► Chocolate Lab's aggression is a serious threat.
► How many grapes is "one too many?"
► Are dogs and cats at risk of contracting bird flu?
► Why does pug roll on the ground and snort like a pig?
► A well-read cat or is she just making herself comfortable?
► Shih Tzu is exhibiting very bad behavior.
► Can puppy's vision problems be corrected with surgery?
► Can cats become hooked on catnip?
► Poodle has a bit of a cough.
► Slimming down a porky Pekingese with diet and exercise.
► Grover goes bonkers at the dog park.
► Volume 1 of Pet Q & A
► Volume 2 of Pet Q & A

A: This is as serious as it gets. If your dog does bite someone, it may well mean a death sentence, not to mention an injury to a family member or friend. For starters, keep your dog and people safe. Don’t offer your pet any opportunity to bite.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wayne Hunthausen, a Kansas City, MO-based veterinarian with a practice limited to behavior issues, suggests toning down your dog’s agitation. “There’s no way to tell, given this information, whether this is territorial aggression or fear, or most likely a combination of the two. For starters, close the blinds so your dog isn’t always barking at everyone passing by. And a reminder to never allow your dog in the yard or anywhere without an adult supervising.”

In answer to why your dog is the way he is, while there are breed tendencies, a dog’s disposition is also directly linked to its individual parents. (This is why I always suggest that anyone seeking a purebred puppy visit the breeder to meet the parents.) However, there are various other possible influences, including the way a dog is raised. While sometimes abuse is the issue, more often the problem is simply a lack of socialization; the dog doesn’t know how to react to people, and also may be afraid.

The good news is, you can teach a new dog new tricks. When it comes to aggression, however, you do need hands-on training help from a veterinary behaviorist, certified applied animal behaviorist, or qualified behavior consultant (member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants).

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Q: You recently reported in your column that grapes were dangerous for dogs. You did say that there was “no problem with one or two grapes,” but cautioned against a moderate amount. That’s up to interpretation. I share my lunch with my 60-pound yellow Lab, which includes small bits from my fruit cup, yogurt and grapes. If grapes are bad, I assume raisins are worse. My conclusion is that drying the grapes into raisins concentrates the toxin, so one raisin should equal several grapes. Specifically, then, just how many grapes are acceptable? — D.R., Rochester, NY

A: One of the leading researchers on this topic is veterinary toxicologist Dr. Steve Hansen, director of the ASCPA Animal Poison Control Center. “We do tend to hear more complaints about raisins,” he says. “But I’m not sure if that’s because they’re more toxic or it’s simply easier to leave out a box of raisins and the dog eats them all compared to leaving out a bunch of grapes that would equal the number of raisins in a box. Perhaps, the toxins are more concentrated in raisins. But there is, so far, no data to demonstrate that one raisin is any more dangerous than one grape, or that 20 raisins would be any more dangerous than 20 grapes.”

Hansen continues, “We have no magic cut-off number as to how many raisins or grapes a dog may tolerate before becoming ill. There may be other variables, such as an individual dog’s susceptibility. In general, a 60-pound dog can tolerate more than a 6-pound dog, and odds are that a few grapes a week won’t matter to a larger dog. My concern is that now the dog enjoys raisins or grapes, and by accident if many are left out within a dog’s access, that dog might now eat a large bunch of grapes or boxes of raisins. And now you could have a serious problem.”

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Q: Are dogs and cats in any danger of contracting bird flu? Also, could these animals pass bird flu to people? Could pet birds give us bird flu? — S.C., Las Vegas, NV

A: At this point, the avian flu H5N1 strain has not shown up in the Western Hemisphere. However, most experts concur that it’s just a matter of time before it arrives. For some time, it’s been known that felines (from domestic cats to big cats, like leopards) can die as a result. In late February, a least one cat in Germany succumbed to bird flu.

Dr. James Richards, director of the Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, is not too worried about bird flu striking cats. “Look at all the millions of birds who have died. You’d figure if kitty cats were that susceptible, more would be affected. Although, this flu can be spread from cat to cat, there hasn’t been a single outbreak among cats,” he notes.

Concerning dogs, it’s unclear whether or not they’re susceptible to bird flu at all, though it seems possible. There are several reports of stray dogs dying, but only one instance (according to the World Health Organization, a dog in Azerbaijan) which appears to have any possible connection to bird flu.

