HE is on an objective to help our family pets . . . and is here to respond to YOUR concerns.
Sean, who is the head veterinarian at customized animal food company tails.com, has actually aided with owners’ inquiries for 10 years.He says: “If your pet is acting funny or is under the weatheror you want to know about nutrition or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”
Q: MY partner’s Labrador Bobby wishes to sleep on our bed – however it’s a little an enthusiasm killer.
What do you encourage? I enjoy him (the dog!) however, you understand, it’s a delicate topic.
Chloe Smith, Manchester
Sean says: Bobby the buzzkill, eh?
I think you need to get Bobby used to the fact that sometimes the bedroom is a no-go zone and build his independence and habit of sleeping alone elsewhere in the house.
If he’s very attached then you may consider using a crate next to the bed at first, then gradually moving it further and further from the bedside, in the bedroom first, then in the hallway with the door open, then door closed, then downstairs or in another room.
Slowly does it. Goodbye doggy cramping your style.
Q: WHISKEY, my two-year-old cat, is full of energy and can be naughty by scratching the wallpaper. Will he calm down?
Enzo Riggio, Middlesbrough
Sean says: Sounds like you’ve got a live wire. There’s no way to tell really how Whiskey will turn out, but maybe a bit of reframing will help.
Is he being naughty, or is he just performing a very natural behaviour that cats enjoy — sharpening their claws on rough vertical surfaces?
The solution may be to provide him with more appealing structures to scratch, like cat scratching poles.
A number of those may mean your wallpaper becomes less appealing.
As regards being hyper, is he getting enough stimulation, exercise or opportunity to do cat things?
Playing with him multiple times a day with safe cat toys — fishing rods and feather lures in particular stimulate his drive to hunt and catch and will burn off bags of energy.
Q: IS it true animals understand when they are going to die?
My darling cat Banjo died a few weeks back but had seemed fine. He was eating well and enjoying life nosing around the garden, etc.
One day I called him in for his breakfast and he seemed to be fast asleep. He didn’t move, so I went out and found him dead.
When I took him to the vet, they couldn’t tell me much, except he definitely had not been attacked. Any ideas, please?
Roger LeePeacehaven, East Sussex
Sean says: Animals often change their behaviour around the time they are going to die.
Whether they actually have a concept of death is really up for debate. It may be just that they are seeking solitude because they feel unwell.
And maybe feel at risk so hide away, withdrawing from interaction and taking themselves off to a quiet corner.
In Banjo’s case, it sounds like he just died very suddenly and hopefully I can reassure you that he won’t have known anything and most likely just went peacefully.
In all honesty, a pretty great way to go. It still hurts I know, but take solace in the truth he didn’t suffer.
Q: MY horse Blue is getting too old to ride. I bring him along on walks, but is there anything else I can do to keep him happy, fit and with a purpose?
I’m going to keep him as a pet through his retirement.
Ellie Trent, Carlisle
Sean says: Do you know what would make the most difference to his quality of life in his retirement? Another horse friend.
Buddy Blue up with a friend at his yard if possible, or think about taking a livery horse at your yard.
Apart from equine company, then absolutely you can walk him in hand.
Maybe some light lunge work and gentle arena work, but you would have to take your own vet’s advice on the intensity of exercise for him.
Star of the week
BLIND dog Peps was rescued after being poisoned in Egypt – now he’s a therapy dog for hospital patients.
The five-year-old Egyptian Sighthound crossbreed, who lives in Wendover, Bucks with owner Claire Childs, was saved by charity Miracle’s Mission, which rehomes disabled animals.
As a Pets As Therapy dog he regularly cheers up people in hospital. He has ongoing health problems but been helped by Pawable’s Collar-Gen supplement.
Claire added: “Peps does so much for others, so it’s amazing to give him something.”
WIN: Cat litter subscription
WE’RE offering one reader the chance to win a 12-month subscription of Tippaws eco clumping cat litter, plus two 5kg bags of Tippaws dry cat food, worth £250.
The litter uses an antibacterial formula made from plant fibres. The winner will also receive a Tippaws recycled ocean plastic litter scoop.
Send an email headed: TIPPAWS to [email protected] by July 16. See tippaws.com. T&Cs apply.
ENTER QUEST FOR OUR PET IDOL 2023
DO you have Britain’s brainiest or most talented pet? Does your dog or cat help others or sniff out a problem?
We are looking for an animal with the X factor to become this year’s Pet Idol.
Paws and Claws has teamed up with Pets at Home, which includes Vets for Pets and Pets Grooming, to search for Britain’s most amazing pet.
The winner will receive a £1,500 voucher to spend in store at Pets at Home and a photoshoot with one of The Sun on Sunday’s top photographers.
Two runners-up will each receive a £250 voucher.
Our panel of judges will be headed by Pets at Homes’ Dr Karlien Heyrman and Tails.com head vet Sean McCormack.
Dr Karlien said: “We are a nation crazy about our pets – they bring so much joy to our lives. And we can’t wait to see all of your amazing furry friends from up and down the country.
Pets at Home will feature a selection of the entries across its website and social media platforms, too.
To enter, send an email containing at least one clear photo of your pet (funny or cute) and your pet’s name and inform us why, in no more than 200 words, they are amazing. Include your name and contact number and send to [email protected] by July 16. T&Cs use.
