Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

“My dog, Ringo, likes to eat poop and we cannot seem to break the habit.  We have tried using seasoning salt on both dogs’ food but that has not worked.  I have read a little about some pills they can take and not sure if that will work based on some of the reviews.  Do you have any suggestions?  It is so gross, and I am picking up the yard almost every day.”  – Kim Lorns

“Poop eating is normal for dogs and puppies and is referred to as coprophagia. It can be related to poor nutrition, illness, anxiety, boredom, or sometimes it is just fun for them. I would recommend walking your pet on leash and picking up after your pet until they get into their new routine of not consuming their feces. Also, teaching the “Leave It” command will be beneficial. You can also talk to a vet about nutrition and changing foods. Avoid punishment because it may stop behavior short-term, but can cause the behavior to get worse.”  – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

“At the start of the pandemic, my shy cat seemed distressed that I was home all the time in “her” space. Eventually, we settled into a new routine and she has become more affectionate, however, now when I leave for a couple of hours, she is even more distressed when I come home. She has not had litter box issues in the past but is now kicking litter out of the box when I go to get groceries. Last night she even dragged one of my socks into the litter box! How can I keep her stress levels down?”  – Teri Plemel

“Separation anxiety in pets has increased due to more owners working from home. Many animals are confused by these changes and have become quite frustrated. The best thing to do is to try and keep a routine of “working hours” where your pet is not with you. Most people like having their pets with them while they work from home, but this is causing animals to become more attached and dependent, resulting in frustration and even aggression when owners leave the home or start working in the office again.” – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

“If I am traveling for the holidays, how do I keep my dog calm in the car?” – Dr. Rhiannon Koehler

“It is beneficial to start training your pet to get used to riding in a car prior to holidays. I recommend just sitting in the car for some small sessions, then introducing yummy treats, then going for short drives that end up in fun places like the park. Make riding exciting! Many times, our animals associate the car with a trip to the vet which causes stress on our pets. Offer treats throughout the trip and make the trips longer and longer. You can also crate train your pet and use the crate to transport them. This is a safer option for people and their pets in vehicles.”  – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202 | (913) 831-7722

www.greatplainsspca.org