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.”
Today our pet vet helps Fluffy the gerbil, who seems to have caught the sniffles
Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, promises he can ‘help keep pets happy and healthy’
Q) IT seems like our gerbil Fluffy has the sniffles. Do they get colds like us? What can I do?
Margaret Edgcumbe, chiropodist, Stoke
A) Actually, gerbils can catch the human cold and so can ferrets. But there are other reasons Fluffy might have sniffles. Other infections specific to gerbils could be the cause.
Is she new, or have you brought any other new small animals into the home recently that could have been carrying an illness?
Finally, dusty or dirty bedding can cause irritation, sneezing and sniffles so make sure it’s regularly cleaned and use dust-free bedding with no added scent fresheners or chemicals.
Q) MY cat hasn’t been herself for a couple of weeks. She was off her food and was sneezing and coughing a bit when trying to eat and not wanting cuddles or much attention.
Today is the first day that she has sat with us and been more friendly. So we think she is over the worst. She also has a very slight weepy eye that I have been bathing.
We are not sure whether to take her to the vet as I am worried about the cost as we don’t have insurance.
Sarah Dowse, teaching assistant, Datchet, Berks
A) I can understand the concerns about cost if she’s not insured, but it’s absolutely fine to make that clear to your vet when you book the appointment. They will work with you and your budget to do what’s necessary to help your cat feel better.
It does sound like she’s under the weather, and a weepy eye can quickly turn into a more serious problem like an ulcer. So I’d book an appointment, and take it step by step with your vet to work out what’s up.
It may be she just needs an injection, a few tablets or an eye ointment first. Or they may give her a clean bill of health after a thorough exam.
Sarah wants to know why her cockapoo won’t stop running around in circles
Q) I HAVE a cockapoo who won’t stop running around in circles. I think it started with him chasing his tail but now he does it all the time. He twirls around the living room.
Sarah Bennett, Doncaster, shop worker
A) It sounds like obsessive behaviour, which is often worsened by boredom or excess energy. I always say a tired dog is a happy dog.
Problem behaviours often crop up if they’re not getting lots of mental and physical stimulation. Cockapoos, despite being a popular family pet, are a little bit nuts!
A challenging combo of Poodle intelligence and Cocker Spaniel energy. I prescribe more exercise, training and problem-solving games, multiple times daily. Also make sure not to reward the unwanted behaviour with attention.
Tails.com provides tailor-made nutritional food for pets
Q) FLOSSY, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has a habit of clawing at the carpet as if digging a hole. It lasts for about 20 seconds or so. She even does it throughout the night.
She has been spayed, is diabetic with twice daily injections but this started before she was diagnosed. Have you come across this habit before? Is it fairly common?
Peter Danzey, football club secretary, Gravesend
A) Yes, I have seen many dogs do it and the only reason I can give is that they enjoy the sensation of digging, or perhaps it eases anxiety for some.
It may also be an attention-seeking behaviour so try to ignore it and redirect her behaviour elsewhere. You could give Flossy a sand pit in the garden and reward her when she digs there.
A behaviourist may be able to help if it’s become so ingrained there is no stopping her once she gets started.
Star of the week
OAKLEY the donkey was rescued by the Brooke animal charity after his parents died and he now raises funds to help other animals in need.
He lives with owner Jade Weaver and her family at the Danceabray stud in Surrey and loves going to shows and giving rides.
Our star of the week is Oakley the donkey – he loves going to shows and giving rides
Later this year he will turn 18, with a party for him, his stablemates and his human fans, with carrot cake.
Jade, 28, said: “Oakley supports the Brooke and carries collection boxes to do his bit to help those donkeys less fortunate than him.
“We are so proud of him and can’t wait to celebrate his 18th.”
- For more info, see thebrooke.org.
