Vet Pete Wedderburn has the answers

I’ve found some animal droppings on my lawn, and I am worried that they might be from a fox, even though I’ve never seen one. I am anxious about the possible risk to my two cats. Is there a way to positively identify droppings?

HW, BRISTOL

Animal droppings are a useful way of identifying and tracking wildlife, and it’s easy to do. There’s a good guide at discoverwildlife.com, while the RSPB has a child-friendly quiz on the topic. If there are foxes passing by your garden, it’d be safer to keep your cats indoors from dusk till dawn. The risk of foxes harming healthy adult cats in full daylight is very small.

My 11-year-old labrador passes foul-smelling wind. He eats a chicken and rice kibble, plus I give him courgettes and natural yogurt to try to stop the problem. What else can I try?

PM, FRANCE

Flatulence can be a sign of gastrointestinal ailments (such as inflammatory bowel disease) but regardless of the cause, it’s worth trying a different diet. Intestinal gas is produced when poorly digestible food results in the passage of fibre, starch and protein into the lower bowel (colon) where it’s fermented, with protein fermentation creating fouler odours. A highly digestible diet with low protein levels may help. Choose a “sensitive stomach” or “gastrointestinal” product, introducing it gradually over a few days. Avoid adding anything extra: dairy products and vegetables may be making things worse.

REPORT SHOWS LINKS BETWEEN HEALTH OF ANIMALS AND HUMANS

It’s now recognised that many issues interact with both human and animal health, from mental health, to communicable diseases, to antibiotic resistance.

The British Veterinary Association has launched the One Health in Action report, showcasing a range of exciting projects making an impact in the UK: bva.co.uk

RESCUE PET

Jon is a sweet, sensitive three-year-old crossbreed who doesn’t let the fact that he is blind stop him from enjoying life. Call 01271 812709 or visitdogstrust.org. uk/our-centres/ilfracombe

To view outcomes of rescue pets featured here, see petethevet.com/ rescues

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