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40 l MACON MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2013 One of my two cats has stopped using the litter box. Help!! Mary Grace R., Forsyth ere are a variety of reasons why cats stop using their litter boxes. is behavior may have been driven by medical condition, anxiety or territorial aggression in multiple-cat homes. Here are a few helpful hints to keep in mind: Place the litter box in a quiet area, with enough room to turn around comfortably; keep the litter box clean, as cats don't like a dirty litter box; and have easy access to a litter box. Wherever your cat has improperly done its business inside the house, do a thorough cleaning of the area, using an enzymatic cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle, to remove traces of inappropriate elimination. is will help prevent your cat from returning to these locations. Or you can also place the litter box at these locations. Remember, about 10 percent of cats develop elimination problems during their lives. Please check out products, such as "Cat Attract" litter and additive. Cat Attract is a blended litter with herb attractant, to specifically address problem cats. petsperts Answering questions about your four-footed family member EDITOR'S NOTE: TailsSpin store owners, Jusak Yang Bernhard and Jeff Manley answer readers' questions about pet ownership and care. Send your questions to maconmag@ maconmagazine.com or post them on the Macon Magazine Facebook page. TailsSpin is a pet store located in downtown Macon on Mulberry Street. Bernhard and Manley were recently named first runners-up for Georgia's Small Business Persons of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration What do probiotics do for dogs? I know they help digestion with good bacteria, and my pug has digestion problems for sure. But do I need to use the pills, or can I just feed my dog yogurt? Joe M., Macon Probiotics are as beneficial to a dog's digestive system as they are to human's health. ese friendly bacteria promote regularity throughout the intestinal tract. Dogs are especially vulnerable to gastro-intestinal troubles because canines typically devour anything they find on the ground, which may include toxins. Some pet foods are supplemented with probiotics and are enhanced with these living microorganisms. Avoid flavored yogurt, as these may contain too much sugar. Also avoid artificial sweeteners or sugar substitute, as these are harmful to your dog. Make sure you only use plain yogurt or cottage cheese, containing L. acidophilus or B. bifidus. One to three spoonfuls of yogurt is found to be helpful, to maintain good digestive health in a dog. Your local pet stores may also have probiotic supplements, such as Eagle Pack Holistic Solution. Please visit and consult your veterinarian when diarrhea or vomiting persists with your dog. OUR COLUMN SERVES AS A FORUM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR PETS. BUT ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN FOR EXTENDED DISCUSSIONS REGARDING YOUR PETS AND BEING PET OWNERS.