Ask Chewbert

For the past couple of months my mouth has felt funny. It hurts sometimes when I eat, especially my hard kibbles. My owners are even getting less and less fond of my kisses, saying my breath smells bad. How can I get rid of the ache in my mouth and get my owners to like my kisses again.

Jaws the Chihuahua

From what you have described, it sounds like you need to see your vet for a check up. Your veterinarian will examine your teeth and gums and will talk to your owner about dental disease. They may recommend teeth brushing to improve our smile or you may need to get your teeth cleaned, like they do at the dentist. There are many helpful things that your vet can recommend to you and your owner, such as the Hills T/D diet. You can also go to the dentistry page of West Hills' website for more information on dental disease stages and what the dental cleaning surgery is like.

Q: Dear Chewbert

My parents recently celebrated my 7th birthday party for me an when I went to the vet, he said I was now a "senior dog". I run around and play every day and I don't feel like a senior dog . Why did they call me that, and should I be worried about aging?

Spunky the "senior" Spaniel

Being a senior pet is not a disease but a state of mind. I am a "senior" chinchilla and I don't act my age either. When your vet calls you a senior, it means that you are at an age where you may soon start slowing down and your parents and your vet want to keep you feeling young. One great opportunity to learn about being a senior and aging would be to attend West Hills Animal Hospital's Senior Pet Day on May 16th. Another resource is for you to get a Golden Age Physical at your vet's office. It is a great tool for your vet to assess your all-around health using various diagnostic techniques and to give your parents ideas on how to keep you feeling young. Remember, you are only as old as you feel, so keep being spunky!

Q: Dear Chewbert

For the past few weeks I have been getting itchier and itchier. I cannot seem to get comfortable and I am keeping my people up at night with my scratching and restlessness. What could it be that is making me so miserable and what can I don to stop it?

Scratchy the Golden Retriever

What you may be suffering from is allergies. I recommend having your people schedule an appointment for you with your veterinarian and he or she will determine if it is allergies. They will get you what you need so you are not up all night with the itching. Also, make sure to remind you people to apply your monthly dose of Frontline to keep those fleas and ticks off.

Q: Dear Chewbert

I have had the sudden urge to urinate everywhere except my litter box. Why am I doing this, and should my owner be concerned?

There are many reasons why you could be getting that urge. It could be due to a health problem or an environmental change that is upsetting you. My recommendation is to have your owner schedule an examination as soon as possible to get you back on track and in the right bathroom. They can also give your owner information on ways of preventing this in the future.

Q: Dear Chewbert

I just moved away from my mom and siblings into a new home. I am scared of everything and I miss my family. What do you suggest for me to become braver in my new home?

It may help if all of your interactions with new people and things are positive. Ask your owners to take you places where you can meet other pets and other people. This will help you to understand that the whole world is not necessarily a big and scary place. I recommend that you go to the veterinarian’s office for “love-up” times, where the staff can cuddle with you, give you treats, and make you feel welcome. Also, puppy classes are great places to meet new friends. Remember, it is very important that all of your vaccines are completed on schedule.

Q: Dear Chewbert

I recently went to the river to go swimming with my owner and found a very tasty, dead fish to play with. A couple of days later, I felt awful. I am not hungry and don’t feel like playing with my friends. What could be wrong with me?

You could possibly have salmon poisoning disease. This comes from eating a parasite-infected fish and it is a very serious thing. You need to see the doctor right away so you can get checked out and on the road to recovery.

Q: Dear Chewbert,

For the past few weeks, I have been itching and itching. No matter how much I scratch myself, I can’t seem to get rid of the itch. What is wrong with me?

You need to get to the doctor quick! There is a long list of things that can cause itching. A friend of mine had a flea once and the scratching kept him awake all night. This time of year, allergies can cause itching and that desperate need to rub your face and ears. I am certain with a good check up you can get the relief you need and deserve.