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Expensive PDSA Vet, how can I preserve my eight-month-old rabbit Nigel heat this winter? He lives within the backyard shed in a hutch. Thanks, Susan
Hello Susan, it’s vital that Nigel has loads of house to run, leap, play with toys and hop as train will assist preserve him heat.
It’s nice that Nigel’s hutch is already within the shed, this needs to be used as someplace cosy to snuggle up with one other neutered rabbit pal as they need to all the time be saved in pairs no less than.
The remainder of the shed can be nice as his on a regular basis run within the colder months so long as it’s protected and away from on a regular basis ‘shed stuff’. Line his run with loads of contemporary hay so he can nibble always. Previous carpet over his hutch is helpful for insulation, so long as it doesn’t block the air flow.
If it will get significantly chilly, you could possibly transfer Nigel’s hutch into the home, so long as you don’t have every other pets. Wherever the hutch is, pure gentle ought to all the time be obtainable. Lastly, test his water bowls and bottles every single day to ensure they aren’t frozen!
Expensive PDSA Vet, my guinea pig Pepper died a number of months in the past leaving his pal Salt grieving and depressed. We’ve purchased Salt a brand new pal, Vinegar, and we choose him up subsequent week. How ought to I introduce them? Thanks, Jon
Hello Jon, you’ll must take issues slowly when introducing Salt and Vinegar. Ideally have two separate set ups for them at first. Begin by swapping their bedding and toys so that they get used to one another’s scent earlier than they meet face-to-face.
You’ll be able to then attempt transferring their enclosures and runs collectively to allow them to see and odor one another via the bars. Maintain an in depth eye on them in case they begin to battle.
If they’re exhibiting constructive behaviours for a number of days, they need to be prepared for his or her first assembly. It needs to be on ‘impartial floor’, someplace outdoors the cage.
Fill the house with hay and a few guinea pig protected greens and herbs and allow them to get used to one another when you preserve watch. As soon as comfy in one another’s firm, you’ll be able to attempt transferring them into the cage collectively. Discover out extra right here: gu
Expensive PSDA Vet, I’ve two canines, Odin was in poor health lately and was given steroids, which made him incontinent, however Zeus additionally began urinating round the home too. We took Zeus to the vet however there may be nothing bodily flawed with him. Why is he doing this? Leo
Hello Leo, steroids shouldn’t trigger incontinence for Odin however they will trigger him to need to drink extra, which may imply urinating extra too, so he’ll want extra alternatives to alleviate himself.
Canines could be fairly delicate to vary, for instance, adjustments in routine or new smells, however they will additionally choose up on when others are unwell, so which will have unsettled Zeus too. The adjustments within the family brought on by Odin’s sickness may have induced Zeus to start marking, as a approach of accelerating his acquainted smells round the home.
Focus on this downside together with your vet, they might want to hold out additional investigations, they might additionally counsel referring you to an accredited pet behaviourist.
Expensive PDSA Vet, I lately adopted a 3rd cat, referred to as Tate. Since then, Percy, one among my different cats, has began weeing along side his litter tray. Are you able to assist? Jody
Hello Jody, urine territory spraying is often related to male cats, however females additionally do it, it’s usually because of stress and extra widespread in multi-cat households and is usually a widespread downside when a brand new cat comes into the social group.
It is necessary that you simply don’t inform your cats off, as this might make the issue worse. Just remember to have loads of sources for every cat corresponding to meals and water bowls, litter trays, resting locations and scratching posts. Present one merchandise per cat, plus one further (so three cats have 4 litter trays, for instance) and unfold them round the home.
Pheromone diffusers may help by releasing a ‘joyful hormone’, which can additionally cut back stress ranges. Do take Percy to be checked by your vet to ensure there may be not a medical difficulty corresponding to cystitis or arthritis. For extra data on stopping stress in cats go to pdsa.org.uk/cats
