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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
From a ‘bored' cat to a dog dealing with the heat – your pet queries answered
Scroll down to find out how to win tickets to the London Pet Show PAWS AND CLAWS From a 'bored' cat to a dog dealing with the heat – your pet queries answered Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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 has helped with owners' queries for ten years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean helps a reader whose cat grooms herself constantly Credit: Getty Q) MY cat, Chairman Meow, seems to groom herself constantly. Is this a sign of boredom? She has plenty of toys, scratch posts and beds. She's five. I live near a busy road so she's a house cat. Should I give her outside access? JUDE BROWN, Birmingham Sean says: Firstly, I love this name for a cat. I had a patient that was named the same years ago, and it always made me chuckle. Over-grooming can be a sign of stress, boredom or an appeasement behaviour that is self-soothing as it releases happy hormones. She's got plenty of enrichment indoors, but I wonder if you could play more interactive games with her, such as scattering feeding treats, using fishing rod toys and the like. If she's not losing hair, it may just be that Chairman Meow is a fastidiously clean and well-presented cat. Q) BORIS, my Labradoodle, was running on the beach when he just collapsed. He lay down for several minutes then got up again and has been fine since. He's nine and is a big dog. How concerned should I be? GILLIAN MANN, Edinburgh F1 stars' pets including driver with thirteen cats, Leclerc's yacht-loving pooch and Hamilton's dog Roscoe with own car Sean says: That is worrying. And it raises more questions than answers. Is it the first time this has happened? Was he seemingly conscious or absent while laying down, did he yelp or whine? What were his limbs doing? Was he limping or seem pained after? Was he salivating? If it was hot out, how was his breathing? All these factors would lead vets to rule in or rule out certain conditions. If it happens again, try to video it on your phone and get him checked by your vet as soon as possible. Hopefully it's a one-off but it could be an early sign of something else worth investigating. Q) WHAT precautions should I take with my dog Ted now that it's getting hotter? He's a Labrador cross who is eight. I always make sure he has shade, but should I consider a fan after the recent hot summers? What about cooling vests on walks? SIMON EVANS, Barnstaple, Devon Sean says: First thing with Labs, in particular, is a weight-loss programme and diet if he is overweight. Obesity can really make things tough on our pets in hot weather. Your vet practice can help assess, or you can look on our YouTube channel for videos on 'body condition scoring'. I'm not a fan of putting more layers on a dog for exercise. I prefer to recommend walking them in the cooler periods of the day. Cool water and shade should be available always, and a cooling mat for Ted to lie on if he so wishes. Q) TWO dogs and two cats have moved in next door, and Bella, our 12-year-old West Highland terrier, is now weeing a lot. She even wakes me in the middle of the night to go into the garden. Could the new cats and dogs be affecting her? She's had a blood test, and there's no diabetes, but there is a lot of protein, which affects kidneys. VIRGINIA SPRING, Southend-on-Sea, Essex Sean says: Certainly a switch in circumstances in the home, or next door's garden, can lead to changes in toileting behaviour. But I would associate that more with male dogs marking their territory. The flag here is excessive protein in her blood. Has Bella had a urine test too? If not, pop a tray under her when she squats and decant the urine into a sterile jar from your vet. This warrants further investigation. Star of the week 4 Ralph and Walker the Newfoundlands are hero dogs known for their ability in the water Credit: Supplied TWO Newfoundlands, Ralph and Walker, took to the water with a group of injured veterans as part of a wellbeing event to boost mental health. The dogs jumped into a lake and gently pulled the ex-servicemen back to dry land – leaving smiles all round. Their owner, paramedic Pete Lewin, of Leicester, said: 'Newfies are known for their abilities in the water. "But they also have incredible personalities and being with them has amazing restorative impacts.' Many of the veterans who attended the event last month are members of military charity Blesma – the UK's limbless veterans association – and spokeswoman Sarah Criddle told Paws and Claws: 'The wellbeing factor was so powerful.' See WIN: London Pet Show LONDON Pet Show Live offers a fun-packed family experience that's both educational and entertaining. For a chance to win one of five family tickets for two adults