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My Pet World: Slippery floors can make dogs fearful and anxious

By Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on

Dogs and cats often butt-scoot across the lawn or carpet to relieve posterior discomfort, which can be the result of worms, skin allergies or impacted anal glands. The primary culprit is impacted anal sacs, which, as you know, can become chronic for some dogs.

I trust your veterinarian has been giving you good advice, so will just add a few things here. While your veterinarian or groomer can empty the glands as needed, the glands also can be surgically removed as a last resort.

Keeping your dog fit helps, since fatter dogs tend to have the problem more often. There are some good canine weight loss foods on the market that you can try.

There is also a product called NaturVet No Scoot Plus Pumpkin Soft Chews for Dogs, which supposedly "supports healthy anal sac and gland function."

Let me know if any of these things helps your dog.

Dear Cathy,

In my daily walks in my neighborhood, I've noticed an increase in the number of wild rabbits. They are especially numerous early mornings and evenings. Is there an explanation for the rise in their population? Andy, -- East Northport, NY

 

Dear Andy,

I checked with Volunteers for Wildlife in Locust Valley, N.Y. They are unaware of any large population boom of rabbits on Long Island. As prey animals, the population of rabbits in a certain area is in flux with the number of predators in that area. They say you are likely in an area that is hospitable to wild rabbits, providing an abundance of grass and clover, places to hide and few natural predators.

The most common time to see wild rabbits is in the morning and evening, so enjoy!

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)


(c) 2017 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

 

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