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: SOMETIMES my corn snake, Milo, doesn’t shed his skin as well as he should.
What do you recommend?
Mark Holward, Bristol
Sean says: Problems shedding in snakes, a condition called dysecdysis, is usually related to incorrect temperature and humidity.
As with any pet reptile, it’s vital to research the environmental conditions your species of choice would encounter in the wild and replicate that.
You need to provide a thermal gradient — so the enclosure has a cooler end and a warmer one — and use a thermostatically controlled heating device.
For humidity, it’s advisable to spray or mist the enclosure regularly, especially around shedding time.
Even better is to provide a humid hide box with damp sphagnum moss that Milo can retreat into and immerse himself in a high-humidity microenvironment.
Tupperware or a plastic storage container with a hole cut in the side is ideal.
Q: I HAVE an aquarium of fish, but one of them bullies the others.
Should I consider rehoming him or is there anything I can do?
Simon Smith, Peterborough
Sean says: This all depends on which species of fish you are keeping. Without that information it’s very difficult to advise.
Regardless, it might be best to enquire at your local aquatics or fish shop.
Many will take in unwanted fish and rehome them.
When planning an aquarium, it’s important that you research and choose a community of species that coexist peacefully.
Several species sold in the aquatics trade as freshwater community fish can become unsuitable, either due to temperament or growing to a size that is too large for most tanks.
Doing your homework and finding a good local fish shop will help avoid these sorts of problems in the future.
Q: MY cat keeps disappearing for days on end.
Alfred is clearly cheating on me with another owner. How do I stop it?
Clive Parker, Manchester
Sean says: What a little rascal he is!
But you might not be able to do anything about this.
Cats and loyalty don’t always go hand in hand.
You can try to communicate with the other human Alfred has deemed worthy of his visits.
Pop a paper collar on him with a message and your number written on it.
You can hope that person calls you and then you can come to an arrangement, perhaps coparenting if it suits both sides.
Q: ALTHOUGH my six-year-old son is desperate for a pet hamster, I am worried our greedy cat Rupert might terrorise it – or worse.
Can felines and rodents usually get along, or will we need to make sure they never meet?
Gillian Dougherty, Edinburgh
Sean says: Have you ever seen the cartoon, Tom and Jerry?
Cats and rodents together are generally not a good idea.
Sure, I’ve heard of some cats who completely ignore the household small furry pets, but I wouldn’t trust any left unsupervised around them.
They can still inflict damage through the bars of a cage.
Not only that, but rodents are hardwired to fear felines as they are some of their natural predators in the wild.
The scent and sight of a cat would be stressful in itself.
So unless you can ensure they remain separated in the house.
STAR OF THE WEEK
BUTTERCUP was cold, matted and frightened when she was rescued two years ago – but now she is the real star of the show.
The cockapoo was rescued by Woodgreen Pets charity, the home of Channel 4’s hit series The Dog House.
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And in the episode this Thursday, February 6, she will become the 100th dog to be rehomed by the show.
New owners Sally Dabner, 78, and Gordon Whitby, 74, of Taunton, Somerset, renamed her Betsy.
Sally said: “It’s nice to know we’ve made a difference in her life.”
Gordon added: “I wouldn’t change her for anything.”
If you would like to go on The Dog House to adopt a pooch go to channel4.com/4viewers/takepart/the-dog-house
WIN: A year’s supply of bone broth
BONE broth is an excellent natural addition to a dog’s diet, boosting friendly gut bacteria and reducing harmful types.
Boil and Broth sells six varieties, from beef to chicken and goat.
We’ve teamed up with it to offer one reader a year’s supply of bone broths.
For a chance to win, send an email headed BROTH to sundaypets@the-sun.co.uk by Feb 16 with the breed and size of dog.
T&Cs apply.
Help your dog weather the storm
WITH storms causing chaos, canine behaviourist Emma Scales-Theobald, who is resident dog expert at holiday firm Canine Cottages, offers these tips.
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1. Create a calming playlist. Offset the alarming noises outside with soothing sounds.
There are many playlists online. Or put on the TV.
2. Block out the storm: Heavy storms can cause objects to blow around outside, which can distress dogs.
Close the blinds or draw the curtains.
3. Distract them: If your dog is visibly distressed, it’s natural to console them.
But creating a fuss can reinforce behaviour.
Entertain your dog with indoor games such as fetch, offering puzzle feeders or a chew to play with.
4. Use calming aids: Such as a plug-in diffuser, collar, spray or wet wipes.
If your dog gets particularly stressed, speak to your vet about getting prescription calming meds.
5. Do I go for a walk? If there’s strong wind, thunder and lightning, avoid walks and just let your dog in the garden to do their business.
If you do walk, keep it brief, consider a raincoat for your pet and stick to sheltered areas.
