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 homeowners’ queries for ten years.
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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 hamster Fluffy whizzes himself so quick on his toy wheel that he typically flies off – then will get again on once more.
He has a four-tier home and he comes out day by day to play with our children. He is 9 months old.
He appears content material however do I would like to present him extra train or extra issues to do?
Estelle Evans, Sevenoaks, Kent
Sean says: Ideally, sure. Wheels are addictive and enjoyable, however in addition they remind us how lively hamsters are supposed to be.
In the wild, hamsters roam lengthy distances every night time in the hunt for meals, territory and generally a mate.
So even the largest commercially available hamster cages don’t enable that pure roaming.
It’s a good suggestion to create a hamster-proof pen with stable sides utilizing furnishings or objects within the home, and even let Fluffy out in a room for supervised exploration.
Get down in your stomach first, although, to be sure that there aren’t any hamster-sized gaps the place he may disappear via, by no means to be seen once more.
Q: BOB, my 18-months-old labrador, humps different dogs and even the odd human leg.
Should I get him the snip now as he’s a little bit of a humiliation?
Sarah Roberts, Callington, Cornwall
Sean says: I’d be inclined to attend a bit of longer with labradors as a result of they’re susceptible to skeletal circumstances.
Evidence now reveals there’s a profit to permitting dogs to totally mature with their intercourse hormones — in Bob’s case testosterone — on board.
If you possibly can eke it out to 24 months it could nicely stand you each in good stead for his future well being, whereas solely costing you the odd embarrassing shrug and apology.
For extra severe behavioural issues, earlier castration may help.
For anxious dogs it may well have a detrimental impact as testosterone does give young dogs confidence.
If you’re confused, your vet must be completely happy to weigh up the professionals and cons, as they know you and Bob greatest.
Q: DO cats get jealous? Mine hates my new boyfriend.
Spotty spits at my boyfriend despite the fact that he has accomplished nothing incorrect. What can I do to make them associates?
Cara Barnes, York
Sean says: You can’t pressure friendship on cats. It needs to be on their phrases.
But I believe you have to dump your boyfriend. Spotty have to be on to one thing.
Just joking. Encourage your boyfriend to disregard Spotty, don’t lean over him or attempt to provoke contact — even eye contact.
Don’t disturb him from the place he’s resting, and act like he’s not there more often than not.
Then begin dropping or throwing treats. Keep it informal and nonchalant, as if they aren’t even for Spotty.
That approach he’ll create a constructive affiliation and perhaps even provoke contact himself earlier than lengthy.
Slow and regular wins this race.
Q: I WORRY about overfeeding my Guinea Pigs Pinky and Perky.
They are are 18 months old. I give them 50g every of combine, hay and a small handful of greens. They get some treats too.
They look a bit chunky. Am I feeding them an excessive amount of?
Emma Holick, Emmer Green, Berks
Sean says: It’s troublesome to say with out assessing them “in the hand”.
Might assist to guide in a wellness test together with your vet or maybe one of many vet nurses in your native apply who has a candy spot for small furries. There’s at all times no less than one!
Vet nurses are the unsung heroes of the veterinary world and one of many areas they excel in is diet and weight management.
If you’re feeling Pinky and Perky are a bit of chunky, cut back the extra calorific dry mixture of their food plan.
And select a pelleted system reasonably than muesli which permits selective feeding on solely the sweetest, tastiest and extremely calorific bits.
Star of the week
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SNOWDON the corgi is a pooch with an enormous fan base.
The pup is one in all pet expertise company Urban Paws’ most cherished purchasers and has accomplished campaigns with Zara, Next, Boden and Madame Tussauds.
Along together with her mum Jam and sister Honey, she has additionally filmed for Netflix selling The Crown.
The trio, who reside in Eton, Berks, with proprietor Sam Cader, 42, are additionally remedy dogs at Poplars Care Home in Ruislip, North West London.
Sam stated: “Whether Snowdon is working with dementia patients or on campaigns, she steals everyone’s hearts.”
WIN: Healthy canine treats
TO have fun Valentine’s Day, Park Life has launched Love-Bix – scrumptious heart-shaped treats for dogs.
Containing no added sugar, the tum-friendly treats are made with potato, candy potatoes, peas and strawberry.
Buy them at Jollyes pet shops, Sainsbury’s and parklife.canine.
For an opportunity to win one in all 5 Love-Bix packs value £2.99 plus a £50 voucher to spend on treats at parklife.canine, ship an e mail headed PARK LIFE to [email protected] by February 25, 2024. T&Cs apply.
CAN A CUTE CAT STEAL YOUR HEART?
THIS Valentine’s Day Cats Protection has revealed there are practically 1,000 unfortunate feline victims of the cost-of-living disaster on the lookout for a love match.
The charity is “stretched to its absolute limit” taking care of greater than 4,000 undesirable cats.
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One in three homeowners (34 per cent) have been considerably affected by the rise in dwelling prices.
Just over a fifth got up as a result of homeowners can now not afford the prices or had moved into rented houses the place pets usually are not allowed.
The charity can also be ready for two,700 cats and kittens to return into their Adoption Centres throughout the UK – an increase of 33 per cent in a 12 months.
Plus the charity’s many volunteer-run branches are taking care of a whole bunch extra.
Peter Shergold, head of area operations, stated: “This is without doubt one of the worst conditions that we’ve seen when it comes to the monetary pressures on cat homeowners.
“They are struggling to place meals on the desk or pay payments.
“Unfortunately it means the poor pet cat is without doubt one of the first issues to be given as much as steadiness the books.
“We’d be very grateful if any Paws And Claws readers can get in touch to see if we have their perfect match.”
