PDSA Weekly Q&A

Dear PDSA, can I tell at home if my dog is too fat? My Labrador, Charlie seems to have gained a bit of weight recently. Thanks Isla 

Hi Isla, dogs come in all different builds and sizes depending on their breed-type, but a healthy shape is the same for every dog. Your dog's body shape will help to give you an idea of whether they're carrying too much weight. You can carry out a 'Body Condition Score' (BCS) at home in a few simple steps. Run your hands along your dog's sides. The skin should move freely over the ribs, which you should be able to feel with a light touch. Run your hands along your dog's back. You should be able to feel the spine and hipbones under the skin without being able to see them - they shouldn't be sticking out. Gently feel the base of your dog's tail, there shouldn't be a build-up of fat where the tail joins the spine. Feel under your dog's tummy, it should go in, not bulge out. Look at your dog from the side and from above. You should be able to see a waist. If not, Charlie may be overweight, so best to get Charlie checked by your vet for some advice. Visit: pdsa.org.uk/weighup for more. 

Dear PDSA, I'm a new cat owner, and my recently adopted seven-year-old rescue cat Toffee keeps 'kneading' on my lap, is this a positive sign? Thanks Muhammad 

Hi Muhammad, congratulations on your new addition Toffee! Kneading is an instinctual, natural behaviour and begins when kittens are dependent on their mother for food – they will knead on their mother's stomach whilst feeding from their teat, as it helps to stimulate milk flow.  

Why they continue to knead when they get older is somewhat a bit of a mystery but is commonly associated with positive emotions. Perhaps they knead because it feels good and is a relaxing motion for cats. As much as it can and often is positive behaviour, an increase in this behaviour could mean that your cat is feeling worried and is trying to soothe themselves. If you notice your cat is kneading more than usual, speak with your vet for further advice. Find out more about cats, here: pdsa.org.uk/cats 

Dear PDSA, I have two dogs, Daisy and Duke, they are a perfect pair apart from they absolutely love to dig up the garden. I think they see it as a bit of a game when they are in the garden. Can I try and stop them from doing this? Randall  

Hi Randall, it's quite common to hear, as digging is an activity that dogs naturally like to do! If you aren't able to allocate them their own digging spot in the garden, you can try out a couple of things to help distract Daisy and Duke from digging! You could offer them an equally fun activity – you can play a game, throw their favourite ball or toy, or you can try getting them to 'seek' out some hidden treasure, such as treats or toys. Ensuring they get a suitable amount of brisk daily exercise and stimulation such as being able to have a slow, meandering walk sniffing and exploring is great for their mental health. 

It can be harder with multiple dogs, but you can try the 'leave it' command for whenever Daisy and Duke start to dig. It's also a good idea to monitor them in the garden, so you can step in with 'leave it' and a positive distraction, before they both get caught up in digging! 

Dear PDSA, I had rabbits and guinea pigs growing up, but I've recently heard they don't like each other? I'd like to get some small pets again but want to make sure I get a pair or group that will live happily together. Cheers, Alan 

Hi Alan, guinea pigs and rabbits aren't ideal companions, they can't communicate with each other and have different needs, and so much prefer the company of their own kind. Both guinea pigs and rabbits thrive from company, but you'll either want to house guinea pigs together, or house rabbits together, rather than mix the two! We'd always recommend housing them in either pairs or groups, good combinations for guinea pigs include a neutered male and one or more females, two females together or neutered brothers together. For the happiest bunnies, we suggest keeping a neutered male with a neutered female. If you can home brother and sister together, that's ideal as they'll already know each other and will be less likely to fight, but they will still need to be neutered. Find out more about small pets here: pdsa.org.uk/rabbits 

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.