PDSA weekly Q&As - 19 August
Dear PDSA Vet, I've heard that I need to be careful about flystrike during summer. What is this and what is the best way to protect my rabbits Esme and Pru? Pam
Dear Pam, flystrike is a life-threatening problem caused by flies laying eggs on rabbit's fur. These then hatch into maggots that can eat into the rabbit's flesh within 24 hours – it can cause terrible skin wounds and sadly it's often fatal. If you ever spot maggots on your rabbit this should be treated as an emergency – call your vet immediately. Keep your rabbits at a healthy weight so they can groom themselves properly. Good hygiene can also help to prevent flystrike, so clear out soiled bedding daily and give their hutch a thorough clean every week. During summer, check your rabbits' bottoms at least twice a day and if you notice their bottom is dirty then clean it with warm water and pet-friendly shampoo, and dry the area thoroughly. For more information on flystrike, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/flystrike
Dear PDSA Vet, My kitten is kept indoors but recently I found a flea on her. I was going to just buy something from a pet shop, but a friend said it's better to get something from my vet? What's the best approach? Simon
It is best to discuss flea treatment with your vet, as they can recommend or prescribe the best treatment for your kitten. You can get prescription-only flea treatments from your vet as well as over-the-counter products. Fleas aren't just a problem for pets that go outdoors – indoor pets can get them too. This is because one flea can produce hundreds of eggs that we can carry into the house on our shoes and clothes. It's also important to treat your house using a flea spray , as otherwise the eggs can remain in carpets and bedding for some time and cause re-infestation. Wash your kittens' bedding at 60°C , and vacuum regularly.. De-flea all other cats, dogs and rabbits in your home too. Never use a flea treatment intended for dogs on a cat or kitten, as this can cause fatal poisoning.
Dear PDSA Vet, Every summer my eight-year-old Yorkie Snorks suffers with runny eyes, sneezing and she bites her paws. What could be causing this and can you suggest anything that would help her? Maeve
Dear Maeve, from what you've described it sounds like Snorks may be suffering from an allergy – animals can get seasonal allergies just like humans! As this seems to happen only in summer, it's possible she is having an allergic reaction to some kind of pollen or other substance in the environment during warmer months. I'd advise contacting your vet to get her checked and properly diagnosed. If it is an allergy, then your vet can advise you on how to manage it and will possibly prescribe medication to help control it and keep Snorks comfortable during the summer months. For more advice on this visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petsandpollen
Dear PDSA Vet, My two gerbils always bite when they are being held and we have to wear gloves when petting them. They are two years old now - can I tame them? Tilly
Dear Tilly, gerbils and other small pets usually bite because of fear, and this is often because they weren't handled regularly from a young age. The best way to try to tame them is by using food treats. Always approach them quietly and calmly, making no sudden movements or noises. Place some food that they like on the floor in front of you. Do this until they are confident to come near you to take the food. Next, place your open hand next to the food and let them take the food with your hand nearby. When they are happy to do this, place the food on your open hand. By building up in small stages like this (each stage may take days or weeks) and building a positive association between your hands and food, you should eventually be able to gently scoop them up in your cupped palms. Always hold them low over a soft surface in case they jump or fall and go back a step if they are finding it stressful. For more advice on caring for gerbils, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/gerbils
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.
