From adopting a cat from abroad to an overweight hamster – 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.”
Q: I’M looking to rescue a cat from Cyprus.
What health issues do I need to look out for?
Sarah Mills, Manchester
Sean says: It makes me nervous, I’m not going to lie.
Why put cats through international travel stress when our pet rehoming centres are bursting at the seams?
Last year there was a huge disease outbreak in Cyprus, with thousands of cats dying.
It was thought to be due to a type of coronavirus which causes feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP.
We vaccinate against it successfully here in the UK.
There are other diseases and parasites we have seen coming here in foreign rescues, so if you choose this route, be sure to use a well-established charity and ask what health testing they carry out.
But I would encourage folk to rescue animals we have here first.
If you want to help foreign charities, then tackling the root cause of homeless pets with spay, neuter and public education programmes is probably more sustainable and beneficial
Q: MY rescue horse Barnie had a bout of laminitis last year.
I’ve read that icing the feet can be a preventative measure and want to do all I can to avoid a recurrence.
Might this work? He’s ten, is not overweight and only has gentle rides.
Emily Sargeant, Launceston, Cornwall
Sean says: Icing the feet might provide some short-term comfort during a bout of laminitis when Barnie’s in pain, but will do very little to prevent it occurring in the first place.
The main way of treating it is to provide foot support and appropriate pain management.
As with many diseases, though, prevention is better than cure.
So it is very important to ensure Barnie is a healthy weight and not getting more concentrated food rations or rich grass feeding than he should.
Q: MY hamster Bob seems to have problems curling up.
He likes his food – do you think he’s carrying a bit too much weight?
He’s eight months old, enjoys running around and is eating fine.
Katie Edwards, Cleethorpes, Lincs
Sean says: It’s impossible to tell without a physical exam.
Hamsters and other small, furry pets hide illness or issues very well because, as prey animals in the wild, it would be asking for trouble to let discomfort alter their behaviour.
At eight months old, I wouldn’t expect this to be arthritis or joint pain — but it’s not impossible.
If you are worried, ask your vet to give Bob a health MOT and advise if he needs a diet.
Hamsters can be prone to obesity as it is in their nature to stockpile food for lean times.
Muesli mixes encourage selective feeding, so are best replaced with pelleted foods.
Q: MY dog Marley refuses to leave the park.
He whines, sits down and really plays me up, then struggles to get out of his harness.
What can I do to stop this? He’s a strong-willed Siberian husky and he loves his walks.
Kieron Parker, Newcastle upon tyne
Sean says: I had a stubborn husky in mind when I read your first line.
It would be useful if an animal behaviourist visited the park with you to watch exactly how this plays out.
How you interact with Marley ahead of leaving the park probably hints at what’s to come, namely a big game or battle of wills.
Your tactics for enticing him to leave will also influence any advice needed. It’s about making it rewarding for Marley to co-operate and leave the park — without the drama.
Star of the week
CASTIEL Von Kittymus is so purrfect, he inspired his owner to get a very special tattoo – of a cat’s paw.
The nine-year-old is the fifth puss Lynn Wakeford, 66, of Truro, Cornwall, has taken in from Cats Protection.
She said: “My first two came into my life just when I needed them.
“I had recently lost twin girls when a stray cat brought her kittens to my mum’s back garden.
“Charlie and Ginger lived to be 18 and 19.
“We’ve since had Will and Grace, who are both now departed, but Castiel is still going strong.
“I wanted a tattoo that was personal and encompassed all the cats I have loved.”
Lynn’s tattoo was one of 70 done by House Of Mojo Tattoos in Truro to raise cash for charity Cats Protection.
WIN: Talking pet tech
HAVE you ever wanted to talk with your dog?
Now you can do just that!
Interactive pet-training tool company Brightkins is offering four readers the chance to win a Hunger For Words range of pet communication buttons and resources that is worth £77.
To enter, send an email headed WORDS to sundaypets@the-sun.co.uk by August 11.
See brightkins.co.uk.
PET FOOD BANKS HELP STRUGGLING OWNERS
THREE million meals for cats, dogs and small animals have been provided by Blue Cross pet food banks amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The charity, with the support of the Pets at Home Foundation, is providing a lifeline to over 85,000 owners through hubs in Sheffield, Exeter, Newport, Bicester and Manchester.
It also works with more than 500 food banks across the UK.
Pets at Home is holding fundraising events this month at every pet care centre across the country, where people can buy food parcels or make a donation to support the project.
Blue Cross CEO Chris Burghes said: “We’d urge anyone struggling to seek help from us.
“Pets are part of the family and, for so many, they are the only reason to get up every morning.
“We know the sacrifices many owners make to keep them, including ensuring pets are fed instead of themselves.
“We want to help keep pets and people together.”
Amy Angus, of the Pets at Home Foundation, added: “We’re proud our efforts with Blue Cross have made a difference, giving 3million meals for pets.
“We are so grateful to all who have donated.”
- More details at bluecross.org.uk/petfoodbank.