Frequently Asked Questions

Many veterinarians consider grass consumption by both dogs and cats to be a normal behaviour. Wild canines often graze to supplement their diets with vegetation. The primary concern arises if the grass has been treated with herbicides, insecticides, or fertilizers, which could lead to illness. If no chemicals have been applied, your dog can safely graze.

Coprophagia, or the consumption of feces, is a common behaviour in dogs. While it is normal for mother dogs to consume their pups' droppings, dogs may also consume the feces of other canines or even other species. Self-coprophagia is less common, but still occurs.

Assuming your veterinarian has ruled out underlying health issues, such as unvaccinated status or parasitic infections, and your dog is on a balanced diet, a nutritional deficiency is unlikely to be the cause. At this point, the behaviour should be addressed from a behavioural perspective. The more frequently the behaviour occurs, the more ingrained it becomes. Physical prevention is crucial to help your dog break the habit, though behavioural modification will require time.

When your pet shows interest in feces, firmly and loudly scold them. Keeping your pet on a leash during outdoor excursions provides physical control, aiding in prevention. Additionally, certain food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), can make feces less appealing. Direct deterrents like applying Tabasco sauce or bitter lemon to the feces can also be effective. Some pet owners find success by simply maintaining a clean yard to remove temptation.

If your cat is urinating inappropriately, the first step is a comprehensive veterinary examination. This is crucial to rule out any underlying medical conditions or infections that could be causing excessive urination. If medical issues are not present, the behaviour is likely behavioural. This can stem from territorial marking or problems with the litter box itself, such as the type, quantity, or cleanliness of the litter, or the box's location.

Sudden environmental changes or stressors can also trigger inappropriate urination. These might include introducing a new pet or family member, or even a household move. If your cat is not neutered, sterilization is highly recommended, as it frequently resolves marking behaviours.

Consider the number of litter boxes you have; a general guideline is one more litter box than the number of cats in your home. Evaluate the type of litter you are using. If you've recently switched brands, try reverting to the previous one. Cats can be very particular about their litter. If you haven't changed litter, consider introducing an additional box with a completely different type of litter. Most cats prefer scoop-able (clumping), unscented litter in uncovered boxes. Avoid highly fragranced litters. As an experiment, you might place at least three litter boxes in your home, positioning them near the spots where your cat is urinating inappropriately, and scoop all boxes daily.

If your cat continues to urinate outside the box, consult with your veterinarian or a certified pet behaviourist. Medical therapy is another option; discuss suitable medications with your veterinarian. Depending on the medication, daily or weekly administration might be necessary. Be aware that some medications may have side effects or varying effectiveness, and finding the right solution might involve some experimentation.

Litter box problems can be challenging to correct, especially if they've been ongoing. However, in most cases, these issues can be resolved with persistence, so it's important not to give up prematurely.

It sounds like you have a normal, curious kitten. However, chewing on electrical cords is quite dangerous. The good news is that this behaviour typically diminishes as they mature.

Have you tried applying something distasteful to the cords? Products like cayenne pepper spray or bitter apple spray can effectively deter some cats. You can also physically cover the cords with paper towel tubing or PVC pipe for added protection. It's advisable to limit your kitten's access to areas with cords unless they are under direct supervision. When you're not home, confine them to a room free of accessible cords.

Ensure your kitten has a plenty of appropriate toys to play with. To maintain their interest, you can rotate their toys: offer a few at a time, store the rest, and then periodically swap them out. Even familiar toys will feel new after a few days in storage.

With consistent effort, your kitten should learn to leave the cords alone. If, despite these precautions, you catch them chewing on cords, a calm squirt of water from a spray bottle can be an effective deterrent. Avoid yelling or spanking; simply use the water spray until they disengage from the cords. We wish you the best of luck with your kitten!

Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) offer significant health and behavioural benefits for your pet. While female dogs and cats do not experience predictable behavioural changes after spaying, male dogs often become less dominant and aggressive towards other dogs, and are less prone to roaming after neutering. Similarly, male cats typically engage in less territorial fighting and spraying, and roam less, which dramatically increases their lifespan.

From a health perspective, early spaying in females helps prevent mammary cancer and a potentially fatal uterine infection called pyometra. For male dogs, neutering reduces the incidence of prostate and testicular diseases. Beyond these health advantages, preventing unwanted litters is a crucial reason veterinarians recommend spaying both cats and dogs, ideally between six and twelve months of age, and before their first heat cycle. Ultimately, these procedures contribute to healthier, longer, and more enjoyable companionship with our pets.