QUESTION: My husband and I will be keeping our grandson, age seven, for the summer. The one problem which I foresee is our grandson's allergies, particularly to dogs and cats. We own an elderly pug and a middle-aged, spayed cat. Is there anything we can do to assure our son and daughter-in-law that the pets won't cause medical problems for our grandson?
I can't prescribe treatment for your grandson, and I urge you to consult with your grandson's physician. However, I will offer the following suggestions for allergy-proofing your pets and home. Brush the dog and cat daily with a soft brush to remove allergy-causing dander (hair and dandruff) and saliva. An antishedding spray such as Shed-Gurad might be helpful. Wipe pets daily with a towel or sponge moistened with distilled water. Shampoo pets every two weekd with a mild pet shampoo and cream rinse. Feed both animals a balanced diet containing natural fat. If either suffers dryness of hair, ask your veterinarian about adding fatty acid supplements to his diet. Change the cat's litter box when your grandson is outside. Use a dust- and perfume-free litter product, and take care of the box daily. Allergic persons are especially sensitive to odors; therefore,remove pet food dishes and wash them after feeding time. Clean pet beds often, and avoid the use of insecticides and perfumed products on the pet. Most people who are allergic to animals are also allergic to dust, pollen, and mold. Forbid smoking, and vacuum often when your grandson is away. Eliminate dust catchers, such as dried flower arrangements, and sources of mold in damp areas, such as bathrooms and basements. Use non-allergic, polyester-filled pillows and comforters in yoru grandson's room.
QUESTION: My dog has a has a breathing problem that I find distressing. She will do this snorting thing like she can't catch her breath. It will continue for a period of several seconds, and she might do it three or four times a week. Is this a condition I should be concerned about?
I believe you are describing what some veterinarians term reverse sneeze syndrome, characterized by paroxysms of inspiratory snorting lasting sometimes up to a minute. The cause is unknown, although some experts attribute it to what is known as postnasal drip in people. There is no treatment, and the condition is harmless. However, because an allergic condition or foreign body in the nasal cavity might trigger similar signs, you should have the dog examined by his veterinarian.
QUESTION: We had a mother dog abandon a puppy on our doorstep. We tried to get the mother to take the baby back, but she refused and kept shoving him aside. My wife and I finally took the puppy, who was smaller than his littermates, and bottle-fed him. Within a day, we noticed that the puppy's abdomen was distended, and that he wasn't having bowel movements. On closer inspection, we discovered that the puppy had a small pink spot but no opening through which to have bowel movements. We were heartbroken, because the puppy had to be destroyed after all our efforts. The mother dog rejected the puppy because he was different. How do they know?
Survival of the fittest seems a cruel law of nature. Yet bitches deliver more puppies than can be supported in the wild or adoped by responsibe human parents. Only the strongest are destined to live to propagate the species. A mother dog uses all of her senses--vision, hearing, smell, touch--when interacting with her offspring. She probably senses that a puppy is defective and has a poor chance of surviving. It is also possible that the mother knows on a more innate level, the way a bird knows which was is south and a salmon knows which way to swim. The universe in its overall design is perfect. You are to be commended for your efforts to save the puppy. The congenital deformity that you describe is called atresia ani--the puppy was born without an anus. The condition can sometimes be surgically corrected.
QUESTION: My dog Muffin has been miserable ever since she came into heat at age five months. She continually drips blood from her vulva and stays swollen down there; she licks constantly and can't seem to get comfortable. Don't tell me to spay Muffin because I want her to have one litter of puppies. I am waiting until I retire next year and have more time to devote to Muffin and the little ones. What can I do in the meantime?
Why do you want Muffin to have puppies? Motherhood is not a requirement for a fulfilling life for dogs or for women. If you want another dog, adopt one from a reputable breeder. My advice is to get Muffin spayed. She is displaying all the signs of continual heat, called nymphomania. The causation of nymphomania is a hormonal imbalance, which is cured by spaying. Veterinarians who specialize in reproduction are called theriogeniologists; you might consult a reproductive specialist for a second opinion.
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