From a poodle with an odd peeing ritual to best reptile for kids – your pet queries answered
Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, has helped with owners' queries for ten years.
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Q: MY female dog Petra cocks her leg like a boy when she pees.
She's a poodle. Is she an oddball?
Shaun Spencer, Burnley, Lancs
Sean says: It's not that unusual, really. I see it quite often and generally it's nothing to worry about.
Some female dogs just develop the habit of going that way.
Others might want to save their undercarriage from getting wet or cold.
Some may even have more naturally occurring testosterone than others, which can drive the behaviour.
And despite what recent court rulings have suggested, biological female versus biological male are not always clearly defined in the mammal kingdom.
I have heard of some cases where a dog is intersex and has both male and female internal equipment.
If Petra is straining to urinate or going more often than normal, get her checked out. Otherwise, accept it as a quirk.
I'm a property expert, here are the five key things when moving with a pet
Q: WHAT is a good starter reptile for children?
I have a ten-year-old son Ollie and he's been asking forever to have a snake or lizard.
He's sensible. What do you recommend?
Kyle Brown, Exmouth, Devon
Sean says: The honest answer is there's no perfect choice, because reptiles are pets which require a fair degree of understanding, research, expensive equipment and housing — regardless of species.
So I always say if a child wants one, their parents/guardians need to want one, too.
It's going to be down to the adult to make sure all of the animal's needs are being met.
Saying that, the top four list of species that are robust and suitable for this arrangement include corn snakes, bearded dragons, leopard geckos and crested geckos.
Q: HOW do I know if my dog is too fat?
Bob is a labrador cross and he is a bit barrel-like. He loves his food and my kids always give him snacks.
Does he need to be put on a diet? Someone said you should see the ribs — is that true?
Derek Peters, Brighton
Sean says: There is a great technique that lets you get hands on to assess any breed of dog called body condition scoring.
It looks at three key areas — the ribs, belly and waist — to check if your dog is overweight, underweight or just right.
Your vet team can also help you set a target weight for Bob, as even among pedigree Labradors there are all shapes and sizes, let alone with cross breeds.
Search for 'body condition scoring tails.com' on YouTube — you'll find some videos I've made on this topic.
This has just made me realise that I have certainly crept up in the body condition score department since I started working at tails.com — with a few more grey hairs to boot!
Q: I'VE always wanted a pot-bellied pig.
Do you think they would make a good pet? Can they be house trained?
Sam Bryant, Skegness, Lincs
Sean says: Being brutally honest, they make terrible pets for most people, and many who insist on getting one live to regret their decision as they didn't fully understand the commitment, space and care required.
Pigs are social animals so you need at least two.
They are clean animals, but they dig up and trample the ground so they need a lot of it to prevent their enclosure becoming a muddy quagmire, especially in winter.
They also don't toilet train well, so prepare for accidents if they are indoors.
Unless you have a smallholding and serious dedication, they are not a great idea as house pets.
Star of the week
TAYLOR the Labrador has helped his owner to inspire others – and even run her first marathon.
The Rev Melissa Carter, 44, a visually impaired runner from Dover, raised money for Guide Dogs, as the three-year-old pup is her fourth dog from the charity as well as her exercise buddy.
Rev Carter, of the diocese of Canterbury, who ran this year's London Marathon in just over five hours said: 'Having Taylor has given me the confidence to go out, work and live life to the full.'
She joined her local Snap Fitness in August 2024 to help her train using the motto: 'One step at a time.'
Manager Max Brunetti-Leach said: 'Her determination is an inspiration.'
WIN: Dog dental kit
GIVE your furry friend something to smile about with Plaqtiv+.
It's hard to get started with a teeth cleaning regime but keeping on top of oral hygiene with your dog or cat can help avoid health problems.
We have five sets of Plaqtiv+ products, worth £65 each, to give away including vanilla and mint-scented oral spray, dental wipes, water additive and toothpaste.
To enter, send an email titled Plaqtiv+ to: sundaypets@the-sun.co.uk by June 15.
