Dear PDSA Vet, I’ve started to notice small lumps appear on my dog’s stomach and at the bottom of her back. They’re only small and she doesn’t seem to be in pain when I touch them. Does she need to see the vet? Ken

Hi Ken, they could be lumps caused by a reaction to her food or something in the environment. They could also be a skin infection or if your dog has fleas and is allergic to them, you might see scabby skin and it can sometimes be lumpy too.

Comb through the fur and you may see flea dirt, small black dots of dried blood. If you do, you will need to treat the fleas and your home if they are what’s causing the problem.

They could also be fatty lumps. As there are lots of possibilities, you should take your dog to your vet so that she can be examined thoroughly, your vet may recommend further investigations or depending on the diagnosis; treatment.

For lumps that need closer inspection, your vet may suggest doing a biopsy. This may involve taking a small cell sample with a needle, or a larger sample surgically. These samples can then be analysed under a microscope or at a laboratory to identify the type of lump.

Dear PDSA Vet, my ferret, Sugar, keeps sneezing. Is this normal? Bek

Hi Bek, it’s not normal for Sugar to be sneezing so a trip to see your vet will be needed as this can be caused by quite a few different things.

They can catch flu, which can be caught from people and vice versa, so wash your hands carefully when handling your ferret and cleaning their home.

Sneezing without any other symptoms can also be due to something being stuck up the nose or allergies to things in the environment.

Ferrets can catch distemper from infected ferrets and dogs, they may have a thick discharge from the eyes and nose, a fever, sneezing, coughing and lack of appetite.

Your vet will examine Sugar to determine what could be causing her to sneeze, and will then either suggest further investigations or prescribe the necessary treatment.

Dear PDSA Vet, my son has an XL Bully who we all love like part of the family. What will happen to him now after the Government’s announcement? Thanks, Mary

Hi Mary, this must be a scary time for you all but preparation is key to make sure you get everything right when the ban comes into place.

The ban of XL Bully dogs will come into force on 31 December 2023, this means from this date, in England and Wales, all owners of dogs that fit the XL Bully type, will have to follow specific guidelines set out in the ban. This includes making sure your XL Bully wears a muzzle and is kept on a lead at all times whilst in public.

We recommend your son starts to muzzle and lead train his dog now so that they will be more comfortable with it by the time it comes into law. Your son should arrange for his dog to be neutered (the deadline for this depends on the dog’s age) and microchipped if not already done as this will be compulsory.

Finally, from 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog and you are compliant with the rules. Owners have until 31 January 2024 to apply for this certificate and to be registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs. Find out more on the PDSA website. 

Dear PDSA Vet, can my hamster eat fruit and veg? Thanks, Chloe

Hi Chloe, yes! In moderation, many fruits and vegetables are great treats for your hamster. Make sure you give them a good wash before you feed them to your hamster and only feed a very small amount each day. Don’t feed citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons or grapefruits, to your hamster. Find out which are safe to feed on the PDSA website.