PDSA Weekly Q&As

Dear PDSA, a friend's cat died last year, vets said they think she had anti-freeze poisoning. Is there anything I can do to protect my own cat Ally from this over winter? Marshall

Dear Marshall, That's so sad about your friend's cat, tragically anti-freeze is highly toxic if ingested. This is why we always urge motorists to be very careful when preparing their cars for winter weather, and to clear up any spills of anything containing ethylene glycol immediately, to protect pets and wildlife. It can be hard to protect cats from this as they're often out unsupervised, but try to encourage Ally to stay local to home – if you only let her out an hour before feeding time she may not roam as far. If you suspect your pet has swallowed anti-freeze call your vet immediately, don't wait for symptoms to appear. For more advice go to www.pdsa.org.uk/antifreezeincats

Dear PDSA, my dog Coco has always been a bit scared of fireworks, but she coped by hiding in her den with her favourite toy. However, last weekend lots of loud rockets went off near the house, she was shaking badly and went to the toilet in the house, which she's never done before. How can I help her? Nicki

Dear Nicki, Coco isn't alone – over 7 million dogs and cats are scared of fireworks. It sounds like you've done all the right things, so I'd recommend giving your vet a call – they can offer help and advice to help Coco through the rest of fireworks season. They may prescribe her some medication to use in the short term, if she's really suffering. In the long-term I'd recommend looking into de-sensitisation and counter-conditioning. This needs to be done slowly over many months, and it's a good idea to get professional help from a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors. With consistent training by next Bonfire Night, Coco should have learnt that fireworks are nothing to be scared of! For more information go to www.pdsa.org.uk/FireworksReady

Dear PDSA, My gerbils sometimes stop moving and then shake for a while. My friend said they could have epilepsy – can gerbils get this? Can I do anything to help them? Ralph

Dear Ralph, some gerbils can suffer from seizures very similar to epilepsy seen in people. It's thought to be an inherited condition, and changes in the environment, stress or handling may be triggers. Although it can be alarming when it happens, seizures usually pass quickly and without permanent harm. Stay calm and don't try to pick them up, as a calm and peaceful environment can help a quick recovery. Try and remove any stressors (loud noises, other animals, sudden changes in temperature etc) from their environment. Allow them to recover in a quiet and low light area.  Seizures shouldn't last more than a couple of minutes – but please speak to your vet to make sure there aren't any other problems.

Dear PDSA, our guinea pigs are kept in a hutch outside in a sheltered corner, but with the weather becoming so cold, I'm worried - do I need to bring them in? Claire

Dear Claire, it's best to bring guinea pigs indoors during very cold weather. A shed or a car free garage is ideal - as exhaust fumes are dangerous. Provide them with extra bedding hay to help them keep warm and cover the hutch and run with thick blankets or carpet. It is also important to check water bottles, including the spouts every day to make sure they aren't frozen. If you don't have a shed or garage, then bring their hutch into a cooler room in the house keeping them away from radiators, other pets, loud noises or smoky atmospheres.  Wherever you place the hutch, natural light should be available and they should still have constant access to a secure run and toys so they can exercise.

For more information visit www.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.