See dental.pet.
T&Cs apply.
PROTECT PETS FROM SUN'S HARMFUL RAYS
OWNERS are being urged to protect their pets from the sun in a bid to prevent skin cancer.
It comes after harmful rays caused the disease in seven-year-old cat Gracie, who then had to have her ears amputated.
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If Gracie hadn't had her op, the cancer could have spread and claimed her life.
Following treatment, she has now been rehomed.
Charities Cats Protection and the RSPCA are warning readers their four-legged friends are also at risk of sunburn and heatstroke.
Nikki Butcher, co-ordinator at Cats Protection Bracknell and Wokingham, said: 'We see too many cats suffering from the effects of sun damage and it can be easily prevented.
'Hopefully, Gracie's story will make more pet owners aware of the risks of the sun and save other cats from losing their ears.'
Dominika Jagoda, from the RSPCA, added: 'You can use pet-safe sun cream on exposed skin, such as the ears or nose, especially on those with white or light-coloured fur and pale skin, to avoid sunburn.'
Cats Protection advises keeping pets indoors between 10am and 3pm, when it's hottest, and providing plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Myleene Klass' revenge wardrobe: Expert reveals how star is sending secret fashion signals amid Rochelle Humes 'feud' and cheating accusations: 'She knows exactly what she's doing'
Myleene Klass has had a turbulent few weeks after accusing her ex-husband of cheating, while her old pal Rochelle Humes appears to be taking his side - but her fashion parade has betrayed no hint of turmoil. Rather than hiding away, she's been displaying a 'revenge' wardrobe including several sizzling bikini shots. The presenter has also been sporting noughties-inspired style in recent weeks - wearing jeans or a dress with a patterned scarf tied over around her waist, which would not have looked out of place in the days when she was in Hear'Say and Rochelle was in The Saturdays. Now Oriona Robb, celebrity fashion stylist has spoken to Daily Mail about what her recent outfits REALLY mean, saying: 'Across each look, Myleene crafts a visual narrative that is as much about self-possession as it is about style. Whether in the sharp black-and-white geometry of a Lascana bikini against the beautiful sea background, the sunshine-bright florals of a yacht-bound escape, or the street-smart polish of a Moschino-belted mini dress, every outfit feels intentional, curated to signal confidence, control, and a life lived firmly on her own terms. 'Even her off-duty moments, from the noughties-inspired radio studio look to the androgynous ease of a shirt-and-tie podcast ensemble, carry a subtle authority; each detail reinforces her ability to command attention without forcing it. This is Myleene's sartorial power play, a seamless blend of luxury, nostalgia, and ease, where every choice tells a story. The swimwear speaks to liberation and joy, the studio looks to reinvention and quiet dominance, the streetwear to unapologetic ownership of space. 'Together, they paint a portrait of a woman not just dressing for the camera, but dressing to define the chapter she's in: thriving, unbothered, and entirely in control of the lens.' The radio presenter, 47, hit the headlines after accusing her former husband Graham Quinn of cheating on her with another star, who she has refused to name, shortly before their 2011 wedding. Soon after opening up about the scandal in an interview for Paul Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast, Myleene took to Instagram Stories to state she has 'receipts,' and 'won't keep her mouth shut.' The week after The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes was joined by Graham in Ibiza as she included him in her Instagram round up. And subsequently it has been claimed Rochelle gave Graham a place to stay following their bitter breakup, with The Sun reporting that the former Hear'Say singer believed Rochelle and her husband Marvin had 'taken his side' in the split as a result. Meaning: In this shot, Myleene wears a striking black-and-white geometric bikini from Lascana, the sharp print catching the eye against the deep cobalt sea. It's the kind of swimwear that doesn't just flatter, it announces bold, deliberate, and fully in command. Posed on the deck of a yacht with sunlit confidence, the look reads like a declaration of freedom and self-possession, a living postcard from a woman who's moved past the drama and is choosing to be photographed on her own terms. Every detail, from the clean cut of the bikini to the gleam of her sunglasses, feels curated to send a message: I'm thriving, I'm unbothered, and