Q: Over spring vacation, I will be driving a long distance with my 7-year-old female pug. She is in good health, I've spoken with her veterinarian, and he's prescribed a mild sedative for her so that she can relax and sleep most of the way. The drive is 13 hours, and he suggested I might start out just giving her half a pill and, if need be, giving her the other half, as each half is supposed to last eight to 10 hours.
This is the first time I've owned a pug, and she's been the light of my life for four years now. I just don't want to take the chance on doing anything that will stress her or cause her any harm. Even though my vet has assured me that she should be OK, I'd like your opinion.
A: You didn't say if your pug is antsy in the car. If so, then Dog Lady sees no harm in following your vet's counsel and doling out half a sedative before the trip. Create a cozy nest with favorite blankets or a crate in the back of your vehicle so your pet will be as comfortable and protected as possible. The general rule of thumb holds that a properly house-trained dog in repose can last 12 hours with no accidents. Still, during the trip, you should gauge how your darling is doing. If the dog sleeps through, just let sleeping dogs lie and plow onward.
When Dog Lady's dog was a puppy, he traveled in a bag stowed under the airplane seat. The vet prescribed half a sedative for the journey. Like you, Dog Lady was panicked to administer the medicine, thinking it might somehow hurt him. But she gave the pill and he slept peacefully, with nary a whimper of complaint.
Q: I've been "downsized" from my high-tech job and been out of work for six months. To make ends meet, I've had to move in with a roommate who is another laid-off worker. She rents half of a house. I also have to live with her dog, a large poodle named Jim (by the way, I've always thought it odd when people give their dogs real human names). She lets Jim wander freely around the house, and the other day when I was out, I came back to find Jim lounging on my bed.
I shooed him away. But I realized I liked having the dog around. I've begun to leave my door open for Jim and am disappointed when he doesn't come in for a visit. I never much cared for dogs before. What's happening to me?
A: When you feel the most deflated, there are unexpected beacons to light your way. Dog Lady imagines your humiliation with no job and no home of your own. Yet, Jim has somehow shown you a glimmer of possibilities in his own unprejudiced doglike way. Even though the canine has a human name, it is somehow symbolic.
Continue to leave your door open for Jim. You might want to keep a stash of small treats (freeze-dried liver chunks are manna to dogs) in your room so he learns you're not going to shoo him away but reward him for his incursions. Enjoy the attention as you get back on your feet.
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Monica Collins offers advice on dogs, life and love. Her website is www.askdoglady.com. Contact her at askdoglady@gmail.com.
