Vet Pete Wedderburn has the answers

My recently rescued cockapoo/ terrier cross has a severe inward sneeze, which is getting worse, occurring several times daily. Could this be due to the high pollen levels in the air?

GG, CORNWALL

Sneezing – whether the usual outward type, or the rarer inward type (so-called “reverse sneezing”), happens because of irritation of the lining of the nasal cavity. Allergies and sensitivities – including to pollens – can be the cause, but it’s important to rule out other possibilities such as foreign bodies (e.g. grass seeds) and parasites (the canine nasal mite is rare, but it does occur sometimes and needs a specific prescriptiononly anti-parasite treatment). Take a video of your dog sneezing, and show your vet. Even pollen allergies may be helped with simple treatment.

I have two six-month-old female spayed cats who live indoors. One of them has started to use the bath as a toilet instead of using the two litter trays that I provide. How can I make her change her ways? ER, CHELTENHAM

The rule of thumb is to provide one litter tray per cat, plus one extra: it seems that your cat has chosen your bath as her nominated third litter tray. As well as providing an extra tray, you should consider changing the litter substrate (cats can have strong likes and dislikes), and choose the location of litter trays carefully (cats often don’t like to go in open places where they can be seen by humans or other cats). Reprimanding her won’t help, by the way, in case you are (understandably) tempted to do this.

CHARITY OFFERS ADVICE FOR DOG WALKERS ON SAFETY AROUND COWS

With dog walkers enjoying the sunshine, exploring the paths and fields of our countryside, the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has provided advice about being safe around cows.

The rescue and rehoming charity has issued online guidelines and an information video at nawt.org.uk/advice/ how-safely-walk-around-cows

RESCUE PET

Casino is a sweet-natured greyhound aged between two and five years who likes the company of humans and dogs. Call Dogs Trust West London (Harefield) on 01895 453930.

To view outcomes of rescued pets, see petethevet.com/ rescues

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