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.
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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: MY kitten Teddy keeps scratching my ankles.
How can I make him stop?
He’s pouncing on me and sees me as prey.
Vikki Lord, Maidstone, Kent
Sean says: This is a common issue that comes up with boisterous, playful kittens, as they learn by mimicking natural behaviours they instinctively enjoy, like stalking and hunting.
There are three golden rules to prevent the behaviour becoming a problem later on.
First, try to never react with anger or by punishing Teddy, as that will teach him to be prepared to retaliate in conflict situations, even if he started it.
Second, try not to react by squealing, dragging him around or keeping your ankles in reach longer than needed.
Easier said than done but you don’t want to reinforce this game as entertaining, rewarding and stimulating.
Third, you need to redirect this natural and fun game to items that aren’t your feet, hands or dangly clothing.
You should always use lure type or fishing rod toys to get him to hunt and pounce.
That way he’ll learn you are boring, toys are fun.
Q: CAN my horse and dog catch Covid from me?
Do I need to take precautions if I get the new variant that is now doing the rounds?
Nikki Smith, Hartley, Kent
Sean says: All of the evidence to date suggests that transmission of Covid-19 from humans to animals such as dogs and horses is extremely rare, but technically can happen during close contact.
So if you have Covid it’s best to delegate pet care to a family member or a friend during that time.
There is no evidence that the opposite route of transmission can happen, ie, you catching the virus from your pets.
Pets are a dead-end host, as this is a human variant of the many coronaviruses, most of which are highly host specific.
If they did catch it from you, their symptoms are usually very mild and pass within a few days.
Q: I HAVE three Dachshunds Molly, Bella and Boo.
At times, Boo is a bully.
Now and again there’s a flare-up.
How can I stop this?
Ben Carter, Guildford, Surrey
Sean says: I’m not sure if Boo is a girl or boy, but assuming Bella and Molly are of the lady dog variety, it can come as a surprise to many that in multi-dog households the highest rate of dog-on-dog aggression is actually between adult female dogs.
Treating aggression really does rely on identifying specific dynamics in your little pack and the triggers causing spats to break out.
It could be resource guarding, where a dog attempts to assert their ownership over something such as food or a favourite places to sit.
Or, it might be over access to you.
I’d recommend getting a qualified canine behaviourist to see these dynamics for themselves.
It normally needs at least an hour or two to get the full picture of what’s going on, then come up with solutions.
Q: TOM, my cat meows really loudly – even the neighbours are commenting.
He’s eating well, he looks OK but it’s out of character.
Should I worry?
Jacqui Edwards, Cleethorpes, Lincs
Sean says: If Tom is elderly I might suspect either senility or old age cognitive changes causing this new behaviour, or even one of a few hormonal disorders in older cats.
It may also be nothing to worry about.
It might be a good idea for a physical check-up at the vets so something is detected early, or even just for your own peace of mind.
Star of the week
PIPER the Golden Retriever is a therapy dog who brings joy to care home residents.
The two-year-old makes regular visits as a Therapy Dogs Nationwide pooch with retired IT specialist Fiona Beattie, in Kent and South-East London.
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Fiona, 63, from Beckenham, Kent, said: “Seeing Piper at work is magical as she brings so much joy.
“She has a very special bond with one lady. We were told she hardly ever speaks but on our first visit she became very emotional. Then she said: “What a lovely dog”.
“They share an amazing connection.”
Halloween just as scary for pets
PET owners have been urged to prepare for Halloween as it can be a real fright for furry friends.
Dog owners should play calming music to drown out knocks at the door and cats should be kept inside and given a quiet space where they can feel calm.
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Mark Scott, of pet food firm Bella & Duke, said: “While Halloween is usually a night we all look forward to, this isn’t the same for our pets. It can be a truly stressful time for them, with masked strangers showing up to their home that’s now decorated with cobwebs and jack o’ lanterns.”
He recommends:
- If your usual dog walking route is going to be busy, then walk them earlier.
- Create a quiet corner for your pet filled with home comforts, familiar scents and some tasty treats
- Try playing some soft rock or reggae music which has been proven to reduce anxiety in dogs.
- Keep pumpkins with lit candles away from inquisitive pets.
- Be safe around sweets. Lollies can be a choking hazard, sugary snacks like marshmallows can contain dangerous ingredients like xylitol and if your pet does eat some chocolate, get in touch with your vet straight away.
WIN: Toy Hamper
BRIGHTKINS, who make interactive pet toys and training tools, is offering three readers the chance to win a hamper worth £87 each.
The prize includes treat puzzles, toys to combat boredom and dispensers to slow down fast eaters, as well as interactive training tools for mental stimulation.
To enter, send an email headed BRIGHTKINS to sundaypets@the-sun.co.uk by November 5.
See brightkins.co.uk/ T&Cs apply
