My Pet World: Redirect dog who is obsessively attached to a toy

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Aug 4, 2021

Disengaging from him is a good start. The other is to never play with a kitten or cat with your bare hands. Even if your cat wants to be petted, petting the belly always results in the cat grabbing a hand with their claws or their mouth. Instead, use a toy, like a stuffed sock, to play with him so that he can exhibit normal cat behaviors by grabbing and biting the sock. You can use the sock, a back scratcher or long handled comb or brush to pet him, if you want. Just don’t use your hands.

Dear Cathy,

I have a two-year-old Biewer terrier. I live in a high rise. Whenever I take her for walks, she drools excessively. The vet feels it is anxiety-related. I would like to take her out more to be more social, but I end up covered in drool as she shakes her head to get rid of it. Can you make any suggestions to help with this? – Bobbi, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Dear Bobbi,

Shaking one’s head, yawning, drooling, and licking excessively are signs of stress for a dog. Talk to your veterinarian about giving her an anti-anxiety medication or explore the over-the-counter natural calming chews and anti-anxiety products available for dogs. Get a canine pheromone collar, and maybe an Anxiety Wrap® or Thundershirt® that she can wear during her walks. Start with one thing and add new strategies until you find the solution or the right combination of solutions that works for her.

During her walks or other stressful situations, ask her periodically to “sit” or “down.” Familiar obedience commands can help refocus her attention. If you can tackle the anxiety, the drooling should stop.

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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.)