Pet Wellness: Pet Parents’ Most Asked Questions, Answered by a Vet

Meet Vet Rouxlene Sheridan

Rouxlene is a qualified veterinarian with more than 15 years experience in private practice as well as telemedicine. She also holds a Masters degree in Animal Nutrition. Rouxlene is a partner in Best Friends’ Deli, a company that produces pet food and also formulates tailor made recipes for dogs and cats which allows owners to cook fully balanced meals in the comfort of their own home.

Rouxlene is married to Paul and they have a 11 year old son, Henro, who is by far the best thing in her life! According to Rouxlene Old McDonald has nothing on them!! They live on a plot with everything from dogs to geese to goldfish and a sheep called Koos! In her free time Rouxlene coaches hockey and long jump at the local primary school and enjoys doing obstacle races with friends and family.

Zoomies at midnight

“Zoomies” in pets are sudden, intense bursts of energy that typically occur at night, often after a period of rest or stimulation, and are considered normal in cats and dogs. It allows them to release pent-up energy, stress or excitement, which is especially common in young, energetic, or under-stimulated pets. Since it is a normal behavior for young cats and dogs, it should not be punished.

If the underlying cause is a pet that is not physically and mentally stimulated enough, you should introduce daily walks, increase playtime/training and introduce puzzle toys.

Why the grass buffet?

Some dogs and cats like to eat grass. As long as it is not excessive, your pet is dewormed and otherwise “happy and healthy” it can be considered normal behavior. By providing a “grass buffet” you provide your pet with the nutrients and fiber they instinctually seek in greenery, such as pet grass or wheatgrass grown in containers.

This practice supports digestion, helps remove indigestible matter, and can prevent pets from eating unsafe plants. It also offers mental and physical stimulation and is a healthier alternative for indoor pets.

Hairballs on the carpet

Hairballs in cats form when a cat swallows loose fur during grooming, which then clumps in the stomach and is often vomited up. Occasional hairballs are normal, but in excess it can lead to blockages in the digestive tract. You can help prevent hairballs by regularly brushing your cat, providing a diet with sufficient fiber, increasing their water intake and offering hairball-remedy treats or supplements.

Always begging for food

If your pet is always begging for food, you must first make sure there is not a medical reason for this behavior. A pet with intestinal parasites (worms) will always be hungry, as will a pet with diabetes, hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.

A pet can also beg for food due to behavioral factors, such as learned behavior from receiving table scraps (or if it used to be a street dog where food was not guaranteed), boredom, or stress.

To address begging, ensure your pet is fed the correct diet and redirect their attention with toys or a puzzle feeder. If after that the pet still seems hungry all the time or if the pet is overweight as a result of begging or eating too much, you can consider weight management and satiety diets.

Flaky skin

There are many reasons why your pet might have dry or flaky skin. Some reasons are more serious than others. Common causes include allergies, parasites (eg fleas, ticks, mites and lice), poor diet, exposure to extremely dry air conditions (for example an indoor pet exposed to an aircon), bathing with the wrong shampoo and medical conditions (for example hormone imbalances, skin infections and obesity).

Your vet will determine whether your pet needs medical intervention or if you can treat it with OTC products, like oral supplements (eg. Efazol), better grooming (shampoos and brushing) or better food (especially diets formulated for sensitive skin).

Slowing down on walks

A dog slowing down on walks can signal pain (like arthritis or injury), illness (such as infection or anemia), age-related mobility issues, obesity, or even environmental factors like overheating. Other reasons can include mental dullness, fear, anxiety, or internal health problems like heart or kidney disease. If you are unsure of the reason why your dog is slowing down on walks, rather take him/her to your vet for a proper check-up.

If the slowing down is due to arthritis or age-related mobility issues, your pet will benefit from supplements (like chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids), pentosan injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Worried about immunity?

To address worries about your dog’s immune system, ensure a balanced diet rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Also provide consistent exercise, maintain a stress-free environment, and keep up with regular veterinary checkups and vaccinations.

Supplements like probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as good hygiene, can also support immune health. Consult your vet if you notice signs of illness, as many symptoms can be immune-related.

Scratching nonstop?

If your pet is scratching non-stop, they need veterinary attention to diagnose the cause, which often includes fleas and other parasites (like mange), allergies (food or environmental), skin infections (bacterial or fungal), or dry skin. Other possibilities include bug bites, underlying medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances or autoimmune diseases, and in some cases, behavioral issues like anxiety. To get a proper diagnosis and effective treatment, a vet should be consulted, especially if the scratching is causing skin damage or bleeding.

Products that may help include good shampoos, parasite preventatives, proper food and calming products.

Bathroom troubles

Inappropriate elimination is a general term used by veterinarians to describe urination and defecation that happens where it should not. It can stem from medical issues (like infections, diabetes, kidney disease and incontinence), behavioral problems (such as anxiety, submissiveness, or stress from environmental changes), or a combination of both.

To solve the problem, your vet must first rule out any medical causes with a physical exam and diagnostic tests like a urine analysis, fecal analysis and blood work. If no medical issue is found, then the owner can address environmental or behavioral factors, which may include improving litter box management, reducing anxiety, using odor neutralizers and seeking help from a veterinary behaviorist.

Endless meowing or barking?

If your cat meows all the time it might be a sign that they are hungry, bored, lonely, seeking attention or that they have a health issue. Some breeds are also more vocal than others. A female cat in heat will also meow all the time! An endless bark from a dog can stem from similar reasons like a lack of stimulation or attention, or it could be a sign of separation anxiety, a health problem, or a response to external triggers.

Once medical reasons are ruled out, making sure your pet is well fed and gets enough physical and emotional stimulation is important. Grab a lead and harness and take your dog for a walk, get a scratch post for your cat, buy some puzzle toys or get calming products that can help with anxiety.