How to Cure Constant Barking and More!
Off Leash Advice | January 2, 2023
Since 1988, we at Mud Bay have been providing helpful advice to PNW pet owners. Now, we’re making our team of experts—led by multiple nutrition-certification veterinarian Dr. Katy Miller—available to everyone!
From dogs whose teeth chatter whenever their owner is driving to cats who want to groom all the human visitors dropping by a house—and everything in between—Dr. Katy and her team will be answering the most interesting and entertaining pet-related questions around, submitted by readers from around the Pacific Northwest.
Dear Off Leash: Are there negative side effects to using a citronella bark collar? My dog Lola barks when she’s left home alone and has learned how to change her bark to a whine so that the bark collar doesn’t vibrate. We have yet to find an effective way to mitigate her separation anxiety, so she is quiet when home alone.
-Barking Up the Wrong Tree?
Dear Barking: It sounds like Lola is a very clever girl, and may in fact be experiencing some anxiety when you are away. Because this is a somewhat complex issue, we’re going to look at several ways to tackle the underlying issue of the barking.
The biggest drawback to a citronella collar is that it not only reprimands them at the time of the bark but continues to reprimand them because the smell does not instantly dissipate. Remember, when training animals the timing of the reward/reprimand/redirection is critical, and it has to be crystal clear and instantaneous or your pet may be unable to determine what it is associated with.
Because of this unclear message, a dog may continue to bark and become accustomed to the smell until it no longer has any desired effect. As you have found, another downside is that these collars quickly teach a clever dog to work around the issue instead of changing the behavior. Furthermore, even if these collars seem successful, they are training your dog not to bark at all even though there are times we might want a dog to bark (someone breaking into your house, an unwanted stranger approaching you at night, etc.).
Instead, let’s take a look at reducing your dog’s anxiety, and keeping them entertained while you are not at home as a way to reduce the unwanted barking. First, I would look at long-acting calmative supplements. Since you may be away from home for long periods during the day, I recommend a long-acting anxiety supplement to give Lola daily. This way, the calmative can be working at all times, so you don’t have to worry about redosing while you’re away from home. I would look for a long-term supplement that may contain biota seed, polygala, valerian, skull cap, and passion flower.
Second, entertain Lola so she is not bored, which you can easily do with a treat-dispensing toy like a bob-a-lot or a Kong stuffed with frozen food or snacks. This can give Lola something to keep their mind and body busy. (Pro-tip: Only use these items when you leave, and be sure to pick them up when you return so that they remain “special” for when you’re not there.)
Leave on some ambient background noise so that not every little sound is noticeable or disturbing. A radio or the tv can be left on for some ambient noise, so your dog is not as acutely aware of outside noises.
It may take a little more work to try these other options than a bark collar, but you will have a happier and—we hope—more successful experience with these other techniques.
-Dr. Katy
Have a question you’d like Dr. Katy to answer in an upcoming column?
Or, connect with a Muddy who can answer your question immediately by starting a chat using the blue box at the bottom left side of our website.
Dear Off Leash: Why does my cat pick up her food from the food bowl and bring it in another room that has carpeting to eat it in there? (Very weird habit but it happens 50-60% of the time.)
-Kitty Food To Go
Dear Kitty Food: The most likely answer is that for some reason (potentially only known to your cat) they feel safer in the other area rather than at the food bowl. This is likely due to the location of the food bowl, or, if you have more pets, a feeling of competition at the kitty dining table. Unfortunately for cohabitating humans, cats don’t really care where WE might feel the litter box or food bowl is best located. In fact, many litter box issues stem from this same issue. The answer often lies in creating another space for the food bowl or if you have a competition-type setting, putting out more food bowls. This will reduce the need for the cat to find a “safer” space to consume her food.
Another possibility could be that your cat honestly doesn’t like the dish you’re serving the food in. Most of us commonly use bowls to feed our pets. Alas, many cats don’t like to eat out of bowls because it touches their extremely sensitive whiskers. Cat whiskers perform a very vital sensory function by helping determine if they would get stuck in a space if they entered it. Because of this, some cats dislike the sensation of their whiskers touching the side of the bowl. For these cats, a flat-surfaced plate is better accepted. This may be why your cat is picking up the food and moving it to a flat surface to slowly consume it.
So, try a new container at mealtimes (or look for new feeding areas in general) and report back to us!
