My Pet World: How to prevent back problems in small dogs

Q: We just lost our 15-year-old dachshund and are planning to get another dachshund puppy as we love the breed. However, ours always suffered from back problems and disc issues and we were wondering if there was anything we could do for our new puppy to prevent such issues when she gets older? -- Jim Murphy, Ocean, NJ

A: I also love dachshunds and have always had them, but with all short legged breeds any back issues are really just the luck of the draw.

The most important thing you can do is get a puppy that does not beg for food all of the time and to really concentrate on maintaining its weight. Not allowing the dog's weight to go overboard will keep less stress on her spine. This can be hard for a dog like a dachshund because they have a strong food drive, but it really can make a big difference.

Jumping up and down from furniture is also a problem with this breed. They have no idea of their physical limitations, which makes it difficult to comprehend any consequences from their actions.

In a perfect world you would never allow a dachshund puppy to get up on the furniture, however this is not always the case. If you can get the dog used to using puppy stairs or ramps at an early age, then you may not have to worry about her crashing to the floor off the couch. It's best to be proactive rather than reactive.

Q: I am a senior and enjoy walking in the afternoon with my poodle. There is a house I pass that has no fence and they have a large boxer-type dog that always rushes out to bark at us when we pass the house. As soon as we get near the house, I pick up my dog and carry her past. But I am still nervous about what to do. My husband says to carry pepper spray, but I cannot imagine myself being able to do that and I wonder if you had any suggestions? -- Jean Morrow, Santa Barbara, CA

A: In this day and age it is never a good idea to use aggressive threats in any circumstance, especially when you are in a confrontational situation with an animal stronger than yourself.

In my experience, I have found that any charging dog will stop short when a closed umbrella is pointed at it and then is suddenly popped open. The action of the umbrella opening really startles them and they usually end up bored.

It may be a bit easier to carry a can of pepper spray rather than the umbrella, but I do believe that you will feel and be safer with it in the end.

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Q: Our ferret was chewing on the bars of her cage and broke one of her long canine teeth in her lower jaw in half. She seems fine with it and does not seem in any pain, but we were wondering if it may interfere with her eating at all? -- Rita Hernandez, Chicago, IL

A: Actually, you should take her to a vet that knows about ferrets to get the tooth extracted or capped. I have seen ferrets that broke a tooth and even though everything seemed fine at first, but a few weeks later they developed a bad abscess and infection. If this would to happen to your ferret, it would mean lots of antibiotics and supportive care that can compromise your ferret's health.

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(Marc Morrone has kept almost every kind of animal as a pet for the last half-century and he is happy to share his knowledge with others. Although he cannot answer every question, he will publish many of those that have a general interest. You can contact him at petxperts2@aol.com; please include your name, city and state.)