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Ask Zena your dog-related questions
When Zena and her dog Zippy aren't going for walks, they're hard at work answering your dog-related questions.
Go ahead and submit your question today, and who knows - when Zena comes back from her walk she might just answer your question. |
* The most recent questions are listed first * |
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Dear Zena, |
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Our old dog got killed in a car crash and now my other dog is lonely. Mom has been talking about getting another dog for weeks now,but she hasn't done anything about. I've been sending her eCards and suggesting that I want a Samoyed. She doesn't get it. What should I do? |
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Akira (USA) |
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Dear Akira, |
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It is not unusual for dogs to experience depression after the loss of a friend. Sometimes they are able to move on and sometimes they get stuck in a state of depression. Often the introduction of a new friend can help them to get a new leash on life.
If you are particularly interested in a Samoyed you would be best to thoroughly research the breed. Find out about their needs, how trainable they are, their downfalls (every breed has some), and in this case, grooming requirements. Your mother may be more willing to consider if she sees how serious you are.
Or,...you may decide that you really like the breed but it is not realistic for you to have one. It's okay to choose something else that fits your lifestyle and that of your family a little bit better. I love Borzois but I am terribly allergic to them, so I admire them from afar. |
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Hope this helps.
Zena & Zippy |
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Dear Zena, |
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Are there any sled related activities for Alaskan Malamutes if you only have one? Most of the activities that I have read about include at least two or more dogs and I only own one. |
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Jessica Clarke (Indiana) |
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Dear Jessica, |
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There is a pulling competition that involves only one dog, Alaskan Malamute or otherwise. During these competitions, the dog pull bags of dog food mounted on a sled. The dog that can pull the most bags of dog food usually wins what they can pull. It adds up.
In our area of Canada there is a competition called Skijoring whereby the dog is tethered to a skier and the two of them race around a track in a skiing style closely resembling cross-country skiing.
If you were interested in any other types of competitions, you could probably check with a local Alaskan Malamute club. They may have some other suggestions. |
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Sincerely Zena & Zippy |
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Dear Zena, |
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Would it be ok to leave a Norfolk Terrier on its own for about 8 hours everyday? He would have the garden which is very big, and he would have a warm room to stay in so he could go in and out all day until we got home? |
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Emily (Wales) |
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Dear Emily, |
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The little Norfolk Terrier is considered to be a good breed to have in the city since they are often able to adapt to the confines, the city noises, and the activities that are normally found in an urban environment. The drawback with the little Norfolk is that they are considered to be a good watchdog and they also tend to be one of the breeds that may bark a lot, so some training will most likely be necessary.
Having access to the garden will probably help to provide extra room to roam, but you may have some trouble with digging. Some people set aside a spot for their dog to dig in order to set up an appropriate area for activity. Take some time to look into digging management if this becomes a problem.
Another idea would be to have a family member or a neighbour drop in to spend some time with your little guy or perhaps even take him for a walk. |
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Hope this helps,
Zena & Zippy |
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Dear Zena, |
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My German Shepherd puppy has recently been diagnosed with Epilepsy, is it still possible to breed from him? |
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Holly (Milton Keynes, England) |
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Dear Holly, |
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Idiopathic epilepsy is one of the health problems that often plague the German Shepherd Dog, although it is also commonly found in Bernese Mountain Dogs, Keeshonds, St. Bernards, Belgian Sheepdogs, Pugs, Irish Setters, Poodles, American er Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.
There is a strong likelihood that there may be a genetic basis for idiopathic epilepsy or a predisposition to epilepsy, therefore epileptic animals and their first-degree relatives should not be used for breeding. An ethical breeder is one who will carefully check all of their breeding stock before proceeding.
Idiopathic epilepsy is not curable and long term therapy is often needed. Seizures can usually be controlled by using anticonvulsant that can reduce the frequency and severity. |
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Sincerely Zena & Zippy |
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