We’re thinking of getting another dog as company for our three-year-old Cockapoo. How can I make sure we don’t get caught out and inadvertently buy from a puppy farm? Sandie

Puppy farms can result in owners being left with terribly poorly pets, unexpected vet bills and, in the worst cases, the death of their new puppy. The best way to avoid this is to see your puppy with their mother and litter mates, where they’ve been living. Ask how the puppies have been socialised, about health checks, vaccinations, worming treatment and diet. Responsible breeders know the importance of health screening for particular breeds and they’ll have made sure that the tests have been done before breeding. Search online for the ‘Puppy Contract,’ which will give you loads of information on what to look out for. Responsible breeders will be more than happy to complete this. Another way to be sure you’re taking on a healthy and happy dog is to consider rehoming from a reputable rescue home, where there are many pets waiting for a loving home like yours.

After noticing tartar building up on my poodle’s teeth I bought a toothbrush and toothpaste from the pet shop, but Miss Tibbs hates it. Are there any other ways of cleaning her teeth? Lucy

If Miss Tibbs really hates it, there are special dental diets, chew toys, and supplements that all help, but tooth brushing really is the best way to keep pets’ teeth clean. Dental disease can be painful and lead to tooth extractions. But it’s probably quite a shock for Miss Tibbs to suddenly have a toothbrush moving around in her mouth. Start by letting Miss Tibbs lick some toothpaste from your finger or a finger brush so she gets used to the taste. Next, rub some along her teeth and gums, before progressing to a toothbrush. Pet toothpaste is normally meat flavoured too, so can be a really tasty treat. It can take several weeks for pets to accept tooth brushing if they aren’t used to it, so you’ll need to be patient and keep trying.

My mother has recently started to use a wheelchair and my Border Terrier, Darcy has started to bark and growl at her. She is fine when my mother is on the sofa though. I think Darcy is scared of the wheelchair – how can I help her? Stuart

It does sound as though Darcy may be afraid of the wheelchair. This is probably because she wasn’t exposed to a wheelchair as a puppy, during what is known as the ‘socialisation period’ (between 3-16 weeks of age). A behavioural technique called ‘desensitisation and counter-conditioning’ is often used to treat fears such as this. Darcy needs calm reassurance and understanding with positive, reward based training so she realises the chair won’t harm her or your mother. Your vet or vet nurse should be able to give you advice on desensitisation.