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Ask Dog Lady

Wednesday Aug 22, 2018

Advice on Pets, Life, Love

Dear Dog Lady,

I'm a petite 81-year-old grandmother who happens to be afraid of strange, unleashed dogs, and the bigger they are, the more I fear them. If the owners of two such dogs are planning a party for the extended family, say a child's birthday party or a bridal shower, and the owners know about my fear, don't you think the decent thing to do is to put the dogs in a bedroom and close the door and leave it closed until the party is over? At these events, I'm an invited guest, not a drop-in.

Concerning the dogs' presence at these special events, food is always served. Isn't it unhygienic to serve food in the presence of dogs? Isn't that why restaurant and grocery store owners don't permit dogs to come into their places, according to Health Department laws?

Gloria

Dear Gloria,

Dog Lady is a none-too-petite woman of a certain age who happens to be afraid of strange, unleashed dogs. The bigger they are, the more she fears them. You are not alone.

Yes, if people throw a party and invite you and others, good etiquette dictates the hosts arrange for the care and containment of the family dogs. No one attending the party should have to worry about being set upon by animals. Likewise, it is polite and hygienic to keep food away from animals that may lick or steal the fixings.

A newcomer to this column might think Dog Lady swings anti-dog by her stern tone about animals at gatherings. Actually, reckless pet owners who allow their dogs to run roughshod at parties-or anywhere-ive all canine keepers a bad name. Responsibility and care go a long way to fostering good will among those who dig dogs and those who don't.


Dear Dog Lady,

It's been very hot. We all know that. Our dog, Maggie, has been drinking lots of water. I take her out at night to do her last business, and then go to bed. But lately she has been going into the front bedroom and peeing sometime in the night. Anything we can do about that?

Craig

Dear Craig,
Middle-aged to elderly female dogs (would Maggie qualify?) often have troubles with bladder control. You should consult your veterinarian because Maggie might have some underlying medical cause. She could be drinking more water not because of the heat but because some other biological factor dries her out. You just want to rule out a medical situation for your own peace of mind. If you have a very well-trained dog who suddenly starts a new behavior, it is best to consult a medical professional..

You should be optimistic, however, about the outcome. This indoor wetting could well be a transitory or treatable problem. And, remember, there are doggy diapers for such indiscretions. Also, thoroughly clean the area of the front bedroom where she goes with an enzymatic cleanser such as Nature's Remedy or Simple Solution (available in pet stores or online). These cleaners take away the identifying smells so dogs don't return to the scene of the grime.

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