My Pet World: Does a dog exhibit 'jealousy' when a wife and husband hug?
– Steve, Little Neck, New York
Dear Steve,
Veterinarians generally recommend dogs and cats be fixed around six months old, but for the past three decades, veterinarians at animal shelters and spay-neuter clinics have been performing pediatric spaying and neutering on puppies and kittens as young as three months old.
Younger animals recover more quickly from surgery, and there is the added benefit of no accidental births when it’s done before sexual maturity. Check with the veterinary clinic where you want to have the procedure done and see what’s the earliest age they will accept your pet.
Dear Cathy:
I have a 13-pound stocky rescue dog, a "Chorkie." Several years ago, he started having severe back issues. When it came to stairs, I noticed he had to twist his body to get his back legs on the next step. With three flights of stairs in my vacation home, I had to carry him everywhere.
The vet determined it was arthritis, but he is fine in my single-level home. Steps seem unsuitable for dogs of certain body types. I believe ramps are more back-friendly for dogs. Just my experience; I hope it helps others.
– Kathy, Las Vegas, Nevada
Dear Cathy,
Dogs with short legs and long bodies struggle with stairs as well as jumping on or off a couch or bed. Because many dogs may struggle with stairs as they age, it can be helpful to train dogs to walk on a ramp from an early age.
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