Hot Tips

Velma is a renown pet dog behaviour consultant and trainier and writes a monthly column in the publication Fifty Plus Lifestyle. Click on the title to read the informative and fun column.

Managing Chronic Ear Infections and Itchy Skin In Dogs with Diet

Does Your Dog Experience Separation Anxiety?

Noise Sensitive Dogs

Toilet Training Your Puppy Or Adult Dog

Buying A Pet As A Gift For A Child Or Adult

‘How much exercise should your dog receive?’

It’s Official. Pets Really Are Good For Our Health!

Introducing A Puppy To An Existing Dog

Managing Chronic Ear Infections and Itchy Skin In Dogs with Diet

Dear Velma. My dog has a chronic ear condition and itchy skin. Medication doesn’t seem to work at all. This has her scratching her self until she is raw. What do you suggest?

Your dog is under the care of a veterinarian which is important. I am not a vet. but have had a good deal of success in dealing with these because a long time ago my own dog had this and I learned how to control these very frustrating and painful conditions, with diet control.

I found that dogs with this have a compromised immune system. With a specific diet, toxins are released from the body and immunity is stregnthened.

Dog nutrition is a keen interest of mine and I studied dog nutrition at TAFE 10 years ago. I have come up with some winning diet combinations which I am confident your dog will benefit from. At the very least, he will receive good nutrition which is of course a signifcant factor in good health.

Any dog with sensitive skin, food allergies or chronic ear infections has a compromised immune system. Your dog will be chemically sensitive. Avoid all chemicals on the dog’s coat or allowing your dog to eat any foods or doggy treats with artifical additives. Most pre-packaged or canned dog foods will have preservatives and other chemicals. Avoid these. Regardless of what ever the nutrients are in these, the chemicals are likely to counter act the nutrients. Be very careful with pest treatments. Use the weakest and don’t dose your dog with more than one at once. Never give your dog a C5 annual vaccination at the same time as any other annual vaccination such as heart worm. Although appearing convenient to give the dog both at the same consultation, this will not be so convenient when you have to return with a sick dog and pay for extra consultations and medications. Prefrably allow any annual vaccination 6 months apart.

The following caserole takes me around 20-30 minutes to make and lasts my 2 little dogs and 1 large dog around a week. I use a big pot and lots of storage, take-a-way sized containers.

I have been using this diet with my dog (now aged 18) for about 8 years. If you saw him you would think he was aged around 10 or less. He has arthritis and is prone to sensitive skin and ears but if you met him, you wouldn’t know that. He has no signs of any of these and I thank the following caserole diet for his youthful, healthy deminure and happy disposition.

Ruby, Velma’s 18 year old Chihuahua

Absolutley - no wheat and no meat – no exceptions!

Sensitive Skinned Dog Caserole

The mix should be around 1/3 veggies; 1/3 porrage oats; 1/3 protein

To a large pan…
Add freshly chopped, shredded or frozen mixed veggies to a large pan. Veggies should include brocolli and /or spinach; optional – carrots, celery, peas, corn, potatoes, cabbage, colliflower, root veggies and all leafy veggies. Herbs are also great.
2 teaspoons of garlic.
Half cover with filtered water and bring to the boil. Over cook so all veggies are soggy.
Add more water and bring back to the boil.
Add about ½ volume quick oats (they will double in size).
Stir continually for about 10 minutes adding more water if necessary. The oats should be over cooked until very soggy.
You are looking for around half veggies and half oats at this point. The caserole should be the consistency of porrage without much left over liquid.

Now add around 1/3 protein..

Add any of these to make up the 1/3. Mix in a variety.

This is generally what I add.

2 cans Mackerell (I get the no frills home brand in spring water or natural oil. Drain off all oil.) Or any fish
2 cans Tuna (I get the no frills home brand in spring water or natural oil. Drain off all oil.)
5 bean mix (I get the no frills home brand. Drain off all liquid.)
1 can lentils (Drain off all liquid.)
1 can chic peas (Drain off all liquid.)
1 packet of firm tofu

Mix

Add supplements to the caserole or the individual meal

This is the volume I add to my small dogs meals
Pinch pyllium husks
Organic flax seed oil (from the fridge at your local health food shop)

If your dog has arthritis which one of mine does
1 tea spoon of liquid glycosamine
or 1 Lyprinol

Add to this diet

1 marrow bone, cut length ways (not width ways) about every 2-3 days. Have your local butcher order them in for you. That’s what I do.