-Dr. Katy
Dear Off Leash: I’ve had my cat for 2 years now, and very recently, I’ve been feeling like I haven’t been doing enough for him. He is absolutely spoiled, but because of university, I’m gone for about 5 hours a day. How can I actually tell if my boy is lonely and bored versus when he is just being a lazy cat? I’m very used to how dogs show emotion and still getting used to cat signals.
-Kitty Conundrum
Dear Kitty Conundrum: Cats have evolved to conserve energy between rapid periods of activity (hunting). Cats are “crepuscular,” meaning they have two time periods of peak activity in a 24-hour period. They are most active right before sunrise and again around sunset. They spend the rest of the day “cat napping.” This is why many cats always seem ready to wake up the human occupants of the house when their needs are met; they don’t have the same sleep schedules we do.
We know from research that most cats sleep between 12 and 18 hours a day and almost 40% will sleep more than 18 hours a day—and this is completely normal. So, rest assured (no pun intended) your cat is perfectly fine being left for many hours at a time and is most likely sleeping (with maybe a small snack in-between naps) while you are away. Particularly since you are such a devoted cat spoiler, I am sure they are getting plenty of attention, interactive play, and grooming when you are at home.
-Dr. Katy
Dear Off Leash: My dog doesn’t like to cuddle. We are in touch with his littermates, and they all like to cuddle. Is there a reason that some dogs don’t cuddle and others do? It kind of makes me sad that he doesn’t want to curl up next to me.
-Aloof Pooch
Dear Aloof: First, rest easy–there is nothing wrong with you, your dog, or your relationship. Some dogs just don’t like to cuddle. This is actually fairly common. Dogs all have different personalities, and some enjoy physical touch like some humans do and others don’t. Some dogs don’t like to cuddle because cuddling up close makes them vulnerable because their normal communication style is being physically inhibited. Dogs communicate with very subtle but physical cues, and when they are being held or cuddled up close, they can’t use this method of communication. For some dogs, that is very distressing and causes them anxiety.
I’ll bet that your dog is still showing you affection in his own way; you may just not understand his language. Some ways dogs show affection may seem more subtle: waiting for you to come home, or staring out the window and becoming excited when they hear you returning home. Other examples would be following you around the house, wanting to be in the same room as you, laying on your clothing, or laying outside the door while you’re in the bathroom. Another very common way to show love is through play. Offering you a toy or even letting you pick up their favorite possession can be signs of enormous affection from your dog.
Just as some folks are “huggers” and some are not, dogs are the same, and yet all feel affection and love. Just the fact that you’re so concerned about this shows how much you love your dog, and I’m sure that your dog feels the same way, even if he isn’t a cuddler.
-Dr. Katy
Does your dog do something totally crazy? Are you curious about your cat’s dietary preferences? Off Leash Advice would love to hear from you! Send us your question, and check back to see each month’s letters, along with advice and tips from Dr. Katy! https://www.blog.mudbay.com/advice
Dr. Katy Miller is the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay. Dr. Katy is a graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, with her clinical year spent at Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association, American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
Furvor bone broth is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is up to 30 times more concentrated than regular broths. It provides protein, collagen, amino acids, and important nutrients to help your dog’s gut, joints, skin, coat, and overall health.
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The 20 oz bottle provides more than 20 servings, making it an easy way to add beneficial nutrition to your dog’s daily routine at home.
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If you’re out and about, Furvor’s single-serve pouches will help keep your dog hydrated, with a pep in their step wherever you go. They’re great for summer, hikes, walks, or days by the water.
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Just tear open, squeeze, and serve. You can mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or give it on its own. You can buy them one at a time or in a pack of six.
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Shop Furvor Bone Broth in-store or online today! 🛍️ 🐾
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Capstar Oral Flea & Tick Treatment
🐾When fleas show up, it helps to act quickly. Capstar is an easy-to-use oral treatment that starts working in about 30 minutes and can kill most fleas within the first few hours. It’s a simple way to bring fast relief and can be used alongside your dog’s regular flea and tick routine.
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Vetality Flea & Tick Monthly Topical Treatment
🐾 For ongoing protection, Vetality Avantect offers vet-quality coverage at a great value.
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These broad-spectrum topicals kill and repel fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes, while also targeting all stages of the flea life cycle. It also helps repel biting flies and kill lice. Available in four weight ranges and a four-month supply for continued protection.
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🛍️ Shop in-store or online today.
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We have all the treats, toys, and zoomie-inducing catnip options for your cat, both in-store and online at Mud Bay.