I know exactly what I'm doing. Meaning: Here, Myleene switches to a softer but equally confident mood in a vibrant floral bikini from Lascana. The sunny yellow base scattered with tropical blooms brings a romantic, almost holiday-postcard energy, the kind that feels carefree yet deliberately photogenic. The side-tie bottoms and delicate triangle top keep the look playful and a touch flirty, while the yacht deck backdrop ensures it still reads as luxury. It's a visual shift from power-graphic prints to pure escapism, the kind of styling that says she's not just moving on, she's leaning into joy, colour, and the kind of glamour that doesn't take itself too seriously. Meaning: In the radio studio, Myleene wears a strapless white corset-style top with loose, wide-leg jeans, cinched at the waist with a casually tied Burberry check shirt Meaning: In the radio studio, Myleene wears a strapless white corset-style top with loose, wide-leg jeans, cinched at the waist with a casually tied Burberry check shirt. The look feels laid-back yet calculated, a mix of streetwear ease and luxury branding. The tied shirt instantly recalls that noughties pop-star styling she's dipped into before a subtle callback to her own music career era and perhaps a wink at industry rivalries past. The crisp white top keeps it fresh and modern, while the designer check whispers status. It's the kind of outfit that says she's relaxed, but still running the show, turning even an ordinary workday into a fashion moment. Meaning: Myleene steps out in a figure hugging taupe mini dress, elevated with a bold Moschino logo belt layered over a polka dot scarf a styling move that instantly adds personality and edge. The chunky sandals bring a grounded, off-duty feel, while the quilted chain bag and oversized sunglasses keep the look firmly in the luxury lane. It's a clever balance of street and chic, with the logo belt shouting confidence and brand power. The whole outfit reads like a modern day armour practical enough to walk the streets, statement enough to turn heads, and very much in tune with her message of owning her space and 'standing on business.' Meaning: Here, Myleene trades high-glam for a relaxed, androgynous cool in wide-legged camel trousers, white sneakers, and an oversized white shirt loosely styled with a dark tie. It's an outfit that borrows from the language of power dressing but strips it of stiffness, creating something effortlessly modern. The loose tailoring and sneakers suggest ease and confidence, while the shirt-and-tie combo nods to authority almost like she's reclaiming a traditionally masculine silhouette and making it her own. The setting, with warm lighting and a plush armchair, softens the whole image, making it feel like a behind-the-scenes moment where she's still very much in control of the narrative. On Sunday night it was claimed Saturdays singer Rochelle, 36, lent a helping hand to Graham following the breakdown of his marriage to Myleene. A source told the publication: 'Rochelle was doing what she saw as looking out for a friend in a time of need. 'Rochelle and Marvin are still clearly very much friends with Graham. 'Myleene is of the view that Rochelle took sides from the beginning of her marriage breakdown.' The insider added that Rochelle and Myleene 'do everything in their power' to avoid each other amid their rift. Daily Mail has contacted reps for Rochelle and Myleene for comment. Rochelle's spokesperson declined to respond. They have previously both denied any feud. Graham was a tour manager for JLS and was recently snapped in Ibiza with Rochelle and Marvin. Myleene first started going out with her Irish bodyguard in 2001 and they were together for 12 years until they announced their split in 2013. She said she walked in on the moment ex Graham and the woman were taking each other's clothes off on the balcony of her home. Refusing to name the woman, Myleene hinted that the person in question has built a career off a 'family brand' and clarified that it was before they had got married. 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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Tricks successful Gen Z women are using to find rich husbands: Even the ex of Princess Beatrice's husband is sharing her tips - as cost-of-living crisis hits feminist values
