Vets and Pets

A The grief process goes through several stages, often beginning with a sense of disbelief and shock, followed by pain, anger and depression. You may feel guilty and then, finally, there is acceptance when you can remember the happiness your pet brought to you. Everyone passes through these stages in their own time, but the sad feelings do eventually fade. If you feel you are still thinking about your dog a lot, it may be best to wait until you have entered the stage of acceptance.

Q My cat is naturally aggressive, but no matter how much I pamper him he's still very aggressive towards people and animals. Why is this? What should I do?

A To resolve problem behaviour in pets it is vital to find out what the underlying cause is, so you should take your cat to your vet. For example, pain can cause cats to be irritable and aggressive, but other causes could be fear, frustration or inappropriate predatory behaviour. Cats who weren't well socialised as kittens are more likely to be fearful, while cats that show frustration-related aggression were often hand-reared as kittens. It may be possible to improve or resolve your cat's behaviour, but you will need expert help.

Q How often should I clean my hamster's cage? Are there any special forms of equipment I have to use or can I use human cleaning products?

A Your hamster's cage should be thoroughly cleaned once a week. It is recommended to leave a small amount of the old (unsoiled) bedding behind so their familiar scents aren't completely removed. Hamsters dislike rapid change, so try not to alter their environment too much. Human cleaning products could be toxic to pets, so use pet-safe cleaning products from pet shops.

Q Is it true different breeds of dog require different exercise?

A It is true. Healthy border collies need a couple of hours every day. The amount of exercise also depends on the individual dog, such as their age and general health. Your vet is the best person to advise on your pet's needs.