HE is on a mission to assist our pets . . . and is right here to reply YOUR questions.
Sean, who’s the top vet at tailor-made pet meals agency tails.com, has helped with house owners’ queries for ten years. He says: “If your pet is acting funny or is under the weather, or you want to know about nutrition or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”
Q) MY cat Tim completely hates the postman and tears up letters as if he’s a canine.
He even waits for him on the wall and spits.
How can we handle this behaviour and cease Tim being so impolite?
MARIE CHESTER, Edinburgh
Sean says: It may be territorial aggression, as occurs with many dogs.
The behaviour is strengthened every time as a result of dogs and cats can bark or hiss on the “intruder” and with out fail, each time, the postman departs off the property and walks down the road.
The canine, or cat, who might have been reacting out of concern or nervousness in direction of this stranger hazard, then thinks “Well, that worked, I’ll act the same way again tomorrow”.
So the cycle continues. With dogs we advocate making an attempt to show the affiliation right into a constructive one.
Ask your postman to throw them just a few treats maybe. That might not wash a lot with cats.
To shield the letters and your postman’s fingers, putting in a postbox cage round your letterbox is a nice thought.
Q) SHOULD I take into account bringing my rabbits into the storage through the colder climate?
I’m including in additional bedding for Percy and Pete however ought to I be doing something extra for them?
EMMA BEVAN, Lincoln
Sean says: It relies on their housing now, however many rabbit house owners simply present additional insulation on outside hutches or homes through the winter months within the type of old blankets and plastic sheeting maybe, ensuring it stays nicely ventilated and dry inside.
Extra heat bedding is a good suggestion too. They nonetheless want access to a big run to leap and run round, however protected, dry, heat housing is significant.
The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund web site (rabbitwelfare.co.uk) is my go-to place for nice recommendation concerning the pets.
It has some ace solutions on housing and every little thing else bunny-related.
Q) MY 18-month-old rat Scabbers is trying a bit chunky. Should he be on a weight loss plan?
BEN APPLETON, Leeds
Sean says: Rats and most rodents don’t have an off change it appears.
It is smart, as within the wild they may discover meals scarce at occasions so stockpile when it’s plentiful.
This does imply we have to prohibit their meals a bit, particularly the actually calorific substances and treats.
A pelleted full rat weight loss plan is greatest, because it prevents selective feeding on simply the candy, tasty bits of the rodent “muesli mix” generally offered in pet outlets.
Q) WHAT do you advocate getting dogs as a Christmas present?
I’ve a three-year-old Labrador referred to as Harry. What do I must keep away from giving him?
MIKE JONES, Burnley
Sean says: Occupier toys are a terrific present for dogs.
Christmas is usually a annoying time for pets as routines change, unusual objects seem within the home and maybe there are extra guests, or house owners exit extra.
Keeping Harry glad, mentally stimulated and distracted from these disruptions will serve you each nicely.
So consider Kong feeding puzzles and novel chewable dog-safe toys.
Apart from issues you should purchase, simply spend extra time with him when you may.
Play video games and encourage downside fixing, train new methods and organize doggy play dates along with his buddies.
Dogs choose experiences with their house owners over presents anyway.
Star of the week
BUDDY canine Sam has modified the lifetime of his proprietor Adam Cusack – due to the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The gamers help the Guide Dogs’ buddy canine service which has enabled Adam, 20, to get Sam, a Labrador/golden retriever cross.
Adam, from Musselburgh, East Lothian, who misplaced his sight after contracting meningitis when he was three years old, stated: “Sam has modified my life for the higher.
“He helps by simply being there for me and comforting me.
“We always say that getting Sam is the best thing we’ve ever done.”
WIN: Pet pressies
STUCK for what to purchase your cat this Christmas?
The Sun on Sunday has teamed up with PetSecure to present one fortunate reader the possibility to win a number of pawfect presents value £450.
The prize features a ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box in addition to enjoyable peek-a-boo type toys and boredom-busting laser lights.
See uk.petsafe.internet. To enter, ship an electronic mail headed XMAS to [email protected] by Dec 10. T&Cs apply.
Owners reassured over cat covid
CATS Protection has reassured house owners after a pressure of cat coronavirus has been recognized within the UK.
Experts stated feline coronavirus already exists right here and most cats will get well rapidly.
But the priority is that some can develop Feline Infectious Peritonitis, which will be deadly.
Alison Richards, head of medical providers at Cats Protection, stated: “It’s regarding, however whereas the identify sounds comparable, this virus is solely completely different to Covid-19 and the feline model can’t be transmitted to folks.
“Feline coronavirus is already right here and the typical cat is more likely to have come throughout it at a while.
“Most cats affected by the pressure get delicate diarrhoea that will get higher with out remedy.
“However, a small proportion of cats will go on to develop FIP, a way more severe illness that may be deadly if left untreated.
“Cats with FIP can have variable signs, significantly at first of an infection, akin to a lack of urge for food, weight reduction and lethargy.
“If you’re in any respect involved about your cat, we’d advocate getting a well being examine together with your vet.
“Having pet insurance that covers illness and injury is also advisable if possible.”
