My Pet World: New drug shows promise to extend life for cats with 'dry" FIP

Q: I know dogs shouldn't be fed onions, but what about a small amount of organic chicken or vegetable broth -- even if onion is an ingredient -- added to my dog's dry or wet food? Would that be considered safe since there are no actual pieces of onion in the broth? -- J.W., Las Vegas, NV

A: "The dose can make the poison," says Dr. Justine Lee, veterinary emergency care and critical care specialist in St. Paul, MN. "There's just not enough onion in broth to pose a danger for dogs or cats. Though, for most pets, and especially those with a heart condition, as well as any pet on seizure medication, low-salt broth is a better idea."

However, if you have any doubts about adding broth to your dog's food, consult your vet, Lee says.

Q: How do you train a cat to stop meowing? Four to five hours before his regular feeding time, my cat starts meowing. In fact, the longer I wait to feed him, the louder he meows. Once I put down the food, the meowing stops until 4-5 five hours before the next 'regular' meal. I'd like to clicker-train him to stop meowing. Is that possible? -- T.K., Rochester, MN

A: This problem appears to bea common malady called: cat trains owner. Cats meow to communicate with people, and it works. The louder and more often they meow, the faster we jump. Most cats learn this quickly.

"Cats seem to have a clock in their heads and/or stomachs and know when it's time to eat, and they tell us," says certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger, author of "Naughty No More: Change Unwanted Behaviors Through Positive Reinforcement" (Bow Tie Press, Irvine, CA, 2010; $12.95). "Some cats are more insistent than others. It could also be (your) cat isn't getting enough food and is very, very hungry."

One solution is to feed your cat regular meals, but also leave out food in treat balls and food puzzles, even hiding these toys so your cat can find them throughout the day. They'll keep him occupied and his tummy more filled. There are also feeders available that deliver food at set times (available at pet stores and online). If there's no need for your cat to bellow in protest, he may stop.

As an option, you can clicker-train you cat to meow less, says Krieger.

"First, so he understands the click sound is a good thing, offer a special treat and click, repeating this process over and over for several days. Then, when he's quiet, click and maybe say, 'quiet.' When he begins to meow, catch him between meows, click and offer a treat. As he chews on the treat, he's not meowing, so click and offer another, and say, 'quiet.'" You want to reward your cat for what you do like, rather than worry about what you don't like (loud meowing).

Q: Missy, our 3-year-old Shih Tzu, loves to play with our 3-year-old grandson. The problem is, Missy jumps on Joey and treats him like a male dog (if you know what I mean). I sternly say 'no,' but this keeps happening. How can I stop this behavior? --D.R.M., Buffalo, NY

A: It's terrific that dog and baby have become such good friends, says Marjie Alonso, a Boston, MA-based trainer and executive director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. However, the dog is becoming overexcited when playing with your grandson. There's nothing sexual about this; it's just too much fun. And the smell of diapers may be contributing to the problem.

Give your dog a break before their activity gets too intense. Just remove her and offer her something else to do, such as gnaw on a chew toy or play with a ball.

As a reminder, never leave a toddler unsupervised with any dog, even if they're best buds.

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