Dear PDSA Vet: I’d like to get a hamster, but I’m not sure how long they normally live for. Do they get any common diseases like other pets? Raquel

Generally speaking, a hamster’s life expectancy depends on their breed, lifestyle and living environment. Russian hamsters, for example, live for a year-and-a-half to two years on average, whilst Golden and Chinese hamsters have a slightly longer lifespan of around two to three years. Hamsters are prone to certain conditions such as wet tail (a serious gut infection), respiratory infections and abscesses. However, as with all pets, making sure they have the right environment, diet and exercise is essential for them to live a happy and healthy life. You can always speak to your vet for advice if there’s anything you’re unsure of, or you can find more information on hamsters at www.pdsa.org.uk/smallfurries.

Dear PDSA Vet: We have just brought home a baby rabbit called Patch. One of his ears stands up straight, but one flops over. Could it be broken, or is this normal? Benji

There are different categories of rabbit ear positions, including erect ears, full lop ears and half lop ears, so this could be completely normal. Their ear position can change as they grow and develop too. However, mites and other ear infections can also cause one ear to flop over. Usually you will see other signs, such as Patch shaking his head and crusty areas around his ears. Sometimes bites from another rabbit can cause ear problems, as can other traumas. I would recommend taking Patch to see your vet, who will check his ears and offer advice on how best to care for him, including information on vaccinations, neutering and diet.

Dear PDSA Vet: My German Shepherd, Pootles, has been diagnosed with allergic dermatitis. I’ve read that this could mean he is allergic to my cat- is this possible? What can I do to help him, as I don’t want to have to choose between them? Arty

Although rare, it is possible for dogs to be allergic to cats. However, it is much more likely that Pootles is allergic to something else such as pollen, grass, or even something in his food. It can be tricky to find out exactly what your dog is allergic too, and it can be more than one thing, but the good news is that it’s not always necessary to know the exact triggers because most skin allergies are treated in the same way. Make an appointment with your vet who will be able to recommend any necessary testing and treatment.

Dear PDSA Vet: I love spending time with my new puppy! She always sits by me when I eat and it’s tempting to feed her some of my human treats. Is it bad for her if I do this? André

Although it can be tempting to share leftovers with your pup, many human foods are high in fat, sugar and salt and can result in your puppy lacking vital nutrients and throw their diet off balance. Some food such as chocolate, grapes, onion and garlic are highly toxic to pooches, so it’s best to keep these well away from curious little paws - instead, stick to dog-friendly, low-calorie treats. Additionally, although it is cute to spend meal times with your puppy, encouraging this can lead to begging behaviours at the dinner table, which your guests may not appreciate! For more guidance on how to give your puppy the best start in life, check out PDSA’s #WeighUp campaign, with free access to expert advice on diet, exercise and wellbeing for your furry friend pdsa.org.uk/weighup-pr

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information. www.pdsa.org.uk