HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.
Sean McCormack, 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.”
Q) CAN you teach an old dog new tricks? I’ve recently rehomed a two-year-old Siberian husky called Woody and he just won’t do anything — unless I bribe him with cheese.
I end up chasing the ball while he just stares at me looking bored. He loves walks but if there’s a squirrel about he’s off like a rocket.
ANDREW MAITLAND, BEXLEY
Sean says: Some dogs just don’t find joy in chasing balls. And look at you like you’re an idiot when you try to suggest it. Huskies are a smart and demanding dog, recall being one of the trickiest things to master.
If Woody is your first husky, I’d highly recommend getting a few lessons with a qualified dog trainer. And if you chose a Siberian husky rescue as your first dog, well then I admire your bravery and recommend even more strongly that you get a trainer.
Q) Our three-year-old Welsh collie Luna has suddenly turned against going to many of her favourite spots.
Places that she would normally be pulling us to get to, she now pulls to get away from. She is very fit and active and gets at least two walks a day. At first she is very excited to go for a walk, then suddenly seems to “spook” midway through.
This happens every time we take her out and in lots of places, even when there’s no one about. What can we do?
SUE MAYNARD, CARDIFF
Sean says: Are you sure the place isn’t haunted, Sue? Sure sounds spooky. I jest, but often when this happens something odd or scary has occurred and the dog is associating a place with some negative experience.
You might not have noticed at the time. I’d suggest keeping Luna on the lead for the time being and try to make visits to these places an exciting and positive experience. Lots of praise, treats and excitement.
Q) MY mother has a 13-year-old Jack Russell called Trigger. Last year he had his teeth cleaned and four removed.
He has just been for a check-up, only to be informed that he’s got gingivitis. Is there anything that can be rubbed on his gums safely to help?
DAVID SCHOFIELD, PONTEFRACT
Sean says: Don’t laugh, but have you considered brushing his teeth? Start with a finger brush and some scrummy meat-flavoured toothpaste for dogs. Don’t ever use human toothpaste!
Without regular brushing it’s inevitable that plaque and tartar will build up. This leads to gingivitis or inflamed gums, and eventually tooth loss. Brushing 3-4 times per week is the only way to halt it.
Q) WE have a six-year-old golden retriever bitch named Dixie. She used to belong to my son and daughter-in-law until May 2017 when we rehomed her.
She is a lovely dog whose behaviour is impeccable. Everything about her was perfect until June when all of a sudden she stopped walking when out with me and would sit in the middle of the road and refuse to budge. Now it’s a regular thing.
NICK DASEY LLANELLI, CARMARTHENSHIRE
Sean says: I suspect there is a physical problem here, perhaps with her neck, spine or joints. Refusal to move all of a sudden is a classic sign of acute or sudden pain. I’d get her checked by a vet ASAP. Or rule out a physical issue and investigate if it’s behavioural instead.
