Answered by PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing.

Dear PDSA Vet: I would like to let my budgie enjoy some free flying time inside the house. What can I do to make sure he’s safe? Arthur

Allowing your budgie to fly freely around a room in your home is a great way for them to get more exercise and keep them happy. However, it’s important to make sure the room is secure – all windows and doors should be closed to prevent escape. You’ll need to turn off any ceiling fans, extractor fans, and paper shredders. If you have blinds, make sure you close them properly so your bird cannot get tangled up in them, as this can be very dangerous. Closely watch your budgie to ensure he is not nibbling at any wires or toxic substances, like essential oil candles or paint, and remove any toxic indoor plants. To find out more about household hazards to watch out for, you can visit https://www.pdsa.org.uk/keeping-your-pet-birds-safe

Dear PDSA Vet: While my cat and I were staying with family, I noticed they were using essential oils. I don’t think my cat got into them but what symptoms should I look out for? Megan

Essential oils can be harmful to our feline friends, even more so when used undiluted. Symptoms of poisoning can include excessive dribbling, vomiting, shaking, or appearing unstable when walking. You may also notice your puss becoming lethargic, having difficulty breathing, or even collapsing. Check your cat’s skin - if they’ve been in direct contact with the oil it may be red and sore, which can be a sign of a chemical burn. If you suspect your pet has ingested, or been affected by, an essential oil, contact your vet who will be able to offer advice based on which oil they’ve been exposed to and the concentration.

Dear PDSA Vet: My dog, Cherry, is undergoing an operation soon. What can I do to help her recover comfortably? Jack

Like us, pets need plenty of TLC after surgery. Cherry will appreciate bland food following surgery and the day after. Smaller meals of cooked chicken and rice, or scrambled egg can be gentle for her tummy. Provide somewhere quiet, warm, and safe to rest at home - she’ll need to take it easy following her operation. Restrict her walks, discourage her from being too playful, and take her out to the toilet on a lead. Setting a reminder can help you stay on schedule with any medication she may need to take, too. It is very important that Cherry doesn’t lick, bite, or scratch at her stitches, as this could cause the wound to open or lead to a nasty infection. A recovery vest or cone collar can help prevent this. For more information you can visit https://www.pdsa.org.uk/post-surgery-care

Dear PDSA Vet: I have just adopted a diabetic dog and was told that getting her spayed could help regulate her blood sugar levels. Why is this? Edel

Vets often advise spaying diabetic dogs because of hormone changes during their seasons. These hormone changes cause insulin resistance, making diabetes harder to control as it complicates the process of stabilising the blood sugar levels. Getting used to living with diabetes can take time. Your dog will need medication every day, she will need to be fed at certain times of the day, and have her blood sugar levels tested regularly at first. In most cases, pets with diabetes can be well-managed using medication, exercise, and diet, but sometimes other factors can affect your pooch’s blood sugar levels, too. For more information please visit https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/diabetes-in-dogs

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. www.pdsa.org.uk