Don't limit your dog's thirst, even if it seems like there's something wrong
Q: My almost 17-year-old cat had a failing heart and kidneys and was under geriatric care, and died after eating grass. She died six weeks after eating the grass. Though, she was ailing and I admit if it wasn't for eating the grass she wouldn't have lived that long anyway. The grief of losing a pet for so many years is bad enough, but I feel I poisoned my cat by allowing her to eat the grass. The feeling is unbearable. -- J. E., Henderson, NV
A: I am sorry for your loss.
"Many cats routinely enjoy eating grass, and when you purchase cat grass, there typically isn't a danger," says Dr. Lauren Demos, incoming president American Association of Feline Practitioners.
Did this cat eat grass outside? "Sometimes cats that are not feeling well will attempt to self-medicate by eating grass," adds Demos. "Therefore, it's likely there was an underlying issue -- which perhaps you do know about."
Demos, who is in Waterford, Mich., says, "People make associations, which may be perfectly naturally to do, but not very accurate." So, if you offer a new treat to a cat and your cat throws up -- it might be the treat, but it doesn't mean it is.
"You have no reason to feel guilty," adds Demos. "You did not kill your cat. Clearly, you are a very caring cat owner -- just the type of person to get another cat when you are ready."
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Q: My 8-year-old Papillon/Yorkshire Terrier mix shakes whenever my wife uses our electric oven or indoor grill. There's no sound and she still shakes. What can we do? -- A. L., Boca Raton, FL
A: "For starters, understand a dog's hearing is much more acute than ours, especially higher treble and lower bass," says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Debra Horwitz of St. Louis. "It could be the dog is hearing something that makes her uncomfortable or anxious."
Horwitz, who is a contributing editor of "Decoding Your Dog" with Dr. John Ciribassi and myself (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, NY; $27) says to try to distract your dog with a treat dispensing toy, food puzzle, stuff low fat peanut butter into a toy or offer something to chew on in another part of the house before you turn on the appliance.
Not only may the dog be distracted, but also your dog may -- over time -- associate the electric oven or indoor grill with the treats.
Also, play music as you use the appliances -- which may drown out any worrisome sound the dog may be hearing.
Horwitz adds that an Adaptil (pheromone) collar might cut any associated anxiety.
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