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Elsewhere, even someone as successful as Dara Huang, who has links to the Royal Family, with her ex and father to her son being Edo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice's husband, has revealed a way to find rich men. The architect, boasting huge deals with brands like Joe & the Juice and a degree from Harvard University, joked on Instagram, 'Just a small note for all you single ladies out there. 'Go to Mayfair on a Friday around 5pm because it's 99 per cent men flooding pubs,' while sharing a snap of herself outside the pub as men in suits stood enjoying pints in the sunshine. For others, their favoured methods are shopping for signet rings, as touted by Hermes Birkin bag owner Isobel Lorna, or a stroll through Notting Hill, one of London's most affluent areas. Degree-educated Samantha Moitzi, originally from Australia but currently in London, took to TikTok to tell her 'single London queens' that she was hit on by men three times during her time in the area. 'Be alone, be wandering Notting Hill,' the TikTok user told her followers on the lookout for men. Elsewhere, successful AI entrepreneur Iona Carmen said she drinks at The Connaught bar in London, an exclusive setting with expensive dining options, because, in her words, it's a 'good place' to find 'high value men'. While it's all fun and games on TikTok, the dating trend is a representation of harsh times, says City St George's sociology professor. She told The Times: 'Despite the rise of feminism, many young women who have ticked all the boxes they were told to are still struggling financially.' It comes after Gen Z officially declared men in finance to be the ideal partner on TikTok, rebranding City men from bad guys to husband material with a catchy rap. It's no secret that men who work in the finance industry, who are currently being satirised as 'finance bros' on social media, have long been shunned among singletons across the globe for fear of a vacant and unfaithful partner who's constantly working. Films often support the notion that 'finance bros' are undesirable for instance, Leonardo DiCaprio's role as the greedy stockbroker Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street or the chilling portrayal of investment banker Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, in American Psycho. But thanks to Gen Z, the 'finance bro' has undergone a rebrand as Gen Z has claimed them to be ultimate boyfriend material. The movement resulted from a viral TikTok song with the lyrics, 'I'm looking for a man in finance. Trust fund. 6'5. Blue eyes. The song's success was so significant it led its creator, Megan Boni, 26, who lives in New York, to quit her sales job after securing a record deal and an agent. Megan, known as @girl_on_couch online, developed the lyrics and requested her followers to 'make this into an actual song' for fun. @samanthamoitzi_ i feel a new series coming on. okay let's get serious with the details: 📍 notting hill, london. 🕰️ 12-4pm on a monday. 👗 wear cute outfit (unsure if it was the pink or the gingham or the trench?) earphones in the entire time, listening to nothing so you can hear when you're getting waved down or spoken to. 📍 ☕️ nathalie cafe bring: laptop, purchase matcha and sweet treat. 📍 📕 portobello road market, 'positive thoughts on portobello road' book stand. #single #dating #londondating #girltok #psa #aussieinlondon #relationship #fyp ♬ original sound - samanthamoitzi_ The video quickly amassed over 38 million views, attracting impressive music deals with Polydor, Virgin Germany, and Capitol, to license her vocals to producers. As Megan wished, her lyrics transformed into a catchy techno song when Man in Finance (G6 Trust Fund) with Billen Ted hit streaming platforms, including Spotify. 'I haven't slept. I feel like I've been blacked out for a week,' Megan told PEOPLE about her newfound success. She added: 'I suddenly have an agent.' 'I have calls with major companies. I have all these DJs who want to release the first single with me, so I'm suddenly navigating the music industry,' she added. Indeed, esteemed DJ David Guetta, 56, went on to remix the lyrics during one of his live concerts, which Megan attended. Zach Elgort, VP of marketing at Capitol, told Billboard that the collaboration was 'kind of a marketing dream'. He added: 'This project shows an evolution of how social media meets music.' The song wasn't the only catchy element because viewers quickly commented that now, they would like to date a man who works in finance, despite the song being satire. One said: 'Not a want, but a need'. 'I'm looking for a man in banking and hedge funds, private equity I want one', a second added. A third wrote: 'You wrote the song for our lives not just summer.' A fourth said: 'Most iconic video of 2024'. Elsewhere, others used the soundtrack while recording their attempts at finding a man who works in finance, is six feet five inches, and has blue eyes. For instance, content creator Leila Layzell took to the streets of Canary Warf, London, holding a sign that read: 'I'm looking for a man in finance' while approaching men dressed in suits and gilets.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Ikea to open ‘highly anticipated' store in city centre shopping mall in HOURS
