From a cat losing its meow to a dog with hayfever – your pet queries answered
HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.
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 cat Pickles has lost her meow. She is happy and eating, but she has gone hoarse.
She's 16 years old and otherwise seems fit. Does she need a check-up?
BOB CASTLE, Doncaster
A) This isn't necessarily cause for alarm as it can happen for no obvious reason in many older cats.
However, there are a few health issues that need to be ruled out.
I wonder if Pickles has any other symptoms such as increased hunger or thirst, or any sudden or severe weight loss? Some hormonal disorders can lead to these symptoms, as well as affecting a cat's voice.
Is she still eating well, or perhaps eating from one side of her mouth, avoiding hard foods in favour of wet food, gravies or jellies? You may guess I'm looking at dental disease or pain as potential causes, which would not surprise me at her age.
In any case, I think the best course of action is to get her a vet check. If they find nothing wrong, great news.
If they find something, you can discuss if it's best treated now, managed lightly or just monitored.
Q) CAN dogs get hayfever? And if so, what might ease it?
F1 stars' pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc's yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton's dog Roscoe with own car
Luna, our labrador, gets a runny nose and sneezes. She's three and otherwise in good health.
She also gets hotspots on her coat in summer. Please advise.
EM BLAKELY, Barnstaple, Devon
A) They do get hayfever, but usually not with the same symptoms as us humans.
In dogs, we use the term atopy or atopic dermatitis to describe 'hayfever', or allergies to pollen, as well as many other environmental allergens.
This is because it usually manifests with itchy skin, leading to scratching, inflammation, hotspots, skin and ear infections. A small number of dogs will also get a runny nose or eye irritation and discharge but not many.
So Luna is either quite unusual or it could be a coincidence.
It's worth a vet visit to find out and to keep her more comfortable.
Q) OUR rabbit Lopsy is all alone now his brother Teddy has died.
I'm planning to get a companion, but how should they be introduced?
JULIE COLEMAN, Brighton
A) There's definitely some science to it but often it's more of a dark art. A good rescue charity or organisation will usually help you find a new bunny pal, giving great advice on the bonding process. It takes time and gradual introductions.
But, generally, there is always a match out there for every bun.
I'm sure Lopsy would love a girlfriend, which might be easier than trying to introduce him to a boy he has not grown up with.
I definitely encourage you to explore these options as rabbits really do need the company of their own kind. But also make sure both are spayed/neutered, or you may end up with more rabbits than you expected.
Q) I AM thinking of fostering an elderly dog to get me out walking more now I'm retired.
I'd like it to be an older pet. Do I need to make considerations like raised food bowls and rugs for an OAP pooch as I have wood floors?
KELLY BLACK, Orpington, Kent
A) Yes Kelly, those are certainly things to consider for older dogs with reduced mobility, perhaps.
Slippery floors can be very difficult to navigate and can exacerbate pain and discomfort. If the dog has neck issues, raised bowls can be of benefit.
The rescue you foster from should be able to advise on good adjustments to help your companion settle and live out their days with you.
Well done for considering an older dog, as many struggle to find homes.
Star of the week
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THE HUNGARIAN Mudi dog will become an official breed in the UK next week.
The breed, which has existed for 300 years, will be the 225th to be recognised by The Kennel Club.
Janos, a nine-year-old Mudi, came to the UK from Hungary in 2016 and takes part in obedience competitions.
Owner Dorit Powell, 54, from Ipswich, said: 'He has been our loyal companion on many adventures since he joined us as a puppy.
'Janos is always happy and puts a smile on our faces.'
Kennel Club spokesperson Charlotte McNamara said: 'We're pleased to officially recognise this versatile Hungarian herding dog as a pedigree breed in the UK.'
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TOP TEN POOCH-FRIENDLY STAYCATIONS
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NEARLY a third of stay- cationers want to bring a dog, reports a holiday rentals firm.
'Pet-friendly' is the most frequently searched term on sykescottages.co.uk. It also named the Cornish village of Crantock as the UK's No1 pet-friendly destination.
A spokesman for Sykes Cottages said: 'Known for its dog-friendly beach and eateries that welcome four-legged friends, Crantock had the highest proportion of bookings with dogs.
'The village also boasts several pubs and cafes which welcomes dogs and offer them free treats.'
Wales scored highly, too. New Quay in Ceredigion, with its coastal paths and dog-friendly pubs and cafes, placed second.
Next was Rhosneigr in Anglesey where treats include beaches, the Oyster Catcher restaurant and Beaumaris Castle.
The study's Top 10 staycations for dogs: Crantock, Cornwall; New Quay, Ceredigion; Rhosneigr, Isle of Anglesey; Carnforth, Lancs; Newborough, Isle of Anglesey; Beadnell, Northumberland; Filey, North Yorks; Cardigan, Ceredigion; Nefyn, Gwynedd; Amble, Northumberland.
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