Pet Q&A: My cocker spaniels fight like cat and dog

Hi Charlotte, because they are only young this could be part of their play-fighting, but they should be able to communicate with each other to signal when the play-fighting is getting too rough. As this is causing injury, this needs to be addressed. They may be competing for resources within the house, so make sure they have at least one each of everything, including beds, toys and feeding bowls. You should feed them separately too. It is important that they are both exercised very regularly, to reduce their pent-up energy and hopefully reduce fighting. Because this behaviour can potentially become serious, I would recommend getting professional advice from your veterinary practice or visit the website of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (www.apbc.org.uk) to find an accredited pet behaviourist in your area.

Dear PDSA Vet, I have recently got a horse named Belinda. She is kept in a stable but I’m worried she will be too cold as she spends a lot of time outside in the field. Does she need a coat to keep her warm in the winter weather? Denise

Dear Denise, provision of a shelter, such as the stable, is the most important thing horses need in cold weather so you need to make sure they are clean, warm and draft-free. Be careful if it rains, especially if she is wearing a coat. Some coats can actually absorb and hold water and a wet horse is much more susceptible to the cold. You need to provide her with a waterproof blanket and at least a shelter where she can get out of the wet weather. There should be lots of bedding in here and it should be protected from draughts. Other things you should bear in mind are Belinda’s diet during the winter to ensure she has enough energy to stay warm, and making sure her drinking water doesn’t freeze. If you ride your horse, then consider your schedule. Your horse will obviously need exercise, but avoid areas that are icy. Deep snow can also hide hazards and slippery slopes due to mud and rain can be dangerous. Your equine vet is a good source of information on all of these aspects of winter care.

Dear PDSA Vet, I have a two-year-old Chinchilla called Alfie. We were told he would be nice and friendly when we bought him, but whenever we get him out of his cage he scratches and bites. How can we get him used to being handled? Harrison

Dear Harrison, Chinchillas rarely bite and if the biting is aggressive and perhaps causing you to bleed, then this could indicate Alfie is feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Over time, you can work to get him used to being handled. Always approach him slowly and quietly and avoid ‘swooping’ down from above, or behind, as your hand could seem like a predator! Start by placing small pieces of his favourite food in front of him, then offering it from your fingers. When Alfie is comfortable with this, offer the food from your palm so that he has to step onto your hand to take it. Repeat this process every day until he seems more confident. Build-up in stages gradually, only moving onto the next step when he is happy with the current one. It may take a few weeks, but eventually he should be happy to be picked up gently in cupped hands. Additionally, Chinchillas are very social animals, so I would recommend considering getting a friend for Alfie to reduce stress and anxiety – your vet can advise how to introduce them safely.

Dear PDSA Vet, my hamster has matted fur around his eyes and he seems to be shutting his right eye, even though he’s awake. What could be the problem? Jai

Dear Jai, there are quite a few different things that can cause the symptoms you have described. He might have some eye discharge which is causing the matting. This can be due to an infection in the eye itself or even in the hamster’s respiratory system. These problems can be caused by an environmental irritants, perhaps from items like the type of bedding (sand), cigarette smoke, polish or perfumes. Fine sawdust can also cause a reaction as tiny particles can get into the eye. Drafts and a build-up of ammonia from urine if a hamster’s cage hasn’t been cleaned regularly can also cause a reaction. This is why it’s important to clean out a hamster’s cage, and to use good quality dust-free shavings on the cage floor. You need to take your hamster to see your vet as soon as possible and if your hamster’s eye problem is caused by an infection, your vet may prescribe eye preparations or medicine. They can also advise if any changes to your hamster’s environment may be needed, to prevent the problem reoccurring.