Q+A with a vet

Q. I have a two-year-old Lab who is very social. How do I stop her from jumping up when people arrive and charging the door when we leave?
-- Carol Arsenault, Pickering, Ont.

A. Your dog is greeting visitors as she would greet another dog. She doesn't instinctively know the proper way to greet people, so you must teach her.

A basic obedience class will help. Once your dog is steady with Sit, Heel and Stay, practise doorway etiquette. While you keep your dog on a leash in a Sit and give her rewards, you need someone else to be the "doorman." Over several sessions, the doorman should ring the bell (or knock) and leave; ring the bell, enter briefly and leave; ring the bell, enter and greet you. Make sure your dog masters each step before moving on. You want to teach calm behaviour, so give praise and rewards in a quiet manner. Keep your lessons less than 10 minutes and end on a positive note. With practice, your dog will sit and stay on command at the door. Oh, and you may need to train yourself to keep your own arrivals and departures low-key. If they're too exciting, no self-respecting Lab will be able to hold back!
Click here for more information about training your dog.

Q. Is it common for cats to get worms? Can this be treated at home without going to a vet?
-- Rose Guido, Woodbridge, Ont.

A. Worms are common in cats who go outside, but indoor cats can also be infected through exposure to fleas or small rodents. Kittens can pick up parasites from their mothers' milk, and, untreated, these worms persist into adulthood. Since there are many different types of worms and smaller parasites, there are a variety of deworming treatments. They are only effective if you use the right product for the right parasite, and dosage information on over-the-counter medications can be inaccurate. It's best to ask your veterinarian to diagnose the type of parasite, then choose the proper medication and correct dose.