PDSA Weekly Vet Q&A - 13 August 2024

Dear PDSA Vet, my dog Ringo seems to like eating grass, in the garden and when we're out on walks – Is it ok he does this? Glenda 

Hi Glenda, it's a common misconception that if your dog eats grass, it's because they feel unwell and are about to vomit, but this is a myth! Dogs are omnivores, meaning that they eat both meat and plants. Eating grass is often completely normal behaviour for dogs, so you don't need to worry that Ringo likes to snack on it. Some dogs enjoy grass simply because they like the taste, or it may be because they are feeling bored. If you think Ringo could be munching grass out of boredom, look into ways to prevent it - maybe going for longer, or more frequent walks or playing with him both indoors and outdoors. Or mental stimulation activities including slow feeders and puzzle mats could be a great way to keep Ringo entertained. If he is eating grass excessively or it is accompanied by vomiting, contact your vet for advice. 

Dear PDSA Vet, I'd like to adopt a pet, but as a first-time pet owner, how do I know what pet is right for me? Mo 

Hi Mo, it's great you'd like to adopt and are doing research beforehand. The best thing to do is keep researching what pet might suit you best. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and small pets all require different things from their home to keep them happy, so it's important to know these things before welcoming a pet into your life. This way you can be well prepared for their arrival and be equipped with everything they need. We have a quiz on our website and by just answering a few simple questions, we'll recommend a pet that might be suitable for you. You'll need to research specific pet needs including how much it will cost to care for them, so that you can provide them with a happy and healthy life that meets their 5 Welfare Needs as well. Find the Pet Wise quiz here: pdsa.org.uk/choosing-a-pet 

Dear PDSA Vet, my Greyhound Henry seems to sleep all day! This is not a new thing; he's always been a bit of a 'lazy' boy. How much sleep should he be getting? Dana 

Hi Dana, contrary to popular belief, dogs need to sleep for a good chunk of the day to remain happy. Some breeds may appear to have more energy than others, and Greyhounds in particular are well known for quick bursts of energy and then going back to snoozing. The perfect amount of sleep will vary between dogs, but evidence suggest dogs should in fact get over twelve to sixteen hours of sleep every single day. This means it's perfectly normal for Henry to be spending more than half of the day snoozing, and nothing to worry about. If this was a sudden change in behaviour, we'd recommend having him checked over by a vet just to be sure nothing else is going on. However, as Henry has always enjoyed a good rest, it sounds as though he is just getting the snooze time he needs.  

Dear PDSA Vet, I've recently adopted a pair of guinea pigs, never had guinea pigs before. They both seem to keep squeaking, should I worry about this? Amira 

Hi Amira, guinea pigs are social animals and use squeaks to communicate with each other and with us! Squeaking is a normal behaviour for them, but they will squeak for various reasons, they may just be happy or excited, or they may be squeaking out of hunger, because they are worried or in pain.  It's worth working out if they are squeaking because they are 'chatty' or if you think something might be causing them feelings of fear or discomfort. Generally, it will just be because they are being vocal, but if you are concerned, it's always worth having them checked over by your vet to make sure nothing serious is causing the squeaks. More info about guinea pigs can be found here: pdsa.org.uk/guinea-pig-health 

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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.