The dogs compete for my affection

Q. I have a one-year-old female Mini Pinscher and a newly-acquired nine-month-old Chihuahua. They were introduced to each other a week ago. The two dogs have different personalities. The Mini Pin is playful and energetic. The Chi likes being alone, or being cuddled while watching TV.

Both of them seem to be jealous whenever I give attention to the other. They become territorial when they are near me, which results in aggressiveness between the two.

Is it possible for the two to bond? Will they ever like living together under one roof? What should I do? – MANUEL CORREA

A. When a new pet is brought home and there are other pets, jealousy is expected. You should get the previous dog used to the new dog by letting them meet several times before the latter actually moves in.

Don't show your first dog that you are more attentive and caring toward the new one. Both of them should be cuddled at the same time. But because they each have a distinct character, the Chihuahua is more likely to be comfortable sitting with you while you watch TV, while the Mini Pin will likely be restless throughout. Perhaps you might also try to be discreet when you are cuddling the Chihuahua or playing with the Mini Pin.

Surely your dogs will bond in time. When and for how long? It all depends on your capability to make them feel that they are both loved and wanted. Don't make either dogs feel insecure. A fairly equal amount of attention and appropriate veterinary care services would be good.

* * * My cat has a bad cold

Q. I have a two-year-old old kitten named Trolly. He is partially blind and has chronic colds. My vet advised me to give him Chloramphenicol when he has an attack. Is this safe? Are there any long term complications or side effects with prolonged use of the drug? – ROCHELLE CARINO

A. I am sure your cat has not been vaccinated. Please see your vet for a vaccination schedule when he gets well. Is the cat born blind or did it get blind for whatever cause?

If you are not happy with Chloramphenicol – it is a good antibiotic but is not usually sold now because its prolonged use may lead to blood discretia – you may use Cefalexin syrup 125 mg, 1.5 cc every six hours, and Isoprenosine syrup 2cc every six hours.

* * * I want to buy my own dog

Q. I have loved dogs since I was a little boy. My parents gave me dogs but I don't like taking care of them because I didn't choose them. On my birthday, my relatives gave me money. I plan to buy a dog. What dog should I buy? Small or medium size? Can you give me a list of dogs that are hard to groom and hard to control so I won't buy those breeds? What dog is easy to train?

Thanks. – MARTIN ROMERO

A. Getting a dog and taking care of him is not easy when you do not have the heart for it. In order to make things easy and fun, one should really love pets. There are so many things to consider in raising healthy dogs – bathing, feeding, grooming, health care, exercise, attention and play, to say the least. In all of this, the key word is love. I advise that you choose from among the following.

• Poodle — You have to bring him/her to a vet for grooming.

• Dachshund

• Fox Terrier

• Japanese Spitz

Whatever you choose, consult a vet on the proper care of your pet.

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Dr. Mangahas has been a vet for 30 years and holds diplomates in Microbiology, Canine Practice and Veterinary Public Health. She has served as officers of various veterinary and health associations. She is VP and incoming president of the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations which has 42 professional groups recognized by the Philippine Regulatory Commission.

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