We want to help you keep your favorite animal healthy, so we’re bringing you a series of 4 Your Pet stories on The Morning Show to offer some important advice as you take care of your fur-baby.
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We asked you to share your pet questions with us, and then we took those questions to local veterinarian Dr. Christian Broadhurst with the Clay County Humane Society.
Here are the questions and Broadhurst’s answers:
Why does my dog eat grass sometimes? And is it bad for them?
Broadhurst: Animals eat grass for several reasons. Sometimes they need more fiber or have an upset stomach, but it is not harmful for them. Pet owners are encouraged to take note of grass eating if their pet has other problems, so they can bring it up with their vet.
Is it OK for my pet to drink out of the toilet?
Broadhurst: It’s not harmful to them since cats and dogs tend to have a much higher tolerance for bacteria than humans. But it’s not advised. If your pet is drinking out of the toilet instead of their bowl, perhaps invest in a moving water fountain dog bowl.
My pet drags their bottom on the ground. Does this mean there is something wrong? Should I take them to the vet?
Broadhurst: Most people think that when they see their dog drag their rear on the ground, it means the pup has worms, but that’s almost never the case.
“Believe it or not, dogs have scent glands on either side of their rectum and they are called anal sacs or anal glands. It’s why dogs sniff each other’s butts all the time. They are actually smelling those glands -- kind of like reading the newspaper -- who’s who and where have you been? When they are dragging their butts it’s because their anal glands are full or impacted. Normally they express when animals go to the bathroom, but sometimes they can get infected.”
If your pet does this persistently, then it is time to go to the vet.
What does it mean if my pet is constantly scratching their ears?
Broadhurst: It might be time to see the vet as that is a sign of an ear infection. You should also never try to flush your pet’s ear out with water as that could make things worse. If you can’t afford a visit to the vet, there are ear flushes that you can buy from a pet store. If the inner ear is brown, though, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian.
What do I do if my dog suddenly does not want to go on a walk?
Broadhurst: There are a number of factors that can contribute to this, including environment. Try taking your dog somewhere else to see if that changes things. If not, it may be time to talk to your vet to see if something physical is at play.