Many see their dogs as part of the family, their “fur babies.” Our dogs eat from our plates, sleep in our beds, and even lick the baby’s face — which is why we get concerned when these same dogs go out and eat their own or another animal’s feces (poop) in the yard. The technical term for this behavior is coprophagia. Why do they eat feces? The mystery is still unsolved. Some wonder if it is due to age since many feces eaters are puppies or young adult dogs and others wonder if it is due to poor diet. Could

     #2: Covered vs Uncovered: When given a choice, cats prefer uncovered to covered litterboxes. If you are unsure which your cat prefers? Place a covered box next to an uncovered one and see which one you cat visits more frequently.        Covered litter boxe Photo courtesy of Ben Bricker          #3 Low Sided vs. High Sided: Some cats prefer a low sided box to a high sided one. If you have a cat eliminating outside the box but right next to the box, try a low sided box. It may be your cat has some

Complaints about litter box use can often be prevented and usually be successfully treated if the client becomes good at observing their cat’s behavior. The key to resolving all elimination concerns is to recognize and be able to identify the pattern in the choices the cat makes about elimination.

Many dogs don’t enjoy having topical parasite (flea and tick) control medications applied. Even though these medications aren’t painful, like an injection, the dogs may not like the feeling of something wet on their skin or the smell. Some dogs just don’t like having to stay still. The easiest way to get past these obstacles without having to run through the house chasing your dog with a tube of medication in your hand, is to give your dog something else to do while you apply the medication. Ivan is given the choice of a couple of his favorite treats: spray

When your dog has an accident in the house, it is easy to believe the dog is acting out of spite or some other defiant motive, but this is not the case. There can be medical causes or behavioral causes for eliminating in the house. There can also be a lack or loss of house-training. Getting to the root of the problem will ensure proper treatment and the best chance for a successful resolution of the problem. Medical Causes: When a previously house-trained dog begins to have accidents in the house, the first thing to do is to rule out medical

   Step 2: Bring that mat out every day twice a day and place it in a central location. You can use an elevated surface like a washer, dryer, or counter. We choose the floor because our cat has arthritis.     Step 2    Step 3: Reinforce your cat for choosing to interact with the mat. You can use a clicker for this and a high value treat. You may have to start by clicking and treating your cat when they look at the mat, then when they step on the mat, then when they sit on the mat. If you are