People food isn't healthful as doggy snack

Dear Uncle Matty: We have a 2-year-old toy poodle that weighs just under 12 pounds. My wife shares pretzels with Oliver, as well as a few French fries and occasionally scraps of steak. Oliver also loves cheese. My guess is that he won't live as long eating snack supplements to his otherwise healthy dog-food diet. —J.F., Montague, Mich.

Dear J.F.: There are all sorts of people reasons for giving a dog people snacks, and none of them has to do with the well-being of the dog. Snacks make some people feel good, so they think a snack will do the same for a dog. Others actually think dogs get bored with their regular food and decide the best thing to do is spice up the food fare with a little menu variety. These or any other reasons are not valid as a rule of thumb. If your dog can tell you otherwise, by all means listen to him.

The truth is, dogs will wolf down just about anything whether it's good for them or not. Dog-food companies spend millions improving and perfecting canine recipes that provide pets with their unique nutritional needs, and they are not the same as ours. Dogs have very sensitive digestive systems, and people goodies can irritate canine tummies and easily cause diarrhea. Some people foods, like chocolate, are toxic to dogs.

If you want to give your best friend a special tidbit, use doggy snacks that are fortified with special nutritional benefits. There is an endless variety of snacks including those formulated for puppies, older dogs and overweight dogs. There are snacks for dogs with special dietary needs like diabetes. But before you start overdoing the doggy snack routine, make sure you have regular physicals for your pooch and ask the veterinarian what dietary considerations are appropriate for your dog. And remember, the best thing for any dog is a consistent, healthy dog-food menu.

Dear Uncle Matty: I have an 11-week-old puppy that is chewing me out of house and home. I mean, everything is a target, from my hand and the furniture to rug edges and shoes — you name it. I point at him and tell him "no," and he just goes after my finger. I don't know if this is play nipping or aggression. Help. —Andrea S., Las Vegas

Dear Andrea: From a few weeks to 6 months of age, a dog is teething, and that is a very uncomfortable process. Gums are tender and painful. While your pup is play-nipping and mouthing, you have to help with appropriate chews and toys, along with ice cubes and frozen washcloths to soothe the problem.