Dear PDSA Vet, I’ve noticed that my border terrier, Terry, has cloudy eyes and they look quite sore. What could be wrong? Bobbie

There are a number of conditions that could be causing these symptoms; including dry eyes or uveitis amongst others, but any of them will need thorough investigation by your vet. Eye problems always need to be taken seriously to prevent loss of vision, so you should take your pooch to your vet for advice and treatment as soon as possible. While many conditions can be treated with medication, severe cases may require surgery, so it’s important to get help for your dog as soon as possible.

Dear PDSA Vet, my rabbit, Coco, usually loves hopping around and exploring her surroundings. However, recently she’s been hiding a lot – how can I make sure she’s happy? Raul

Hiding can be a sign that Coco is feeling worried, in pain, unwell or scared – I recommend having her checked over by your vet. If your vet gives her a clean bill of health, you may need to look at her living arrangements. Rabbits are social animals - they rely on other rabbits for reassurance, support, and to make them happy. If she’s living on her own and something has scared her, she’ll feel vulnerable to attack and won’t feel confident exploring. Introducing a new rabbit will be really beneficial to her wellbeing, but make sure Coco is physically well and is neutered before introducing another rabbit, unless you’re choosing a same sex companion. For information on how to bond rabbits please visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/bunnybonding

Dear PDSA Vet, I’ve just got a cat and I’m not sure how to tell when she’s entering heat? Nicol

Cats tend to come into heat in the spring and summer - usually their first season, or heat, starts at around four to nine months of age, but they can be as old as 12 months. Look out for your furry friend becoming very affectionate - making loud meows, rolling around and arching her back or going into the praying position, chest to the floor and bottom in the air as these are the most obvious signs. Being on heat can make your cat feel a bit unsettled, so keep her entertained by playing games and giving her toys as a distraction. Be careful to keep her safely indoors until you can have her spayed, to avoid unexpected litters of kittens!

Dear PDSA Vet, we recently introduced guinea pigs into the family and their enclosure is starting to smell of mouldy food. How often do I need to clean it? Akbar

Maintaining a hygienic home is essential for keeping your guinea pigs healthy. The smell is probably coming from uneaten food that’s been left, so you’ll need to make sure you clear any leftovers out daily. Each day you should spot clean, removing any uneaten food, droppings and wet areas. You should also get into the habit of removing dirty bedding, washing and drying food bowls and moving your furry friends’ exercise area on a daily basis to keep the area clean. Don’t forget to carry out a deep clean once a week too - you should thoroughly scrub down their enclosure, along with their toys and shelters, with a pet-safe cleaner and allow everything to dry before replacing and adding fresh bedding.

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