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.”
This week our pet vet helps a family whose puppy won’t stop humping things
Sean McCormack, head vet at tails.com, promises he can ‘help keep pets happy and healthy’
Q) THIS is a bit embarrassing but the other night my 16-week-old puppy Jasper had his willy pop out and it wouldn’t go away.
We have two young boys, and thankfully they were in bed because they would have found it hilarious, but possibly a bit scary too.
He was humping a cushion and we took it off him as we weren’t sure what to do for the best. I’m worried about it happening again though. What would you advise?
Alexandra Taylor, Cheshire
A) Oops! Don’t worry, this is a natural part of little boy dogs growing up, I’m afraid. He’s going to learn to hump things, so it might be worth a chat with your sons about why that is.
With neutering later on, these behaviours settle down. As regards his willy popping out, as long as it isn’t stuck out and getting very swollen or causing him pain, it should go back in just fine.
Don’t reward the behaviour with hysterics or excitement either as it could become attention-seeking.
Q) MY French bulldog Grace is licking her paws all the time and really goes for it.
I’ve tried changing her diet and even bought iodine to do a foot soak. It must be driving her mad. I would be grateful for any recommendations.
Dawn Alcock, Skegness, Lincs
A) The top three causes of itching like this are fleas, environmental allergies and food allergies. Trying to find out which can be tricky, but in Grace’s case there’s an important clue — she’s licking her feet.
This is a classic sign of an environmental allergy. Could be anything from pollens and mould spores to house dust mites.
Other causes could be pain or irritation to a contact allergen, such as detergents used for washing her bedding. Best get a vet check.
Dawn wants to know why her bulldog keeps licking her paws
Q) I HAVE two cockapoos, with very different temperaments.
The male is always preening himself and hates getting dirty. The female loves water, mud and rolling in horrid stuff like cowpats and fox poo. Why are they so different?
Clare Holder, Essex
A) Every dog is different, Clare. They’re animals with complex emotions, and although they are the same breed, they will have had different starts in life, different experiences and different genetics.
Nature and nurture play a role, as does simple personal preference. I think I prefer the sound of your stinky hound, she seems more fun!
Tails.com provides tailor-made nutritional food for pets
Q) MY husband has been offered a job in America and it’s an amazing opportunity.
We are preparing to relocate at the beginning of next year, but I’m worried about how my rescue kittens will cope. They are two regular tabby cats and are full of mischief and fun.
Is there anything I can do to prepare them for the change?
Janet Walker, Manchester
A) Not a lot, I’m afraid. If only we could explain to them that the long journey will be worth it in the end. There are some excellent pet export/import companies that can offer fantastic advice.
In the meantime, the one thing that will make a big impact is to get them used to their travel crates in advance.
Make them a fun and pleasant place to play and sleep. Use pheromone sprays and speak to your vet about other calming aids or supplements.
Star of the week
MANY of us talk to animals – but now you can have tea with them.
Gucci and Diamond are therapy animals who are so popular that owners Mary and Graham Walker have opened the Llama Karma Kafe in Penrith, Cumbria, so people can hang out with them.
You can have a cup of tea with Gucci and Diamond at a new llama cafe
The couple have kept llamas for 20 years and first came across them while working with kids with special needs. They have their own, which they take for walks on leashes.
Mary said: “Walking with a llama is the on- land equivalent of swimming with dolphins – perfect at a stressful time like this.
“They are so intuitive and caring and aware of any tension, so time with a llama is perfect to calm your nerves and forget about how crazy the world is.”