and two children under 16, worth £50, send an email headed PET SHOW LIVE to sundaypets@ The event runs on September 20 and 21 at Olympia. See for more details. T&Cs apply. Howl to communicate with your dogs 4 A pet expert has explained the wide range of emotions dogs experience Credit: Supplied A LEADING pet expert has revealed the secrets to communicating with your dog. Jo Middleton, owner of learning platform Canine Principles, believes pups are often misunderstood. The co-presenter of The Dog Expert Podcast said: 'What if your dog's 'bad behaviour' isn't disobedience, but a communication issue? If a dog feels safe, it is so much more capable of learning and adapting.' Dogs experience a broad spectrum of emotions. Jo said joy is often shown through tail wagging and excitement. Fear is indicated by cowering, shaking or avoiding eye contact. Frustration can cause barking, chewing or pacing. Grief can lead to withdrawal. But there could be subtle differences that owners also need to be aware of. Jo added: 'A wagging tail doesn't always mean happiness – the position and speed tell you more. 'Whining and barking convey different things depending on context. Sudden shifts in behaviour may be your dog's way of signalling distress.' She urged owners to use positive reinforcement, such as verbal cues like 'good boy' or treats when communicating.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
From a poodle with an odd peeing ritual to best reptile for kids – your pet queries answered
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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 has helped with owners' queries for ten years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean helps a reader whose female poodle pees like a boy Credit: Getty 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 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 — 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. 4 Taylor the Labrador has helped his owner to inspire others – and even run her first marathon Credit: Supplied 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@ by June 15. See 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. 4 Seven-year-old cat Gracie had to have her ears amputated due to skin cancer Credit: Supplied 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.
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
From a cat who likes walkies to a horse being bitten – 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 has helped with owners' queries for ten years. 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean helps a reader whose cat like to go for walkies Credit: Getty Q) MY three-year-old cat Brian likes going for walkies. He follows me on my two-mile morning walk across fields just like a dog. I have tried to discourage him but he is stubborn, and locking him in doesn't seem fair. He insists on tagging along. Is that normal? Mikey Scott, Plymouth, Devon A) It is normal for some cats, yes, though I agree it's a bit more like dog behaviour. But every pet is different, with their own quirks and eccentricities. I don't see a big problem here as long as he is not being exposed to the danger of roads or being out in the open with nowhere to run if an aggressive off-lead dog caught sight of him for example. It's a wonderful way for you and Brian to bond. Q) WHAT can I do to prevent the discolouration on the fur of my white poodle Misty where her eyes run? I'm a property expert, here are the five key things when moving with a pet I've had her eyes checked and they are fine. Maggie Peters, Birmingham A) This is very common in white dogs and Poodles, Bichons, Maltese, as well as in breeds with shorter skulls or protruding eyes such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and so on. The reddish-brown discoloration is caused by a compound in tears called porphyrin. It leaves a stain on the coat if there is an excess of tears or prolonged contact time. It is usually due to the tear duct not draining the eye of tears as efficiently as it could, resulting in tears spilling over the eyelids onto the face. Wipes and products can be used to clean the hair around the eyes regularly and dissolve the stains. Q) I DREAD summer as every year Molly, my horse, suffers with horse fly bites. I shield her head and body with a net or coverings, use fly deterrent and bring her in early in the evenings when they are most active. There is no dung nearby or stagnant water. But her grazing is near a river which I think doesn't help. Last year I tried citronella shampoo which helped a bit. Is there any other preventative treatment I can try? Sarah Steel, Lincoln A) I can feel your frustration and concern. If there is one creature in the entire world that gives me the heebie jeebies it is horse flies. You are doing virtually all the right things. Light-coloured rugs, nets and clothing are advised as the insects