Please be aware that your dog may have an allergy to some of the food mentioned here. However, the foods mentioned in this caserole are generally of low allergy. If you have the money, a food sensitivity blood test costs around $350.00 Australia and is an excellent way to be sure.

Please also be aware that I am sharing my knowledge and experience with you for these conditions. I am not recommending or suggesting anything. For medical suggestions, please consult with a “veterinarian nutritionist”.

Let me know how your dog goes on this diet.

If you have a dog dilemma, write to Velma at Dog Dilemmas, PO Box 4101, Bay Village, NSW 2261 or email: \n // --> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Does Your Dog Experience Separation Anxiety?

Dear Velma. We have a separation anxiety problem with our 6 year old Jack Russell we recently adopted from a rescue shelter. He follows us every where and when we go out madly scratches at the door and barks. We feel so sorry for him. Please help us! Paul and Carol.

First of all I’d like to say very well done for offering a home to a shelter dog. For the last 10 years, I have offered advice and training to people

who have adopted shelter dogs. Shelter dogs often have no issues at all and settle into their new homes easily whilst some others can show signs of insecurity including separation anxiety. Having said that, separation anxiety is no more apparent in shelter dogs, than in dogs bought from breeders or pet shops.

In my experience, the cause of this can be nature, nurture, environmental or all of these! Don’t waste valuable thoughts on feeling sorry for your dog. What ever ‘nasties’ he may have experienced in the past that is now behind him. He has a new, permanent loving home. I’ve never yet met a dog, regardless of the severity, who has not responded well to specific management for this issue. There are a good many things to do to help your darling dog.

Here are some things you can do immediately. Be aware that Jack Russells have enormous physical and mental energy.

1. Give your dog something to do to keep busy.

2. A Kong toy is a plastic ball with a hole that can be filled with small pieces of food such as cat biscuits. The dog has to work out how to move the ball to extract the food. This will keep him occupied for some time in a fun way.

3. Crate train him. Dogs feel safe in small, dark burrows. The crate should be big enough for him to fully stand up and stretch out laying down plus room to have a water container on the inside of the door. Place a comfy blanket inside. Start by placing pieces of food in side to encourage him to go in. Initially close the door behind him for a few seconds then let him out and slowly make the time longer. Ignore him if he barks or cries. When he looks calm and quiet, open the door and let him out. This will teach him to feel safe away from you and that he only gets your attention when he is quiet. Place him in here every day for varying times especially when you are going to be away from the house for a few hours. He will start to feel safe in his house and teach him to feel secure and calm.

4. Get a child gate and baracade him off in a room for varying times throughout the day. He should be able to see you but not approach you. Start by giving him a delicious food treat in the room and then putting up the gate. Initially, whilst training him to feel comfortable away from you; as above, don’t talk to him or look at him if he is barking or crying. As soon as he stops, wait a few seconds and then go and get him. Again, this is teaching him to feel safe away from you and that he only gets your attention when he is quiet. This is teaching him to feel secure and calm.

5. This is the key to separation anxiety regardless of severity. Give your dog much more exercise! “A tired dog is a happy dog!” High energy, intelligent working dogs like Jack Russell terriers need an opportunity to release physical and mental energy. If you don’t give them that opportunity, they will find their own and anti-social and nuisance behaviour is highly likely to result. Boredom is the most common cause of separation anxiety. Give him a chance to run and play and give him mental challenges such as dog obedience training. Join the local dog training club. This can be fun for you as well as the dog! Check out doggie sports such as ‘agility’ and ‘fly ball’. These are favourite sports of high energy, agile dogs. You just have to watch them to know they love it. Each dog has their own energy store and you’ll have to find out how much activity is required to get yours to quickly and deeply fall asleep on your lap.

Using up all his energy on a daily basis will release “feel good” chemicals which in my experience can cause seemingly complicated and unwanted behavioural issues, to simply disappear.

Over the years, I’ve fostered countless rescue dogs and have kept many myself. These dogs are so very loyal and loving. Your entire family can benefit as well as your darling dog from loads of exercise, attending training and dog sports classes. These are fun and will be good for all of you.

