PDSA Weekly Vet Q&A - 5 March 2024

Dear PDSA Vet, I recently got a puppy, I've named Pumpkin, since bringing her home she's got some kind of cough, it sounds like a bit of a choking noise but she's definitely not choking on anything. It's gone on for a few days now, should I be worried? She's only 10-weeks old. Pasha 

Hi Pasha, from what you've described it sounds as though Pumpkin may have kennel cough, it usually sounds like a dry hacking cough. Most dogs stay otherwise quite well with kennel cough, but puppies, older dogs, and poorly dogs can develop more serious symptoms such as a reduced appetite, low energy and a high temperature. Kennel cough can spread between dogs, so it's best to keep Pumpkin away from other dogs and public spaces. As Pumpkin is so young, it's a good idea to have her checked by a vet if she has a severe cough or has been coughing for more than a few days. When arranging your appointment with the vet, make them aware that Pumpkin has been coughing as they may ask you to wait outside until you are called in to prevent spreading kennel cough to other dogs in the waiting room.   

Dear PDSA Vet, my Cavapoo, Arlo has awfully smelling breath. He has dental chews, but the smell is really quite strong. Is there anything else I can do to help with it? Thanks, Sally 

Hi Sally, just as it's important for humans to take care of their teeth, dogs need their teeth taking care of too. Dental disease is a very common health problem for dogs and can usually be prevented through keeping your dog's teeth clean. Dental disease is more common in older dogs and certain breeds can be more prone to it. We would recommend a visit to your vet as the smell may mean Arlo has some dental disease. Your vet may recommend that Arlo needs a dental, where he comes into the surgery for an anaesthetic, scale and polish with extractions of decaying teeth if necessary. Once he has recovered your vet can advise you on teeth cleaning, but if that's not an option, then a change of diet, oral gels or other dental products may help. 

Dear PDSA Vet, we had a pair of rabbits until recently, one of them sadly passed away. Our remaining Rabbit, Snowdrop, seems to be acting strange and we're worried about her. Do rabbits need to live alongside other rabbits, or will she be ok living alone now? Jasper 

Hello Jasper, I'm so sorry for your loss. It may be Snowdrop is acting strangely as she can't understand where her bunny friend has gone – however any unusual behaviour should be checked by your vet just to make sure there isn't anything else going on. Rabbits thrive from living in groups or pairs, and without a fellow rabbit friend, they can become lonely, stressed or depressed. Many rescue centres have rabbits that are desperate for a kind, loving home and will support you in matching your rabbit with a suitable new friend. More information about owning rabbits in pairs or groups can be found here: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/rabbit-company-advice  

Dear PDSA Vet, my Golden Retriever, George is an old boy now, he's definitely reached the 'golden oldie' stage. Now he's not as spritely, how can I keep him stay fit and active without him overdoing it? Rashid 

Hi Rashid, it's important to keep George active in order to help him stay healthy. The best way you can do this is by keeping exercise frequent but gentle and within his comfort levels. Little and often is best as joints get stiffer with age. If George is not keen on longer walks anymore, just make them a bit shorter and let him enjoy the slower pace. It's important he still makes it outdoors every day to sniff, stretch his legs and get some fresh air. Your vet can advise you on whether George could benefit from supplements to help his joints or medication to ease aches and pains, which will in turn improve his quality of life. Indoor games can help his body and mind, puzzle toys are a great way to help George keep alert if he feels like it. 

For more information visit pdsa.org.uk  

PDSA is the UK's largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People's Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information.