Q and A: Vets and pets

Q My dog loves human food and I find it hard to resist giving him it. What sort of food can dogs not tolerate?

A Feeding human food to dogs can cause obesity, as well as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer. Most pet foods are complete, containing all the nutrients a dog needs. When extra food is given, unless the calories are burned off, they are converted into fat. You are feeding your dog human food because you love him, but unfortunately many owners who do this are killing their pets with kindness. Giving him just dog food is the kindest way to feed him. Some human foods, such as chocolate, grapes and raisins, can also be poisonous to your dog.

Q I've heard it's unsafe to give rabbits lots of fruit. Is this true?

A Because it is high in sugar, rabbits should only be fed fruit occasionally and in small quantities. Apples, grapes, pears, plums, strawberries and tomatoes (not the leaves) are some that are suitable (for example, 1/8 of an apple or pear, given occasionally). For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk/rabbitdiet.

Q Do I need to bathe my hamster? Can hamsters swim?

A Hamsters groom and clean themselves, so the only time you should bathe them is if they have become particularly dirty. Use tepid water and a very mild shampoo, avoiding the eyes and other sensitive areas. Then dry them carefully using a towel. A hair dryer on a low setting can also be used, as long as it is a safe distance away from the body so there is no risk of burning your hamster. Many hamsters will not tolerate handling like this, in which case you should speak to your vet for advice. If your hamster has become dirty around the back end, this could be caused by an attack of diarrhoea. If this is the case, take your hamster to your vet before bathing, as treatment may be urgently required. In answer to your second question, hamsters can swim.