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Old dog, new bed just aren't gelling

By STEVE DALE
Published January 4, 2007

Q: I just spent a lot of money on a gel bed specifically made for older dogs. Unfortunately, my dog won't sleep on it and I can't return it. When I pick up my dog and place him on the bed, he jumps off. He'd rather lie on the floor. What should I do?

A: There are various kinds of so-called gel beds, specifically designed for the orthopedic comfort of older dogs.

Don Hanson, a certified canine behavior consultant in Bangor, Maine, sells gel beds and says, "Gel beds may seem like a good idea, but some dogs just don't like them. You can try taking the dog to the bed in the evening and placing the bed where the dog usually sleeps. Put a bedtime snack there, too. And further encourage him by placing an old T-shirt you've worn on the bed."

You might even want to lie on the bed yourself for a while. Your scent on the bed will make it more enticing. During the day, offering your dog a chewie at the bed might help.

Bunny knows best

Q: I don't know the age of my rabbit. She recently stopped eating alfalfa kibble. We've tried many ways to get her to eat it but she turns up her nose. She gets fresh fruits and veggies daily. Is this okay?

A: "Your rabbit is darn smart," says Marcia Froelke Coburn, president of Red Door Animal Shelter in Chicago, which specializes in rabbit rescue and adoption. "Alfalfa kibble and timothy hay pellets are for baby rabbits only. You do want to feed adult rabbits primarily timothy hay not to be confused with timothy hay pellets, which should always be available. Also, feed lots of salad with Romaine and green and red leaf lettuce, as well as some parsley. Don't use iceberg lettuce, or feed spinach or kale to rabbits."

Only offer your rabbit tiny bits of fresh (not packaged) carrots as a rare treat. "Don't believe the Bugs Bunny myth," Coburn notes. "Restrict fruits to a very rare special treat, and I mean hardly ever or even never. There's just too much sugar in fruit for rabbits."

Litter box shunned

Q: My cat, Calvin - named for the underrated President Coolidge - is now pooping on my bed. Why?

A: Your cat might be complimenting you, according to behaviorist Stephen Zawistowski, senior vice president animal sciences at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York. He says when Calvin is feeling anxious, he runs to where your scent is strongest, and also to a nice high, safe place. Zawistowski says there may be a pattern to your pet's behavior. For example, does he poop on the bed when you're out of town or after a visit from raucous relatives?

You didn't mention other pets. It's common for another pet to be intimidating, so Calvin may feel a trip to the litter box is too risky. Instead, he picks a place where he feels comfortable and has a good view while he's doing his thing.

Zawistowski suggests draping a plastic shower liner over your bed (cats don't like to relieve themselves on slick surfaces), or keeping the bedroom door closed. Plugging a diffuser called Feliway into the wall (a sort of aromatherapy for cats) may help relieve general anxiety, but it's best to find the source of Calvin's angst.

Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. He will answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Dale at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY, 14207. Send e-mail to petworld@aol.com Include your name, city and state.

[Last modified January 3, 2007, 19:57:59]