Q. My four-year-old greyhound is family friendly and loving, but he goes ballistic if anyone tries to cut his nails. Your advice?
-- Ellen Bone, Salmon Arm, B.C.
A. A simple canine pedicure can become a wrestling match. Even with a cooperative pet it can be tricky: cut too short, nails can hurt and bleed. But trims are essential. Luckily, vets and veterinarian technicians are pros at safely holding a distressed pet and providing a proper trim. But try training him, too. When he's solid with basic obedience commands, Sit and Stay, regularly pick up a front foot, hold it for a few moments and praise him. Once he's OK with this, get that foot trimmed. Repeat with his other feet, visiting the vet every two weeks for several months until he is accustomed to the process.
Q. We think our Border collie has a tick. How do we know for sure and how should we treat it?
-- Lori Lockey, Port Perry, Ont.
A. Common dog ticks have grey, oval bodies that swell as they feed (often noticed at corn-kernel size) and black heads, usually hidden, that burrow into the skin. A tick attaches for several days, then drops off.
If you find one, don't just yank it or the anchored head will remain to cause irritation or infection. Dab the tick with rubbing alcohol or flea-and-tick spray to lessen its grip, then grasp it close to the skin with tweezers and pull straight up. If you're squeamish, your vet can do it and advise you about tick-prevention, as well. Fortunately, tick-borne Ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease aren't common in Canada.
Q. Is there anything I can do to minimize the dander from my cat?
-- Sue Petkovic, Toronto
A. Dander is a polite name for the skin flakes and broken hairs that all animals, including humans, produce. Trapped in fur, animal dander is easy to spot, but an excessive amount is abnormal and not always a cosmetic problem, so check with your vet. It may indicate an allergy or skin infection that needs treatment, or your pet may need better nutrition. A cat food containing fatty acids and oils helps maintain a healthy skin and coat. Cats with exceptionally thick coats can benefit from daily brushing, regular bathing or even shaving. Weight loss, too, can help flaky cats (obese felines can't reach around their Garfield-size girths to groom their own backs).
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