Pet’s Corner Q&A

My ferret seems to suddenly be putting on a lot of weight. Why might this be?

Ferrets will naturally put on weight before winter to ensure they have enough fat stored to get them through the colder months – this shouldn’t be more than around 10% of their weight and they shouldn’t have obvious fat under the skin.

While this is perfectly normal, and your furry friend should lose it all again when spring comes around, you shouldn’t see weight gain at other times of the year.

If your ferret’s weight is increasing, and doesn’t seem to reduce in the spring, consider adjusting their diet.

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I’ve seen some horror stories about dogs getting really ill from blue-green algae while out on walks. What is it, and how can I protect my own pooch?

Blue-green algae is a bacteria most commonly found in warm weather in still or stagnant water such as ponds, streams and lakes.

Though uncommon, the bacteria produce toxins, which can sadly be fatal if swallowed, or result in long-term health problems.

It can be hard to spot (and not all forms are toxic), but may appear as a green or blueish scum on the water’s surface, or clump up and foam at the shoreline. Be extra vigilant when walking your dog near any water – keep them on a shorter lead for safety.

If you spot blue-green algae when out on a walk and can’t see any signage to warn dog owners, you should call the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.

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My cat keeps shaking her head and tipping it to one side. Is this a sign of an ear infection?

Your first port of call should be a visit your vet, as it sounds like there may be something upsetting your cat.

They’ll be able to closely examine her ears and find out what’s wrong.

Your puss could be suffering from an ear infection, which can be extremely uncomfortable and, if left untreated, could make your cat very poorly.

Alternatively, ear mites or even something like a grass seed stuck in the ear canal can also cause this type of reaction.

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My budgie gets very restless in her cage, but I’m worried she’ll hurt herself if I let her fly around in the house. How can I make it safe for her?

Try adding a mirror to her cage for a sense of company until you can find her a suitable companion.

Budgies also need space to fly freely for exercise and to stay healthy.

Create a secure environment by restricting her to one room, closing all windows and doors, and removing any other pets from the space so she can fly around safely.

You’ll need to make sure there are no hazards — make sure you remove room fans and close blinds properly.

Once it’s safe to do so, let your feathered friend out of her cage and keep an eye on her while she enjoys stretching her wings!

 

Pictured: Pixabay / stumpi_1