If you have a dog dilemma, write to Velma at Dog Dilemmas, PO Box 4101, Bay Village, NSW 2261 or email: \n // --> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Noise Sensitive Dogs

Dear Velma. Sally, my small terrier cross is scared to neurotic when she hears fireworks and lightening. What can we do to help little Sally on New Years eve with all the firework noise? Chris, Umina Beach.

This is a very serious issue. A great many dogs break out of their yards and homes in shere panic and can run for miles trying to escape what they percieve as iminant danger.

If they survive not being a victim of a road accident, after the fireworks they are scared, disorientated, in shock and often can’t find their way home. I’ve know cases of dogs jumping through windows and over 6 foot fences to escape.

Attempting to cuddle her and soothe her believe it or not, is not good for her. This is likely to inadvertantly train her to be worse around loud noises. Giving a dog attention when they are displaying a behaviour.. teaches the dog to continue and develop that behavour. Dogs are emotional beings and she will pick up that you are worried about something (yes, her!) but she will believe you too are worried about the loud noise and she will feel justified to be worried.

There’s great news! This is a condition that can be managed. Safety first. Ensure your dog cannot escape the house. Close and secure all windows, doors and doggy doors. If she is an outside dog, bring her inside in to a laudry or somewhere she can be fully contained. Around 5.00 pm on NYE have a loud radio playing in the laundy. If she is a house dog, confine her to one room where she can listen to loud music. Give your dog 5 drops of Rescue Remedy (from chemists) per cup of water in her water bowl starting 24 hours before the fireworks are due. From around 5 pm give her around 3 drops directly into her mouth and repeat each hour until after the fireworks.

Therefore, the best way to help Sally is to project an emotion that you want her to feel. So, when the fireworks start, start singing and dancing and give off “happy” energy. (Don’t worry if everyone thinks you’re crazy!). She may still look a little concerned but if you act this way around her each time she is scared, you will teach her to stop feeling scared.

My own dogs have initially suffered from this condition. These were 2 adult dogs I adopted. Using the above method, in no time at all, I trained them out of being scared of loud noises and you can too. Let me know how you go Chris.

So, this NYE secure your 4 legged darlings are safe; and I wish all your 2 and 4 legged loved ones a happy festive season and New Year full of all great things!

If you have a dog dilemma, write to Velma at Dog Dilemmas, PO Box 4101, Bay Village, NSW 2261 or email: \n // --> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Toilet Training Your Puppy Or Adult Dog

Dear Velma, I have a Jack Russell cross, house dog who toilets in the house all the time. Some times, I take him into the garden and wait for him to toilet and he won’t. Then as soon as we go back into the house he goes behind a chair and toilets. He knows it’s wrong because he cowers when I shout at him. What can we do to get him to toilet outside? Sarah and Tom, Gosford.

Toilet training dogs is easy when you know how! I used to foster dogs. All were adult dogs and some needed to be toilet trained. It never took more than 1-2 days. In the wild, dogs never toilet in their dens.

Therefore, if a dog toilets inside a home the cause will be one of the following.

The dog feels the need to “mark” their territory.
The dog can’t physically leave the home.
The dog has a medical condition causing the dog to lose control.
The dog has been mistakenly trained to toilet in side.
Incontinence. Let’s look at these.

Males and some females are highly territorial and if they smell the scent of another dog in their home, they feel the need to cover that scent with their own giving out the messge to other dogs to “keep out!” Desexing males will help. The earlier you de-sex is an advantage. Keeping out other dogs from the house and removing shoes before entering the home avoids the smell of other dogs entering the home.
Around 30% of people calling me asking for dog training advice has not given the dog a 24 hour opportunity to physically leave the home. There is no doggy door, they keep all outside doors closed so the dog cannot get out and they don’t walk the dog every few hours. The clue here is that the dog generally toilets close to doors or windows as that is the closest they can physically get to the outside world. Get a dog door installed; leave a back door open to the garden or take the dog out for walks every few hours.
Common medical conditions which effect a dog’s toileting control can be caused by an untreated urinatry infection; or after a female dog has been desexed. I recommend a veterinarian examination as priority to rule out any medical cause to any one regarding toileting issues. Some times a simple course of anti-biotics can work wonders.
This may be the cause of our letter of the month. Dogs that are prone to toileting behind chairs or in rooms where there are no people, may have been severley “told off” for toileting by a person. Such dogs can then become scared to toilet in front of a person for fear of being told off regardless of them being outside. They think that people don’t like them toileting “anywhere” and so have the need to “hide” away to toilet. They feel unsafe to toilet any where, where there are people. When this is the cause, both dog and all family members living with the dog all need to be re-trained, with the people learning more appropriate toilet and dog training skills.
Older dogs especially but some times not so old dogs can become incontinent. All dogs living with me become significant family members and are allowed in all rooms and on furniture including beds. Therefore, I use a dog nappy. I cut a tail hole in a toddlers plastic pants and use a panty liner. Or, you can restrict the movement of a dog to a tiled area with an easily washable and comfortable mat for the dog to sleep on.

