Pet Q&A: My Lhasa Apso dog sometimes suffers from diarrhoea. I give her commercial dog food etc so I'm not sure why this happens

A Lots of dogs get diarrhoea from time to time, usually because they have eaten something that has upset their stomach. So whether this is something to worry about depends on how often the diarrhoea is happening, and whether your dog is showing any other signs of illness (eg vomiting).

Other possible causes of occasional diarrhoea include worms, food allergies, stomach ulcers or tumours of the digestive system. Given this range of possible causes, you should get your dog checked over by a vet.

Q I have two ferrets, one male and one female. To prevent any babies should I get the male castrated or the female ferret spayed?

A Spaying a female ferret (a jill) is extremely important. This is because if a jill comes into season and isn't mated she can develop a life-threatening condition called "aplastic anaemia".

Spaying stops her from having seasons in the first place and prevents unwanted litters. The operation can usually be done from six months of age but you should ask your vet when the best time is for your ferret.

Q My cat has lost some of her front teeth. I don't know how or when this happened. She can still eat but should I take her to the vet?

A If this has happened suddenly it may be that she has been in an accident of some kind. If this is the case, she may have other injuries. Alternatively, her teeth may have dropped out as a result of dental disease, beginning with a gradual build-up of plaque, then tartar, then gum disease leading to decay and loss of the structures which hold the teeth in place. If dental disease was the problem, you may have noticed that your cat's breath has been smelly. You need to take your cat to see your vet. Her mouth or gums might be sore and she may need treatment.