Sean McCormack, head veterinarian at the personalized pet food company tails.com, offers his expertise to pet owners grappling with peculiar pet behaviors, health concerns, and training challenges. With a decade of experience addressing a wide range of pet-related questions, Sean aims to provide practical advice and solutions to ensure the well-being of our furry companions. His column serves as a valuable resource for pet owners seeking guidance and reassurance.
In one case, Patsy Davison from Anglesey expresses bewilderment over her seven-year-old cat Lois’s unpredictable behavior. Lois, a former stray, exhibits both demanding and skittish tendencies, alternating between insistent ankle-biting when meals are delayed and panicked escapes through the cat flap at the slightest unexpected noise. Sean acknowledges the difficulty in pinpointing the exact cause of such behaviors in rescue animals with unknown pasts, suggesting that Lois’s actions could stem from a combination of factors, including a potential lack of trust in humans due to early life experiences. He proposes that Lois’s sudden flights might be triggered by perceived threats, while her food-related aggression could be rooted in past insecurities surrounding access to resources.
Another reader, Janet Lowe from Groby, Leicestershire, seeks advice regarding her dog Benson’s persistent hacking cough, which she suspects is related to his habit of pulling on the leash. Sean identifies the symptoms as indicative of kennel cough, a common respiratory infection in dogs. While Janet’s switch to a harness is a positive step in preventing further strain on Benson’s airways, Sean reassures her that kennel cough typically resolves on its own. He notes that in some cases, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication might be necessary to alleviate the symptoms. The timing of Benson’s cough onset, despite his long-standing leash-pulling habit, further reinforces Sean’s diagnosis.
A particularly distressing case involves Annie Johnstone from Ayrshire, whose dog Milly developed a severe noise phobia after being frightened by nearby shotgun blasts. Milly’s subsequent fear of any sudden sound has significantly impacted her quality of life. Sean empathizes with Milly’s trauma and suggests noise desensitization therapy as a potential solution. This gradual exposure technique involves introducing Milly to progressively louder sounds in a controlled environment, helping her to reassociate noise with positive experiences and gradually overcome her fear. Sean cautions that this process requires patience and consistent effort.
The challenge of house-training presents itself in the case of Evie Peter from Romford, Essex, who struggles with two Samoyeds exhibiting contrasting toileting issues. Star, a two-year-old, passively urinates indoors, while six-month-old Strider, despite frequent outdoor opportunities, continues to relieve himself inside the house. Sean emphasizes the importance of breaking established habits and eliminating indoor scent markers. He recommends confining the dogs to a designated area with puppy pads, gradually reducing the pad-covered space and eventually moving the designated toileting zone closer to the door. Consistent positive reinforcement for successful outdoor elimination, combined with a thorough cleaning of previous accident sites, is crucial for retraining.
The column also features heartwarming stories and pet-related news. Eddie, a six-year-old feline gourmand, prefers dining alongside his human family, indulging in delicacies like ribeye steak and pan-fried salmon. His refined table manners and discerning palate stand in stark contrast to his brother Syd, who prefers the convenience of tinned food. Eddie’s owner, Tracy Murphy, marvels at his civilized demeanor, highlighting the unique bond they share. In other news, the name Luna continues its reign as the most popular choice for both cats and dogs, while names inspired by pop stars Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift have seen a surge in popularity. Dr. Samantha Butler-Davies, veterinary services director at Pets At Home, offers practical advice on choosing pet names, recommending short, clear, and easily distinguishable names that avoid confusion with training commands or other household pet names.
