Vet Pete Wedderburn has the answers
My five-year-old terrier has started digging holes in our lawn. She used to just dig occasional small holes, but she’s now creating several new ones every day. She gets plenty of walks so boredom is no excuse. How can I stop her?
DM, CARLISLE
It’s normal for dogs (especially terriers) to enjoy digging, but a sudden increase suggests that there could be a new focus of interest underground, such as the presence of moles, rodents or rabbits, creating sounds and scents beyond human awareness. Dogs don’t easily respond to being told “stop digging”. Try creating an area of garden where you don’t mind her digging holes, and redirect her activity here. Meanwhile, excluding her from the lawn is the only answer, at least for a few months until she forgets this annoying habit.
I’ve been going to a new vet since moving house, and she tells me that I should have my 12- year-old cat’s blood pressure measured twice a year, at £40 each time, even though he seems in perfect health. This seems excessive. What do you think?
WT, DORSET
High blood pressure is common in older cats, but it’s an invisible disease until it causes a crisis, such as sudden onset complete blindness, brain disease including seizures, and heart disease. It’s easy to treat (with a daily tablet), preventing the serious consequences from developing. The challenge is how to spot this in a cat that seems perfectly healthy. Regular blood pressure measurement is now recommended in all cats over the age of 10: it will protect your cat’s health and lengthen her life. For more information, see icatcare.org/advice
HEROES AT THE NATIONAL CAT AWARDS
Jeffree, an eight-year-old cat from Coventry who helped a teenager with Asperger’s syndrome cope with the death of his father, has been named National Cat of the Year 2019. To watch videos of the other feline finalists in the annual competition run by Cats Protection, visit the website cats.org.uk
RESCUE PET
Sandy is a 10-year-old SharPei, a breed that originates from China, who loves going on walks. Visit the Danaher Animal Home website danaheranimalhome.org.uk or call 0300 111 4321.
To view outcomes of rescued pets, see petethevet. com/rescues/