PDSA Weekly Vet Q&As
Dear PDSA Vet, my 15-year-old cat, Gizmo never likes to venture outside, he much prefers an indoor life. Do I now need to get him microchipped? Thanks Mike
Hi Mike, as of 10 June this year, it will be a legal requirement for all cat owners to have their cat microchipped. It's a very quick and easy procedure that can be done at your vet. Even if your cat prefers the indoor life, microchipping is still necessary, as there's plenty of ways cats can sneak outside or nip out through an open door or window even if they haven't attempted this before! By 10 June this year, it will be law regardless of whether your cat remains indoors or not. More information about microchipping can be found here: www.pdsa.org.uk/microchipping-cats
Dear PDSA Vet, my Cane Corso Cooper has taken a real interest in snails and slugs in the garden, do I need to be careful with him around them? Thank you, Holly
Hi Holly, although not poisonous to dogs, snails and slugs can carry lungworm, which is a parasite that can cause severe illness in our dogs. Despite its name, lungworm actually travels around the whole body and can cause breathing difficulties, heart failure, seizures, bleeding disorders, and even death. Your dog is at risk of catching lungworm if they eat slugs and snails, so best to keep Cooper away – teaching him the 'leave' command using positive reward-based training can come in handy for this! You can also prevent lungworm with a parasite treatment – check with your vet which one is best to use. More information here: www.pdsa.org.uk/my-dog-has-eaten-something-harmful
Dear PDSA Vet, now it's getting warmer, how can I keep my dog and cat cool? Darius
Hello Darius, pets can quickly overheat in the sun and are at risk of developing heatstroke, so it's important to keep them indoors or in some shade during the hottest parts of the day. They also need to have access to fresh, clean water at all times, which may need to be topped up more often especially on scorching hot days. On warmer days, you can put an ice pack wrapped in a towel in your pet's bed to help keep it (and them) cool. Always supervise your dog or cat to make sure they don't chew them. Giving your pet a regular brush can help keep them cool because it gets rid of all the dead hairs stuck in their coat, leaving them a little lighter! More hot weather advice here: www.pdsa.org.uk/heatstroke
Dear PDSA Vet, my dog Juniper absolutely loves tennis balls, but I hear they should be avoided, is this true? Thanks Saoirse
Hi Saoirse, unfortunately, innocent fun with a tennis ball can quickly become life-threatening, so it's best to trade them out for safer, vet-approved toys and balls specifically designed for dogs. The size of tennis balls, and the way they bounce, means that there is a risk the ball can get stuck at the back of your dog's throat, causing them to choke. If your dog also loves to chew, there is a risk that they could swallow chewed-up parts of the tennis ball, which can cause a gut blockage. The best balls for your dog are those big enough so that they won't choke on or swallow it and on a rope as they can easily be retrieved from the back of the mouth if swallowed by accident. Those without a rope are best with a non-slippery surface and air holes.
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.
