My Cocker Spaniel puppy, Carry, has flat white rice-like things around her bottom. What are these, and how do I get rid of them? Kerry

From the signs you describe it sounds like Carry has tapeworms – parasites which live in the intestines and shed segments, which come out from her bottom.

Although tapeworms are fairly common, if left untreated they could make Carry poorly.

Contact your vet so that they can check her over and give you the medication she needs to get rid of these pesky parasites (and any others she may have picked up along the way).

They can also recommend safe and effective treatments to prevent worms in future.

Carry will need treating regularly for fleas, as these are part of the tapeworm lifecycle and cause health problems.

Tapeworm can affect people too, so a good worming programme for your puppy will mean you can all live together without the worry of worms!

My mum’s miniature schnauzer has just been diagnosed with diabetes. Will this affect her lifespan in comparison to a non-diabetic dog? And are certain breeds of dogs susceptible to diabetes and why? Tye

Diabetes can affect any dog of any size but there are a few breeds (including miniature schnauzers) that appear to have a higher chance of developing the condition, possibly inherited.

Fortunately diabetes can usually be controlled through daily insulin injections, a suitable diet and regular sensible exercise.

Your mum will need to take her dog back to her vets for a treatment plan and regular monitoring.

Well controlled diabetic dogs often live a long, happy life that is not significantly shorter than a dog without diabetes – though this does rely on having a very regimented treatment plan, keeping strict control of her glucose levels and regular vet checks.

My goldfish has got very fat, is it ill or could it be eggs? Gary

Quite a few conditions can cause a fish’s stomach to swell which can look as though they’ve put on weight, bloat being one of them.

Fish are very dependent on their environment, good tank husbandry can prevent germs and toxins from building up inside your tank.

Maintaining water quality, pH level, temperature, nitrate and ammonia levels are all important to keep your fish healthy.

I would suggest taking your fish to see a specialist vet to investigate what is causing the swelling and decide on the best course of action.

Early treatment will hopefully prevent any suffering and illness spreading to other fish in the tank.