Dear PDSA Vet: Do I need to take my cat out on walks? Amir

Felines need plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Many cats enjoy exploring outdoors, which your puss may be happy to do on their own, but some like their owners to accompany them. However, if your cat prefers to stay inside, or you’re worried about keeping them safe from outdoor hazards, your furry friend can also get the exercise they need indoors. If this is the case, you can help them stay active with playtime. Cats love to explore high places and to chase and pounce so giving them a range of cat shelves or towers and fun toys they can hit, chase or jump onto will keep them active and entertained. For more information, you can visit www.pdsa.org.uk/cat-exercise

Dear PDSA Vet: I have just brought my new puppy home, a collie-cross called Susie. I’ve looked at pet insurance but it seems very expensive. Is it really worth it? Ronnie

When getting a new pet, insurance and registering with a vet should be two of the first things you do. Pets can get ill just like people, but there’s no NHS for pets so it’s important to plan for how you will be able to afford any vet care Susie may need. Puppies are curious and love to explore everything, which can mean they eat things they shouldn’t or injure themselves, requiring vet treatment which could be costly. And even young puppies can develop conditions that need long-term treatment, which can mean long-term expenses, where pet health insurance is an absolute lifeline. While insurance may seem expensive, it should always be factored into your budget as a necessary cost when you prepare to take on a pet.

Dear PDSA Vet: I have two goldfish, Pablo and Peter. After feeding, Pablo just floats near the surface of the water for about six hours, but then by evening he's back swimming around again. What could be wrong? Helen

Pablo might have a problem with his swim bladder, which is important for buoyancy and position in the water. While there can be several causes, this may be related to his diet. If you feed food that floats on the water surface, goldfish can excitedly swallow air at the same time as hoovering up their food. Feeding inappropriate food can also mean that gas builds up in the intestines, resulting in buoyancy problems. Feed small amounts of sinking pellets frequently throughout the day, so they’re not getting over hungry. Remove any leftover food - fish should eat what they need within 3-5 minutes. If this problem continues, he will need a vet examination.

Dear PDSA Vet: I’ve heard a lot about lungworm recently, and that it can be caused by slugs and snails. What are the symptoms of lungworm? I think my dog may have it but my vet doesn’t think so. How can I tell? Ciara

Lungworm is becoming more common in the UK and can make your pooch seriously unwell. Signs of lungworm include coughing, changes in your dog’s breathing pattern, usually seen as fast, heavy or noisy or changes in behaviour — if your pooch seems to be tired all the time or losing weight, this could be another red flag. Further symptoms can include unexplained bruising and bleeding. Preventing lungworm is much easier than treating it so it’s really important to include lungworm prevention in your regular worming programme. Talk to your vet about which treatments are best for your dog. For more information, you can visit www.pdsa.org.uk/lungworm

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity. We’re on a mission to improve pet wellbeing through prevention, education and treatment. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information. www.pdsa.org.uk