Dear PDSA Vet,

We have a house rabbit, Bing, who is normally very well-behaved. But lately he’s started to wee in certain areas, and I even caught him chewing on a TV wire. Can we change his behaviour, or do we need to consider moving him outdoors? Ian

Dear Ian,

Chewing the wires is very dangerous, so you need to prevent Bing from having access to these immediately - if this means not allowing access to these rooms, then that would be the best option. Alternatively, you should consider housing Bing in the garden with another rabbit as a companion. They should have a large hutch with a large exercise run permanently attached. The best pairing is usually a neutered male with a neutered female, but get expert advice on how to introduce two rabbits safely, to avoid aggression. You should also get Bing health-checked by your vet, in case there is a medical reason why his weeing habits have changed, but equally make sure that the litter tray is always fresh and easily accessible. Weeing may be territorial behaviour which can be addressed by neutering. For more information on rabbit care, including how to litter-train rabbits, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/rabbits.

Dear PDSA Vet,

I recently adopted my dog Waldo from a rehoming centre. He’s four and is really friendly and happy until he is left alone – then he howls and shakes until I come back. The neighbours have complained about the noise but I can’t get rid of him after everything he’s been through. What can I do to help him? Tracey

Dear Tracey, it sounds as though Waldo is suffering from separation anxiety. This is a behavioural disorder when a dog becomes extremely anxious and distressed when they’re separated from their owner. Waldo has come from a rehoming centre and there may be issues from his previous experiences that worry him while you are out. Affected dogs can also bark, pace, urinate, defecate or become destructive – chewing furniture and scratching doors. First, get Waldo checked by your vet to ensure there isn’t a medical condition causing his behaviour. If he gets a clean bill of health, your vet will be able to suggest ways to reassure Waldo. This may include a programme of leaving him for short periods of time and gradually build into longer periods. Your vet may also suggest referring you to an accredited pet behaviourist, but it is worth it to see a dog that is much happier, and can relax in your absence.

Dear PDSA Vet,

Every summer my eight-year-old Yorkshire terrier Buzby suffers with runny eyes, sneezing and she bites her paws. What could be causing this and can you suggest anything that would help her? Sophie

Dear Sophie, there are a few things that could be causing these sorts of symptoms, but, as you say it happens every summer so it’s possible that Buzby is suffering from pollen or other environmental allergies, similar to how we are affected. In animals this allergic response shows up most commonly as itchy skin or even a skin rash, but can also cause sneezing and runny and itchy eyes. I’d advise taking Buzby to your vet, and if she is diagnosed with an allergy you’ll be advised on the best way to help manage this. In the meantime, try not to walk through fields with long grasses and avoid areas with overgrown plants and flowers to reduce potential exposure to allergy triggers. It could also help to remove visible grasses or burrs from your pet’s fur after any walks.

Dear PDSA Vet,

I have two eight-month-old dwarf hamsters and their nails seem to be quite long. Do I need to get them trimmed, and is there anything I can put in the cage to help? Ethan

Dear Ethan, the ends of the nails should be approximately level with the pads of the feet, so if they’re curling round or very long they will need trimming. Hamsters are quick and wriggly, so it may be best to take your pet to have their nails trimmed at the vets and they can advise if it is necessary or not. You can use a special nail file if you are worried about the nails being too sharp by gently filing the tips. Encouraging activity will help wear the nails down, so make sure your hamsters have a large cage with plenty of things to do, including an exercise wheel and toys to play with.