Dear PDSA Vet

I found and removed a tick on my dog after a walk. Are there any ways of preventing them attaching in the first place? Bethany

Dear Bethany

Ticks are often found in wooded and moorland areas, especially in long grass, so try to avoid letting your dog wander in deep undergrowth or grass and stick to paths instead. Ticks are more common during the warmer months, with numbers peaking between late spring and autumn. Always check for them after walking your dog, around the head, ears, legs and underside. It’s important to remove ticks carefully, otherwise the head can remain. You can get special tick tweezers but, if unsure, it’s best to get veterinary advice before removing because if it’s not done correctly it can cause an abscess or infection. Some flea treatments also kill ticks or act as a repellent so speak to your vet for advice on the best treatment. Don’t put Vaseline on the tick as it may drop off but can still be alive to bite another victim and risks spreading disease.

Dear PDSA Vet

I’ve heard that I need to be careful about flystrike now it’s getting warmer. What is flystrike and what is the best way to protect my rabbits? Pam

Dear Pam, Flystrike is a nasty problem caused by flies laying eggs in dirty or soggy fur. These eggs hatch into maggots that eat the rabbit’s flesh causing severe skin wounds; sadly it’s often fatal. If you ever spot maggots on or near your rabbit this should be treated as an emergency – call your vet immediately. Good hygiene can help to prevent flystrike, so clear out soiled bedding daily and give the hutch a thorough clean every week. You should check your rabbit’s bottom every day, and check twice daily during summer. If you notice their bottom is dirty then clean this gently and make sure to dry the area afterwards. If your bunny often gets a dirty bottom this is a sign of a medical problem such as being overweight, arthritis, or dental problems and should be discussed with a vet. PDSA’s website gives plenty of advice on keeping your rabbits healthy – www.pdsa.org.uk/rabbithealth

Dear PDSA Vet

I bought a puppy, but it died just a few weeks later and my family were devastated. I thought I was careful, but it turned out to be from a puppy farm and had loads of health issues. How can I avoid this in future? Alex

Dear Alex, I’m sorry to hear about your puppy. It must have been heart-breaking. One of the most important things to do before you buy a puppy is download the free Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (puppycontract.org.uk). Supported by PDSA, veterinary organisations and other charities, this pack goes through all the important questions to ask and factors to consider. This will help you to avoid inadvertently buying an unwell or illegally imported puppy. There are also lots of gorgeous dogs looking for homes in rescue shelters around the UK, so this might be something to consider. Dogs and puppies from rescue centres usually come with all of their start-up vaccinations, and have already been neutered, which can help to reduce extra costs on your side.

Dear PDSA Vet

My elderly cat Button has suddenly started acting more like a kitten than a 15-year-old senior. He dashes about and plays with toys all day, and cries for attention at night. What’s wrong with him? Lexi

Dear Lexi, playing with toys could be a sign that Button is fit and well, as many adult cats like to play as much as kittens. But this sudden change in behaviour could also be due to an underlying medical condition. An overactive thyroid gland is quite common in older cats and can cause hyperactivity and crying at night. Other possible causes of personality change include feline dementia and environmental factors. It is always recommended to take older pets for regular health checks so that conditions like these can be diagnosed as early as possible. I would certainly suggest that you take Button to get checked over. Many diseases linked to old age can be managed with medication to improve the pet’s quality of life.