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.”
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Q) ARE dogs able to spot different colours?
This summer Dexter, my chocolate Labrador kept sneaking into the greenhouse and pinching tomatoes — not only the biggest, but the red ones.
He didn’t touch the green ones. So what can I do if he manages to get in again?
Eileen Turner, Lancs
Sean says: The answer is yes, dogs can see in colour, but on a different spectrum.
They mainly see in a range of blue and yellow tones.
Believe it or not, I suspect in Dexter’s case, he’s using his nose rather than his eyes to work out which tomatoes are ripe for the picking.
Dogs see the world in smelly vision after all.
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Q) I’VE tried every type of dog food, including dried food, but my seven-year-old Cockapoo Zak won’t eat any of them.
He will only eat fresh cooked chicken or salmon. I fear he’s missing out on fibre and essential vitamins.
His poops are very soft and on occasions watery. Is there anything you could recommend to help?
John Thomson, Glasgow
Sean says: Zak is certainly missing out on a range of nutrients, fibre, vitamins and minerals if all he eats is chicken and salmon.
I’m going to have to level with you here, John — you’ve created this problem by giving in to him and offering him something much tastier.
You’re obviously worried about his appetite and I get that, but rarely will a dog refuse to eat to the point of starving themselves.
A little bit of tough love is required. If he doesn’t eat what you offer him, try again that evening.
Try not to fret about it. In the transition period, you might want to really mix in the new food with a salmon or chicken topper, but gradually decrease the amount.
The team here can help if you get in touch on [email protected].
Got a question for Sean?
Q) I’D like to get a reptile for my six-year-old son Max who is pet mad (he wanted a spider but that’s a step too far for me).
Is there a good “starter” reptile that will be friendly to handle? He’s brilliant with our dog and cat.
Andrew Richards, Kent
Sean says: Reptiles are a tricky pet in many respects. Their housing and equipment costs far more than the reptile itself so you need to take that initial set-up cost into account.
They also have specialised dietary needs, so lots of research is needed before considering one.
Many species live as long as a dog or cat, sometimes longer. So it’s no light decision.
But, if Max is really determined and prepared and you as parents are willing to also shoulder the long term commitment then I think a Bearded Dragon or corn snake are the best options for beginner reptile pets.
Beardies, as they are known, have tons of personality and enjoy handling and human interaction more than snakes. Crested or leopard geckos might also suit.
Avoid tortoises, terrapins and chameleons. They are not suitable for beginners.
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Q) I HAVE a house rabbit Peter but his nails are starting to get long.
Can I trim them myself?
Lina Cobble, Devon
Sean says: You can, but if you’re not confident how, I would highly recommend asking your local vet practice if one of the team could show you the correct and safe way to do it.
It can get uncomfortable and cause mobility issues for rabbits if they can’t keep their nails in trim, so a monthly mani-pedi for Peter is definitely in order.
STAR OF THE WEEK
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FELICITY is the face of a new calendar to raise funds to save pups from the dog meat trade.
The six-year-old Samoyed was rescued in 2018 from a Yulin Dog Meat Festival slaughter-house after bring found with half a tail left due to being strung up by it.
She now lives with London lawyer Julia de Cadenet, 50, who began the NoToDogMeat charity.
Julia said: “It’s so important people see dogs like Felicity, as there can be a real disconnect between the reality of the dog meat trade, and what is in people’s heads.”
The calendar is £12, including postage, via: notodogmeat.com.
WIN: £50 B&M voucher
FIND loads of festive accessories for your furry friends at B&M, which is offering five lucky readers the chance to win a £50 voucher to spend in store.
With everything from cat toys to candy cane jumpers and reindeer antlers for your dog, the Christmas collection will turn pets into Santa paws.
For a chance to win, email [email protected] with B&M in the title and include your name, address and phone number by Dec 4
See: bmstores.co.uk T&Cs apply.
COULD YOU FOSTER A CAT THIS WINTER
CATS Protection has issued an urgent appeal for volunteer fosterers as it prepares for an unprecedented number of pets being put up for adoption this winter.
A new survey by the charity has revealed 29 per cent of owners are struggling with the finances needed to support their moggy.
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The crisis has led the charity to launch its Feels Like Home campaign, looking for volunteer cat fosterers, particularly in Essex, Kent, Northern Ireland, Suffolk and the West Midlands.
Dancing On Ice star Frankie Poultney, 49, who fosters cats for the charity, said: “One of my great successes was a kitten called Whisper who was born incredibly early – her eyes had not even formed behind her eyelids.
“It felt very special to hand-feed her and keep her warm until she was strong enough to join her litter mates and find a new home.”
Fellow fosterer Alison Hagan, 40, a software engineer, hopes to find a forever home for cats Ayame and Peanut.
She said: “It’s such a nice feeling of achievement to know that we have turned the life around for that cat and they can go on and live a good life where they are loved and cared for.”
