What toy can I buy my destructive lab?

My one-year-old Labrador, Reggie, seems to destroy every toy I get him. What can I buy that will last him?

Some of the most robust dog toys are those made out of really tough rubber, specifically made for dogs like Reggie – a reputable pet shop can advise you and recommend toys suitable for him. It’s important that he has toys that will withstand his strong jaws. You should monitor him while he’s playing and check his toys for damage regularly. If pieces detach from a toy, he could swallow these, leading to a dangerous gut blockage. Get him a few different toys and just give him one or two at a time. This will increase the toys’ lifespan and help ensure he doesn’t get bored with them. It also gives you a chance to clean the ones that aren’t being used.

In February we got a new rabbit to live with our other one, as we know how important company is for them. They are both spayed and got on well at first, but now they are fighting. How can I calm them down?

Rabbits like the company of their own kind and ideally should be kept in pairs. But introducing a new rabbit can be tricky and rabbits can sometimes struggle to get along, even after being good friends. Make sure each rabbit has access to the things they love most, for instance giving them their own place to eat and ensure their home is large and spacious so they can have their own space to retreat to. Give them plenty of toys or try scatter feeding to prevent boredom. Some medical issues can also cause behaviour changes, so it’s also worth calling your vet for further advice.

I own a three-year-old cat and she’s always been in good health. Her left eye has been watering for a week now. It’s a clear liquid, so doesn’t seem infected. Is this something I should be worried about?

A small amount of clear discharge from the eyes can be normal. However if you see a lot more watering from one eye it could be an early sign of an infection, or something may have got stuck in the eye such as a grass seed. Another possibility is that the surface of the eye could have been scratched. Give your vet a call as they may want to take a look at your cat’s eyes. If left untreated, eye problems can worsen very quickly and your cat could have or develop an eye ulcer, which is very painful. Your vet will be able to advise on treatment, which may include eye drops.

My dog is well fed and a healthy weight. But she keeps eating grass and I don’t know why. Is she ill?

Dogs are omnivores, meaning that they eat both meat and plants. They usually eat grass because they like the taste, especially if another animal has left their scent behind, so it’s perfectly normal behaviour. Some dogs do eat grass and are sick shortly afterwards; some people think dogs eat the grass to help them be sick if they are nauseous, but this hasn’t been proven and there are many other reasons for sickness. If your dog likes to eat small amounts of grass and isn’t being sick, this is nothing to worry about. But if your dog is being sick you should call your vet to try and find out why. Don’t let your dog eat grass that has been treated with fertiliser, herbicide or pesticide.