are attracted to large dark objects. I might look into changing her grazing to be far away from the river, as aquatic environments tend to attract more biting insects, and horse flies in particular need boggy, marshy ground and water courses to complete their lifecycle. Q) HOW often should ferrets be bathed? My husband has two — Pepper and Pickles — and he says brushing is more important than bathtime as it keeps them healthy and prevents hairballs. But I'm not so sure. Kim Greenwood, Carlisle A) There's no right or wrong answer here. Some owners bathe their ferrets regularly to tackle their distinctive odour, whereas some love the aroma and never bathe them. Your husband is correct in that brushing will probably do more to prevent them ingesting moulting hair and potentially developing hairballs, which can be very serious, even fatal. You can also get hairball reduction paste from your vet clinic which can be very useful in spring and autumn when ferrets heavily moult. Star of the week MANCHESTER puss Egg was dubbed 'grumpy cat', but has undergone a personality transplant after being rescued. Two-year-old Egg was known for her prickly demeanour, steely glare, and staunch refusal to tolerate cuddles, claw clipping, or any form of grooming. 4 Manchester puss Egg was dubbed 'grumpy cat' but has undergone a personality transplant after being rescued Credit: Supplied But now, thanks to the patience and love of her new owners and a new calming supplement she's purr-fectly content and loves pamper sessions. Owner marine biologist Jeni Sage, 35, of Manchester, said: 'She's gone from a cat who would hiss and hide at the first hint of affection, to one that curls up next to me on the sofa for a cuddle. 'It's been such a heartwarming journey.' WIN: Portable pet washing device THE award-winning Mud Daddy Portable Washing Device is perfect for cleaning your pets – even horses! The eco-friendly and efficient design uses water pressure instead of a motor. We have two Mud Daddy 8 Litre Portable Washing Device Bundles worth over £155 each to giveaway. To enter send an email headed MUD DADDY to sundaypets@ by June 1. Visit T&C's apply. BUSHY MOGGIES ARE MAINE ATTRACTION MAINE Coons are the country's favourite cat, Pets4Homes has revealed. The laidback moggies were the most searched for kitties of the past year, followed by Savannah, Oriental, Siberian and Siamese. 4 Maine Coons are the country's favourite cat, Pets4Homes has revealed Credit: Getty It comes after Goldendoodles were revealed to be the most popular dog for the third year in a row. Famous owners of Maine Coons include rapper Megan Thee Stallion and actors Jessica Alba and John Cleese. Axel Lagercrantz, CEO at Pets4 said: 'The popularity of exotic cats like the Maine Coon shows how we're thinking about pets as a way to make a statement. 'These breeds are more than just companions – they are unique, striking creatures that serve as conversation starters. 'The Maine Coon, with its majestic size and bushy tail, speaks to the growing trend of selecting pets that not only have personality but also stand out visually.' A number of Maine Coons have also gone viral on Instagram, due to their striking appearance including gentle giant Zeus, who has 423,000 followers and Mr ViVo, who has 477,000 followers. Axel added: 'Ultimately, our pets have become a reflection of our values, priorities and identities in a world that is increasingly interconnected.'
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
From a rude parrot to a cat who won't budge – your pet queries answered
Scroll down to find out how to win a £125 gift card for Lucy & Lola PAWS AND CLAWS From a rude parrot to a cat who won't budge – 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 has helped with owners' queries for ten years. Advertisement 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean helps a reader whose rescue parrot has a problem with their dad Credit: Getty Q) My rescue parrot, Peregrine, has a problem with my dad Paul. When he sees him, he calls him names. Dad has never done anything to him, so we can only assume he looks like someone Perry doesn't like. How can I stop this? My dad loves animals and I want them to get on. Advertisement Aimee Scott, Manchester A) Bribery! But without overcrowding him. You want Perry to associate your dad with good things. It's important not to force interaction or stare Perry down, which can feel intimidating. Just get your dad to come in the room and let him out his cage for a treat that he can take in his own time. Then back off. It's useful to remind ourselves that just because a parrot is screaming obscenities, that doesn't mean they hate someone or understand what they are saying. Advertisement They may have just been taught to do it for a laugh and even been rewarded for it in the past. Your dad should only reward Perry when the name-calling stops. I'm a property