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So whether you have a cat who likes to bite, rabbit-kick, or lie back and relax with a nice treat and some catnip, we have what your feline friend needs to keep them happy, healthy, and engaged.🐈
#mudbay #cats #cattreats #catnip #cattoys
Oven-fresh meals straight to your dog’s bowl.
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Nulo Culinary Harvest is a high-protein, oven-baked dog food, basted in bone broth to support your dog’s digestion and joint health.
Nulo only uses high-quality proteins like turkey, herring, chicken, pork, lamb, and beef, then bakes each formula slowly at low temperatures to retain nutrients and make meals easier to digest.
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Choose from Adult recipes such as Chicken & Whitefish, Turkey & Herring, or Pork & Lamb, available in 4-lb or 25-lb bags. For small breeds, Beef & Lamb comes in 4-lb and 10-lb bags.
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Shop Nulo Culinary Harvest Oven-Baked Dog Food in stores or order online today!
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Did you know that Mud Bay now has sushi 🍣 for cats?
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Thanks to our friends at Fabcat, your cat can now enjoy a 5-piece sushi combo platter at Mud Bay. Each piece is not only fun to play with, but also filled with North American-grown catnip that will get your cat excited to bite, swat, and zoom around.
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Check out the Fabcat Sushi Combo Platter and treat your cat to something special. Available in-store or online.
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Looking for a simple way to slow things down at mealtime or keep your dog busy?🤔
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The Walkabout from Woof is a multi-purpose enrichment toy that can hold up to 2 cups of food or treats. Just twist it open, fill it up, and rotate the inner dial to adjust how quickly food is released.
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It’s designed for quieter play, gentle on teeth, and safe for your floors—no marks, no noise, just steady engagement.
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A great option for busy days, working from home, or dogs that need a little extra enrichment. 🛒 🛍️ Shop the Walkabout in-store or online at Mud Bay.
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You heard us, now we want to hear from you! 📣 👂
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We want to know your dog’s favorite woof Pupsicle recipe. Let us know what your pup loves most in their Pupsicle. We’d love to share your recipes with our followers, too.
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Send us a DM, leave a comment, share photos, or tag us in your favorite woof recipe. We might even make your recipe in-store and give you a shout-out! We can’t wait to hear from you.
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Stay tuned, because we’ll be sharing some of your recipes 🧑🍳 in the coming weeks!
#mudbay #woof #letusknow #healthypets #pupsicle
Nulo Culinary Harvest coming soon at Mud Bay!
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This new option from Nulo is an oven-baked, high-protein dog food basted in bone broth. And because it’s oven-baked, that means it’s cooked at a lower temperature, so your dog can absorb more nutrients and get the most out of each meal. The bone broth also adds extra flavor, perfect for dogs who appreciate something extra at mealtime that also has functional benefits to their overall health.
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Nulo Culinary Harvest for Adult and Small Breed dogs, will soon be available both in-store and online at Mud Bay.
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🐝 🌷 🌈 Spring is here, and that means fleas and ticks are back. To help protect your cat, we’re excited to offer new TropiClean 🌴 options designed to make care simple and effective.
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TropiClean Laundry Additive helps tackle fleas, ticks, eggs, and larvae right in your wash. Just add half a cup with your regular detergent, let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, and use it on bedding, towels, blankets, rugs, and toys. Plus, it’s safe for use with your dog!
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TropiClean Gentle No-Rinse Cat Shampoo offers an easy way to clean and protect without the hassle. It helps eliminate fleas, ticks, and mites, protects against mosquitoes, and is safe for pets and kids.
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TropiClean Gentle Mist for Cats is a quick, on-the-go option for added protection. Just spray and go for an easy way to help protect against fleas, ticks, mites, and mosquitoes.
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You can shop TropiClean products for your cat in-store and online at Mud Bay.
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Furvor bone 🦴 broth for dogs is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is highly concentrated, so every squeeze adds real nutrition to your dog’s routine.
🐕 It’s packed with protein, amino acids, and nutrients that can support gut health, mobility, skin and coat, and overall wellness.
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It’s also an easy way to boost hydration and bring a little excitement back to the bowl—especially for picky eaters. Just mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or serve it on its own.
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Shop Furvor 🛒 🛍️ 🐕 Bone Broth in-store or online at Mud Bay!
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Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
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Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass.
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You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
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If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play.
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With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
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Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
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