Q: I have a 5 month old German Shorthair that chases shadows. She will only pay attention to me for a second and then all her attention is focused on the shadows she sees. Is this a mental problem or could it be an eye problem? We were planning on sending her to professional training to hunt pheasants, but are wondering if we should even waste our time, since this is becoming quite a problem. Do you have any suggestions. A: To stereotype, German Shorthair Pointers are high energy dogs with short attention spans as puppies. Hopefully, your puppy's youth and lack of maturity are all that is responsible for her apparent lack of "focus." Many people don't consider serious training for pointers until they are 1-2 years old, however, if the worry about her eye sight is significant, consider an evaluation by a Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist.

Q: I want to change my cat's diet to an all-natural food, but she is refusing to eat it. Should I be more firm and not give in when she cries for her old food? A: Frequently when a pets' diet is changed or when an animal doesn't eat for any reason, many pet owners presume that "they'll eat when they get hungry." Following this philosophy can be particularly dangerous where cats are concerned. Cats who don't eat regularly, even for a period of days, can become victims of "Fatty Liver Syndrome." "Fatty Liver Syndrome" common in cats, occurs when not enough calories are consumed to meet metabolic needs. In turn, the body's fat reserves are mobilized for energy and ultimately the liver becomes clogged with fat, leading to failure of the organ. Cats most susceptible to this condition are typically overweight to begin with and "middle aged." Before making any radical changes with your cat's diet, consult with her doctor to avoid problems.

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