How can I help my dog get back to a healthy weight?

MY DOG, Scotty, has gained a few pounds recently. How can I help him get back down to a healthier weight without him getting hungry? Well done for noticing Scotty’s weight gain, as being overweight reduces a pet’s quality of life and increases the risk of developing weight-related diseases. Firstly, take Scotty to your vet for a health-check to make sure there are no underlying medical causes. They will also advise on how much food and exercise he needs. Weighing food, rather than measuring with a cup, will help ensure he gets just the right amount of food to lose weight while keeping his hunger satisfied – an inexpensive set of kitchen scales is ideal for this. You’ll also need to cut-out any treats or scraps Scotty is usually fed. Lots of veterinary practices offer free weight-loss clinics, so it is well worth taking advantage of these. For more pet diet tips visit www.pdsa.org.uk/ obesity

Sweep has lost weight

MY 10-year-old black cat, Sweep, has always been fit and healthy but just lately he has been losing a lot of weight even though he eats well. Is it just old age or could there be something wrong with him? Paul Common causes of weight loss in cats, despite a good appetite, include hormonal conditions (such as an overactive thyroid gland) or organ problems (such as kidney or liver disease). Your vet may need to take a blood or urine sample to help make the diagnosis, as well as give Sweep a thorough examination. It is possible to manage with daily medication.

Dog keeps pulling

MY three-year-old Boxer, Momo, is always pulling on the lead, she tries to chase cars whenever we walk along the road, or try to cross over. How can I stop her acting like this? There are kind and effective training techniques that you can use to teach Momo not to do this, but it’s best to get advice from a professional dog trainer who will be able to help her learn to walk without pulling.

Dogs footpads are dry

MY 15-year-old Labrador Samson’s pads have become dry and brittle and some are cracked. Can you advise how to heal and prevent these cracks? One of the conditions that causes footpads or noses to become hard and cracked is called ‘nasodigital hyperkeratosis’. The pads or nose becomes dry, thickened and rough, especially at the edges. It is painful for a dog to walk. The cause of the disease is thought to be genetic and occurs when there is an over production of keratin in the skin.