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PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing answers all your pet questions
Dear PDSA Vet, my older dog, Milo, seems to have dementia, is this possible? He’s 14-yearsold now, and has been barking a lot lately, seems confused and he’s suddenly started toileting in the house. Thanks, Hamish
Hi Hamish, cognitive dysfunction, also known as ‘doggy dementia’ is a condition that can develop in some dogs as their brain ages. There are some wide-ranging symptoms that will often start quite subtle - you may just notice your dog acting slightly differently, but visible symptoms tend to become worse and more obvious over time. Some of the symptoms you might notice include the ones you have mentioned, as well as: low energy or depression, being unsettled or not sleeping at night, forgetting commands, pacing around, staring into space, eating less or much more, new fears or phobias and aggression or changes in behaviour. Speak with your Vet about Milo.
Dear PDSA Vet, I now work from home, and my cat, Finn, likes to climb on my desk and wander all over my laptop.
I like him near me when I’m working, but how can I encourage him not to do this? Thank you, Sara
Hi Sara, Finn might be climbing and jumping simply because he enjoys it and likes to be up high, or he wants to be near you or watch you while you’re doing your thing! In the room where you work, you can try putting a cat bed on a sidetable. This way Finn can still enjoy your company while you work, but he's not in the way of your laptop. As well as this, cats enjoy varied height shelving they can climb up to and perch on or large scratching towers that have hanging toys which he can play with to keep him entertained whilst being in your company.
Dear PDSA Vet, I have a Newfoundland puppy, and I hear the breed are meant to be keen swimmers, is this true? Thanks, Arran
Hi Arran, Newfoundlands do have a water-resistant coat and webbed feet that make them ideal for swimming. This can vary between dogs though, as they each have their own personality, and whilst some will enjoy a swim, others may not! They shouldn’t be overexercised as puppies when their bones and joints are still developing, so if you’d like to see if your puppy will enjoy a swim, introduce swimming slowly. Pick a place where the water is safe, easily accessible - so you can easily retrieve them if they are unhappy, and make sure it does not have an undercurrent. Whilst having a dip can be fun, be sure to know all about the area you are planning on taking your dog for a dip.