questions, answered

A. Many dogs just don’t like getting wet, so this is a common reaction. It’s also possible that your pooch was spooked during a past storm, and now, when it rains, that fear resurfaces, says veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus. You need an unwavering approach. Dogs are creatures of habit, so it will be easier to coax yours out if you have a daily routine that you stick to, even on rainy days. Start with a few minutes of playtime. Then, right near the door, clip on the leash and give him some petting and praise (“Good boy!”) as you lead him outside, shielding him with an umbrella. Have a treat in your hand in case he needs extra incentive. (Last resort: Carry him out, if you’re capable of it.) Once he does his business, reward him immediately with another treat and quickly head back inside to towel him off. The more you repeat the routine, the less resistance you’ll get. You can also reduce the icky wet feeling with rain gear, if your dog will tolerate it, says vet Lisa Maciorakowski. Try a slicker (Petco Reversible Blue Dog Raincoat, $15, petco.com), waterproof footwear (Pawz Dog Boots, $17, petco.com), or even an umbrella-collar combo (Pet Life Umbrella Leash Holder, $30, dog.com).

Photograph by John Fulton

My 14-year-old cat sometimes gets restless and howls. What can I do to calm him?

A. As cats get older, they can become increasingly anxious and vocal. But that doesn’t mean you’re forever doomed to sleepless nights. “Sometimes the howling signals discomfort from arthritis, a urinary tract infection, or hyperthyroid disease, so you should book a vet evaluation with lab work,” says Maciorakowski. If tests are negative, the culprit is probably plain old age. You may relieve restlessness with a soothing pheromone diffuser, which comes in a spray or collar form (Sentry Cat Calming Collar, $13, chewy.com). And just in case evening howling stems from hunger pangs, offer a small nightly snack. OUR PET EXPERTS

D.V.M., the Animal Medical Center, New York City.

Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston.

D.V.M., Morris Animal Hospital, Granger, Indiana.

Our two-year-old black British Lab recently started licking everything—pillows, clothing, even himself. Should we be worried?

A. Puppies and young dogs love to lick objects, in the same way that babies explore with their mouths. It’s typically not harmful, but if you’re fed up with finding damp socks strewn about, you can try the surprisingly effective step-away method: Whenever the licking starts, instead of yelling or snatching the pillow, simply walk out of the room. (Any attention, even the negative kind, reinforces the behavior.) The habit should subside over time. Another option, with your vet’s approval: Spray a (safe, nontoxic) sour-flavored “deterrent” on your dog’s fur (Grannick’s Bitter Apple, $11, amazon.com) to break the habit. No luck after a few weeks? Consider scheduling a veterinary visit. The doctor may want to do blood work or evaluate the dog’s diet to check for health or nutritional problems, says vet Julie Morris. But most likely the licking is just a phase that you’ll have to wait out.

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Photographs by Jens Mortensen

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