, dogs do not like to jump into a dark area. Has your dog ever been hurt as it jumped into the car?

A bad experience, such as a tail or paw being caught in the car door, can result in a dog forming a bad association with entering the car. You can now buy car ramps for dogs with mobility problems.

Otherwise, I would spend time playing with your dog around the car – for example, on the driveway or in a safe open area, with all the doors open (so the car interior is not so dark). Encourage your dog to get into and out of the car with treats and toys, so that it becomes a game.

 

 

Why is my dog going bald?

Why is my dog going bald?
Posted on by Petplan
This article contains: dog hair loss hormone

Q: Our old Schnauzer, Ernie, has a bald patch near his tail that seems to be getting bigger. The vet has treated him for mange and fleas, but the bald patch still seems to be getting larger. 

We are getting really worried now, and the vet doesn’t seem to know how to treat it. Any ideas?

A: This could be a case of the condition known as hypothyroidism, a hormonal disorder in which the thyroid glands don’t produce the correct amount of thyroid hormone. This can result in many changes, most notably a thinning of the coat.

More common in older canine patients, hypothyroidism can be tested for by taking a sample of blood from Ernie to test for thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Discuss this possibility with your vet, as this condition can be easily treated with supplement hormone to eventually cover up Ernie’s patchiness.

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