I occasionally get bones from my butcher for my dog, Bonnie, which she really enjoys, but a friend told me this can be dangerous. Is this true? Anna

Unfortunately, your friend is right – there are significant risks with feeding bones as they can splinter. Many people think this only relates to cooked bones, but you have to be careful with raw bones too. As vets, we see shards of bone that have penetrated the inside of the mouth, become stuck across the mouth, or even punctured the intestines. As dogs gnaw on the bones, chunks can be swallowed, causing dangerous blockages which need to be surgically removed. Because of this, we advise that it’s better to reward dogs with pet-safe chews or healthy treats instead. Toys that can be filled with peanut butter or other favourites are ideal. Just make sure to adjust your dog’s meal that day to accommodate the extra calories in any treats.

I have a pet rabbit and a guinea pig. They have separate cages and runs, but I was wondering whether I could introduce them to one another and they could share a cage? Liam

Rabbits and guinea pigs are social animals, so get very lonely and bored when they don’t have a friend. But vets and animal welfare experts don’t recommend keeping them together because rabbits can bully and injure guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs can also become Vitamin C deficient if they have to live on rabbit food. Instead, they both need company from their own kind. Ideally, a neutered male guinea pig with female guinea pigs would live very happily together, but two guinea pigs of the same sex can also be kept together.

Equally, a neutered male rabbit with a neutered female is the best scenario. I’d recommend finding suitable companions for each of your pets, but you will need to introduce them gradually.

You can ask your vet or vet nurse for advice on how to do this safely.

My ten-year-old cat has always been in good health, but recently he has lost some weight and his poo seems dry and crumbly. Is this just old age or could he be ill? Tina

It’s great that you are keeping watch for changes in your cat’s health. Because he has lost some weight, I urge you to take him to your vet for a health check as soon as possible.

There are many possible causes for weight loss, including dental issues or worms.

However, unexplained weight loss can also be associated with other conditions including liver or kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes amongst others.

The dry, crumbly poo is likely a side effect of the weight loss.

Take note of any other changes that may be more subtle, such as drinking more than usual, changes in appetite or coat condition.