Dear PDSA Vet, I have a 5-year-old cross Shepherd and he has severe dandruff that l can’t seem to treat. I have tried oatmeal shampoo and add olive oil to his dry food but it doesn’t seem to help. He also keeps scratching himself. What should I do? Rosie

Dear Rosie, it is important to rule out an underlying medical condition, especially if it’s getting worse. Book in for an appointment with your local vet to get him checked over. They can check for simple problems like fleas, as well as checking if he has any signs of a hormonal issue or allergy where treatment would reduce his symptoms. Olive oil unfortunately doesn’t contain the right nutrients to help your dog’s skin. There are supplements specifically designed for dogs which will provide essential fatty acids (present in borage oil and fish oils, for example) that your dog needs. Your vet will be able to recommend a suitable product.

Dear PDSA Vet, I’ve recently started feeding my cat, Silver, jelly-based cat food and now he can polish off six pouches daily. Is this normal because it’s costing me a fortune? Steph

Dear Steph, the amount of food to meet a pet’s requirements varies from brand to brand so I would recommend having a look at the packet and feeding Silver the recommended amount for her ideal weight. If you’re not sure if she’s on the best food or what her ideal weight would be, book an appointment with your local vet nurse who will be able to help you. While wet foods are ideal for cats with (or at risk of) certain medical conditions, feeding dry food is generally much cheaper and can improve dental health, so it’s usually not wrong to keep them on one or the other or even a mix. If she’s still ravenous it’s best to book a vet appointment as that could be a sign of a hormone issue.

Dear PDSA Vet, I recently took on a young rabbit and one of her eyes keeps sticking together. I tried wiping them with cooled boiled water, but it keeps coming back. Can you give me some advice please? Nadia

Dear Nadia, there are quite a few different conditions that can cause eye problems – ranging from simple infections to an obstruction of the duct that drains away tears. Tooth root problems or scratches to the eye’s surface can also cause eye pain, causing increased tear production and your bunny to hold her eye closed. Any rabbit with an illness may feel too unwell to eat, which can be catastrophic, so I’d recommend getting your bunny checked over by a vet as soon as possible. They’ll be able to identify the problem and get your rabbit the treatment she needs.

Dear PDSA Vet, my dog Bella can be petrified of fireworks, so with firework season now in full swing, what advice can you give to prepare and calm my dog? Martin

Dear Martin, there are lots of ways you can help Bella. During fireworks season, one of the best things you can do is make a safe den for your dog, to create a space for them to escape to if they become scared. Comfort her if she asks for it but otherwise let her be. Having the curtains closed and putting the TV or radio onto something with a repetitive beat will help to disguise the bangs. Keep him inside when they are going off. In the long term, playing a desensitisation CD at a very low volume is a good way of getting Bella used to the unusual and sudden sound of fireworks. Slowly increase the volume over time. If your pet can cope with the sound of fireworks in a safe, calm environment, they’re more likely to be calm and unafraid when they hear real fireworks.

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