Shower-obsessed cats to dogs with skin conditions — your pet queries answered

HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.

Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, has helped with owners’ queries for ten years.

He says: “If your pet is acting funny or is under the weather, or you want to know about nutrition or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”

Q) MY ginger tomcat Mr Tiddles is obsessed with the shower. He yowls until I let it run for him and he gets in and plays with the water. He’s obsessed with dripping taps as well.

I thought cats hated water — should I be worried and is it OK to encourage his weird obsession?

Ernest Hopkins, Stoke

Sean says: As I always say, every pet is different, and that includes cats and their relationship with water.

There is no need to worry if it’s just a playful behaviour that your cat has always engaged in.

The concern would be with a cat, especially an older one, who has developed a sudden interest in water because they are now constantly thirsty. That can indicate a number of health problems including diabetes and kidney disease.

But it sounds like Mr Tids is just your special little water baby weirdo.

Q)OUR beagle cross Ozzy keeps barking to be let out between midnight and 3am. We rescued him 18 months ago and he’s being doing this for the last year.

We have taken him to the vets to check if he’s got diabetes, but he hasn’t. He needs a lot of fussing. Have you got any tips to stop this, as it is very draining?

Ruth Schreder, Leicester

Sean says: You don’t say how old Ozzy is, but if he’s over ten, you may be seeing early signs of canine cognitive dysfuntion (CCD). It’s similar to going senile in elderly people.

Being confused, appearing to get lost or staring into space are other signs. Toileting accidents or changes to toileting routine can also happen.

Of course it may be that he’s just got into a new nightly toilet routine. But rewarding unwanted behaviour is a sure-fire way to keep it happening.

You don’t elaborate on his neediness, but think about how your responses may be making it worse.

Tails.com provides tailor-made nutritional food for pets

Q)PLEASE help. My 14-month-old cat Pepsi is so aggressive. She’s been neutured. She hisses and attacks for the oddest reasons — if I pick her up to take her out, or if I am stroking her.

She latches on to my arms. She is nice one minute and angry in a second.

JENNY FINCH, Liverpool

Sean says: She sounds pretty conflicted about human interaction. Is anyone in the household rough playing with her, or did you when she was a kitten?

This can cause adult aggressive play in cats, especially when she gets excited. It also sounds like there may be some conflict over “putting her out”. Is this a punishment for when she misbehaves? Are you frequently angry when you go to put her out?

That might make her go into attack mode when you want to pick her up or put her out in future. A pet behaviourist should be able to spot just what is triggering this.

Q)I HAVE a five-year-old male cavachon called Bow who has developed pink colour on his skin and hair, mostly between his back legs on the inside.

It doesn’t seem to bother him, but how can I get rid of it please?

Allyson Evans, West Glamorgan

Sean says: Is he licking these areas? In a white dog, saliva will stain the coat and underlying skin pinkish or even red, depending on how long it’s been going on. There are shampoos for removing saliva staining.

But I could be wrong, maybe there’s an underlying skin condition. Is Bow scratching more, like he’s itchy? Without an exam I can’t tell, so a vet visit is a good idea.

Win a drying coat

HELP your dog get warm and dry faster after a wet winter walk with a Ruff and Tumble Drying Coat.

They are made of a double thick layer of cotton towelling, are machine washable and have Velcro straps to keep them in place.

We’ve got FIVE to give away from dogsdogsdogs.co.uk and you can choose from red, blue, green or heather in a range of sizes with prices from £28.95 to £61.95.

To be in with a chance of winning, share the colour and size you would like and email DRYING COAT to [email protected]. T&Cs apply.

Closing date February 7.

Pets relieving lockdown stress

OUR pets have become therapists for owners struggling to cope with the stress of lockdown, a Paws & Claws survey has found.

They help tackle loneliness, offer emotional support and even listen to owners moan about their partners.

Our study, conducted by Purina pet care, found 73 per cent of owners believe their pet understands how they feel, 33 per cent say they boost emotional wellbeing and 23 per cent say having a pet means they don’t feel lonely.

Owners also use their pets as a sounding board for their troubles, with one in four saying they are their closest confidante.

Psychologist Jo Hemmings says: “Talking to our pets is both perfectly normal and great for our wellbeing. Often by simply saying things out loud, with a sympathetic furry friend by our side, we can work through our feelings.

“It doesn’t matter that they can’t answer back, what matters is that they give unconditional love and want to please us, so return the chat with a purr or a tail wag.

“Purina’s research shows the many benefits talking to your pets can bring – improving mental wellbeing, helping you relax and overcoming loneliness.”

Star of the week

ROXI the Jack Russell brings happiness to residents at the Sonya Lodge care home in Dartford, Kent, as their therapy dog.

She was found as a stray eight years ago and adopted by staff member Amanda Jones, who decided to bring her to work to cheer everyone up.

Amanda, 53, said: “Roxi helps people with their emotional wellbeing, whether through stroking, cuddling or even just talking to her. She helps to calm and reassure them.

“I walk her into work every day where she has a bed under my desk and a pack of dog treats at the ready.”

This Morning interview dog owner who dyes pooch crazy colours – insisting it’s what she wants

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk