Heartworm In Pets October 31, 2009

Dear Liz;
A few weeks ago you were talking about a dog your rescue was helping who had heartworm. Can you please explain what heartworm is?
Signed, Curious in Canton
Dear Curious:
Heartworm is a blood parasite (worm) that lives in the heart of dogs and cats and can be deadly if not treated.
The parasite enters the [...]

Halloween Hazards October 23, 2009

Dear Liz,
Every Halloween I hear the warning about giving chocolate to dogs. Is the warning a myth or fact? Can a little chocolate be ok for fido?
Signed, Coco
Dear Coco (or should I call you Punkin!): NO, NO, NO!!! Chocolate (or any caffeinated item) can be VERY dangerous to your dog OR cat! [...]

Bad Rescues October 10, 2009

Dear Liz:  I adopted a dog from a local rescue and found out that she has heartworm.  We were told she tested negative for this before we got her.  What recourse do we have?

Signed, Heartbroken in Hebron
Dear Heartbroken:
Well, this is a tough one.  I’m not sure what recourse you’d have except to file complaints with [...]

Domestic Abuse And Pets October 2, 2009

Dear Liz.  I am thinking of leaving an abusive relationship but I am afraid that if I leave my dog behind, my ex will harm him.  What can I do?
Signed, Trapped in Tolland.
Dear Trapped:
It has long been known that there is a connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty.  The abuser, in an effort [...]

Dog Flu September 4, 2009

Dear Liz,
It seems like the word flu is in every headline I see or hear.   I’m going to get my flu shot, but is there anything I can do to keep Fido healthy?
Signed,
Fido with a Fever
Dear Fido;
Well, apparently the flu season is fast approaching and everyone’s scrambling for what vaccinations to give.  The H1N1 vs [...]

Barking Dogs August 31, 2009

Dear Liz,
I know you’re a dog expert and not a marriage counselor, but my wife and I need your help.  We’re at odds about what to do over a neighbor’s dog who barks all the time… is left outside all the time, etc.  Its borderline abusive, but neither of us know how to handle and [...]

Disaster Planning August 22, 2009

Dear Liz,
The swirling graphics of hurricanes are on your weather maps more and more.   In case the big one hits CT, any advice for emergency pet planning?
Signed,
Toto

Dear Toto;  Yep, the hurricane season is upon us and it looks like Bill is making a b-line for us as well!  As with any potential disaster, [...]

School Stress August 14, 2009

Dear Liz,
When our son ended school in June with great grades… We got him a dog.  The two have played together non-stop – all summer.  I’m worried about what will happen when school starts and Smokey will be home alone.
Signed,
Home Alone
Dear Home Alone;
This is a question that comes around every August.  The first thing to [...]

DNA Testing August 7, 2009

Dear Liz;

I just adopted a mixed breed puppy from a litter of puppies.  My question is this – How do I know what breeds my puppy is?  None of the puppies in the litter looked alike!

Signed,
Wondering in Woodstock

Dear Wondering;
Not to get into a biology lesson here but there can be multiple fathers [...]

Hot House With Dogs July 31, 2009

Dear Liz,
My dog is lazy and spends much of his day inside.   The house gets hot quickly now that summer has finally arrived.  What’s the best temp to keep fido comfortable, without donating an arm, leg and tail to the electric company?
Signed,
Hot Dog
Dear Hotdog:  Well, the temps have been fairly ok but that [...]