Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

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Forum Comments (2)

How do you know if your cat loves you?
Cats are solitary creatures by nature, so seeking out your company (especially when it's not mealtimes) is a good sign. Behaviors such as rubbing against you, purring, and wanting to spend time with you are all signs of love from an animal that prefers to be alone.
How do you get a dog to stop digging?
Try to figure out why the dog is digging. For many, this is boredom due to lack of exercise, so correcting the problems means increasing mental and physical exercise for the dog. Alternatively, for a hardened digger, provide the dog with a well-demarcated area where they are allowed to dig and train them to use this.

Q&A Comments (3042)

How do I get my cat to sleep with me and stay inside?
You can't force a cat to do anything so you need to convince him that inside is a great place to be. Do this by hiding cat food around the home so that he stalks around to find it (instead of putting a bowl of food down). Provide a calm environment with plenty of hiding places (cardboard boxes will do) and places he can perch up high to feel safe ( a cat tree) . When the cat approaches you, stroke and pet him, perhaps offering a treat so that he links you to pleasant things and then wants to spend more time with you.
Is it best to use puppy pads or go outside from the start?
It is possible to accidentally train your puppy to use puppy pads as his bathroom, so taking your puppy to go to the bathroom outside often is best. Puppy pads are meant for your puppy to use in case of emergencies. For example, if you are not home or your puppy can’t wait for you to let him out, then he can use his puppy pad. It is a good idea to place puppy pads by the door when you are toilet training your puppy, but remain neutral if he uses the puppy pad. Do not reward your puppy for using the puppy pad by praising him, but don’t punish him either. Take your puppy outside every 20 to 30 minutes to prevent him from going potty indoors and give him lots of praise when he goes potty outside.
How do I house train my dog that hates to go outside in general?
The first thing you will need to do is to figure out why your dog does not like to go outside, and then use this information to help him feel better about going outside. Consider the environment as well as your dog’s past experiences outside. For example, does your dog dislike rain? Is the ground covered in gravel that might be hurting his paws? Has he ever been frightened by a person, dog, car, or something else while he was outside? After you have identified the problem, try to find ways to make him feel more comfortable outside, such as by going out in the yard with him to hep him feel safe. Make sure that you reward him with lots of praise whenever he is brave enough to go outside.
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Co-authored Articles (494)

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If your cat gets an injury or disease that affects its ability to urinate on its own, you may need to help it go to the bathroom. To accomplish this, you will have to express your cat's bladder, a procedure in which you ...

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Clean the Sheath of a Horse

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Save a Choking Dog

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Tell the Sex of an Angelfish

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Collapse a Dog Crate

Collapsible metal dog crates are a great way to have a secure place for your dog while you are traveling. They are reasonably light-weight, making them easy to carry and transport. They are also easy to clean, providing ...

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Tell if a Mouse Is Male or Female

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Help a Hamster With Sticky Eye

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Know when Your Hamster Is Pregnant

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Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Causes & Simple Home Treatments

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Cure Your Not Moving Hamster

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Care for an Axolotl

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Splint a Cat's Broken Leg

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Fatten Up a Dog

If your dog has gotten particularly thin you will need to know the proper ways to ‘fatten’ it up. Key to fattening a dog up is feeding little and often, giving supplements to correct any dietary insufficiencies, and ...

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Remove a Tear Duct Stain from White Dogs

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What to Feed a Wild Rabbit in Your Backyard

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Breed Lovebirds

Many people associate romance with lovebirds. There are nine different species of lovebirds, which are small, brightly- feathered parrots. If you have lovebirds or want to own lovebirds and breed them, it requires a lot...

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Wrap a Cat

Learn how to wrap a docile or aggressive cat with easeKnowing how to wrap a cat is an invaluable skill, especially when you need to give her medicine. The finished wrapped cat looks somewhat like a swaddled baby, with he...
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