PDSA Weekly Vet Q&As 14 May
Dear PDSA Vet, I heard that rapeseed fields can be very dangerous for dogs to run through and cause them burns. Is this true? Mark
Dear Mark, extreme reactions to rapeseed are extremely rare, so don't panic. Some dogs can be sensitive to the plants, so could have a skin reaction, but the vast majority of dogs won't suffer any ill effects from walking through a rapeseed field. We would advise not allowing dogs to eat the plants though, as this can cause a tummy upset. If you do spot any unusual symptoms or skin abrasions that you think may be the result of a reaction, you should contact your vet straight away.
Dear PDSA Vet, I recently adopted a stray cat, Frankie. When she goes to bed she grabs a mouthful of bedding and pads about on her cushion for ages. Why does she do this? Kathryn
Dear Kathryn, this sounds like Frankie might be 'kneading'. This is usually a sign of a cat seeking or mimicking the comfort they experienced when they were kittens, when they would knead their mother when feeding. Why they continue to knead when they get older is still a bit of a mystery but is commonly associated with positive emotions. If Frankie is doing this when she is feeling relaxed and happy it's a lovely sign that she has settled in your home and she feels she can demonstrate this behaviour. You should take this as a compliment! There is nothing to worry about, so long as Frankie is not kneading more than usual as that may be a sign she is feeling worried and trying to soothe herself.
Dear PDSA Vet, like many people we had a BBQ this weekend and my dog Daisy loves to chew on leftover bones, but my friend says I shouldn't give these to her. Could they harm her? Shay
Dear Shay, unfortunately yes – bones (cooked and uncooked) can be very harmful for dogs. They can cause a tooth fracture or splinter and cause cuts inside their mouths, or if they swallow a big chunk this can cause a blockage of their gut and damage internally. Internal blockages usually require surgery, or can even be fatal, so it's definitely best not to give into those puppy dog eyes. If you have a BBQ, make sure to dispose of all scraps and rubbish in a secure bin that pets can't access. Instead, you could make her some frozen dog-safe treats – see our website for how to make these, and for other tips on keeping pets safe at BBQs. www.psa.org.uk/BBQsafety
Dear PDSA Vet, I've noticed that my rabbit's nails are quite long, can I cut them myself? Dylan
Dear Dylan, if you have never cut a rabbit's nails before I would recommend getting a vet or vet nurse to cut them the first time, and they can show you how to do it yourself in future. Contact your local vet or check their website to see what services they're able to offer. If you can't get to a vet then you can buy rabbit nail clippers, and I'd recommend getting someone else to hold your rabbit still (but not on their back) while you clip them. It's important not to cut the claws too short and into the vein, which can then bleed and be painful. Have a look at our guide on how to clip your rabbits' nails here: www.pdsa.org.uk/rabbitnails
For more information visit pdsa.org.uk
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