If you have a dog dilemma, write to Velma at Dog Dilemmas, PO Box 4101, Bay Village, NSW 2261 or email: \n // --> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Buying A Pet As A Gift For A Child Or Adult

Dear Velma. My 10 year old grand daughter has been asking for a puppy all year and our son has agreed for us to buy her one for Christmas. Can you offer advice on the best breed for a 10 year old? Tony and Pat, Green Point.

Yes, it is that time of year again! I think it is perfectly OK to give a dog as a gift at Christmas as long as the person receiving the pet knows they are getting one and are fully prepared financially, emotionally and environmentally to be able to offer the dog a stable, happy and healthy lifestyle.

For most dogs to be happy and thrive, they need a nurturing environment that offers mental and physical stimulation; dogs need to be trained and walked every day on leash and have enough off leash full-on running exercise (unless their health dictates otherwise); good nutrition; a warm, comfortable, draft free bed; and social stimulation.

A 10 year old is at an age where they can start to take on some responsibility. Having said that, no matter how many promises from a child, it is always going to end up being the adult to feed, train and walk the dog. Children have a short attention span of novelties and have very busy lives.

Children like puppies because they are small, fluffy and extreme Ely cute! However, they don’t remain puppies for long as soon turn into highly dependent, adult animals. Personally, for the past 20 years I’ve only adopted adult dogs as there are so many benefits for this including, the personality has already formed and after a brief assessment you can tell if the dog has the personality that is compatible with your family lifestyle. By adulthood they generally have a basic amount of training. Dogs adopted from rescue centers are amongst the most loyal you will ever have.

Choosing the correct breed of dog is the difference between success and failure. Dogs may look similar but their needs and personalities vary enormously. If you like the look of a breed, do a Google search or research to see if the dog’s exercise requirement, environment and personality will fit in with your family’s lifestyle. Some dogs are happy to sit on the couch with you most of the day, quiet, submissive and subservient. Others can be controlling and aggressive; frustrated high energy dogs can turn to digging holes, excessive barking, escaping and even self mutilation through boredom because the owner not having the time take them out for the 3 hour daily exercise they need to remain sane.

As they say, “If you fail to plan… you plan to fail!” Research, preparation and acceptance of all family members is a very good start.

Personally, I couldn’t live without my darling dogs they are important family members and your grand daughter might just end up with the best friend she has ever had!

Let me know what you decide!

Poodle Clause!

How much exercise should your dog receive?

One thing I am asked all the time is that of ‘how much exercise should your dog receive?’ What if you are busy or unwell and can’t take your dog out for her daily walkies?

When dogs aren’t getting enough mental and physical exercise, they develop what we call “naughty behaviours” such as digging, excessive barking, destroying furnishings and so on.
When some one calls me for advice with any of these, the first question I always ask and know the answer before it is given is, “how often do you take the dog out for a good run?” In every case, it is never enough. The above behaviours are due to one thing, boredom! When dogs are bored, they develop mental or physical behaviours to relieve that boredom.

In severe cases they can even develop obsessions and compulsions which offer mental and physical releases. These can be barking at shadows or birds or even biting themselves raw. These can sometimes be a medical issue so it is a good idea to have a veterinarian check. If all is well medically, the cause is very likely to be lack of physical and mental exercise.

If your dog was bred as a working dog, or is a breed known for their intelligence, they will need mental stimulation as well as physical running in their daily routine to keep them healthy. I am happy to email any one a list of these games.

