Staff Newspaper Column
Critter Corner
Adding variety to cat’s diet
Dear Critter Corner: I read recently that it’s good to give my cat lots of variety in their food, but am worried about it upsetting her stomach. How can I introduce different foods to her? There are some studies that have been done to speak to cats’ having a variety...
Prepping for successful dog training
Dear Critter Corner: I have been doing a lot of training with my pup and I feel that they are 95% reliable with most of their cues! I am having a problem though; it seems as though the second we step foot outside they forget everything including their name. Why is...
Dealing with ant infestation and my cat
Dear Critter Corneer: I woke up this morning to an ant infestation in my home. The ants were all over my cat’s food, in the pantry, and were coming from a hole in the wall. How can I get rid of the ants in a safe way for my cat? Initially you can try using some sort...
The 3 D’s of dog training
Dear Critter Corner: I have been working on teaching my dog to ‘stay’ but the second that I give him his treat or I try to take a few steps away, he gets up. Are there any tips or tricks you can give me to get my dog to stay after I give him the treat or when I try...
The importance of spaying a cat
Dear Critter Corner: My 11-month-old cat Skylar has been mewing a lot lately, rolling herself all over the carpet, and rubbing against me. I think she may be in heat, will getting her spayed help with this behavior? It does sound like Skylar might be exhibiting the...
Muzzle training a dog
Dear Critter Corner: We just had a visit with our vet and they recommended that we should muzzle train our dog. I am not sure where to start or how to do this, do you have any suggestions? It is great to be proactive when working with our dogs and potential problem...
Cat experiencing separation anxiety
Dear Critter Corner: I went on vacation for 3 days and left my cat Dallas at a friend’s apartment. Now at home she seems to be having separation anxiety, scratching at the door and meowing when I leave. I have another trip coming up and am worried I won’t be able to...
Resource guarding
Dear Critter Corner: I have noticed that when I give my pup a chew stick or other high-value item, he tends to go and hide from me while chewing on it. The other night, I got close to where he was chewing on the stick and he growled at me. I am not sure what to do,...
Introducing new cat to the resident cat
Dear Critter Corner: I recently adopted Peanut, a 1-year-old cat, and would like to introduce her to my senior cat Mama, but am worried about them getting into a scuffle. How should I introduce them to each other? It’s a good idea to introduce them as slowly and...
Barking dog
Dear Critter Corner: We feel that our once quiet pup has found his voice and is doing a lot of barking at home lately. We have told him ‘no’ and ‘quiet’ but these do not seem to do the trick. Is there anything we can do to get our quiet pup back? This is a great...