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Ask Dog Lady

Wednesday May 2, 2018

Advice on Pets, Life, Love

Dear Dog Lady,

I fear my dog Olivia, a small terrier mix, might be on the spectrum. I've always thought she exhibited autistic tendencies. For example, she gets easily fixated on things and when she's with other dogs, she tends to ignore them. She sits and stares at her treats before she eats them, which seems the oddest tendency of all.

I read recently that a British morning TV show sent out a tweet seeking people who believe the distemper and parvo vaccinations caused autism in their dogs. Olivia has gotten all her shots but I wonder if I've gone too far. Have you heard of autism in dogs? And what are the signs?

Cristeta

Dear Cristeta,

Yes, Olivia is autistic because ALL dogs are autistic. The species, in general, displays many signs of being on the spectrum-the fixations, the compulsions, the repetitive movements, the social indifference around the dogs they like, the fierce revulsion toward the dogs they don't. You're worried about this? Of all canine conundrums, there's so much else with which to be concerned -parvo and distemper, for example. These diseases kill dogs. If our pets are not immunized, parvo is very easy for them to pick up on dirty city streets and dog parks.

In Britain, after that "Fox and Friends"-ish morning show sent out the loopy tweet, the British Veterinary Association - a powerful group in a canine-crazy country-issued an advisory stating unequivocally dogs cannot develop autism. (No, they're born with it - and happier for it.)

Human anti-vaxxers -such as talk show host and Wahlberg-by-marriage Jenny McCarthy whose son has autism she claims -were initially given platforms to spout their theories about the dangers of childhood immunizations. Thankfully, in recent years, their voices have been stilled by medical good sense.


Dear Dog Lady,

I have a fantastic rescue dog, Haley, who lives with me and my family. I speak only Chinese to my parents and aunt in my household. Haley must know Chinese too. When she meets dogs at the dog park or the street she can become scared or aggressive. I have to stay right with her and try to keep her under control because she barks, growls or wants to hide behind me. But if the dogs are also from Chinese-speaking homes (and I ask), my dog is relaxed. She plays, sniffs freely, and runs around. Does this make sense?

Wen

Dear Wen,

Makes good sense. Haley detects a cultural kinship with other dogs accustomed to life in Chinese-speaking homes and your dog picks up the vibes from her four-legged kin. The only explanation is animal instinct, which is really the magic (Chinese: "moshu") of dogs. They are incredibly sentient creatures with Buddha-like reserves of wisdom, knowledge and mystery.

When Haley is comfortable with another dog and the owner tells you Chinese plays no part in the household, you have an opportunity for a teachable moment. Reward Haley for being calm with another dog with no Asian inclination.

Write askdoglady@gmail.com.