Puppy With Hiccups - Molly

Thanks Zena for your question and support for the blog. I hope Molly is well other than her hiccups problem!
It is true that puppies can be prone to hiccups when there is a heavy worm burden, but if you are worming regularly as advised by your vet and using a veterinary prescribed wormer (sometimes the ones sold in supermarkets etc are not as effective), then I would be surprised if
this is what's causing Molly's problem. If you are still concerned, your vet can carry out tests to check for signs of worms in her poo.

There can be other reasons for hiccups in young puppies, much the same as in humans. They are usually associated with gulping air - puppies tend to take in a lot of air when they eat and drink and also when they get excited.

Don't worry too much, Zena, hiccups is very common in dogs and especially puppies under 8 months old.

Molly Hates Fireworks

Zena asks: We got Molly 22nd December. From day one she has been happy sleeping in her bed in a childs travel cot with wee pads one end, going all night. On new years eve neighbours let off some very loud fireworks that really scared her and since then she has got very distressed when we leave her in the cot. Tried to be cruel and leave her, but then she's waking every couple of hours really howling. As soon as we go to her and take her out (we tried not taking her out but standing there) she goes straight to sleep. Any ideas? She is just over 8 weeks old.

Fireworks have a lot to answer for!

Hi again, Zena - its a shame Molly has had this upset so soon after moving in with you. It sounds like her firework scare's left her feeling very insecure. She's still only a baby and her life's had a lot of change recently - she's left her mum & litter mates, found you and settled in very well, but sometimes it doesn't take much to upset the balance. She needs plenty of reassurance that her pen is still a safe place to be.

You could try a couple of tricks that have helped in the past:

• Something with your scent in her bed when you leave her - for example an old t-shirt sometimes helps.
• Leaving a radio on very low may keep her company
• Many breeders swear by a ticking clock near the pup's bed - reminds them of mum
• A soft toy to snuggle up to may make Molly feel more secure
• Try leaving her for a short while, coming back before she's distressed and extend the time gradually

The thing to remember is to reward her for good behaviour only (not necessarily with food - a kind word or cuddle is just as good), and try to ignore unwanted behaviour. I know its difficult when she howls (especially at night), but your attention is her reward - even if its to scold her!

Good luck, Zena. I'm sure Molly will improve as she settles again and forgets about New Years Eve

Zena Asks A Question

When do bitches come in season?
I have looked at all the books but no information I know its early as my little darling is only 8 weeks but dont want any nasty doggies sniffng around!







Many thanks, Zena for your question - Molly looks really cute!

Bitches generally come into season for the first time at around 6 months old and then every 6 months or so. Remember this is a general rule and not set in stone. If you have another dog in the house, you may find she comes in slightly earlier.

Look out for the first Pet Talk of 2007, where I'll be chatting about the pros and cons of neutering.