Pet’s Corner Q&A
My youngest daughter has just left for university and the dog, Maura, seems to be pining for her. How can we help?
It could be a case of separation anxiety if Maura is missing your daughter, as dogs can become attached to a particular family member.
It’s still best to get Maura checked over by your vet, since some medical issues can cause sudden behaviour change.
If it is separation anxiety, try sticking to a familiar routine and offer Maura an interactive toy (for example a puzzle feeder) to keep her mind occupied.
Reassure Maura if she comes to you for comfort and try a pheromone diffuser which may help relieve anxiety.
Mild cases may settle, but if this isn’t helping and if Maura is still struggling, your vet can recommend an accredited behaviourist to help.
Find out more: pdsa.org.uk/separation-anxiety
Can cat litter trigger allergies in humans?
Some types of cat litter, particularly those with high dust levels or scented ones, could trigger allergies or aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma in both humans and furry family members.
If you think you or your pet could be experiencing an allergic reaction to litter, try swapping for an alternative with low-dust and no perfumes or additives.
Some cats can be picky about textures or reject litter that sticks to their paws, so it may take a couple of tries to find an alternative that suits you both.
Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about your health.
How do I prepare my puppy, Coco, for his first vet visit?
At the vets, there will be lots of new experiences for your puppy, such as the vet’s tab.
Get them used to standing on a raised surface beforehand, using a mat (for example a clean bath mat) that you can bring to the appointment for familiarity – offering a treat will help establish a positive association while up there.
If you think Coco may wriggle, use a harness for extra security.
You can also get your puppy used to the idea of being examined beforehand, by gently checking them over yourself, including their tummy, paws, mouth and ears.
Take things slowly, giving lots of tasty, healthy treats, and work on this for a couple of minutes a few times a day, and stop if your puppy gets upset at any point.
There’s lots more puppy advice at pdsa.org.uk/getting-a-puppy
Main Picture: Pixabay/mirkosajkov
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