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HE is on a mission to help our pets. . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.
Sean, chief veterinarian at tails.com, a bespoke pet food company, has been helping with owner questions for ten years. He says, “If your pet is acting weird, is bad, or you want to know about diet or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy. ”If you’d like him to answer a question for YOU, just email him at [email protected]
Sean helps a reader whose rabbit is chewing on its own pawsCredit: Alamy
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Sean McCormack, chief vet at tails.com, promises he can help keep pets happy and healthy.Photo credit: Doug Seeburg – The Sun
Q) BENJI, my pet rabbit, has a habit of chewing on its paws.
The vet can’t figure out why.
Is there anything i can do to stop him? They are all red and sore.
John Carrington, Glasgow
A) It might be worth finding another veterinarian who specializes in small fur animals like rabbits.
My concern would be that something is causing Benji irritation – rabbits can be very prone to scalding urine on their feet if not cleaned enough – and he’s now on a negative cycle as his foot is sore / irritated, so he chews on it. aggravate and so on.
Toothache can also lead to chewing and licking behavior, so his teeth should also be checked.
Q) MY ten year old son is urgently looking for a dog for Christmas.
He wants an Alsatian, but I don’t think that’s great.
We live in a city and there are no parks nearby and I was told they need a lot of exercise. What do you recommend?
Lisa Swift, Coventry
A) An Alsatian or German Shepherd, as they are called, is not a good choice as a first / child dog.
In fact, every dog as a parent is your responsibility.
And a big, active, super smart dog like this one takes a lot of exercise, play, training, and brain stimulation to avoid behavior problems and frustration.
All dogs need walks and lots of attention at home at least twice a day, so it is a myth that dog size matters.
It is more useful to consider what the breed was bred for, their personality and drive, and whether you have the time and energy to meet their needs.
A border terrier is a good all-rounder who likes to go out and get active, but also relax on the couch at home.
Lots of personality and fun, but not hyperactive.
Consider going to a local rescue center that has the right dog for your family life.
Q) I’ve had my six year old border collie since he was 12 weeks old and he started peeing on the chair.
Tests for urinary or kidney infections were clear.
But at 25 kg she is overweight and we have her on a diet. Is your weight causing this problem?
Brenda Burgess, via email
A) It does not appear from your question whether it is deliberate urination or urine spilled on the stool while lying there.
If it’s always about a specific job, I’d be more likely to think it’s a conduct disorder and retraining is needed.
It can be helpful to speak to a certified behavioral scientist. If it happens wherever it is, it could be early incontinence.
Whatever the reason, make sure you clean the area thoroughly with an enzymatic pet stain remover.
This breaks down the organic compounds contained in the wee and also neutralizes the smell that could lure your dog back.
A) MY dog Kiloh is almost ten and has fun with his food.
He’s got allergies and we give him food that we know he’s fine.
Sometimes he eats well, sometimes he turns up his nose.
The other problem is that he sometimes bites his skin.
Caroline Paterson, Stirling
A) If Kiloh is otherwise happy and maintaining a good weight and this is something he has always done, it is likely that this is just him.
If it’s a recent change and he hasn’t had a vet check-up lately, it’s worth doing.
Just like us, as we get older, different parts of the body can wear out and sometimes a little extra help is needed.
It may even be worth keeping a journal for a few weeks to see if there is a pattern – just fine.
Star of the week
LOVABLE Leo brings smiles to children in the wards of Southampton Children’s Hospital.
The nine-year-old Golden Retriever leads a team of therapy dogs and has been visiting five times a week with owner Lyndsey Uglow, 54, for the past seven years.
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Nine year old Leo makes children smile in the wards of Southampton Children’s HospitalPhoto credit: Flick.digital
She says, “Leo loves meeting a patient and will gently put a paw on his bed to calm him down. I am proud of what he has bought for the many families we have supported.
“He was by my side in good times and bad and has given thousands of families special memories.”
Leo has a Kennel Club Hero Award and Lyndsey has written a book called Leo & Friends: The Extraordinary Dogs With The Healing Touch.
WIN: Home cat DNA test
Curious about your cat’s parentage?
Basepaws is the first home genetic test for cats.
Using a cheek swab, you can learn more about their breed, their health needs, and how they are similar to different wild cats.
We have three Breed & Health test kits worth £ 90 to give away.
See basepaws.com.
To participate, send an email titled BASEPAWS to [email protected] co.uk.
The terms and conditions apply, registration by November 14th.
Beware of poisonous hazards in the garden
CAN your garden make your pet sick? A number of plants can be poisonous to our furry friends.
Gardening expert Calum Maddock says dog owners should be on the lookout for acorns and conkers, as these can be mistaken for toys and chewed, especially by puppies, and are very toxic.
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All kinds of garden plants can be poisonous to our furry friends
Calum researched the most dangerous plants for pets for the homedit.com website and other nasty things are hydrangeas, crocuses and yew trees and horse chestnuts.
Four other plants are completely poisonous to pets and should be removed – amaryllis, chrysanthemum, oleander, and ragwort. Even a small dose can be fatal.
Calum said, “If you have any of these in your yard, you should take precautions. Careful training, plant barriers, or removing the plant or tree are all options to explore. “
Sean McCormack, the Sun’s animal vet, says owners should watch out for signs that their pet has ingested something dangerous.
He adds, “You can usually see the signs an hour to six hours later, but it can take a few days.
“The signs may be seen in your dog’s vomit or stool, but a less common symptom is a rash or swelling in the eyes or around the lips.
“If you think your dog has swallowed an acorn or a conker, see a veterinarian immediately.”
Holly Willoughby yawns at her cat Bluebell to see if she loves her back
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