Pawprints

Question: Is peanut butter safe to give to my dogs? 

Answer: Yes, but be careful! Peanut butter, in small amounts, is a great treat and training tool for pups. You can smear some into rubber toys to keep your pooch occupied licking it out or mix it with some yogurt and freeze it, making it into a refreshing treat. 

Just make sure to check the ingredients list for any Xylitol, a sugarless additive that is very poisonous to dogs and can cause liver failure. It’s an artificial sweetener that is added to sugar-free gums, toothpastes, candy, and sugar-free food and is only intended for human consumption. If your pooch ingests it, it can cause him to become weak, collapse and even seizure! The toxic dose is unknown so always check the ingredients on the back of the jar to be safe!!  

Question: My cat, Tony, has recently been licking the side of the couch. Should I worry? 

Answer: You are not alone! I used to have a cat that loved licking the sides of the dresser in my bedroom. We never figured out why, she was definitely a strange one. 

I would start by playing detective and trying to figure out if Tony’s environment has been changed? Have you recently started using new furniture cleaner or detergent? Has someone spilled any food on the couch? 

If nothing comes to mind, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to help figure out if Tony is just being a strange kitty or has some kind of medical issue. The vet will help rule out any physical illness and help decide if there are any behavior problems that may have triggered this activity.

Please send your questions to Dr. Marina Shepelev at OwegoPawPrints@gmail.com.

Dr. Marina Shepelev is an associate veterinarian practicing medicine at the Endless Mountain Owego Vet Center. She welcomes weekly questions concerning your furry friends.

1 Comment on "Pawprints"

  1. I so need Help. My 11 month old terrier puppy likes to dig holes in my furniture. He has dug a hole in my couch cushion. In my new mattress. I have to have this stopped. Please help

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