Named after the famous detective for his fawn coat, Colombo is a pug with a seriously foul gas problem. James, Amy’s boyfriend even describes the smell as ‘vicious’ and ‘acrid’. Unfortunately for Amy, Colombo’s embarrassing problems aren’t confined indoors as Amy takes the pungent Pug out shopping with her to the local deli where she fears that people might actually be physically sick if caught in the firing line.
At the Pet Shame Clinic, Marc quizzes Amy on Colombo’s diet, whether he gulps his food down and frequency of feeding. The answers Amy give help Marc to diagnose aerophagia which is a condition where an animal swallows lots of air when eating their food. Marc suggests that Amy feeds Colombo little and often and changes his bowl to one that prevents gulping, in addition to changing his diet to one more high in protein and low in fibre.
Finally, Marc also suggests more exercise for Colombo to improve his metabolism. Back at home Amy gets to work and finds that meal times are slowed down with the help of a new bowl. Exercise is addressed in the form of ‘freestyle doggy dancing’ and both Amy and Colombo have a fun day leaning new moves. Turns out that Colombo is rather good at the twist and walking backwards.
PDSA Senior Vet, Sean Wensley, says: “Whether owners have a problem with their pet’s health or behaviour, they should never be embarrassed about seeking advice from their vet. There can be several different possible causes for most problems and vets are well qualified to gather and interpret relevant information so that the correct diagnosis can be made and the right treatment given. Ensuring your pet is healthy is one of the five welfare needs that, by law, owners must provide for. To find out more about the welfare needs of different pets” visit www.pdsa.org.uk/pethealth
