PDSA Weekly Q&As - April 2nd 2024

Dear PDSA Vet, my older dog, Milo, seems to have dementia, is this possible? He's 14-years-old now, and has been barking a lot lately, seems confused and he's suddenly started toileting in the house. Thanks, Hamish 

Hi Hamish, cognitive dysfunction, also known as 'doggy dementia' is a condition that can develop in some dogs as their brain ages. There are some wide-ranging symptoms that will often start quite subtle - you may just notice your dog acting slightly differently, but visible symptoms tend to become worse and more obvious over time. Some of the symptoms you might notice include the ones you have mentioned, as well as: low energy or depression, being unsettled or not sleeping at night, forgetting commands, pacing around, staring into space, eating less or much more, new fears or phobias and aggression or changes in behaviour. Speak with your Vet about Milo, it would be a good idea to get him checked over to rule out any other underlying problems and they may be able to prescribe medication that can help. For more info: www.pdsa.org.uk/dementia-in-dogs-cognitive-dysfunction 

Dear PDSA Vet, I now work from home, and my cat, Finn, likes to climb on my desk and wander all over my laptop. I like him near me when I'm working, but how can I encourage him not to do this? Thank you, Sara 

Hi Sara, Finn might be climbing and jumping simply because he enjoys it and likes to be up high, or he wants to be near you or watch you while you're doing your thing! In the room where you work, you can try putting a cat bed on a side-table. This way Finn can still enjoy your company while you work, but he's not in the way of your laptop. As well as this, cats enjoy varied height shelving they can climb up to and perch on or large scratching towers that have hanging toys which he can play with to keep him entertained whilst being in your company. More information about cats, can be found: www.pdsa.org.uk/cats  

Dear PDSA Vet, I have a Newfoundland puppy, and I hear the breed are meant to be keen swimmers, is this true? Thanks, Arran 

Hi Arran, Newfoundlands do have a water-resistant coat and webbed feet that make them ideal for swimming. This can vary between dogs though, as they each have their own personality, and whilst some will enjoy a swim, others may not! They shouldn't be over-exercised as puppies when their bones and joints are still developing, so if you'd like to see if your puppy will enjoy a swim, introduce swimming slowly. Pick a place where the water is safe, easily accessible - so you can easily retrieve them if they are unhappy, and make sure it does not have an undercurrent. Whilst having a dip can be fun, be sure to know all about the area you are planning on taking your dog for a dip, and feel sure you know about water safety before letting your dog around bodies of water: www.pdsa.org.uk/water-safety 

Dear PDSA Vet, my Poodles nails seem to be really long, can I clip them at home? Thanks, Slyvia 

Hi Slyvia, you can definitely clip your dog's nails at home, but you'll need to make sure you have special dog nail clippers, not scissors or human clippers. You want to always make sure your dog is relaxed and comfortable before you cut their nails and give your dog treats during and after clipping to make it a positive experience. The quick is the part inside the claw that contains blood vessels and nerves, it's red or pink so it's usually easy to see in light-coloured claws. This part of the nail will bleed and be painful if it is cut. Estimate where to cut based on looking at the quick in another similar (but light-coloured) nail. If all the nails are dark, ask your vet to show you where to cut. If your dog gets stressed at any point, you should stop, give them a treat and try again another time. For more information about clipping your dog's nails, head to: www.pdsa.org.uk/how-to-clip-your-dogs-nails 

For more information visit pdsa.org.uk  

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