From dog rolling in grass to husky with diabetes – 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.”
WHAT can I do to stop my Labradoodle Teddy rolling in fresh-cut grass?
He is a high-energy two-year-old but he comes out green and I’m worried it’s not good for him. Could it irritate his skin?
TOM CASTLE, Middlesbrough
Sean says: Why do you need to rein in his fun? Let him roll. It’s fun, and it’s funny to have a green Labradoodle. Let him express himself as the big, fluffy, joyous goofball he is.
There’s no reason for this to cause him any harm, unless he has allergies and skin problems from doing so, or unless the grass has been sprayed with chemicals.
Sometimes as dog owners I think we get a little too caught up in having the “perfect dog” to the detriment of allowing them to actually be dogs. Roll away, Teddy, roll away!
MY cat really dislikes my boyfriend.
Eight-year-old Bengal Jed is lovely with everyone but seems jealous of him and gives him the cold shoulder.
What can I do to get them to bond? He’s tried treats. I’m thinking of covering my boyfriend in catnip I’m so desperate for Jed to like him.
SARA BROWN, Sevenoaks, Kent
Sean says: Tell your boyfriend to completely ignore Jed. No eye contact, no pleading for attention or trying to stroke him.
Complete indifference. Nothing gets a nonchalant cat more interested than when someone gives them the cold shoulder.
It will take time but I bet before long Jed will start taking an interest. When he does, get your boyfriend to walk around occasionally dropping Jed’s favourite treats (or catnip) near him, but not directly giving it to him or forcing it on him. Jed will quickly learn this guy’s a keeper.
OUR Siberian husky Boss has been diagnosed with diabetes.
I’m worried about glaucoma as I’ve been warned it can happen. Are there any steps I can take to minimise risks?
PETE SMITH, Windsor, Berks
Sean says: The best way to prevent any side effects of diabetes is to manage the condition well.
Your vet team will help you gain confidence and knowledge in how to do so. It will involve taking care of Boss’s eating habits and weight, and injecting him with insulin at meal times.
But don’t worry, it’s the tiniest needle ever and for a tough Husky, not a bother.
You’ll be a professional in no time, and with a bit of luck Boss will have a good long life free of any complications. Remember your vet team will be there to help you.
FELIX my cat bullies my great Dane Frank.
He sits in his bed and, honestly, Frank is terrified of him. Should I consider separating them when I’m out of the house?
Is there anything you can recommend to stop Felix’s behaviour?
Frank is such a good-natured boy, which is why Felix is ruling the roost.
SARAH COOPER, Leeds
Sean says: Unless they are actually scrapping, I would just respect the natural order of things. Dogs drool and cats rule.
Isn’t that what they said in that childhood favourite movie of mine, Homeward Bound?
If you’ve not seen it, check it out. Feelgood stuff. But I digress. Frank will just have to learn to get around Felix. I know being a great Dane, Frank’s bed won’t have been cheap or easy to find room for.
But you are going to have to buy him another and place it somewhere else in the house. Felix can’t commandeer two beds at once.
Star of the week
SKID The Goat is a social media star who tells visitors to her sanctuary about traffic problems.
The sociable hoofer is one of the pets at the Bucks Goat Centre in Stoke Mandeville.
She has become an online sensation due to the posts she features in, telling visitors about road closures due to the nearby HS2 works so they can have a hassle-free drive.
Ruth Higgins, who runs the Bucks Goat Centre, said: “Everyone loves Skid.
“She is such a friendly face, and she really loves attention from the visitors who join us here on the farm who have seen her on social media.”
To find out more about Skid, check her out at thebucksgoatcentre. website.
WIN: Henry Pet XL vacuum worth £199.99
READERS have a chance to win a Henry Pet XL vacuum worth £199.99.
Its fuss-free features remove hairs and reduce pet odours.
Meanwhile, dust-free emptying gives you more time with your furry friend.
To enter, send an email headed HENRY to sundaypets@the-sun. co.uk by September 15. See myhenry.com. Terms and conditions apply.
WONDER OF ‘WALKIES’ ON TWO WHEELS
AROUND 70 per cent of dog owners chose their pet to help them exercise more, new figures have revealed.
Publication Dogster.com says Britain’s 13million owners walk their pet six days a week on average, for up to 48 minutes at a time.
Also, two per cent cycle with them.
Ben Mercer, of cycle store Leisure Lakes Bikes, said before hitting the road with your pet, it is essential to make sure they are comfortable running alongside a bicycle.
Start by walking your dog next to your bike, gradually increasing the distance and speed as they become more confident.
Investing in specialised equipment designed for cycling with pets, such as hands-free leads or harnesses that attach securely to your bike, is vital too.
Ben said: “Choose routes that are suitable for pets, with wide shoulders or designated bike paths. Avoid busy roads or areas with heavy traffic, as these can be stressful and dangerous.
“Stop frequently for water breaks and allow your pet to rest and cool down.”
Fitness expert Sheree Cox said: “Walking is great exercise for both you and your pet. But it’s important to build up your dog’s fitness gradually and don’t run with them on hot days.”