Dear Dr. Forsythe: I just started a new job and didn’t realize the separation anxiety that would develop in the house with my dog Claire. But the separation is MINE. I miss her very much from the minute I leave the house until I get home. I worked part time last year out of my home, and I didn’t realize that taking a job (where they don’t allow pets) would cause me to miss her this much. In fact, since I really don’t need the money, I’m thinking of quitting so I can stay home again. What do you think about this? Have you ever heard of a person feeling anxiety leaving a pet at home? Am I crazy? Sign me – Thinks she’s crazy.
Dear Thinks she’s crazy: First of all, it’s usually the ones who DON’T think they’re crazy who need to be locked up!! So no, I don’t think you are whacked out, not as far as I’m concerned. From what you’ve said, you have a strong and loving bond with your pet, and I think that is outstanding. You said you don’t need to work for the money, so this indicates that you are a person who gets to work for the satisfaction and joy that comes from feeling appreciated and contributing to the betterment of the world. Therefore, you have the luxury of picking and choosing a career that affords the opportunity of incorporating your pet day in and day out – and I can’t imagine a better perk! I, for one, would not enjoy going to work every day without the companionship of my beloved flat faced wind-breaking side-kick Dooney. Without him underfoot most of the day, I’d feel like my other half was missing!
There are so many places to invest your time and energy where it will be truly appreciated; I can’t imagine it would be too hard to incorporate your Claire into that plan. I’m all for people having strong and abiding love with their pets, as long as your relationship with Claire is not preventing you from enjoying other healthy interactions (i.e. you don’t use her as an escape or to avoid others). With some careers there is no getting around the “no dog” rule (surgeon, food inspector, race car driver). But with many jobs you can bring your dog. I think it is good that you are allowing yourself to feel the closeness of your bond with her and acknowledge the power of your relationship. If being with her is that important to you, make it happen!! Enjoy the love you have with your pup, and go for it! – Dr. Forsythe
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My 4-year old mixed whippet-German Shepherd seems healthy and passers by say she looks great, nice coat, nice build and is cute. Should I give my dog more than kibble? I’m wondering specifically about canned wet/dog food. She is sensitive especially if given a lamb bone; she usually throws up after eating it even though I try to cut away the fat. I put a little chicken broth in her kibble. Should she have canned food? Thanks – Lois Smith
Dear Ms. Smith: It sounds like your dog has a little bit of a sensitive stomach, and may even have a slight food allergy to lamb. In general I would avoid giving dog’s bones, as they often can cause problems, from stomach upset to pancreatitis and even chipped or broken teeth. In your pet’s case, there may be a little reaction to the small amount of fat on the bone since it is nearly impossible to cut all of it off. In addition, some dogs are allergic to a certain ingredient in the food, so it is possible that lamb is causing her stomach upset, she could be sensitive to that protein ingredient and would be better off not exposed to it.
In my opinion, there is nothing particularly beneficial in feeing your pet canned food. What does she get out of it? A little more moisture from the water content and you get to open cans and throw away the unused portion! I would suggest that you feed her an excellent premium brand of dry food and eliminate the bones or other scraps you’re currently tossing her way. The best way to handle a pet with a sensitive stomach is to eliminate as many food variables as possible. Giving her a consistently excellent yet limited dry diet will probably be the best way to make her healthy and keep her stomach trouble free for a very long time to come. – Dr. F.
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