IKEA fans won't have to wait much longer — the Swedish giant's long-awaited new store will open its doors in just 48 hours. The brand-new branch, located in Brighton's Churchill Square Shopping Centre, takes over the former Debenhams site which has been empty since 2021. 7 7 7 7 Shoppers will be able to step inside from 10am on Thursday, August 14 , to explore thousands of affordable homeware items, and tuck into the famous meatballs. Spread across two floors and 6,695 square metres, the store will offer 2,600 products for immediate takeaway and access to the full 12,000-strong range via delivery or collection. It's the first full IKEA store in the city, meaning Brighton locals will no longer need to trek to Croydon or Southampton for the full shopping experience. Bosses say the new shop has been created with the 'city at its heart', with displays inspired by local homes and Brighton's seaside style. Six roomsets have been co-created with residents, including ceramicists Adam Johnson and Dan Mackey, to show off colourful, space-saving ideas and a nod to the city's famous beach huts. Adam said: 'We've always loved IKEA because it's like an interiors disco – and what's life without a little sparkle?' The first floor houses a 100-seat Swedish Deli serving meatballs, plantballs and sweet treats, all with sweeping sea views. The Swedish Food Market will sell ingredients and snacks to enjoy at home. On the ground floor, bargain hunters can snap up pre-loved and discontinued items in the Re-shop & Re-use area. 'OMG how did we not know?' boot sale fans scream as shopper reveals 'one of the best' that's open whatever the weather There's also a home planning hub where shoppers can get one-to-one help designing kitchens or bedroom storage. Quick bites and drinks will be available at the Swedish Bite kiosk. Market Manager Karina Gilpin said: 'Our city centre location in Churchill Square means customers can conveniently drop in while out and about, to seek inspiration for their homes, browse our range, access our expert planning advice, or enjoy our delicious meatballs or plantballs.' To celebrate the launch, the first 100 IKEA Family Members through the doors will get a blue FRAKTA bag with a mystery gift card worth between £1 and £1,000. Brighton will be IKEA's third city-centre store in the UK, following Oxford Street and Hammersmith in London. The opening is part of the retailer's push for smaller, high street-friendly locations, moving away from giant out-of-town warehouses. The Churchill Square store will open 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays. Where is my closest Ikea? A quick way of figuring out if you have an Ikea store near you is by using the retailer's locator tool on its website. You just have to enter the town or city where you live, or your postcode and it will pull up the nearest site. The same page has a helpful map showing where all of the 21 current stores are located. Below we reveal the full list of Ikea stores in the UK: Croydon Hammersmith Greenwich Lakeside Wembley Birmingham (Wednesbury) Nottingham Bristol Cardiff Exeter Belfast Manchester Warrington Edinburgh Gateshead Glasgow Leeds Sheffield Milton Keynes Reading Southampton Ikea's new Oxford Street store Total retail space of 5,800 square meters over three floors. The store will be of similar size as IKEA Hammersmith. About 6,000 IKEA product lines will be showcased. Half of these, about 3,500 IKEA products, will be available for immediate take-away. Checkouts will be located the ground floor and –2. Larger furniture can be purchased / ordered for home delivery, for click and collect, or for collection off site. Within the M25 customers can collect from IKEA Hammersmith, 19 lockers in partnership with Shift, 11 pick up points in partnership with Tesco, as well as at 1,907 DPD pick up points. There will be focus on sustainable solutions, supporting people to live a more sustainable life at home. It will have a small Re-Shop and Re-Use section selling second-life, second-hand and discontinued IKEA products. IKEA is creating 150 new jobs at the Oxford Street store, with the retailer receiving a record 3,730 applications in just five days when recruitment opened earlier this year. IKEA will introduce the first Changing Places Toilet at Oxford Street / Regent Street, the only available facility in a 4,000 feet / 1.2 km radius from Oxford Circus. 7 7 7
