Vet Pete Wedderburn has the answers

PET SUBJECTS

We recently bought a dachshund puppy and my friend bought its brother. Should I worry about getting them back together and then parting them? Am I imposing human emotions on the dogs?

SC, LEEDS

In short: yes. It’s good for dogs to socialise positively with other dogs. It won’t matter if they don’t see each other regularly. Dogs live more “in the moment” than we do – so they won’t miss each other afterwards.

My six-month-old Maine coon kitten, Molly, has noisy breathing, especially when she is sleeping. Is this something I should worry about?

JH, EDINBURGH

You should not hear any noise when a young, healthy cat is breathing. Take a video of Molly with the sound on, and show your vet. If they agree this is an issue, a simple investigation (e g X-rays) may be needed. Maine coons are prone to benign growths (polyps) in the nose and pharynx, which can obstruct the

airflow, causing noisy breathing.

BUYING HEALTHILY

Inherited diseases are more common in pedigree dogs than in crossbreeds. Vet Emma Milne’s new book,

Picking a Pedigree: How to Choose a Healthy Puppy or Kitten, explains how to avoid problems. See emmathevet.co.uk.

RESCUE PET

Harvey is a lively three-year-old cat. Call Cats Protection Warrington on 0300 012 0612 or visit warrington.cats. org.uk. To view outcomes of rescued pets, see petethevet.com

Send queries to petsubjects@ telegraph.co.uk or tweet @Petethevet. All sick animals should be taken to a vet