As of this writing, according to the WHO, there have been 175 human cases of H5N1 avian influenza, with 96 deaths. However, many people who handle infected birds don’t get the bug, especially if they use proper hygiene. The real concern is if the virus mutates to spread among people as easily as it currently affects birds, which could lead to a human pandemic of avian flu.

“There is no indication, no data whatsoever to show that our pets offer any potential danger or public health threat to people at this time,” says Dr. William Schaffner, epidemiologist specialist in infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. And that includes pet birds. Dr. Arnold Monto, epidemiologist and professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, says, “If (your birds) enjoy being outdoors, let them continue to enjoy themselves. As long as they’re contained, they won’t have interaction with any infected migrating birds, waterfowl or poultry, right? So, there is no danger for them.”

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Q: Why does my pug roll on the ground and then snort like a pig? — B.H., Atlanta, GA

A: Your dog may have an itch, but most likely the dog is just having fun. That snorting sound is how pugs tell anyone who’ll listen just what a good time they’re having.

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Q: I wait to read your column in my Sunday paper. But when I do, my cat insists on sitting on top of the paper. The funny part is, she knows just where I’m reading. Is she trying to tell me something? She’s the love of my life. We’re always together, but she’s not too happy about me reading the paper. Can you help? — G.C., Cyberspace

A: Well, let’s see, if you read my column, this must mean my column is a seat warmer for your cat. I’m honored. Yes, your cat is trying to tell you something. She’s saying, “Pay attention to me!” Nashville, TN-based feline behavior consultant Pam Johnson-Bennett’s solution is to play with your cat before reading the paper. “You both get what you want,” she says. “Your cat gets your attention, and 10 minutes later, you can read the paper. Johnson-Bennett, author of “Think Like a Cat” (Penguin Publishing, New York, NY, 2000; $16.95), says apparently many cats like to “read.” Similarly, many cats will stand in front of a computer monitor, blocking the user’s vision. Others ‘read’ books with their people in bed. Apparently, cats are far more literate than we give them credit for.

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Q: Walker, my daughter’s 1-year old shih tzu, has bitten my son-in-law, grandson and sister-in-law, and growls at everyone. My daughter was told these dogs make gentle, wonderful companions. Well, I’ve observed the opposite from day one. I contend this dog is a ‘bad seed.’ I’m afraid my daughter might be sued someday over Walker’s biting. He’s never been abused or anything like that. What can we do?
— J.B., Metheun, MA

A: Well bred, well socialized shih tzus are indeed gentle and wonderful companions. This is a great dog breed for seniors. Where did you your daughter purchase this dog? A pet store is a guess (which likely means Walker is the product of a puppy mill), or at least a reckless breeder. There could be another explanation, however. Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin, of San Francisco, CA, says, “Animals behave in ways that are reinforced. Visitors may think they’re being friendly, but not necessarily communicating friendliness. If you’re afraid of spiders and I present you with a spider I describe as friendly, you may not be any happier to meet that spider. Also, it could be that this dog is not socialized appropriately and fearful.”

Yin agrees with your concerns about your daughter being sued. Biting people is as fatal to dogs as cancer; bite one too many, and a dog will be euthanized. And once the dog has developed a pattern of biting, this becomes self-rewarding, which is what Yin means by the behavior being reinforced.

Your daughter and Walker need hands-on help, and fast. Even small dogs can do a lot of damage. Seek out a veterinary behaviorist (www.davb.org), a veterinarian with a special interest in behavior, a behavior consultant (www.iaabc.org) or a dog trainer experienced in dealing with aggression. Walker may also be a candidate for a psycho-pharmaceutical medication such as Prozac.

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Q: I’ve adopted a special needs puppy from my local humane society. The puppy has vision problems. A local vet told me the dog’s third eyelid has grown over his eyeballs. Can this be corrected by surgery? — D.W., Ocala, FL

A: Congratulations for adopting this pup! Dr. Ralph Hamor, a veterinary ophthalmologist and clinical associate professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine-Urbana, says in a younger dog, the problem more likely s that the eyeballs are too small, or maybe your dog was born with a congenital defect. Whatever the cause, Hamor says it may be fixable. To determine this, you need a specific diagnosis. The best way to so this is to see a veterinary ophthalmologist. Locate one near you at www.avco.org.