What should you be offering your dog? All dogs need a daily walk as a minimum. If you can add running that will be better. Fun activities for you and your dog will be joining in “agility’ or ‘fly ball’ at your local dog training club. Training your dog to do tricks is a fun way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and you can show all your family and friends what a smart dog you have.

One thing to remember, a happy dog is a tired dog!

If you have a dog dilemma, write to Velma at Dog Dilemmas, PO Box 4101, Bay Village, NSW 2261 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

It’s Official. Pets Really Are Good For Our Health!

We are a nation of pet lovers. Australia has the largest number of pets per head, in the world! Us pet lovers have always known that pets offer us so much. Recently, there has been a number of official studies showing that pets bring far more to us than just a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Studies have shown that seniors who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not.

Owning a pet, lowers blood pressure; may decrease heart attack mortality by 3% which translates into 30,000 lives saved annually and have better psychological well-being. 70% of families surveyed reported an increase in family happiness and fun subsequent to pet acquisition.

Velma’s Pets As Therapy is a program which extensively trains people and their friendly pets, to safely interact with frail and challenged people for the purpose of physical, mental, emotional and social stimulation. Noreen Divine and her darling little poodle Missi have been visiting Wyong Hospital and offering such fantastic benefits for 5 years.

Noreen says, “Missi just loves cheering up the staff and patients and showing off by doing her fun tricks”. A comment from a health professional there was, “On today’s visit, it was wonderful to see the meaningful social interaction with a disorientated patient, with depressed patients and with a patient in a lot of pain. It is such a worthwhile service.”

Any one interested in training to become pets as therapy volunteer, please see Velma’s Pets As Therapy web site at: www.velmaspetsastherapy.com.au or phone 0432 578 210.

It’s Official. Pets Really Are Good For Our Health!

Dear Velma, I have recently bought a little puppy called Harry as company for my 3 year old Labrador . I'm not sure that Cindy my Lab is enjoying the experience as she often growls and lunges at Harry. The whole family now loves Harry and we can't rehome either of the dogs. Is there anything we can do to help them be better friends? Shirley and Todd, Hornsby.

A puppy is a joy to behold however introducing a puppy into a home where there is an exisiting dog requires planning for success.

If possible, before they meet rub a clean towel over the new dog's back, under arms and under chin (where scent glands are) then rub the towel over the existing dog. If there is time, place the towel in the existing dog's bed for a few days. This gets the existing dog used to the scent of the new dog in advance. This method works well when introducing any new pet, even a different species or a new baby!

It is a great idea to introduce the puppy and the exising dog on neutral territory. Before the pup enters the home arrange for them to meet at a park, a friend's house where there are no pets, or meet out side of your home and take them both for a long, slow, relaxing walk offering them both delicious food treats intermittently. First impressions count! This helps to eleminate any territorial behaviours; the treats will help to associate joy with the other dog plus when dogs are out walking together it triggers a "pack" mentality and helps newer members to be accepted more readily.

Having said this, you already have your pup. People some times forget that pups can be rather annoying to older dogs. I'm not saying this is what you've done but it is a common error. Imagine placing a toddler with granny and leaving them alone to get "on with it!" At first granny enjoys the company but she will soon get tired of the pup's constant need for attention and play.

When an older dog growels and lunges at a puppy, they are communicating "get away from me!" This is perfectly "normal" and teaches the little one that they need to respect the other dog's space when they've had enough. If the older dog attacks the pup causing puncture wounds and bleeding then I would separate the two immediately and call in a 'dog behaiour professional' to discuss a mangement plan.

When I introduced Fleur, my 3 month old Standard Poodle puppy into my home with 2 small older dogs aged 12 and 18, they were constantly seperated for the first 12 months unless I was there to supervise. I and my 2 little ones Sunshine and Ruby trained Fleur to be polite around them and after 12 months, she was old enough to control her long limbs around them.

It sounds to me that Cindy probably enjoys Harry and I suspect they could be great friends with correct management. To enhance their friendship give Cindy plenty of "time out" from Harry unless you can supervise them. When you leave home, separate them until Harry has learned to respect Cindy's space. Walk and feed them together to develop a "pack" mentality and train them both in basic obedience to help them develop balance.

Any one interested in training to become pets as therapy volunteer, please see Velma’s Pets As Therapy web site at: www.velmaspetsastherapy.com.au or phone 0432 578 210.