My Pet World: Dog won't listen? Pet may simply not understand your 'language'

By Steve Dale, Tribune Content Agency on May 29, 2014

Occasionally, veterinarians are guilty themselves, and don't even broach the topic. Or clients refuse the testing for heartworm, which is done before a preventative is dispensed. Some veterinarians refuse to prescribe a preventative if the test is not done.

Some clients do purchase heartworm preventative, but then forget to give it to their pet.

Sadly, too many pet owners never see a veterinarian. Heartworm prevention isn't readily available online or anywhere without a veterinary prescription.

Jones points out that heartworm disease can kill, and prevention in dogs is less expensive than costly, arduous treatment. In cats, there is no treatment, and the only symptom may be sudden death.

"It's a shame so many dogs, particularly in the South (where mosquitoes that spread heartworm are most common), test positive for heartworm," says Jones. "Dogs with heartworm get sick or worse needlessly."

----

Q: Peaches was always wary of visitors, but over the past few months she seems totally afraid. Any advice? -- B.H., Las Vegas, NV.

A: See your veterinarian, and soon. Cats are adept at hiding illness. Any time a pet changes its behavior for no apparent reason, there is, in fact, a reason. Ruling out a physical problem first makes the most sense.

You didn't mention Peaches' age. Older cats may suffer from an Alzheimer's-like condition.

The problem could have begun inadvertently. Perhaps, for example, a loud noise occurred as a guest was walking in the door, and the cat now associates fear with visitors. You could ask guests to toss treats to your cat, but otherwise ignore Peaches to reverse the negative association.

========

Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.