From pestering postmen to Xmas gifts for dogs – 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. 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.”

Getty

Supplied

Q) MY cat Tim absolutely hates the postman and tears up letters as if he is a dog.

He even waits for him at the wall and spits.

How can we address this behaviour and stop Tim being so rude?

MARIE CHESTER, Edinburgh

Sean says: It might be territorial aggression, as happens with many dogs.

The behaviour is reinforced each time because dogs and cats can bark or hiss at the “intruder” and without fail, every time, the postman departs off the property and walks down the street.

The dog, or cat, who may have been reacting out of fear or anxiety towards this stranger danger, then thinks “Well, that worked, I’ll act the same way again tomorrow”.

So the cycle continues. With dogs we recommend trying to turn the association into a positive one.

Ask your postman to throw them a few treats perhaps. That may not wash so much with cats.

To protect the letters and your postman’s fingers, installing  a postbox cage around your letterbox is a  great idea.

Q) SHOULD I consider bringing my rabbits into the garage during the colder weather?

I am adding in extra bedding for Percy and Pete but  should I be doing anything more for them?

EMMA BEVAN, Lincoln

Sean says: It depends on their housing now, but many rabbit owners just provide extra insulation on outdoor hutches or houses during the winter months in the form of old blankets and plastic sheeting perhaps, making sure it remains well ventilated and dry inside.

Extra warm bedding is a good idea too. They still need access to a large run to jump and run around, but safe, dry, warm housing is vital.

The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund  website (rabbitwelfare.co.uk) is my go-to place for great advice about the pets.  

It has some ace suggestions on housing and everything else bunny-related.

Q) MY 18-month-old rat Scabbers is looking a bit chunky. Should he be on a diet?

BEN APPLETON, Leeds

Sean says: Rats and most rodents don’t have an off switch it seems.

It makes sense, as in the wild they might find food scarce at times so stockpile when it’s plentiful.

This does mean we need to restrict their food a little, especially the really calorific ingredients and treats.

A pelleted complete rat diet is best, as it prevents selective feeding on just the sweet, tasty bits of the rodent “muesli mix” commonly sold in pet shops.

Q) WHAT do you recommend getting dogs as a Christmas gift?

I have a  three-year-old Labrador called Harry. What do I need to avoid giving  him?

MIKE JONES,  Burnley

Sean says: Occupier toys are a  terrific gift for dogs.

Christmas can be a stressful  time for pets as routines change, strange objects appear in the home and perhaps there are more visitors, or owners go out more.

Keeping Harry happy, mentally stimulated and distracted from these disruptions will serve you both well.

So think of Kong feeding puzzles and  novel chewable dog-safe toys.

Apart from things you can buy,  just spend more time with him when you can.

Play games and encourage problem solving, teach new tricks and arrange doggy play dates with his buddies.

Dogs prefer experiences with their owners over presents anyway.

Star of the week

BUDDY dog Sam has changed the life of his owner Adam Cusack – thanks to the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The players support the Guide Dogs’ buddy dog service which has enabled Adam, 20, to get Sam, a Labrador/golden retriever cross.

Adam, from Musselburgh, East Lothian, who lost his sight after contracting meningitis when he was three years old, said: “Sam has changed my life for the better.

“He helps by just being there for me and comforting me.

“We always say that getting Sam is the best thing we’ve ever done.”

Owners reassured over cat covid

Alamy

CATS Protection has reassured owners after a strain of cat coronavirus has been identified in the UK.

Experts said feline coronavirus already exists here and most cats will recover quickly.

But the concern is that some can develop Feline Infectious Peritonitis, which can be fatal.

Alison Richards, head of clinical services at Cats Protection, said: “It’s concerning, but while the name sounds similar, this virus is entirely different to Covid-19 and the feline version can’t be transmitted to people.

“Feline coronavirus is already here and the average cat is likely to have come across it at some time.

“Most cats affected by the strain get mild diarrhoea that gets better without treatment.

“However, a small proportion of cats will go on to develop FIP, a much more serious disease that can be fatal if left untreated.

“Cats with FIP can have variable symptoms, particularly at the start of infection, such as a loss of appetite, weight loss and lethargy.

“If you are at all concerned about your cat, we would recommend getting a health check with your vet.

“Having pet insurance that covers illness and injury is also advisable if possible.”