expert, here are the five key things when moving with a pet Q) Bob, my six-year-old cat, has claimed ownership of the sofa. He is very sweet, but he does think he rules the roost and is reluctant to budge. Advertisement My husband is relegated to the armchair at night. How can I steer Bob clear so I can have a couch cuddle now and again without the cat being gooseberry? Emma Holden, Newcastle A) You could try the carrot and the stick approach — by which I mean making the couch less appealing and the armchair enticing. Cats are fussy about surfaces they rest, or toilet, on. Advertisement So you could put a sheet of plastic or even tinfoil down on the section of sofa you want to reserve for you and hubster — Bob is less likely to want to sit on these surfaces and may find an alternative. The carrot approach would be to tempt him over to the armchair, perhaps with some catnip, a calming spray designed for cats, or feel-good pheromone spray. Q) My cat Percy, nine, has become more clingy since his pal died. Dibble passed away at Christmas and now Percy has become a lap cat at night, sitting in front of the TV and meowing a lot. Advertisement Should I get him another friend? How do we best do this? Carole Reed, Basildon, Essex A) Oh, that's sad for you and for Percy. Some cats are very sociable and do really miss their companion if they pass away. It can be tricky to match a new cat to an existing one in the household. Advertisement I would suggest getting in touch with local rescues. They may help with a matchmaking service to find Percy a new companion. Some have a trial period in which they will take the cat back if the pair don't get on and hopefully find you another. Q) How do you tell if a rabbit is sick? One of my bunnies, Emily, seems to sometimes go quiet. She's seven and stops eating for a day, but then she starts again. Advertisement I wonder if she needs a health MOT. Sarah Edwards, Bristol A) The problem with rabbits is that they are prey species and, in a bid to protect themselves, they tend to hide that they are unwell so predators don't pick up on any weakness. This means signs can be very subtle when they are ill, and owners don't always recognise this. You sound quite tuned in to Emily's behaviour and I agree it doesn't sound normal. Advertisement I would worry about dental disease causing pain, and gut stasis or other digestive issues. These can be very serious if left undiagnosed, so I definitely recommend a visit to a rabbit-savvy vet for a health check. Star of the week 4 Sharwood's blood donations have rescued dozens of sick dogs Credit: Supplied SHARWOOD is a lifesaver – his blood donations have given dozens of sick dogs a chance to survive. Advertisement The Gordon Setter has attended more than 40 sessions at Pet Blood Bank UK, in Leicester-shire, since 2017 and holds the record for most contributions. He also does support work for charity Pets As Therapy, whose animals visit hospitals, schools and prisons. Now eight, he retires from giving blood this year and owner Sue Mitchell, from Eaton Bray, Beds, says: 'I am immensely proud of Sharwood. He will now hand over the reins to his son, Brinjal, who has donated 12 units.' Adrian Hadjopoulos from Pet Blood Bank UK ( says: 'Every unit of blood can save up to four lives, which means Sharwood has saved around 172 lives.' Advertisement WIN: £125 gift card for Lucy & Lola LUCY & Lola's clothing and accessories are personalised with a custom embroidered portrait of your pet. Two lucky readers can each win a £125 gift card to spend at Lucy & Lola – perfect for treating a loved one or yourself. To enter send an email headed LUCY & LOLA to sundaypets@the-sun. by May 10. See T&Cs apply. Nosy barkers spy on pets next door 4 In the UK, 4.7million of us spy on our neighbours' pets WE are officially a nation of curtain twitchers – with 4.7million of us spying on the neighbours' pets. Most are making sure the animal next door doesn't wreck their plants and patio furniture – or use their garden as a loo, a poll says. But safety is also a concern, as few want unfamiliar creatures wandering into their garden, especially if they have kids. Advertisement London leads the pack, with 3.4million people admitting they snoop on nearby cats and dogs, followed by Birmingham with 148,850 keeping tabs, and Manchester, where 49,674 have eyes peeled. Newcastle is among the most laid-back cities, with 6,004 residents on surveillance duty. In Edinburgh, it's 10,229, according to research by curtain specialists Hillarys to mark National Pet Month. A spokesman says: 'With nearly half of Londoners owning a dog, it's no surprise over a third like to make sure pets stay off their lawns.' Homeowners can create physical barriers to block strange pets' access. Advertisement But the survey advises keeping peace with the neighbours, adding: 'A friendly tone can go a long way and sharing ideas is always a good move.'
