Pet’s Corner Q&A
My dog Reggie is always itching! We’re up to date with his flea and worm tablets so I don’t think it’s that. Could he have an allergy?
Scratching and skin problems are extremely common in dogs and are among the most common conditions our vets see and treat.
Most dogs will scratch every now and then and can lose a bit of fur during a seasonal moult but if Reggie seems to be scratching more, you see bald spots or changes in his skin (such as redness or scabs), it’s best to get him seen.
Skin problems often get worse over time and can become more difficult to treat if left, as skin can become inflamed or infected, which can be painful for your pet, so it’s best to get help sooner rather than later.
For more information visit https://www.pdsa.org.uk/atopy-in-dogs
I’ve heard that I need to be careful about flystrike now it’s getting warmer. What is flystrike and what is the best way to protect my rabbits?
Flystrike is a nasty problem caused by flies laying eggs in dirty or damp fur.
These eggs hatch into maggots that eat the rabbit’s flesh causing severe skin wounds; sadly, it’s often caught late, which can be fatal.
If you ever spot maggots on or near your rabbits, this should be treated as an emergency – call your vet immediately.
Good hygiene can prevent flystrike.
Clear out soiled bedding daily and give the hutch a thorough clean every week.
Check your rabbits’ bottoms twice daily, if you notice their bottoms are dirty then clean and dry them well.
If this is a recurrent problem, discuss this with your vet.
We have lots of advice on keeping your rabbits healthy here www.pdsa.org.uk/rabbithealth
I have a 14-week-old Lurcher that keeps eating her own poo. We feed her well, so can’t understand why she is doing this. What can I do to stop her?
Puppies often eat their own stools, copying their Mum, who eats her pups’ poop to keep the den clean and tidy – but you are right to discourage this behaviour before it becomes a habit.
Distract your puppy with something more interesting (for example their favourite toy or a food treat) after they go to the toilet and get the stool picked up before they can do the deed!
Most dogs receiving a well-balanced diet should grow out of this by the time they are around one-year-old.
If your Lurcher continues beyond this age, speak to your vet, as there can be other causes such as boredom, stress and poor digestion.
For more information on puppy behaviour and training visit https://www.pdsa.org.uk/training
Picture: Pixabay/Birgl