PDSA Vet answers your questions...

Dear PDSA, I'd like to save some costs and groom my dog Forest at home. Any top tips? Thanks, Aaron 

Hi Aaron, we’d first recommend you some research - it’s important to know Forest’s grooming needs as these will vary depending on his coat length and texture.

Secondly, get the right tools - brushes and/or combs suitable for Forest’s coat type, plus some pet nail clippers – don’t use human nail clippers.

To begin, take it slow – if Forest isn’t used to being groomed, or being touched in certain areas, he might need some time to get used to this, so build up this up slowly, and at his pace, and stop if he is worried or stressed.

Always make the grooming a positive experience, using treats and praise during and afterwards. Find out more: www.pdsa.org.uk/grooming  

Dear PDSA, my guinea pigs live outside in their cage, should I bring them inside now the weather is starting to become much colder? Thank you, Matteo  
 

Hi Matteo, pets who are used to living outside may find the warmth in our homes quite a stark contrast, so a half-way house such as a shed or car-free garage, protected from draughts, rain and snow, may be the most ideal spot during the autumn cold.

If there is no option but to keep hutches and runs outside, you can drape a blanket or piece of carpet over the open mesh door of their living quarters to keep out strong winds, rain or snow.

You will need to make sure that there’s plenty of fresh air for your pets though. You can also insulate outside walls with newspapers covered with plastic sheeting but make sure this doesn’t obstruct the ventilation.

Pet-safe microwavable heat pads are also available to help keep hutches warm. Find out more: www.pdsa.org.uk/guinea-pig-health   

Dear PDSA, my rabbit Bun bites and nips everyone but me. Do you know what may be causing him to do this? From Aria 

Hi Aria, aggression in rabbits can be caused by fear (where they react with self-defence), loneliness, hormones, unsuitable accommodation, protecting their territory or pain.

If Bun is an only rabbit, he will feel more exposed and vulnerable around strangers – so may bite to keep them away.

Introducing another neutered rabbit friend should help Bun feel more confident, as rabbits rely heavily on each other to alert each other to danger; important for prey animals.  

If Bun already has a companion, a spacious run with the opportunity to run, climb, dig and forage and a suitable diet, book in to see your vet as his behaviour may be hormonal related.

If hormones are affecting his behaviour, they may recommend neutering him. We recommend that all pet rabbits are neutered, as it has many health benefits and the most successful pairings are usually a neutered male with a neutered female. Visit www.pdsa.org.uk/rabbits to find out more.   

Dear PDSA, I have a ten-year-old Labrador, Zola, who is pretty fit. She's not overweight, but how far is it safe to walk her now that she’s getting older? Niko 

 Hi Niko, it’s great to hear Zola is in such good shape, especially as she’s getting older.

Older dogs can start to suffer from diseases such as arthritis or other problems as they get older.

A regular vet check is a good idea – speak to your vet about this so any problems can be picked up early.

You can also speak to your vet about the possibility of adding joint supplements to her food to help support her aging joints.

Older dogs may benefit from shorter, more frequent walks, rather than one long one throughout the day.

Be led by your dog on this – if she’s showing no signs of slowing down or reduced mobility, she can continue to have, and enjoy her longer walks. 

For more information visit pdsa.org.uk