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: ARE there special Easter eggs you can get for cats and dogs?
EMILY PIPER, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sean says: Yes, pet-safe Easter treats are widely available, and they are a safe alternative to chocolate, which is toxic to pets.
Look for reputable brands that make dog and cat eggs using carob or specially formulated ingredients.
Alternatively, a favourite chew, toy or a small portion of their usual treats can be just as exciting. After all, pets don’t understand the occasion — they just enjoy the attention.
I would prefer to give something that packs a nutritious punch, like oily fish, or blueberries and colourful crunchy vegetables. Many dogs love green beans and sugar snap peas.
Whatever you choose, moderation is key — and chocolate should always stay well out of reach.
Q: I WOULD like to arrange for my Labrador to have puppies. How can I do this ethically?
Penny is such a good-natured girl. Several of my family members would want one and I’ll keep one myself.
SAM BARTLETT, Doncaster
Sean says: Before advice about breeding, I’d warn it’s a lot of hard work, doesn’t always go to plan and is not without risk to lovely Penny.
There are lots of professional and responsible breeders producing good-natured, healthy puppies, especially with popular breeds like Labs.
Choosing another sweet and healthy Labrador as a mate for Penny is vital. Ensuring they are both health-tested and scoring highly to try to avoid genetic issues such as hip, elbow and eye problems doesn’t always guarantee healthy puppies.
Bear in mind she could have 12 to 15 puppies. Could you easily find homes for all of them at the right time? And are your family members as fully prepared as you are to take on a dog for up to 14 years?
If you decide to go ahead, talk to Kennel Club-assured breeders ideally, and do lots of research.
Look up the British Veterinary Association canine health schemes, and puppycontract.org.uk.
Q: MY cockapoo, Oscar, keeps licking his paws. There isn’t obvious redness. But he does it a lot.
He’s a rescue and he doesn’t seem to have any hot spots.
MIKE DYER, Bristol
Sean says: Persistent paw licking can have several causes, even without visible irritation. Allergies are the most common, but anxiety or self-soothing behaviour is also possible.
It can become habitual over time. Try increasing mental stimulation with enrichment toys and training games. Rinse paws after walks to remove potential allergens.
If the licking continues or worsens, see a vet to rule out yeast, allergies or pain. A strict diet trial may help detect or rule out food allergies.
Early intervention helps prevent it becoming long-term, but it’s a bit of a minefield working out the cause.
Q: WHAT do you think of free-walking horses?
I’ve seen loads of TikTok videos of people walking their horses like dogs off-halter on beaches and quiet spots and the horse seems to love it.
I have a very steady girl but haven’t ever tried it.
ELLIE IRVINE, Plymouth
Sean says: Even the calmest horse is a prey animal and can spook unpredictably.
Off-halter walking requires exceptional training, trust and a controlled environment. Beaches and open spaces add variables like dogs, cyclists and sudden noises.
There’s also nothing stopping your horse bolting off into traffic nearby. TikTok doesn’t show near-misses.
IS YOUR PET’S PERSONALITY WARM OR FIERY?
PETS have four personality types, experts reckon, and these dictate how best to care for them.
Karla Pearson welfare advocate at spring-water firm OxyPet, explains the types . . .
PRO NAPPERS: Whether stretched out on the sofa, claiming the warmest sunbeam in the house, taking the best spot on the bed or sighing when asked to move, they perfect the art of taking it easy. Loyal and affectionate, they are happiest near humans.
CUDDLEBUGS: They crave affection, glued to your side, climbing on your lap or following you from room to room. Loving, loyal and intuitive, they offer great emotional support.
FIRECRACKERS: Small body, big personality. From zoomies in the living room to guarding a garden from suspicious leaves, they’re alert and ready for action. Bold, confident and fun, they bring non-stop excitement.
EXPLORERS: They thrive on adventure, discovering new places and never want to be left behind. Independent yet devoted, they are curious and determined.
- See oxypet.co.uk for an online quiz to help you know your pet’s type.
Star of the week
DOROTHY the old English sheepdog has been announced as the new Dulux dog.
The breed first appeared in the paint ads in 1961 and 20-month-old Dot, as she is known, continues a multi-generational family legacy.
Her mum Vienna and grandmother Olivia previously held the role, with every Dulux dog in the past decade coming from the same family line.
Owner Ellen Wheeler, from Boston, Lincs, said: “She is such a gentle sweetheart who had such a traumatic start to life.
“We struggled to keep her alive for the first three to four days after birth. She was so tiny we named her Dot, because she was less than half the weight of the other puppies.”
Win dog communication buttons worth £250
HAVE you ever wanted to teach your dog to talk?
Brightkins is offering its Hunger for Words range of pet communication buttons and resources worth £250 for one lucky reader.
To enter, send an email headed TALK to sundaypets@the-sun.co.uk by April 22.
See brightkins.co.uk. Prizes subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