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Q: Do you know of any cases of cats becoming addicted to catnip? — S.P., San Diego, CA

A: There are no plans to build a catnip wing at the Betty Ford Center. Some cats enjoy catnip more than others, and some actually crave catnip. However, there are no known withdrawal symptoms when cats don’t get their regular ‘hit.’

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Q: Our small 5-year-old poodle — somewhere between a toy and miniature — has been coughing. For the last three years, when he starts to cough, he makes choking or snoring noises. The vet says the problem is an allergy and suggested Benadryl. This doesn’t happen every day, and we don’t think Benadryl daily is smart. Can you help? —C.U.B., Louisville, KY

A: Dr. Sheldon Rubin, of Chicago, IL, offers these possibilities as to what may be causing the cough: allergy, an elongated soft palate, a canine version of a runny nose, a collapsing trachea, or chronic tonsillitis. There are other possibilities, as well, including a kind of mite that hangs out in the nasal cavity. If your dog hasn’t improved on Benadryl, or you simply don’t want to treat daily for a problem not specifically diagnosed, consider seeing a specialist in internal medicine with a special interest in respiratory problems. Also, videotape a coughing episode so your veterinarian can see exactly what you’re talking about.

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Q: My 4-year-old Pekingese is 5 pounds overweight. He’s not an active dog but he will chase his ball for 15 to 20 minutes. Then he gets worn out. His daily diet includes half a can of prescription food, and then all he wants is dry food and two chicken drumsticks. Some days, he doesn’t eat any of the dry food. Any advice? — M.M., Spartanburg, SC

A: Dr. Tom Graves, an internal medicine specialist and chief of small animal medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, is a world-renowned expert on weight loss in pets — who also happens to have seven Pekingese of his own. “The breed isn’t meant to run around 15 to 20 minutes, so naturally your dog is worn out,” he notes. “They’re not great athletes. I suggest more exercise sessions but shorter in duration. Also, walks; they don’t have to even be particularly brisk walks, just take walks.”

Instead of chicken drumsticks, Graves recommends a pair of mini-carrot sticks. Perhaps, as a very special treat, you could give your dog a little tidbit of chicken once a month. And certainly, never offer chicken bones; dogs can easily choke on these. Instead of leaving out all the kibble your dog can eat, ask your vet for a measured amount to serve. And most probably, that kibble should be a diet food, which your vet can also suggest.

Graves says that for any dog who needs to lose weight, owners should understand that it took a while to put on the pounds and it will take probably an even longer to shave them off.

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Q: Grover is a great dog and gets along with other dogs. However, at the dog park, he goes bonkers. He zooms around the park, out of control. Some dogs love this but others are annoyed. Grover doesn’t understand when other dogs seem to say, ‘cool it.’ And he doesn’t know what I mean by ‘cool it.’ I don’t want to avoid the dog park all together, but I also don’t want to be treated with scorn by other dog owners. What should I do? — S.C., Tacoma, WA

A: I’d guess Grover is a youngish dog, but no matter. Dog trainer Cheryl Smith, author of “Visiting the Dog Park: Having Fun, Staying Safe” (DogWise Publishing, Wenatchee WA , 2007; $11.95), suggests teaching Grover how to “settle.” Start teaching him this command indoors, when there are no distractions and Grover isn’t all wound up. Work your way up to being able to settle Grover down while he’s playing or acting goofy indoors before trying the command outside.

Outdoors, gradually work your way up, teaching Grover to settle down in the face of increasing distractions, rather than immediately taking him to the dog park. Smith, of Port Angeles, WA, says when you are ready to visit the dog park, initially limit your trips to off hours when few dogs are present.

However, if Grover is zooming around, there’s no point in even trying to tell him to “settle” unless he can first obey a command to “come.” Chasing him around the dog park is not practical. Once again, begin teaching the command indoors. Use a really great treat every time you ask Grover to “come.” This will set him up for success. Gradually add distractions indoors before you take the command outside. When you get to the dog park and Grover comes to you, offer him a cookie (if the dog park you visit allows treats; some don’t). After he settles down, his reward will be to resume playing with the other dogs.

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Steve Dale's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com. He can be heard Sundays on WGN Radio,
8 to 10 p.m. (www.wgnradio.com to listen live), and hosts Steve Dale's Pet World and The Pet Minute, both syndicated radio shows. He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.